Friday, December 2, 2011

on Stars ('tis the season!)

Stars and Their Purpose
(this copy is the original German translated into English)
Stars and Their Purpose: Understanding the Origin of Earth's "Nightlights"
When I first opened this book I thought to myself (smile) I am in over my head.  I just want pictures and easy physics, but out of respect to the author I should at least read the introduction...
and the first chapter...
then,
we really should read this together as a family.
Stars and Their Purpose is not an astronomy textbook, but the many new scientific discoveries will feed the mind hungry to study this expanding science.  A specific age group is not targeted.
"Those works of creation studied in astronomy
are so fascinating that everybody should be interested,
regardless of profession or standing"
This book is a response to Jeremiah 51:10
"Come, let us tell...what the LORD our God has done."
"Astronomical facts are correlated with Biblical pronouncements.  Very few books, if any, cover this aspect, and it is the sincere desire of the author that believers will acknowledge the greatness of God when contemplating the vastness of the universe and its stars.  Wonder may then become worship.  Another important purpose is that the seeking or doubting person should find God and obtain assurance of salvation."

Think about the times God speaks in the Bible through the "stars".  The first two that come to my mind are...the wisemen followed, and at the cross the sky turned black.  One day this celestial ministry will come to an end.  The sun will go dark.  The moon will not give light, and the stars will fall from the sky. (see Mt. 24)

The heavens declare the glory of God,
and the sky above proclaims his handiwork.
 Day to day pours out speech,
and night to night reveals knowledge.
 There is no speech, nor are there words,
whose voice is not heard.
  Their voice goes out through all the earth,
and their words to the end of the world.
 from Psalm 19
Secondly, a book with pictures ☺
(and a pull out poster inside)
The Astronomy Book (Wonders of Creation Series)
"Astronomy is not astrology,
nor is it cosmic evolution. 
Genuine astronomy is one of the most beautiful sciences
because it shows us the glory of God
in His creation."
"Astronomy is the branch of science dealing with the sun, the moon, the planets, and the stars.  The word "astronomy" comes from two Greek words meaning "knowledge of the stars."  An astronomer is a person who has scientific knowledge about the stars and other heavenly bodies.   
Astronomy should not be confused with astrology.  Astrology is a false science which comes from ancient paganism.  It is the belief that the stars can predict our future and set the course for our lives.  The Bible teaches that only God can guide our lives, a truth repeated again and again in verses like Psalm 143:8 and James 4:13-15
Did you know that God knows the number of the stars
AND
calls them each by name?!
This reminder of how VERY BIG God is always comforts me.
other things you will learn:
What the Bible says about the solar system
solar and lunar eclipses
calendars
constellations
space exploration
stars and galaxies
solar system catastrophies

I received copies of these books for the purpose of review

3 comments:

  1. They look like wonderful books. Which (f either) would be best for family reading/use. We have children ranging in age from 3 to 19. I usually aim for around 10-12 years olds understanding.

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  2. The Astronomy book is appropriate for kids, 10-12, lots of pictures and answers a variety of questions. Hope this helps!
    I'm going to read the parts of the first book to my girls (8 and 10) that I thought were very interesting, skipping the equations and physics parts that were over my head ☺.

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  3. Thank you. I'll definitely look into the Astronomy book.

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