Books matching: religion vs science
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- #1
In "Abaddon's Gate," the third installment of "The Expanse" series, the crew of Roci finds themselves in the midst of escalating stakes and higher risks as they navigate through political struggles and face existential threats posed by alien technology. The book delves into the realistic political and scientific background of the story, exploring themes of survival, moral conflicts, and forgiveness within a chaotic and destructive solar system dealing with unprecedented challenges.
The plot of "Abaddon's Gate" focuses on the crew of Roci being at the center of unfolding events, including assassination attempts, mutinies, and the looming question of the survival of the human race, all while grappling with personal and political interactions in a closed-off environment. The book weaves together elements of action, intrigue, and character development against the backdrop of a space opera that keeps readers engaged with its twists, emotional depth, and exploration of the vast universe of "The Expanse."
When he’d been a boy back on Earth, living under the open blue of sky, one of his mothers had spent three years suffering uncontrolled migraines. Seeing her pale and sweating with pain had been hard, ...
(Also, see 100 recommendations for the series The Expanse ) - #2
Set in Victorian England, "The Essex Serpent" by Sarah Perry follows the story of Cora Seaborne, a widow who is determined to forge her own path in a time of changing social norms. The novel intricately weaves together themes of superstition, religion, science, and women's rights, all set against the backdrop of the Victorian era. As Cora navigates her newfound freedom, she becomes entangled in a web of relationships with a diverse cast of characters, from the vicar and his wife to a surgeon and a Marxist assistant. The narrative unfolds in the Essex countryside, where rumors of a mysterious sea serpent add an element of suspense and intrigue to the story.
One o’clock on a dreary day and the time ball dropped at the Greenwich Observatory. There was ice on the prime meridian, and ice on the rigging of the broad-beamed barges down on the busy Thames. Skip... - #3
'Nightfall' by Isaac Asimov and Robert Silverberg is a science fiction novel that explores the catastrophic events before, during, and after a total eclipse on a planet with six suns, leading to complete darkness and societal madness. The story delves into the psychological impact of experiencing night for the first time, the reactions of various characters ranging from curiosity to terror, and the societal chaos that ensues as the civilization faces destruction and the unknown. The book intricately weaves together elements of astronomy, psychology, archaeology, and media to create a gripping narrative that unfolds against the backdrop of a unique world dominated by perpetual sunlight.
The novel presents a thought-provoking premise of a society unprepared for darkness, the emergence of stars in the night sky, and the ensuing madness caused by the unfamiliar phenomenon. As the planet Kalgash faces an eclipse after millennia, the characters grapple with fear, curiosity, and despair, shedding light on sociological realities and the clash between scientific and religious viewpoints. With rich character development and a focus on the consequences of scientific discovery, 'Nightfall' offers a riveting account of a civilization on the brink of destruction, highlighting themes of fear, curiosity, and the vastness of the universe.
Kalgash is an alien world and it is not our intention to have you think that it is identical to Earth, even though we depict its people as speaking a language that you can understand, and using terms ... - #4
"Contact" by Carl Sagan is a science fiction novel that explores humanity's first contact with an extraterrestrial civilization. The story follows astrophysicist Ellie Arroway who decodes a message from space providing instructions to build a Machine. Along with a group of scientists, she embarks on a journey into space to meet the intelligence behind the message. The book delves into how society, religion, politics, and individuals react to the possibility of contact with beings from another world. Sagan's writing style is described as detailed and in-depth, with a focus on scientific accuracy and philosophical contemplation.
The plot of "Contact" starts slowly but gradually builds up the tension as the characters navigate through the complexities of deciphering the alien message and preparing for the encounter. Sagan's unique approach to visualizing the aliens and his exploration of how the world might react to such an event make the book captivating and thought-provoking. Despite some pacing issues and a divisive ending, the novel offers a mix of hard science fiction, spiritual exploration, and social commentary, making it a compelling read for fans of the genre.
Since I first gained the use of reason my inclination toward learning has been so violent and strong that neither the scoldings of other people…nor my own reflections…have been able to stop me from fo... - #5
In 'Angels & Demons', Robert Langdon, a Harvard symbologist, is called upon to solve a mysterious symbol seared onto the chest of a murdered physicist, leading to evidence of an ancient secret brotherhood seeking revenge against the Catholic Church. The plot unfolds into a race against time across Rome with a mix of intense action, historical references, and a dark exploration of the conflict between religion and science. The writing style is fast-paced, with short chapters that keep readers engaged, though some find the plot predictable and the writing lacking in depth.
