Why not "quantum theology?" If one embraces the concepts of quantum physics, theology must expand or shrink into oblivion. O'Murchu has seen the situation and explored it. His writing is clear and mind-expanding.
His observations about religion, theology and spirituality are startling and refreshing.
"Religion is the greatest idolatry of all time…" (p. 11)He argues that the old boundaries of religion and theology are outmoded in a modern world that lives with awareness of galaxies without number, in a continually (and probably endlessly) expanding universe. Cosmologists even speak of universes!"[Theology} is a powerful ferment for thought, reflection, dialogue, and provocation. It is emerging as one of the most multi-disciplinary of all the sciences and in recent years has assumed new political, global, and cultural significance." (p. 13)
"Our spiritual evolution as a species took place for an estimated seventy thousand years without formal religion, and there are many indications that we are, once more, evolving spiritually into a nonreligious ambience. As a human species we are outgrowing our need for formal religion." (p. 13)
For those of us not trained in the sciences O'Murchu simplifies "what quantum is all about." It is worth the price of the book because it lets us in on what all this quantum talk signifies. Words like "whole," "interaction," "process," "unfolding," keep appearing. For those who were raised on hymns with words like "who was and is and is to be and still the same," "There is no shadow of turning with Thee; Thou changest not…As Thou hast been Thou forever wilt be," need both new theology and new hymns. (In looking through old hymns it was surprising to discover the mystical magnitude in hymn texts).
Every chapter is both informative (you will learn new things) and provocative (you will think new thoughts) and expanding (your mind will grow).
It is a book that is difficult to review. For those who would like to get their quantum ideas in a nutshell, the closest you will come in this book is his appendix of Principles of Quantum Theology (p. 197ff).
My own take on the book is that it pushes us to move out of any remnant notions of an unchangeable God, a created world or universe, a fully-evolved human species, a differentiation between human nature and the nature of the universe. It requires that theology think in terms of relationship to the cosmos rather than individuals or the world and to the totality rather than separated parts.
Any preacher who hopes to engage the minds of the computer generation and challenge modern thought must at least understand "quantum." Because so few people are scientifically aware, it is all the more important that those who are looked to for spiritual direction have a perspective that goes beyond the pop faith of today.
Those who preach could approach the Bible in search of those spiritually enlightened texts that have a quantum view rather than a short-term view.
Such a book can help humans feel that they are part of an immense and wondrous and endless enterprise. Our anthropomorphism melts into the stream of on-going creation. For me it is a book to be read along side a book like David Cooper's, "God is a Verb." Both inform human spirituality and mysticism.