Can science explain powerful human emotions such as love and happiness? Or; are these emotions something more than the action of biochemicals and electrical impulses? Science is constantly uncovering the mysteries of our nature; but we are uneasy about submitting our most intimate feelings to its scrutiny. Religion tells us that God is love but neuroscience counters with love as a well-timed trickle of transmitters and hormones. In the 21st century; is it necessary to discard our traditional beliefs of a loving God in favor of dopamine? With doctorates in both mathematics and theology; Kevin Sharpe explores these notions and asks the question; Has Science Displaced the Soul?Unflinching in facing these issues; Sharpe provides a clear and current summary of the discoveries of science and what our spiritual traditions still have to offer in the ongoing effort to understand our deepest urges. He confronts serious unanswered questions. How can the Divine direct a random process like evolution? How can we reconcile the big bang with creation out of nothing? Does it make sense to claim that the non-biological Divine shares in human purposes and desires? Sharpes solution is controversial since it requires that we demolish and reconstruct some of our most trusted conceptions. By examining the ways in which scientific and religious claims can be harmonized; he offers a radical and powerful interpretation of love and happiness in the divine context.
#3798481 in eBooks 2014-08-19 2014-08-19File Name: B00MVD6DE6
Review
0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. AN EXTENSION OF COLLINS EARLIER "MOST-LOVED SONGS" BOOKSBy Steven H ProppThis book actually has some overlap with the material in Ace Collins earlier books; Stories Behind the Best-Loved Songs of Christmas (Stories Behind Books)) and More Stories Behind the Best-Loved Songs of Christmas; he has also written Stories Behind the Great Traditions of Christmas (Stories Behind Books); Stories Behind the Traditions and Songs of Easter; etc.In this 2010 book; Collins focuses on the "Greatest Hits" rather than "Most-Loved"; thus; it is more focused on popular culture; the record charts; etc. He states in the Introduction; "thirty-four all-time great Christmas songs are arranged in almost chronological order according to when they hit the charts... The musical numbers in this book are the ones that made the greatest impact by touching hearts and minds in a special way... these are the holiday hits; and the stories behind them!"He notes about Jingle Bells that "the song was not even written about the Christmas season... theres not a single reference to Christmas---not a mention of Santa; Jesus; gifts; trees; or carols... this ditty actually examines the dating rituals of teenagers during the cold Northeastern winters in the nineteenth century..." (Pg. 19) He adds that the composer; James S. Pierpont was a young man who "was asked by his father [a Unitarian pastor] to create a song for a special thanksgiving service at the church... Suffering from writers block; James ... saw young men sledding on a snow-covered hill... he recalled racing horse-drawn sleds against other boys when he was a teen... The fully harmonized and whimsical song made its debut at the annual Thanksgiving service... scores of members... asked if the choir could sing it again. The elder Pierpont... [had it performed] during the services on Christmas weekend. That performance changed the nature; look; and feel of an American Christmas." (Pg. 22)He observes; "Many of todays most popular Christmas classics [e.g.; "Ill Be Home for Christmas"] were introduced during World War II and in the years following. Music... seemed to bring the nation real hope during the insecure days of war. Music was a uniting force. The songs that were introduced during this time seemed to push deep into listeners hearts and linger longer than songs released during times of peace." (Pg. 65)He suggests; "Today; Jingle Bell Rock is often hailed as the first rock-and-roll Christmas classic. Not only is it the first holiday song to contain the word rock in its lyrics; but also the tune made its chart debut at the same time Elvis Presley was lighting up the airwaves with the rocker Blue Christmas." (Pg. 132-133) He states; "the Chipmunks... were the first rock-and-roll group created by a producer and marketed on TV via a sitcom. The next act to follow them would be the Monkees some four years later; and this formula has since been used countless times by Disney and others." (Pg. 144)All of Collins books in this series are engagingly written; highly informative; and strongly recommended!0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. Great fireside read.By Greg NeuserThe book is really interesting. Great quality and well written.0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. INSPIRINGBy Francisco EnriquezIve been singing Christmas songs since I was a child because I love the Christmas season. I had always wanted to know the stories behind those songs that have blessed the hearts of many for the past decades. When I saw the book about the Stories Behind The Greatest Hits of Christmas; I was so glad. I will not hesitate to recommend this book to narrators; Preachers;Sunday School Teachers and friends. That is the reason why I give this book a 5 stars God bless you Ace.
