It’s not an exaggeration to say that, in the ongoing popular debate between religion and science, most people know very little about either. To be sure, a little education can go a long way, and God Theories, by Ken Ungerecht, an electrical engineer and former high school teacher, offers a succinct and readable primer for the spiritual seeker looking for a basic understanding of some major principles of science.
Faith and reason are not opposed to one another, the author argues, but two disciplines necessary for a better understanding of nature. “I wrote this book to bring about a greater degree of reason in our attempt to understand our inherent spiritual nature.”
His purpose is honorable, and concise chapters on such topics as matter, energy, the laws of thermodynamics, and consciousness, as well as brief overviews of such hot-button topics as creationism, evolution and intelligent design, are presented in a clear and readable fashion. The summaries here are bare bones, but what the book lacks in depth is made up for by Ungerecht’s breezy prose.
Ungerecht is a natural teacher and his good nature and sense of humor shine throughout the book. God Theories, however, could have benefitted from more rigorous copyediting. And though it is only meant as an introduction to scientific ideas, the book would have been better served with more detailed explanations of evolution and intelligent design. Moreover, the last two chapters of the book on the First Amendment and whether or not God should be taught in public schools seem to take the book off course.
Still, even with these flaws, the book is a fast read and helps to illuminate faith through a scientific perspective. It could easily be used for primary discussions in church groups and Sunday schools programs.
Also available in hardcover and ebook.
