Laurie BRINK. The Heavens Are Telling the Glory of God: An Emerging Chapter for Religious Life—Science, Theology, and Mission. Collegeville, Minnesota: Liturgical Press, 2022. Pp. 281 + xxxviii. $34.95 pb. ISBN 9780814667248 (pb), ISBN 9780814667255 (epub). Reviewed by Calvin MERCER, East Carolina University, Greenville, NC 27858. 

At first glance, this author has taken on too much. The ambitious nature of Brink’s work is her sustained effort to relate the New Cosmology to religious life. Topics covered include New Cosmology, quantum theory, evolution, consciousness, and Catholic religious life, all the while addressing theological and scriptural considerations. A careful read, however, suggests that the book is largely a success, especially when considering the magnitude of the task, a worthy one.

The ambitious agenda is the work of Laurie Brink, OP, PhD, a Dominican Sister of Sinsinawa and Professor New Testament Studies at Catholic Theological Union in Chicago. Her expertise in biblical studies is evident throughout, as she deftly weaves themes and specific texts into her theological and spiritual formation analysis.

Brink thinks of New Cosmology as that which “… integrates scientific facts, including discoveries about the expanding universe and evolution, and proposes that creation is ongoing and—building on the work of Teilhard de Chardin—emerging into greater complexity.” (xxviii) The New Cosmology includes the following ideas: the Big Bang (the universe has a beginning); the universe is expanding; the university will eventually “die;” all of creation is interrelated; and our consciousness is evolving.

While the focus is on Roman Catholic women religious, the book provides valuable reflections for the contemporary spiritual journey of any Christian. Her study is based, in part, on a Louisville Institute grant support for a survey of women religious, which Brink made sure included the voices of sisters of color and younger members.

Brink explores how three significant areas of religious life—formation, the vows, and mission—can be reenvisioned in light of the New Cosmology. For example, the notion of emergence poses the question “… how might formation for an emergent future allow for a more creative, evolutionary, and engaging mode of incorporating new members?” (p. 235). And, an evolutionary consciousness generates mission that will require “whole earth thinking” (borrowing the phrase from Sam Mickey) and collaborative action.

The strength of the book (i.e., ambitiously relating the New Cosmology to religious life) on occasion has Brink push too hard to make connections, e.g., when she likens the nature of a photon to the workings of intercessory prayer. That said, the book has value for readers interested in the integration of religion and science and, specifically, in the New Cosmology and its implications for religious life.