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The book is biographical, as well, and his story leading up to this book is a fascinating journey from home-schooling, to atheism, to belief.Despite covering topics as weighty as cosmology, quantum physics and microbiology (material which can be skimmed over unless you are really interested in them, as I was), the book is well written, easy to read, and hard to put down. The evidence for belief that Collins presents is really not evidence leading to belief, but evidence that does not rule out belief. Collins was the Director of the Human Genome Project and the co-discoverer of numerous genes, including the one responsible for Cystic Fibrosis. Collins. I realize winter is almost come and gone and our inclination is to put down our books and venture outdoors, but I have one recommendation before you put away your reading glasses. The possibility of God must always be left to faith, but can such faith coincide with our current and future understanding of natural laws without a "God of the gaps" theory. Collins has accomplished what he set out to do in bringing harmony once again to the "two pillars of truth". And for those who do not, what do you have to lose.In an age when science and faith are seemingly at war, Francis S.
It is not the job of science to prove the existence of God. Collins does a good job of debunking "God of the gap" theories such as "Creationism" and "Intelligent Design" as well as debunking "Atheism" and "Agnosticism". The book is "The Language of God - A Scientist Presents Evidence for Belief" by Francis S. In chapter ten, Collins says, "Belief in God will always require a leap of faith." I underlined the words "leap of faith" in my copy of the book because it is a phrase dearly attributed to the philosopher-poet, Søren Kierkegaard, who so painfully pondered our existence and God. Parts one and two lay down the framework for Part three, which is "must reading" for anyone who has been confronted with the prevailing materialistic world view, and for anyone who has turned their back on science in order to preserve their faith, or worse, adopted a pseudo-science to bolster their faith.I must admit that I began reading this book with many pre-conceived notions and pet theories, most of which have since been left by the night-stand. If you are addicted to epiphanies and don't mind stretching your faith outside the box a bit, this is a book I believe everyone who even remotely professes a faith in God should take the time to read. Nor can it be proved philosophically. It must.If God is true and rigorous science is true, they cannot contradict.
I appreciate this book for what it is -- a scientist speaking about his personal belief. It was great to read about his personal life and how his growing up. The book is written without much agenda, as he just seems to want to present another view of creation and spirituality/science discussion. It is very well reasoned and sincere and I appreciate a differing viewpoint even if readers agree or do not.
I am not a scientist but a designer raised in a family of scientists. However, as a believer 75% of the time, I remained unconvinced by a few of his arguments in favor of belief, which I found he did not negotiate well: I thought he could have done better with the argument on the longing for God (I have read more interesting material). Science seems much more exciting than anything I ever experienced when I was in school. I would say I am in between, leaning towards theist at the beginning of undertaking this book. My son, who has tested into and attends a science and technology based High School, has not had his interest kindled yet; and his grades in science are exceedingly high; I notice Collins had the same feelings when younger. I would say that reading this book has not changed my views, but I find it an interesting read and wish my son's Middle/High School Sunday class were reading and discussing this rather than the one they are reading, which is about the tenets and theology of our particular denomination. Our family has theists, agnostics and in between. More thin ice lies in the area of why a caring God would place persons in an unfinished world where natural disasters still occur (I am not sure I have ever read anything that is satisfactory in this area) and in his arguments for miracles (here one has to believe that miracles are necessary at all).The surprising outcome of reading this book however, which my dad highly recommended (he is a retired research scientist), is that I am much more intrigued with the study of science now and I feel an envy for scientists, their minds and their gifts for research.
Collins' book seems wildly more appropriate reading and discussion.I found many of the arguments in Collins' book convincing or enlightening; I could understand most of the scientific information as presented, with the occasional question having to be asked of one or the other of family members. To me, his scientific arguments were clear and convincing. Even today, I wish schools had ways of kindling this kind of excitement in students at a younger age; much teaching is so cut and dry, and pure memorization. To me, this is a surprising and important outcome of reading his book, especially in this time when we should be encouraging gifted young persons into technology and scientific careers.
The author is one of those rare intellects that can clearly and in layman's terms write about a fascinating and complex issue.
Using his own discoveries, several well known authors, like CS Lewis, and scientific theories, he marries spirituality with science. I am so thankful to a brilliant man like Dr. Collins for giving me a name for my beliefs: Biologos or Theistic evolution.I am a believer who wanted a way to reconcile evolution with the Bible and the author did that for me. Not only are science and faith compatible, but he believes that the more you learn about science the more you can strengthen your belief in God.I have recommended this to everyone who wants to find their way to Truth. It is entertaining, well written and logical.
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