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Radical Amazement, the Book

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Contemplative Lessons from Black Holes, Supernovas, and other Wonders of the Universe

A Book Review & Summary

Judy Cannato, author of Radical Amazement, makes connections between new scientific understanding of the universe and contemplative spirituality, two subjects that I find fascinating.

Here is a quote from the book that sums up its premise.

"Thomas Aquinas said that a mistake in our understanding of creation will necessarily cause a mistake in our understanding of God. Does it then follow that a revolution in our understanding of creation will necessarily cause a revolution in our understanding of God? The discoveries of modern science have been stunning, completely changing our notion of the universe and providing fresh images to inform our spirituality."

Cannato explains scientific terms in understandable ways and relates them to her Christian faith. I don't believe that you have to be Christian to appreciate the connections she makes. This is a book you can read again and again and pick up something new each time.

"As we ride the dark energy
into unknown territory,
as we say yes to Mystery
that is beyond grasp
but not beyond grace,
we incarnate the Spirit
and fulfill our role as
co-creators of a universe
that is expression of pure Love."

Here's a Taste of What's Inside

a Chapter by Chapter Summary

Introduction

Cannato explains that Abraham Heschel coined the term 'radical amazement' referring to it as "all reality, not only what we see, but the act of seeing, as well as our own selves." She challenges us to see with new eyes and expanded vision.
Chapter 1: Cosmology

Cosmology is the study of the origins and development of the universe. Out of this comes the human desire to know our place in this story. Who are we? Where did we come from? Where are we going?
Chapter 2: The New Cosmology

What are some of the scientific discoveries that are transforming our story of the universe?
Chapter 3: In the Beginning: The Universe Flares Forth

Cannato argues that the creation of the universe is not incompatible with the Christian story.
Chapter 4: Let There Be Light: The Big Bang

God has been compared to light since time began. Cannato goes into detail about the properties of light, quoting Gerald Schroeder, "Light, existing outside of time and space, is the metaphysical link between the timeless eternity that preceded our universe and the world of time, space, and matter within which we live."
Chapter 5: All creation is Groaning: The Process of Evolution

Here, she makes the point that human salvation and freedom are not separate from the salvation and freedom of all creation.
Chapter 6: I am the Light of the World: Incarnation and Photosynthesis

Before the development of photosynthesis, life was not possible. Like photosynthesis, the arrival of Jesus allows humans to receive grace in a more conscious way.
Chapter 7: You are the Light of the World: Morphogenic Fields

Morphogenic fields help manage the energy of a system - also called 'formative causes' or 'memory fields.' They operate both outside and within a self-organizing system. In order to claim our own light, or true self, we need to examine our own morphogenic field of behavior and attitudes.
Chapter 8: For Freedom Christ Set us Free: The Theory of Holons

Ken Wilber explains, "A holon is a whole that is a part of other wholes." Cannato says that "living in freedom requires that we recognize the connectedness that is a basic reality of our existence."
Chapter 9: Self-Dissolution and Black Holes

A black hole is a "region of space/time without precise boundaries but with a definite effect." In other words, you can't see it but you can feel it. When we live unaware, we can be pulled into habits and attitudes that are not life-giving.
Chapter 10: Death and Supernovas

Supernovas are the death eruptions of stars. Life on earth depends on the giving over of life on behalf of ever-expanding creativity.
Chapter 11: Mystery: Dark Energy and Dark Matter

The Universe is not only expanding, but the rate of expansion is increasing. And it's all because of "dark energy." This is an anti-gravitational force that can't be seen but can be felt and it makes up 70% of the Universe. Dark matter, 25% of the universe, is dense and contributes to the gravitational field of a galaxy. Very mysterious!
Chapter 12: That All May be One: Living in Radical Amazement

How to live a life of radical amazement: expand our contemplative awareness and embrace our capacity for awe.

What are holons?

Always partial, always whole

Cannato quotes Ken Wilber, creator of the Integral Theory, in talking about holons.

"A holon is a whole that is a part of other wholes. For example, a whole atom is part of a whole molecule, which is part of a whole cell, which is part of a whole organism."

Holons become more complex, yet they cannot exist without the holons that are a part of them. The same is true of human-created organizations. Groups or individuals join to become complex organizations. Any change at the group or individual level affects the whole.

The four characteristics of holons are:

1. Self-preservation (need for individuality or autonomy)
2. Self-adaptation (need for relationship)
3. Self-transcendence (need for self-development)
4. Self-dissolution (everything eventually dies).

To cooperate with these basic characteristics is to be truly free.

Image Credit: zafer-team.pl/holons

A Brief History of Everything

by Ken Wilber

Learn more about holons in this great book.

A Brief History of Everything

by: Ken Wilber

Amazon Price: $11.01 (as of 02/18/2012)
List Price: $8.99

Starts with the Big Bang, covers evolution to life, and then all the major epochs of human evolution. Weaves in science, religion, psychology - whew!

Judy Cannato's Website

Judy Cannato, a Catholic author, retreat facilitator, and spiritual director passed away May 7, 2011 after a long battle with cancer. From Cleveland, Ohio, she was married and had two grown sons.

She is the author of Field of Compassion, Quantum Grace (Lenten Reflections) and Quantum Grace (The Sunday Readings) and will be truly missed.

Judy Cannato's Official Site: Visit the site to read articles from her newsletter.

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