Two Book Reviews: Sagan and Pullman
Just finished two books over the Thanksgiving break:
Carl Sagan's posthumous: The Varieties of Scientific Experience
and
Philip Pullman's: The Golden Compass
The publication of Carl Sagan's "The Varieties of Scientific Experience" might well go to prove that there is life after death - although the work itself would tend to put that in doubt. Sagan's latest book is taken from a series of lectures he gave for the Gifford Lectures, which specifically address the topic of natural theology or "the knowledge of God." In this work, Sagan advances his thoughts on the relationship between science and religion, doing so in his own unique calm, courteous and enlightening manner. His mild, yet definitive approach stands in stark contrast to the more caustic and militant approach in other recent atheist/freethinking publications, such as those by Sam Harris, Richard Dawkins, Christopher Hitchens, etc. (whose works I have also reviewed and are certainly worth a read!). However, by virtue of his character most readers, who might otherwise be offended by those other works, will be drawn in by Carl Sagan's persuasive arguments for the non-existence of a god or gods. A wonderful complement to the book is the addition of some of the questions and answers that followed each lecture.
In cerebral contrast to Carl Sagan's work is Philip Pullman's "The Golden Compass." I remember hearing about Pullman's works when the last Harry Potter book came out. In an article that touched upon the Potter books, the author stated that books by Philip Pullman were a much better read. Since then I have never been able to remember who the author was, till the Catholic church made a big fuss of the soon-to-be-released movie, based on "The Golden Compass." Now, I just had to read it!
In short, the novel was quite entertaining. Considering that I read it without having to renew it at the library... well, that speaks volumes as to how much I enjoyed it.
I'm sure there are those who have no intention of reading the novel, nor seeing the movie. Not because of the Catholic church's ban, but because it's not really of interest to you. Nonetheless, you might be interested in knowing why this movie has been otherwise condemned.
According to the pre-reviews, the movie is quite mild compared to the books. Philip Pullman is a out and out atheist and his trilogy, the first book of which is "The Golden Compass," reflects that. In fact, Pullman wrote the trilogy as a counterweight to the theological Narnia series of C.S. Lewis.
Having only read the first book in the series, I can only say that it seems to be that the saga is not anti-religious, but they are anti organized religion. The Catholic church is the only organized religion presented in the book.
One last note: If anything the book and/or the movie are worth reading/watching because the last time the Catholic church came out against a movie was over The Last Temptation of Christ - both of which are great works (as far as I'm concerned).
Take it or leave it!
Carl Sagan's posthumous: The Varieties of Scientific Experience
and
Philip Pullman's: The Golden Compass
The publication of Carl Sagan's "The Varieties of Scientific Experience" might well go to prove that there is life after death - although the work itself would tend to put that in doubt. Sagan's latest book is taken from a series of lectures he gave for the Gifford Lectures, which specifically address the topic of natural theology or "the knowledge of God." In this work, Sagan advances his thoughts on the relationship between science and religion, doing so in his own unique calm, courteous and enlightening manner. His mild, yet definitive approach stands in stark contrast to the more caustic and militant approach in other recent atheist/freethinking publications, such as those by Sam Harris, Richard Dawkins, Christopher Hitchens, etc. (whose works I have also reviewed and are certainly worth a read!). However, by virtue of his character most readers, who might otherwise be offended by those other works, will be drawn in by Carl Sagan's persuasive arguments for the non-existence of a god or gods. A wonderful complement to the book is the addition of some of the questions and answers that followed each lecture.
In cerebral contrast to Carl Sagan's work is Philip Pullman's "The Golden Compass." I remember hearing about Pullman's works when the last Harry Potter book came out. In an article that touched upon the Potter books, the author stated that books by Philip Pullman were a much better read. Since then I have never been able to remember who the author was, till the Catholic church made a big fuss of the soon-to-be-released movie, based on "The Golden Compass." Now, I just had to read it!
In short, the novel was quite entertaining. Considering that I read it without having to renew it at the library... well, that speaks volumes as to how much I enjoyed it.
I'm sure there are those who have no intention of reading the novel, nor seeing the movie. Not because of the Catholic church's ban, but because it's not really of interest to you. Nonetheless, you might be interested in knowing why this movie has been otherwise condemned.
According to the pre-reviews, the movie is quite mild compared to the books. Philip Pullman is a out and out atheist and his trilogy, the first book of which is "The Golden Compass," reflects that. In fact, Pullman wrote the trilogy as a counterweight to the theological Narnia series of C.S. Lewis.
Having only read the first book in the series, I can only say that it seems to be that the saga is not anti-religious, but they are anti organized religion. The Catholic church is the only organized religion presented in the book.
One last note: If anything the book and/or the movie are worth reading/watching because the last time the Catholic church came out against a movie was over The Last Temptation of Christ - both of which are great works (as far as I'm concerned).
Take it or leave it!
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