Heaven's Fractal Net

Library Journal

Fractal patterns, as defined by French mathematician Benoit Mandelbrot, are self-similar, recursive, and potentially infinite. Jackson (comparative religion, Indiana Univ. & Purdue Univ.) argues that fractal patterns (and others) show the intelligent design of the universe and, consequently, an underlying universal intelligence. This argument from design is a version of Thomas Aquinas's fifth proof for the existence of God in his Summa Theologica, debated since by many philosophers and theologians, so the author breaks no new theoretical ground here. However, he does gather many instances of fractal patterns from the imagery of world religions, philosophies, and sciences, as if to show by mere dint of repetition that his argument carries universal authority. Lucidly written and thorough, this book contains good notes but lacks a bibliography. There is a certain self-satisfied tone throughout that irritated this reviewer but may not bother others. The finished edition promises many full-color illustrations. Expensive in both paper and cloth editions, this is recommended only for academic libraries or public libraries with substantial collections in religion.-James F. DeRoche, Alexandria, VA Copyright 2003 Reed Business Information.