The joy of trains

 Matthew Fox, In the beginning there was Joy: a cosmic celebration for kids of all ages (Fairfield CA: Viriditas Press, 1995) 

In 1936, the New York Central Railroad began the transcontinental shipment of a 200 in mirror telescope blank to California. Reports indicate that it was guarded not only against breakage or other accidental damage, but out of concern that those who held to a literal 7-days of 24-hour creation would damage it deliberately, believing that humans had no business exploring the scientific wonders of the universe. That group would probably not be very happy with this book, which tells us that it is the first of a series to be known Father Fox's Fantastical Fables.

While too many have lost a sense of joy when it comes to the universe and its wonders, it is still real for many. For those who appreciate the idea that "a little child shall lead them" (Isaiah 11.6), this sense of openness is clear in this book. To a large extent, this is because of its use of superb images and design from Barbara LeVan Fisher. The writing style reminds me of Dr Seuss. Some of its references draws on medieval mystics. Through it, Fox retells the creation story and takes up an extended story of the coming of humans. With this, there is a place to find joy in diversity and the justice that must inevitably flow from it. It is quick to read, but also profound in its implications, and well worth returning to at a later time or times.

 

"Where were you when I laid the foundation of the earth? . . .

When the morning stars sang together,

and all the heavenly beings shouted for joy?

(Job 38:4, 7 NRSVue).

This is essentially a story book, so I would not expect to find a discussion of the role of myth or fable in it. However, a proper understanding is necessary to appreciating this book fully. Terms such as myth do not mean fiction; they refer to stories that tell us why things exist the way they do. When stories reach beyond our limited linguistic resources, including science, they explain to us. And in this book, they explain without losing the wonder of life.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the author and/or publisher through the Speakeasy blogging book review network. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.

References:

• https://penneyvanderbilt.wordpress.com/2016/03/25/the-famous-palomar-telescope-in-california-received-its-lens-from-corning-new-york-via-the-new-york-central/
• https://digital.library.ucla.edu/catalog/ark:/21198/zz002j7jw1
• https://libanswers.cmog.org/faq/144100

#InTheBeginningThereWasJoy