Maor Kohn

The authors’ question—“Science and faith—complementary or contradictory?” drew me in to read this book, but I have to confess, I am probably not a member of their target audience. They introduce a world where “new ideas are being created that turn God into a scientific entity,” a world where a healthy dose of skepticism might indeed be of great value. But I grew up in a rather different world, taught from a young age to "skeptically" question everything and delight in discovery. While I see no disagreement between faith and science, I also see no way to claim God can be scientifically proven, or that science should be accepted with devoted faithfulness.

The authors argue cogently against religion’s false beliefs, the god of the gaps, the 5780 year age of the earth, or even (one I’d not heard of) that “autistic people are the sinners of the previous incarnation.” The Bible (not really a source of belief in reincarnation) is used and quoted frequently (and freely). Scientific theory is quoted too, though not with great rigor—perhaps the authors aren’t sure non-scientist readers will want to understand quantum theory. Then an alternative—to faith? to science? to both?—is offered in skepticism.

For me, skepticism it a signpost promoting deeper study. But in this beginner’s guide it’s offered more as a path. It’s not a path I choose to follow because, quite simply, I would bee too skeptical and would argue too much with my guides. Instead, remembering the author’s own claim that rocks can be moved, I shall not fear “waves of attacks by believers” against science, nor waves of the opposite. And I’ll continue to believe faithfully, study seriously, and seek to know more.

Disclosure: I was given a copy and I read it with interest.… (plus d'informations)