The Language of God: A Scientist Presents Evidence for Belief [Paperback]

 

 

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When I purchased this book I took it somewhat at face value and imagined that it would be a strong treatise on the Human Genome from the man whose efforts primarily coordinated the accomplishment of cataloguing the entire human genome. Further I was hoping for some clear evidence for belief, just as the cover states.

My expectations weren't entirely met in that regard and I have to confess to a certain disappointment and sense that perhaps Dr. Collins or his publisher, decided to make that claim to sell books, rather than accurately represent what this book is.

What this book is, in my opinion, is still a very valuable thing. This is an apologetics book that gives the autobiography of a very intelligent and successful scientist and explains very well, why science as a discipline and faith in the existence of God as revealed through Christianity, need not result in cognative dissonance.

It is engagingly written. It addresses many of the main points needful in such a discussion today. It is a statement of faith from a man in a community often resistant to the idea of faith and from which it seems more statements of attack on faith come than support.

The average reader will find the discussions on DNA and the genome educational and catch some of the awe and wonder of a scientist who is prepared to accept both the existence of God as well as deal properly with science and working with the evidence it provides.

The advanced science reader already familiar with the basics of the field will not find a great deal of new material. The appendices address more in this realm than the main text itself.

Francis Collins is a Theistic Evolutionist. This is not a new position. Collins personal story tells of how he moved from atheism through the writings of C.S. Lewis, who himself was effectively a theistic evolutionist, although for some different reasons perhaps than Dr. Collins. He gives a very good and reasonable defense for his position which helps, I believe to counteract the Young Earth Creationist movement's hijacking of the framing of the discussion and demonstrates that faith need not equate to intellectual suicide.

That's a far cry however, from Evidence for his Belief.

In that regard, Theistic Evolution is not about evidence so much as how one understands and interprets evidence. Important, but not what is claimed.

It's still a worthwhile read and very thought provoking. I just wish it was presented more accurately as to what it is.

4 Stars.

Bart Breen

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The title of this book comes from the words used in a speech by former U.S. President Bill Clinton after the entire human genome (pronounced GEE-nohm) had been sequenced or "read." ("The human genome consists of all the DNA of our species, the hereditary code of life.")

The book itself was written by geneticist Francis S. Collins, the longtime head of the Human Genome Project (HGP), the project responsible for the incredible scientific accomplishment mentioned above. The HGP was the ambitious international scientific effort that began in 1998 and the first draft of the human genome was completed in June 2000.

Here are the aims or goals of this book as Collins states them:

(i) "This book aims to...[argue] that [a] belief in God can be an entirely rational choice, and that the principles of faith are, in fact, complimentary with the principles of science."
(ii) "[H]ere is the central question of this book: In this modern era of cosmology, evolution, and the human genome, is there still the possibility of a richly satisfying harmony between the scientific and spiritual worldviews?...The goal of this book is to explore a pathway toward a sober and intellectually honest integration of these views."
(iii) "I will argue that these perspectives [or views] not only can coexist within one person, but can do so in a fashion that enriches and enlightens the human experience."

This book is divided into three parts. Below I will give the names of all three parts (in uppercase) and what each part generally discusses:

(1) THE CHASM BETWEEN SCIENCE AND FAITH. (2 chapters.) Discusses the author's journey from agnosticism, through atheism, to belief and looks into the philosophical issues (examples: "Isn't the idea of God just wish fulfillment?" and "Why would a loving God allow suffering in the world?") that believers have to contend with. Believers should enjoy these chapters as Collins makes numerous arguments based on his experiences, observations, beliefs, and the writings & stories of others. He mentions such things as faith, God, miracles, and the supernatural. Non-believers will be disappointed as no hard evidence of Collins' belief (as suggested in the book's subtitle) is presented.
(2) THE GREAT QUESTIONS OF HUMAN EXISTENCE. (3 chapters.) In this part, the origins of the universe, life on Earth, and lessons from the human genome are presented. Excellent science is presented that's easy to follow. Collins presents some interesting arguments and presents his beliefs and inferences, but there is no hard evidence of God's existence presented.
(3) FAITH IN SCIENCE, FAITH IN GOD (6 chapters.) In my opinion, this part is the best part. There is good discussion and excellent science evidence presented on topics of atheism, agnosticism, creationism, intelligent design (including "God in the gaps"). The penultimate chapter is on "Biologos" where science and faith are in harmony. This chapter especially is interesting because it presents the little known concept of "Theistic Evolution." Believers' eyes will probably be opened by this part and non-believers will probably learn much also. Again, actual hard evidence on God's existence is absent.

