A Devil's Chaplain: Reflections on Hope, Lies, Science, and Love [Hardcover]

In this book, he puts together a collection of essays which, in the essence, is a guidebook to non-scientists to debunking pseudo-science. He does so in a variety of ways:
1. He demonstrates how complex physics concepts are used in literature to seem more scientific.
2. He shows how creationists seek legitimacy in the public eye with scientific sounding ideas like "intelligent design" and others which are nothing more than pseudo-science. He also offers ideas on how to deal with them.
3. He points out, in an open letter to his daughter, how to know what is truth and what isn't, what are good and bad reasons to believe something.
4. He recommends a number of follow up readings in his book reviews. These are mainly on Stephen Jay Gould and Peter Medawar, two other famed biologists who write for the general public.

The essence of the book is reflected, I believe, in the last essay, in which he makes the point that evidence is the only way to truth and knowledge, and the basis of science. He shows that evidence is a better reason to believe something than its three foes: authority, revelation and tradition.

I highly recommend this book to anyone looking for intelligent arguments and thoughts on a wide variety of subjects, all related to science, its importance and its usage (or lack thereof) in society.

The first section is definately a wonderful starting line! The first article, the namesake of the book, is some of the most inspirational and beautiful words on the topic of an educated, rational, scientific view of life I have ever read. It brought me close to tears and I think is an important thing for anybody that shares Richard's zest for an inquisitive, skeptical view of life to read.

The second section is mostly Richard's continued admiration of Charles Darwin and his work. The first two articles are titled "Light Will Be Thrown" and "Darwin Triumphant" and I think the titles speak for themselves. My only bone to pick is that in this section Richard devotes under a page and a half to subject of homosexuality and genetics. As a gay man I have always been interested in Richard's thoughts on the subject and the short, curt, dare I say brush off of the topic I felt was cheating the readers of his signature wit and incredible logic and crystal clear communication of ideas.

Section three was a collection of some of Richard's passionate, bold words on the subject of religion. In a culture (especially in America) where religion is untouchable and immune from scrutiny I applaud Richard's bravery in taking on the subject with his incredible talents of logic. The last essay in the section, "Time To Stand Up", is infused with post-911 urgency and are truly inspiring words from an atheist's point of view.

Section 4 is a collection of eulogies and such for late friends of Richard's. A beautiful assortment of words that make the reader feel as if they knew the honored personally.

Section 5 documents the debates and agreements between Richard and Stephen Jay Gould. A wonderful chapter that showcases some stellar educated skirmishes between two great minds.

Section 6 is perhaps the most personal section. With the connecting theme of Africa Richard shares personal stories from his involvement with the continent through being born there and his acquaintances with important people doing important work there.

The last section is just a "prayer" for his daughter Juliet. An inspiring argument for reason and science as opposed to the trickery of tradition, authority, and revelation, I feel like the letter could of been written to Richard's readers as well as an admonishon to continue searching for the cold hard truth of fact and evidence.

Altogether a wonderful book by a wonderful man!