The Blossoming of the World

Book excerpt: In The Blossoming of the World, Brian H. Petersonauthor of the critically acclaimed The Smile at the Heart of Thingspicks up both pen and camera and journeys to the deep end of life. Along the way he confronts some painful contradictionsbeauty and violence, love and griefand reflects on illness, family, death, dreams, epiphanies, and the birth of self-awareness.More storyteller than philosopher, Peterson struggles to reconcile his Christian faith with his love of science, creativity, and spirituality in all its manifestations. Through word and image he quietly looks forand findsthe common ground that unites thinking and compassionate people of all shapes and sizes.Full-color reproductions of Peterson's photographs accompany and enrich this collection of essays and reflections.