Evolution

The novel opens with an eloquent scientific description of the Big Bang. The words create a mental image of a vast mixture of darkness and light containing isolated elements whipping around in chaotic order. The description encompasses the massive space of cosmic existence, the vast amount of years accorded to its development, and the wondrous beauty of its elements. The description combines poetic description and scientific language in an image of breathtaking beauty and staggering complication.

The concept of evolution applies first literally to the scientific progression of life and later to the historical progress of human existence. Finally, at the end of the novel, it is applied to the human conception of God and religion. According to Pem, God must be remade in the modern world. There must be an evolutionary transformation that will provide a valid foundation for the modern amalgamation of intellect, science, and religion...