This lively book is not only a "coming of age" biography in astronomy, but a sweeping account where the heavens and Heaven go hand in hand. Astronomer David Bradstreet and writer Steve Rabey describe the emergence of a vast evolving cosmos. Even if you don't completely accept the authors’ theological worldview, you will encounter many intriguing insights that you won’t find expressed so clearly elsewhere.
Owen Gingerich, Ph.D.
Owen Gingerich is professor emeritus of astronomy and of the history of science at Harvard University and a senior astronomer emeritus at the Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory. An acclaimed researcher and teacher, he has written or edited more than 20 books including God’s Universe and God’s Planet. He has also published over 750 professional articles and reviews. He is a widely recognized authority on both Johannes Kepler and Nicolaus Copernicus. An asteroid of unusual eccentricity has been named Gingerich in his honor.
Too many people see science and faith in conflict. Leading astronomer David Bradstreet explodes that myth in Star Struck, an outstanding, highly readable book that shows how science has enriched his faith, and how Christian faith has enriched science.
David Wilkinson, Ph.D.
David Wilkinson, an astrophysicist, theologian, and former Methodist pastor and chaplain, is Professor and Principal of St. John's College, and a professor in the Department of Theology and Religion at Durham University, England. He is the author of many papers and books, including Science, Religion, and the Search for Extraterrestrial Intelligence and God, Time, & Stephen Hawking.
Galaxy Cluster
Star Struck combines an engaging and informed romp through the cosmos with a deep conviction that the heavens declare the glory of God. Bradstreet and Rabey make the case that we live on a privileged planet in a remarkably designed universe. Star Struck will ease the concerns of readers worried that science and religion are in perpetual conflict.
Karl Giberson, Ph.D.
Physicist and Theologian
Scholar-in-Residence in Science & Religion
Stonehill College,
Easton, Massachusetts
Star Struck is an engaging and personal tour of the universe from a respected astronomer who also loves the Bible. At each stop on the tour, you'll hear this master teacher explain the latest scientific discoveries as well as contemplate them from the perspective of his Christian faith. Like many Christians astronomers, Bradstreet is ‘totally out-of-this-world curious to learn all we can about the delightful details of Creation.’ Come along for the ride!
Deborah Haarsma, Ph.D.
Astronomer and President of BioLogo
To borrow from the words of Psalm 19, this book declares the glory of God, and invites us to see in the heavens His handiwork. Bradstreet and Rabey have done something in Star Struck both difficult and beautiful: through a telescopic focus on topics like ‘our Goldilocks planet’, Martians, black holes, the Cosmic Creator, and the ‘God behind the biggest bang’, they invite us to look up and behold the majesty of God. Imagine a mash-up of Stephen Hawking and something like a ‘Gospel according to Astronomy’. This is a great resource for anyone who wants to help young people see that science and faith can share the same space!
Duffy Robbins, Ph.D.
Professor of Youth Ministry
Eastern University,
St. Davids, Pennsylvania
I've been David Bradstreet's pastor for less than a year, but his book Star Struck has opened my eyes to a bigger universe and an even grander God.
J.I. Packer said good theology should always lead to doxology. This book demonstrates that good astronomy and cosmology should also lead to praise of God.
I've always looked forward to the "new earth." This enjoyable book makes me look forward to the "new heavens" more than ever. For this I'm deeply thankful!
Kevin Flannery, D. Min.
Senior Pastor
Church of the Saviour
Wayne, Pennsylvania
Hubble, Barred Galaxy
Star Struck is a primer on current best science on the universe. Our cosmic tour guide is Dr. David H. Bradstreet, a thoughtful scientist, a committed Christian, and an effective professor at a leading Christian university for the past 40 years.
Each short chapter explores one aspect of "the biggest story ever." Readers will grasp the latest scientific data, understand important astronomical and cosmological concepts, and meet many interesting people who have explained our expanding universe, stars, sun, moon and planets, and the "just right" conditions that sustain life on our planet. Difficult scientific concepts are communicated in ways that are understandable.
Of course, I am biased. Bradstreet serves the university I lead. He is Professor and Chair of the Astronomy and Physics Department and Director of the David H. Bradstreet Observatory and Julia Fowler Planetarium at Eastern University near Philadelphia.
Even if he were not at Eastern I would praise the way he addresses some of the most important questions and issues about the origins and characteristics of the universe. Throughout the book, he skillfully demonstrates how a rigorous scientist is also a committed evangelical Christian.
I recommend Star Struck for any Christian who seeks to know more about the universe. In particular, I commend the book for home-schooled students, Christian high school students, and Christian college students seeking to inform their faith through science.
This book is a gift from one member of Christ's church to the other members of Christ's Body. Readers will benefit from Bradstreet's decades of wrestling with the big issues in astronomy, cosmology and theology.
Star Struck illumines our thinking, helps us grasp our Creator's comets, stars and meteors, and shows us how we may better love God, the scientific enterprise, and the detailed wonders of the heavens and Earth that this enterprise reveals.
Robert G. Duffett, Ph.D.
Former President
Eastern University
St. Davids, Pennsylvania