Reviews
One of the great regrets of history occurred in the seventeenth century's split of science and religion between the church and Galileo. It has been said that without this split we would have had better science and better religion. Heidi Russell not only offers us the best of science and religion of the twenty-first century but recasts for us their whole relationship. Instead of contending their truths, she engages the rich analogies that each has to offer in the pursuit of love/relationality. This is an utterly pastoral approach to science and theology, "rejuvenating what it means to be the body of Christ as inherent connectedness to all of creation impacting our understanding of social and environmental justice."
Bob O'Gorman, Professor Emeritus, Loyola University Chicago
Heidi Russell's book Quantum Shift is an engaging, informative, and often profound glimpse into the way in which the worldview produced by quantum physics can alter and invigorate our conceptions of God and creation. Charting a course between innovation and tradition, Russell offers novel vocabulary and fresh perspectives for theologians, pastoral ministers, and other persons of faith seeking to navigate the implications of the new sciences for religious belief. Eminently readable and replete with examples to concretize sometimes abstract concepts, Russell's work is sure to whet the reader's appetite for more science and to slake the reader's thirst for the more expansive and dynamic insights into God and the God-world relationship afforded by this scientific worldview. Ephphata—and enjoy!
Gloria L. Schaab, Barry University
In his revolutionary encyclical, Laudato Si', Pope Francis called everyone on Earth to conversion at the level of conscience to a connected way of being and acting, because to do otherwise is to live in a false reality: `Everything is connected' (90). In this book, Heidi Ann Russell builds on the important academic premise that `there is a universal basis for our understanding and, since that basis cannot be self-contradictory, the understanding one has from one discipline should complement that which one has from all other disciplines.' Russell's work is exemplary in that she models this converted way of thinking in every chapter. In so doing, she opens compelling new insights into traditional tenets of the Christian faith. In her hands, complex concepts of science-quantum mechanics, chaos theory, modern cosmology, etc.-are made accessible and the portal of entry into dialogue with the Christian tradition. Russell's engaging, dynamic, infectious dialogue draws the reader toward religious renewal that supports a connected lifestyle. It is a must-read-for the sake of God's people and the planet!
Dawn M. Nothwehr, OSF Erica and Harry John Family Endowed Chair in Catholic Theological Ethics Catholic Theological Union Chicago, IL
In Quantum Shift, Heidi Russell provides an insightful look into the implications of contemporary scientific research for theology and ministry. This work helps to advance the important idea that it is possible to be a deeply committed person of faith and still appreciate contemporary scientific inquiry. The pastoral application of scientific and theological insights that she offers are also a particularly valuable contribution for both theologians and pastoral ministers and stands out among other recent works on the relationship between theology and science.
Theodore James Whapham, Dean, School of Ministry and Associate Professor, University of Dallas
"The book can be heavy going, particularly when she tries to weave the difficult language of quantum physics together with the perhaps even more difficult language of Karl Rahner's theology. As an introductory tour of modern physics from a theological perspective, however, the book is valuable."
J. Peter Nixon, U.S. Catholic
"Russell's work is a significant contribution to the field, even if pastoral ministers working with her text still have to exert considerable effort at applying these insights to preaching and catechesis. Her work is creative and evocative, and well worth serious consideration."
Catherine Vincie, RSHM, Theological Studies
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