Ursula Goodenough

Ursula Goodenough’s The Sacred Depths of Nature is a fascinating introduction to biological science with meditations. 80 percent of this text was spent explaining how the Universe came into existence, life on earth, and its ramifications. It would have been most useful if the writer could have explained such phenomena without delving so heavily into physics and chemistry. But in reading this book it appeared it would take only readers grounded in science to understand much of her show more discussion, and the diagrams presented.
On the other hand the author’s reflections were helpful. A reader would be able to see more clearly her insights about God and nature. As a religious naturalist Goodenough stood in awe of the mysteries of creation. She unlike some scientists felt inspired by the religions of all faiths and their teachings. Nevertheless the author saw as imperative to love her neighbor as paramount and full of meaning. And she was comfortable with other faiths providing nature was incorporated in their beliefs. Yet Goodenough didn’t consider a Supreme Being as described by theists to be her cup of tea. show less

I really appreciate the central insight here, that the natural world, particularly in its biochemical details, provides fertile ground for theological reflection. The particular examples Goodenough uses and the reflections she provides were not always particularly resonant for me (despite the fact that I share both Goodenough's non-theism and membership in a Christian church), but as a model for doing this kind of reflection, this book is a valuable model.

In this book, an articulate cell biologist strives to "reconcile the modern scientific understanding of reality with our timeless spiritual yearnings for reverence and continuity." The author examines evolution, emotions, sexuality, death and other topics through the lens of science and then focuses on religious emotions elicited by the findings of science. Goodenough describes herself as a"religious naturalist," yet she observes that God may be apprehended "as a pantheistic-inherent in all show more things." The final chapter describes some "emergent religious principles" which can be derived from our scientific understanding of ourselves & Nature. The questions are the same ones religion has perennially asked: "Why is there anything at all, rather than nothing?" "Why are we here?" But unlike the traditional theist or atheist who responds with what they assert to be the absolute Answers, Goodenough recognizes that the best response to such questions may simply be "a covenant with Mystery."
Note: a new Second edition is expected in 2023! show less

Not about Buddhism, but a worthwhile book-length reflection on living a spiritual life while accepting the scientific understanding of how life arose and how it functions.