Review of Thoughts on Science and Faith
Posted: 13 Jul 2024, 15:01
[Following is a volunteer review of "Thoughts on Science and Faith" by Michael John.]
The book, written by Michael John, discusses the interrelationship between science and religion in Christianity. It argues that a basic assumption in science and faith is the intelligibility of the universe and that the same is governed by predictable laws. According to the book, aside from religion, science also requires a kind of faith. This faith is called "scientism, which means believing in the fact that only scientific methods may lead a person to the truth. It gives real insight into questions like what is true, what is real, and how religious beliefs join with scientific ideas. It explains that both science and religion are based on using logic with reason.
According to the author, the order of the universe is in logical order, thus proof that it must have been created by an intelligent designer, God. The book further tries to debate Christians' belief in the resurrection, arguing that it is a rational belief backed by historical and theological data. The several themes the book carries include how science and faith can go hand in hand, finding out what is truthful and genuine, and the many purposes of God.
I love the way Thoughts on Science and Faith engages me in an argument over truth and the way we perceive things. The author makes references to different philosophical ideas to bring forth the complexity of understanding the truth. The way he makes one ponder over the findings and theories on whose basis our perception of reality is taken is interesting. It is also an excellent read for anyone interested in philosophy and the way we know what we know since this approach helps stimulate critical thinking and self-reflection.
One more thing that I have grown to like about this book is that it speaks about life after death. Interesting stories of near-death experiences and personal accounts blend into a logical argument that we continue living even beyond death. It injects into the discussion numerous relatable, touching stories; logic spiced with personal stories makes the argument within the book compelling and very convincing, leaving any reader hopeful and inspired. The book was exceptionally well edited and error-free.
I found no kind of dislike at all with respect to this book. I knew I was in for a book that ended up being one of my favorites with the noteworthy treatment of miracles by the author. It makes a distinction between arbitrary magic and purposeful miracles, holding that miracles are consistent with the ultimate laws of nature, even if we don't understand those laws. Such is the chasm between scientific skepticism and belief in the miraculous; it is a viewpoint to which I myself personally came many years ago.
I rate this book 5 out of 5 stars. It brilliantly bridges the gap between science and religion; this book makes the most complicated ideas very accessible and thought-provoking. Compelling arguments, stories to relate to, and deep insights into faith and logic kept me going with this one. I would recommend this book to anyone who is interested in philosophy, science, or theology, or to those who enjoy the profound questions of life and existence.
******
Thoughts on Science and Faith
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon
The book, written by Michael John, discusses the interrelationship between science and religion in Christianity. It argues that a basic assumption in science and faith is the intelligibility of the universe and that the same is governed by predictable laws. According to the book, aside from religion, science also requires a kind of faith. This faith is called "scientism, which means believing in the fact that only scientific methods may lead a person to the truth. It gives real insight into questions like what is true, what is real, and how religious beliefs join with scientific ideas. It explains that both science and religion are based on using logic with reason.
According to the author, the order of the universe is in logical order, thus proof that it must have been created by an intelligent designer, God. The book further tries to debate Christians' belief in the resurrection, arguing that it is a rational belief backed by historical and theological data. The several themes the book carries include how science and faith can go hand in hand, finding out what is truthful and genuine, and the many purposes of God.
I love the way Thoughts on Science and Faith engages me in an argument over truth and the way we perceive things. The author makes references to different philosophical ideas to bring forth the complexity of understanding the truth. The way he makes one ponder over the findings and theories on whose basis our perception of reality is taken is interesting. It is also an excellent read for anyone interested in philosophy and the way we know what we know since this approach helps stimulate critical thinking and self-reflection.
One more thing that I have grown to like about this book is that it speaks about life after death. Interesting stories of near-death experiences and personal accounts blend into a logical argument that we continue living even beyond death. It injects into the discussion numerous relatable, touching stories; logic spiced with personal stories makes the argument within the book compelling and very convincing, leaving any reader hopeful and inspired. The book was exceptionally well edited and error-free.
I found no kind of dislike at all with respect to this book. I knew I was in for a book that ended up being one of my favorites with the noteworthy treatment of miracles by the author. It makes a distinction between arbitrary magic and purposeful miracles, holding that miracles are consistent with the ultimate laws of nature, even if we don't understand those laws. Such is the chasm between scientific skepticism and belief in the miraculous; it is a viewpoint to which I myself personally came many years ago.
I rate this book 5 out of 5 stars. It brilliantly bridges the gap between science and religion; this book makes the most complicated ideas very accessible and thought-provoking. Compelling arguments, stories to relate to, and deep insights into faith and logic kept me going with this one. I would recommend this book to anyone who is interested in philosophy, science, or theology, or to those who enjoy the profound questions of life and existence.
******
Thoughts on Science and Faith
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon