In Search of the Beginning
In Search of the Beginning (Pleasant Word, 2010, Rev. Ed.) is a non-technical, in-depth study of the great themes of cosmology: the origin, structure, purpose, and destiny of the universe. In order to write it, Dean knew he would have to journey far outside his comfort zone of Philosophy and Theology. Nevertheless, he finally decided to take the plunge, realizing that on this particular terrain the world system continually mounts one of its sharpest and most effective attacks against the clarity and trustworthiness of the Bible.
The ensuing research was fabulously rewarding. Dean familiarized himself with the relevant science, took a fresh look at the philosophical and theological issues involved, marvelled at any number of unexpected discoveries, and finally set to work. Now, after many years of labor--and with invaluable help from several outstanding Christian men of science--he gratefully offers ISB to the public, trusting that readers of all persuasions will find herein not only a fascinating study in comparative cosmology, but a reasonable and forceful defense of the historic biblical view.
For those inclined to take this particular journey, the following four facts about ISB that should be of interest.
It is written especially for seekers
While ISB will be of great interest to Christians, Dean has written it especially for seekers--people who are curious about the theological and philosophical dimensions of cosmology, as well as the scientific. Are you a naturalist who is having doubts about a godless, self-created, evolving cosmos? Are you inclined towards one of the classical Eastern religions, or to New Age evolutionism? Are you curious about Judeo-Christian perspectives, but unfamiliar with the Bible? This is the book for you.
It is philosophically comprehensive
Desiring to engage seekers of every kind, Dean has tried to make ISB philosophically comprehensive. Accordingly, the book even-handedly examines naturalistic, pantheistic, and theistic views of the beginning. Since he practiced Buddhism for several of years, Dean was especially eager to think with seekers involved in Hinduism, Buddhism, and the New Age Movement. The resulting long chapter on pantheistic cosmology is, he believes, a unique contribution to creationist literature
It is readable and well-illustrated
As in all his writings, Dean has gone to great lengths to see that ISB is well-organized, well-written, informative, non-technical, and above all, interesting. To this end he has included a number of helpful charts and diagrams, a good bit of personal testimony, lots of thought-provoking quotations, and even a few poems and inspirational hymns! Seekers may, at points, find ISB challenging, but they are not likely to find it inaccessible or boring.
It makes a case for radical cosmic geocentricity
The newly revised edition of ISB takes a close look at the case for radical cosmic geocentricity--the idea that the Earth sits immovable at the center of a revolving universe. This was, of course, the view of the ancient world, the medieval Catholic Church, and the early Protestant reformers. Though eclipsed for several centuries by modern heliocentric and acentric cosmologies, fresh theoretical insights and empirical observations have made the idea of radical geocentricity viable once again. ISB surveys the evidence--both biblical and scientific--letting the reader draw his own conclusions.
Like the question of the age of the universe, this is a fascinating theme, one that may well launch the next round in the Great Debate about origins. Needless to say, if radical geocentricity should prevail, it would definitely put the Earth--and the God who created it--on the map in a whole new way!
Please take a few moments to view the excerpts from ISB posted on this site. Also, feel free to contact Dean with your thoughts or questions.
May God bless you richly as you seek his truth about the beginning, and about the One who began it all!