Behold the Heavens - by James Kurzynski (Paperback)

About the Book

This book is a pilgrimage through the night sky, where we meet God through the beauty of his creation, the words of Sacred Scripture, and the call to prayer. This is not a book about definitions of astronomical objects, but an invitation to experience the night sky through biblical eyes and with childlike wonder.

Book Synopsis

Do you remember the last time you marveled at the night sky? How long has it been since you gazed in amazement at the stars above and listened to the sacred silence? The night sky offers an experience of awe and wonder, one that for many of us calls back to our childhood. It can also be an opportunity to connect with the creator of the universe and behold his heavenly majesty.

Behold the Heavens invites you on a journey of encounter and prayer. This book is a pilgrimage through the night sky, where we meet God through the beauty of his creation, the words of Sacred Scripture, and the call to prayer. This is not a book about definitions of astronomical objects, but an invitation to experience the night sky through biblical eyes and with childlike wonder.

As we gaze upon the night sky, we come to stand in awe of God and all that he has made. In doing so, may we draw closer to God and open our hearts to how he is speaking to us.

Review Quotes

"Behold the Heavens: Discovering God Through the Night Sky offers to its readers a rare combination of reflections on faith and gorgeous astrophotography. Fr. James Kurzynski, who helped found the Astronomy for Catholics in Ministry and Education (ACME) program of the Vatican's astronomical observatory, is not a Vatican scientist, and not a scientist at all, in any formal sense. Rather, he is (as he puts it) 'simply a diocesan priest who also has a deep interest in and passion for science, especially astronomy' -- and who has an eye for the beauty of the night sky and also the skill with a camera needed to capture some of that beauty and share it with others. We humans did not make that beauty. 'Behold the heavens' is 'look up at the sky!' Fr. Kurzynski's book emphasizes how, in looking up at the sky, noticing it, and studying it, we can learn about the One who did, in fact, make that beauty." -- Prof. Christopher M. Graney, Vatican Observatory

"Fr. James provides a book that harmonizes faith and science through contemplation, not lengthy treatises. He leaves the images to speak for themselves within the text, and only at the end includes the captions and the necessary acknowledgments. In doing so, they become part of the readers' contemplation, just as they were part of Fr. James' contemplation when writing the book." -- Fr. Chris Corbably, Vatican Observatory

"Fr. James' new book seamlessly weaves images of space with thoughts on their larger meaning, and on faith. Faith and science -- so easy to say but hard to do. This book provides a beautiful opportunity for readers to bridge the two concepts. And the photos are spectacular!" -- Dr. Brenda Frye, Associate Professor of Astronomy, University of Arizona, and Associate Astronomer, Steward Observatory