This book, written for the curious, peace-seeking reader, shows how universal notions developed through the study of natural complexity, such as multiplicative cascades, bifurcations, chaos, fractal transfor­mations, and self-organized criticality, reveal an impartial, coherent framework to visualize the dynamics and consequences of mankind’s actions, including the vital options of order and disorder, peace and anxiety, and unity and division, which we all confront in our lives.

Drawing an unforeseen link between the scientific principles and extensive Biblical analysis, Carlos Puente explains how the notions establish a dependable all-inclusive bridge to Christian faith, as the desirable condition for a simple yet fulfilling saintly life can only be attained in the root, the straight, the origin, and the positive, satisfying a few unconventional but memorable geometric adages, as “cut the mountains and fill the valleys,” “come down the chaotic tree,” “let your transformation be positive and unitive,” and “let zero be your power,” which summarize LOVE to God and neighbor.

An overview of the information can be found in content outline and in the illustrated short tale Or So We Have Been Told. Notes based on this book are used to teach the course Chaos, Complexity and Christianity.

See also the presentations The Hypotenuse: The Path to Peace and Faith Lessons from Chaotic Fig Trees. Those looking for a good song may also be interested in the music video for the song Y = X.

“A rare synthesis of informed scientific mindset and poetic hermeneutics — the reader needs to employ caution not to be deceived by the apparent simplicity of the work and lest fail to penetrate into the opaque depth between the lines and pages. This work is a sort of apparition of an exceptional application of mind uncharacteristic of the Western academic style.”

— Fr. Augustine Pamplany, C.S.T.
Editor-in-Chief, Omega – Indian Journal of Science and Religion

“Carlos Puente takes us on a fascinating and accessible tour of the pervasive interplay of complexity, order and disorder in nature, and shares the profound consonances with spiritual and ethical truths he finds there. The Fig Tree and the Bell is a provocative and inspiring book.”

— Fr. William Stoeger, S.J.
Coordinator for Science and Theology Programs
Vatican Observatory

“This original book shows how mathematics can be used not only to deal with natural phenomena, but also, figuratively, to discuss the ethical and religious dimensions of mankind. This bold, suggestive effort provokes our hearts and intelligence by providing a new path for the encounter between science and religion.”

— Fr. Rafael Pascual, L.C.
Director, Institute for Science and Faith
Ateneo Pontificio Regina Apostolorum, Rome

“Carlos Puente's book explores the recent development of a host of ideas relating to complexity in nature. It offers an intriguing argument for the relationship between art, spirituality, morality, and theology. I am happy to recommend it to readers in religion, science, art and spirituality.”

— Dr. Robert J. Russell
Director, Center for Theology and the Natural Sciences
Berkeley, CA

“This is a wonderful book! In many ways, it’s one of the most remarkable Christian books I have ever read – really visionary.”

— Revd. Prof. Michael Reiss
Chair of Science Education
University College London

Carlos is available to share presentations about his work on peace.
Contact him at cepuente@ucdavis.edu.

Painting by Alejandro Gil Jaramillo.
Cover design by Fernando Duarte and Segundo.