point of reference
an astrophysicist’s quest for
authentic christianity and patristic credibility
MEDIA AND RESOURCES
The corpus of lectures and messages delivered by Dr. Wesley Jacob in recent years spans a wide array of interdisciplinary subjects, notably encompassing Astrophysics, Theology, and Patristics. Each discourse reflects a robust engagement with both the empirical and metaphysical dimensions of knowledge, underscoring commitment to synthesizing scientific inquiry with theological reflection.
IF THEOLOGY IS GRACE THEN ETHICS IS GRATITUDE
San Diego, CA, 2012
In considering the transcendence of God through the lens of galactic cannibalism, we are compelled to reflect upon the vast, dynamic processes that characterize the cosmos. Galactic cannibalism, a phenomenon in which large spiral galaxies grow by absorbing smaller satellite galaxies, has been extensively documented by the Hubble Space Telescope. Prominent examples, such as the Whirlpool Galaxy (M51), the Mice Galaxies (NGC 4676), and the Antennae Galaxies (NGC 4038/4039), reveal various stages of this gravitationally driven process of merging and assimilation. It is critical, however, to distinguish this from galactic collision, wherein galaxies intersect but largely preserve their structural integrity. As we probe deeper into the universe, uncovering ever more galaxies, we are met with extraordinary complexity and beauty. Yet, the advancement of our scientific knowledge, no matter how extensive, can only illuminate further dimensions of the created order without revealing the ultimate reality that lies beyond the empirical realm. The discovery of increasingly vast and distant galaxies extends the boundaries of human understanding while simultaneously amplifying our sense of wonder, affirming the theological insight of Psalm 111:2: "Great are the works of the Lord." In the divine perspective, even the totality of all galaxies - spanning incomprehensible distances and embodying unimaginable energy- is no more than a mere speck of dust, a grain of sand, or a virus in a petri dish. This profound juxtaposition highlights the infinite transcendence of the Creator, whose existence surpasses all that is observable within creation.
THRU THE BIBLE
A set of messages delivered at Bangalore, India
The Thru The Bible series distinguishes itself through a methodologically rigorous approach, offering a systematic study of the entire biblical canon within the span of a single year. Unlike more fragmentary or topical explorations of scripture, this series progresses in a disciplined manner, beginning with the foundational narratives of Genesis and culminating in the eschatological vision of Revelation. By adhering to a chronological and theological order, it guides participants through the unified biblical narrative, providing daily insights that connect the complexities of scripture to the believer’s contemporary life. The series emphasizes not only the intellectual engagement with the text but also its transformative power, enabling listeners to encounter the divine presence as revealed in scripture and to apprehend the eschatological promise of Christ’s return. Each installment fosters spiritual growth, encouraging a deeper relational proximity to God while advancing the listener’s exegetical and theological understanding. Through this comprehensive journey, participants are not merely informed but are also invited into a living experience of faith, wherein God’s Word becomes both a source of guidance for present living and a profound anticipation of the believer's ultimate inheritance.
GRAVITATIONAL TIME DILATION:
THE BINARY MULTIVERSE AND BIBLICAL THEISM
FROM THE SHEPHERD PSALM
Nicolaus Copernicus is renowned for proposing the heliocentric model, which postulated that the Earth orbits the sun, a paradigm-shifting departure from the geocentric worldview that had dominated for centuries. Albert Einstein, through his formulation of the general theory of relativity, advanced this conceptual revolution even further. Einstein's insights revealed that not only is Earth not the central pivot of the universe, but that space and time themselves are not immutable, fixed entities. Rather, in Einstein’s framework, space and time are interwoven into a unified, four-dimensional construct known as spacetime, which is pliable and subject to curvature. This curvature occurs in response to the movement of matter and energy, and it is this warping of spacetime that we experience as the force of gravity. In this context, the theological musings of G.K. Chesterton, articulated in The Everlasting Man, resonate with profound metaphysical implications. Chesterton writes, “Asking me to describe God is like asking a baby still in the womb to describe creation.” This analogy underscores the inherent limitations of human understanding when confronted with the vast mysteries of existence - whether in contemplating the nature of God or grappling with the complexities of the universe as revealed through modern physics. Chesterton’s reflection serves as a humbling reminder that, despite our advances in scientific knowledge, the full nature of reality, and indeed the divine, remains largely beyond our cognitive grasp.