To Touch the Face of God
The Sacred, the Profane, and the American Space Program, 1957–1975
By Kendrick Oliver | Publisher: Johns Hopkins University Press
About the book
Was the space program the signature project of secular modernity or a symbol of humankind’s perpetual quest for communion with God?
\"In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth...\"
In 1968 the world watched as Earth rose over the moonscape, televised from the orbiting Apollo 8 mission capsule. Radioing back to Houston on Christmas Eve, astronauts recited the first ten verses from the book of Genesis. In fact, many of the astronauts found space flight to be a religious experience. To Touch the Face of God is the first book-length historical study of the relationship between religion and the U.S. space program.
Kendrick Oliver explores the role played by religious motivations in the formation of the space program and discusses the responses of religious thinkers such as Paul Tillich and C. S. Lewis. Examining the attitudes of religious Americans, Oliver finds that the space program was a source of anxiety as well as inspiration. It was not always easy for them to tell whether it was a godly or godless venture.
Grounded in original archival research and the study of participant testimonies, this book also explores one of the largest petition campaigns of the post-war era. Between 1969 and 1975, more than eight million Americans wrote to NASA expressing support for prayer and bible-reading in space. Oliver’s study is rigorous and detailed but also contemplative in its approach, examining the larger meanings of mankind’s first adventures in \"the heavens.\"
Editions of To Touch the Face of God
- Hardcover
- ISBN 9781421407883
- EBook
- ISBN 9781421408347
Read an Excerpt
Was the space program the signature project of secular modernity or a symbol of humankind’s perpetual quest for communion with God?
\"In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth...\"
In 1968 the world watched as Earth rose over the moonscape, televised from the orbiting Apollo 8 mission capsule. Radioing back to Houston on Christmas Eve, astronauts recited the first ten verses from the book of Genesis. In fact, many of the astronauts found space flight to be a religious experience. To Touch the Face of God is the first book-length historical study of the relationship between religion and the U.S. space program.
Kendrick Oliver explores the role played by religious motivations in the formation of the space program and discusses the responses of religious thinkers such as Paul Tillich and C. S. Lewis. Examining the attitudes of religious Americans, Oliver finds that the space program was a source of anxiety as well as inspiration. It was not always easy for them to tell whether it was a godly or godless venture.
Grounded in original archival research and the study of participant testimonies, this book also explores one of the largest petition campaigns of the post-war era. Between 1969 and 1975, more than eight million Americans wrote to NASA expressing support for prayer and bible-reading in space. Oliver’s study is rigorous and detailed but also contemplative in its approach, examining the larger meanings of mankind’s first adventures in \"the heavens.\"
Frequently Asked Questions
What is To Touch the Face of God about?
Was the space program the signature project of secular modernity or a symbol of humankind’s perpetual quest for communion with God?
\"In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth...\"
In 1968 the world watched as Earth rose over the moonscape, televised from the orbiting Apollo 8 mission capsule. Radioing back to Houston on Christmas Eve, astronauts recited the first ten verses from the book of Genesis. In fact, many of the astronauts found space flight to be a religious experience. To Touch the Face of God is the first book-length historical study of the relationship between religion and the U.S. space program.
Kendrick Oliver explores the role played by religious motivations in the formation of the space program and discusses the responses of religious thinkers such as Paul Tillich and C. S. Lewis. Examining the attitudes of religious Americans, Oliver finds that the space program was a source of anxiety as well as inspiration. It was not always easy for them to tell whether it was a godly or godless venture.
Grounded in original archival research and the study of participant testimonies, this book also explores one of the largest petition campaigns of the post-war era. Between 1969 and 1975, more than eight million Americans wrote to NASA expressing support for prayer and bible-reading in space. Oliver’s study is rigorous and detailed but also contemplative in its approach, examining the larger meanings of mankind’s first adventures in \"the heavens.\"
What core themes, tropes, or subjects are explored in To Touch the Face of God?
History and Archaeology > History > History of the Americas
Where can I read a sample of To Touch the Face of God?
You can read an official preview of the few pages here https://www.book2look.com/book/9781421407883
How long is To Touch the Face of God and how many pages does it have?
To Touch the Face of God has 248 page(s)
Is To Touch the Face of God part of a series, and can it be read as a standalone?
Yes it is a part of series New Series in NASA History
Who is/are the Author/s of the book To Touch the Face of God?
Kendrick Oliver
What are the ISBN numbers for the physical and digital editions?
To Touch the Face of God is available as hardcover(ISBN 9781421407883) and ebook(ISBN 9781421408347)
Where can I buy To Touch the Face of God online or support local independent bookshops?
You can buy To Touch the Face of God from below
Where can I buy To Touch the Face of God?