The title is intriguing: A God That Could Be Real: Spirituality, science, and the future of our planet. The author is Nancy Abrams.

It is a mind blowing book, quite problematical for rigid theologies, but at the same time deeply thought provoking.

Abrams comes very close to agreeing with Eugene, saying that life elsewhere in the universe is theoretically possible, but unlikely. In fact that is one premise of her book, because if it’s so that life may not exist outside planet earth, then we humans are indeed unique, but at the same time hold tremendous responsibility. Here is one way she states it:

We humans are part of an immense blossoming of consciousness that has burst beyond itself and ignited as God, and it may be happening only here, on planet Earth. We need to take care of our planet. We live forever only if this astonishing evolutionary achievement of the universe – intelligent, self-reflecting, and aspiring life – continues. This is how I interpret the biblical imperative “Choose life!” Every action we take to increase the probability of survival, happiness, justice, and health of our species and planet is investing in our own immortality.

As long as our aspiring species lives on, so will God – and so will every one of our aspirations, because they are all part of God. Consequently God’s self-interest is in keeping humanity going, and I see this as a major advantage for us.

Abrams view of “god” is totally different and how she arrived at her conclusion is a story in itself. An addict (food) Abrams, with her scientific background, attended a twelve step program but could not wrap her head around believing in a higher power. She was an atheist, but could not side step the fact the other participants had a relationship to this nebulous higher power.

I won’t delve into that because it would send Eugene’s essay off on a tangent. I would recommend, however, reading her book, if for no other reason than what Bishop Desmond Tutu wrote in his introduction:

This book will help clarify your own understanding of God. I am thrilled that we have the creativity and originality that is exhibited in this book, and I recommend it highly to all, religious or secular, believer or atheist, who are ready to explore honestly their understanding of the divine in our beautiful, expanding universe.