"Science as Sacred Metaphor" (Liturgical Press, 2006) is a bold and creative new work by Elizabeth Michael Boyle, Dominican sister from Caldwell College, New Jersey. Professor of English, poet and scholar, Boyle is up to the challenge of trying to lead her audience through the intricacies of science, poetry and theology, all woven together in such a way that one simply says, "Of, course!"
She is both learner and teacher. She guides the reader through the abc's of such phenomena as quantum theory, quarks and string theory. This is, as she admits, an adult approach to what she could not begin to fathom as a child. She tells us that her childhood view of the night sky brought her to a state of wonder that remains with her even today.
Her goal is not so much to unpack the mystery of science, but rather to utilize its wonder to open our minds and hearts in prayer. Since she is a poet, one is not surprised by the ease with which she uses metaphoric language that carries the reader from one chapter to the next.
Always the teacher, she guides the reader through well-ordered sections, each devoted to a new scientific phenomenon, a segment of the liturgical year, and poetry that will astound as well as inspire one to prayer.
Boyle states she is neither theologian nor scientist. But as a result, for many readers, her narrative and the inclusion of the works of poets including her own are more inviting as she wends her way through theology and science. Yet she does not reduce either of these disciplines to grade school level. Every chapter is accompanied by an abundance of endnotes. They are indicative of her reliance on resources in theology and science that give validity to her own ever-growing cosmic search for God.
And for those fearful of science, there is a glossary of terms that comes in handy when encountering words that are for most people unfamiliar and hard to remember. Her bibliography indicates the amount of research that went into this work.
Boyle introduces the reader to the structure of the book by using a poem by Wallace Stevens (from "Thirteen Ways of Looking at a Blackbird," 1996):
I do not know which to prefer
The beauty of inflections
Or the beauty of innuendoes,
The blackbird whistling
Or just after.
The reader is able to go through each of the chapters knowing that "Ways of Looking" will introduce the scientific, the "Eye of the Blackbird" will show how the revelation of God is made evident through science, and lastly, "Inflections and Innuendoes" will lead one to reflect on Christian practice and prayer.
This is not a book for those who want light-reading. Rather, it is a challenge for anyone who craves to know more about the cosmic splendor of the universe and its Creator. Each phase of the liturgical year also takes on new meaning as Boyle weaves sacred time with a new scientific discovery. The practices suggested by Boyle for the Lenten season are a creative venture into the suffering God, whose love places God in a position of divine choice for the sake of God's creation. With each chapter she brings the reader to a place where meditation is not for its own sake, but as a means to grow in responsible servanthood for the sake of the world.
Her heroes are often cited throughout her book, among whom are Karl Rahner, Teilhard de Chardin, Diarmuid O'Murchu, Cletus Wessels, and Hildegard of Bingen, as well as numerous scientists. The list of poets covers two pages. Especially to be relished are the poems of Boyle herself.
I highly commend Sr. Elizabeth Michael for the challenge she presents to all of us. And to you the reader, I recommend this treat of a book. Be sure to make time for it. It will last you the rest of your life.
Dr. Alexis Navarro, IHM, is Professor Emerita in Theology at Mount St. Mary's College, Los Angeles.
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