Originally posted by Mr. Dark: >There was another interesting science fiction book that came out a couple years ago, called "Calculating God" by Robert J. Sawyer (TOR, NY. 2000). The premise was a spacecraft lands in Canada across the street from a museum housing a world famous paleantologist. Turns out, it is two beings from separate races and separate universes. They are alien scientists who are on an expedition to find "God". (They believe they know where he/she/it dwells, based on fluctuations in some kind of patterns in the cosmos.) As it turns out, Earth is the only planet among intelligent worlds who argues away the existence of God. Much of the dialog is really interesting and I really enjoyed the book.
A link to the first chapter of "Calculating God" by Robert J. Sawyer. Calculating God
A few interesting points in this chapter. There is a reference to The Ray Bradbury Theater being filmed in Toronto. The Planetarium in the story is now scheduled for demolition.
Before the Hubble telescope and its "Deep Field" images, planetariums provided startling images for city kids. Reclined on the chair, looking up at the domed sky, as the mechanical projector revealed the Milky Way's star field, I was shown the immense Universe. For a young kid, it was a spiritual experience. It was like looking at an afterimage of God and his creation. Unfortunately, today's children (in Toronto) will never experience that sense of wonder. Their eyes are transfixed downward to their portable, tech gadgets. Having a planetarium is a reminder to sometimes look upward and reconnect with our spiritual and primitive side.This message has been edited. Last edited by: bytorbass,