The Probability of God: A Simple Calculation That Proves the Ultimate Truth [Paperback]

Do I regard the authors core argument for belief in a God as flawed for the reasons you have read? Yes. I do. But in the interest of restoring balance allow me to highlight the strengths of this book.

First, Dr. Unwin has presented a new and innovative way to look at belief in God. In an area where the standard arguments for theistic belief have become calcified and tedious, the author delivers a breath of fresh air through Bayesian probabilities. The mathematical framework of Bayesian probabilities also provides a badly needed field of commonality on which both sides can meet to debate the merits of the issues. The math is easy and accessible due to the effortless way the authors has with words.

Second, the provocative 67% probability figure has energized the debate and provoked a lot of interest in the issues, as evidenced not just by the flurry of reviews here on Amazon, but by the guest appearance of the author on NPR, as well as by all of the human-interest news items generated in the press. Most theistic books never manage a blip on the public radar, while the authors work is seismographic in comparison.

Third, the supporting material is worth the price of the book. The author challenges currently popular evidences for God, and his discussions on what it means to 'exist', on quantum behaviors, and the bigotry of 'Scaleism' are delightful!

In conclusion, The Probability of God is vibrant. It sparkles with wit and thought provoking arguments. Weather you are a believer in God or not, you will find something in this book the challenge you and engage your mind. If you don't agree with the author, run your own numbers. Cast your own criteria and see where the calculations lead. Dr. Unwin will show you how.

In spite of the fact that I am agnostic and have no particular belief in gods, I find myself in the unusual position of recommending that people buy this book which argues for the existence of God. That is how special this book is. I call this book is a recommended read.

The value of the book is not in its theology, but rather in the questions posed, and the structural and analytical tools provided to the reader. I especially appreciate that the author focuses on equipping inquisitive readers with a methodology for identifying, structuring, and assessing their own beliefs, and not on defending a particular position or belief. The pluralism allowed by the author's approach is indeed a welcome relief to dogmatic positions so often manned in matters of religion. Posturing and "Is" and "Is not" positioning are absent from this book. Readers are free to select and evaluate their own beliefs. The author's perspective encourages contemplation, not fortification.

Thankfully, the writing is witty and at tiimes delightfully humorous. The author skillfully balances the sophisitcated logic that underlies Bayesian analytical technique (more nearly the subject of the book), with light-hearted and sometimes penetrating examples. The author's discussion implies truths imbedded in probability and decision analysis methodology. 1.) Statment of the premise has a direct effect on the analytical result: i.e., careful the question, lest the indication provided by the analysis point east rather than north. 2.) In order to be meaningful Bayesian analysis must be rigorously structured and consistently applied; there-in resides the strength of a mathematical approach. 3.) Once "premise" and "structure" are established, results of alternate determinants can be calculated with minimal effort. 4.) And finally, results of iterative analyses give rise to insights as to which determinants drive results and therefore the direction of the decision.

An unexpected side benefit of the book is the interest it sparks for gaining additional understanding of the development of probabilistic thinkiing and methodology. Unwin's THE PROBABILITY OF GOD are shelved alongside Bernstein's AGAINST THE GODS, and Hacking's THE TAMING OF CHANCE: good reading all.

The thought process that Unwin goes through is very original - and originality is not a word I often associate with books on religious themes, which tend to be stale and repetitive. The probability numbers are fun, but that's not where I see the value of this book. The idea that uncertainty about religious ideas has a positive benefit is the most intruiging to me, i.e., faith needs uncertainty. I noticed an earlier reviewer said this book is not for the certain on either side of the debate. I agree completely.

This book is a very quick read given the weight of the subject matter. I found it fun, edifying, and very uplifting.