As he climbed, his vision began to blur. There was a thundering in his ears. I must reach her! But when he looked up again, the woman had disappeared. In her place stood an old man with rotting teeth.... 'God: The Failed Hypothesis: How Science Shows That God Does Not Exist' by Victor J. Stenger delves into the debate about the existence of God from a scientific perspective. Stenger challenges traditional beliefs and presents a testable hypothesis regarding the existence of God, using scientific evidence to counter the predictions made by the God Hypothesis. Through various arguments, discussions on morality, values, revelation, and the illusion of design, Stenger aims to provide a comprehensive analysis on whether concepts like beauty, hope, morality, and love can exist without the need for a divine being. The writing style is structured and readable, with a touch of humor that engages readers in the complex philosophical and scientific concepts discussed throughout the book.
All that belongs to human understanding, in this deep ignorance and obscurity, is to be skeptical, or at least cautious; and not to admit of any hypothesis, whatsoever; much less, of any which is supp...- #7
White Teeth by Zadie Smith is a novel that follows the intertwined lives of two diverse families in London spanning from the 1980s to the 1990s. The story delves into themes of race, religion, immigration, and identity, as it explores the experiences of immigrants and their descendants living in a multicultural society. Through a mix of humor, wit, and poignant storytelling, the author presents a cast of vividly drawn characters navigating through the complexities of family dynamics, cultural clashes, and personal struggles.
The narrative of White Teeth is characterized by its fast-paced and vibrant storytelling, filled with engaging dialogues, humorous anecdotes, and insightful observations about life in a diverse city like London. Zadie Smith's writing style is praised for its energy, wit, and ability to capture the essence of characters through distinct voices and detailed descriptions. The novel weaves together multiple perspectives and storylines, culminating in a narrative that is both entertaining and thought-provoking.
And the sins of the Eastern father shall be visited upon the Western sons. Often taking their time, stored up in the genes like baldness or testicular carcinoma, but sometimes on the very same day. So... - #8
'The Fountains of Paradise' by Arthur C. Clarke is a science fiction novel that follows the story of engineer Vannevar Morgan's ambitious quest to build a space elevator on Earth. Set against the backdrop of overcoming challenges, including conflicts with a group of monks residing on the mountain crucial for the elevator, the book intricately explores the themes of tradition versus progress and human accomplishment through scientific innovation. The writing style is described as technical and detail-oriented, focusing on the science and engineering aspects of the space elevator project while blending in elements of history and human foibles.
The crown grew heavier with each passing year. When the Venerable Bodhidharma Mahanayake Thero had—so reluctantly—first placed it upon his head, Prince Kalidasa was surprised by its lightness. Now, tw... - #9
The Transhumanist Wager by Zoltan Istvan is a philosophical science fiction novel set in a near future Earth where transhumanism faces opposition from governments and religious entities. The story follows the protagonist, Jethro Knights, a brilliant transhumanist who embarks on a journey to accelerate innovation and global revolution while facing ideological and political conflicts with the establishment.
The novel explores themes of technological advancements, human evolution through enhancements, and the pursuit of immortality. It delves into the philosophical aspects of transhumanism, challenging traditional beliefs and moral concepts, while presenting a gripping narrative filled with action, tragedy, and thought-provoking ideas.
His life was about to end. A seventy-foot wall of shifting blue with a million tons of water was veering down on him. It was the largest wave of the hurricane—what scientists and sea captains call a r... - #10
'Anathem' by Neal Stephenson is a thought-provoking science fiction novel that delves into a parallel world where scientists and mathematicians live in cloistered communities, exploring profound issues of physics, cosmology, and philosophy. The book follows the journey of Fraa Erasmus, a member of a monastic sect, as he uncovers mysteries and navigates a complex society with limited interaction with the outside world. The story unfolds slowly, revealing a world rich in detail and depth, challenging readers with its intricate plot and unique language.
The writing style of 'Anathem' is characterized by its slow pace, Tolkeinian depth, and intricate world-building. The book presents a mix of adventure, philosophical exploration, and scientific concepts, weaving together themes of quantum mechanics, consciousness, and the nature of reality. Despite its length and complex terminology, the novel captivates readers with its grand ideas and meticulous attention to detail, offering a blend of speculative fiction and intellectual exploration.
Ita:(1) In late Praxic Orth, an acronym (therefore, in ancient texts sometimes written ITA) whose precise etymology is a casualty of the loss of shoddily preserved information that will forever enshro...