The Origin of the Universe and the Origin of Religion

Download or read book The Origin of the Universe and the Origin of Religion written by Fred Hoyle and published by . This book was released on 1993 with total page 91 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: This is Sir Fred's controversial giant comet theory about the origins and continuing development of the universe. Initially delivered as a lecture in the Anshen Transdisciplinary Lectureships in Art, Science, and the Philosophy of Culture at The Frick Collection in New York City, this challenging treatise by astrophysicist, Sir Fred Hoyle, one-time Plumian Professor of Astrophysics, Cambridge University begins by instructing us how to avoid "being sucked into a maelstrom of respectable ignorance. Whenever the word 'origin' is used, disbelieve everything you are told". Then, in a progressive, fathomable, fascinating discourse, he posits his beliefs about the origin of the universe, beginning with an explanation of the ice ages and his theory of the giant comet, the disintegration of which, Hoyle maintains, contributed to the origin of religion. Under expert guidance, we see how this event gave rise to the belief in Mohammed, early Christianity, and impacts upon the thinking of medieval times.