There are ten illustrations in the book that show some science concepts. I would have liked to have seen more illustrations but these ten are, in my opinion, both excellent and interesting.

There were a few problems I found:

(1) As can be deduced from my brief summary above, there is really no hard "evidence for belief." However, there is much hard scientific evidence presented. The phrase "evidence for belief" is found in the book's subtitle and was why I was attracted to this book in the first place. Thus, I was disappointed when none was really presented (even though there's a lot of inferential evidence).
(2) At many points in the book, Collins talks about his belief in a "supernatural Creator." He wants the reader to believe this also. However, a belief is not evidence.
(3) Collins says the existence of the "Moral Law" or knowledge of right and wrong is evidence of God's existence. (He states this a few times.) Implied here is that you halve to be religious to be moral. This is untrue.
(4) Collins tells us that science cannot answer all questions and strongly implies that this is one of its faults. Actually, this is not a fault. Science never claimed and is not designed to answer all questions.
(5) There are some factual errors in this book. While these don't affect its readability, I found them to be annoyances.

In conclusion, this book presents some excellent scientific evidence but no "evidence for belief." I think this book will not be satisfying to all believers (except perhaps for those who have read only the first two chapters) or convincing to non-believers (but they should find the scientific material presented that is found after the first two chapters interesting).

(first published 2006; introduction; 11 chapters or 3 parts; main narrative 235 pages; appendix on Bioethics; notes; acknowledgements; index; about the author)

<<Stephen Pletko, London, Ontario, Canada>>

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In "The Language of God," Collins explains how he, as a scientist, is able to reconcile his Christian faith, and current scientific thought. He does so in a respectful tone, whilst explaining scientific and theological concepts in a way that anyone could understand. This book is also deeply personal: Collins is extremely open about his life journey, the hardships along the way, and how he finds hope in his faith.

I think this book will be deeply engaging for anyone that has questions about how science and faith relate.

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3.0 out of 5 stars Shipping problems...still waiting for product
Amazon was prompt to inform me that the normal means they use to import books from this dealer was unable to send. Read more

Published 8 months ago by JJ247

5.0 out of 5 stars A Mind- Openning Read
I greatly enjoyed reading this book, it is a positive perspective on such an important topic.

Strongly recomend this for anyone looking for an easier read in trying to... Read more

Published 24 months ago by T. Serpa

4.0 out of 5 stars The language of God
I really enjoyed Dr.Collins book and the way he did not bash other views on creation. He is confident in his own understanding of the subject. Read more

Published on Jun 4 2009 by Johan Kostelyk

2.0 out of 5 stars Not so good
After reading The Language of God by Dr. Francis S. Collins. He was the fellow who headed the Human Genome Project. Read more

Published on Nov 29 2007 by Matthew Gawelczyk

5.0 out of 5 stars A great read for analytic thinkers...
As an analytic type of person, you may ask yourself whether faith in something you have never seen, heard, touched or tasted makes any sense whatsoever. Read more

Published on Oct 12 2007 by L. M. Compton

5.0 out of 5 stars Ponder over it
In Collins' opinion the opposition to evolution, whether the biblical literalism of creationists or intelligent design arguments, undermines the credibility of faith. Read more

Published on Nov 14 2006 by David

1.0 out of 5 stars No doctor should make these mistakes
I agreed with much of The Language of God except for the Intelligent Design chapter. This chapter is irresponsible, especially in that the author is a medical doctor. Read more

Published on Oct 8 2006 by Lover of Science

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