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Questioning Faith
Can Science Explain Everything?
Can science explain everything?
Many people think so. Science, and the technologies it has spawned, has delivered so much to the world: clean water; more food; better healthcare; longer life. And we live in a time of rapid scientific progress that holds enormous promise for many of the problems we face as humankind. So much so, in fact, that many see no need or use for religion and belief systems that offer us answers to the mysteries of our universe. Science has explained it, they assume. Science and religion just do not mix.
Oxford Maths Professor and Christian believer Prof. John Lennox offers a fresh way of thinking about science and Christianity that dispels the common misconceptions about both. He reveals that not only are they not opposed, but they can and must mix to give us a fuller understanding of the universe and the meaning of our existence.
Many people think so. Science, and the technologies it has spawned, has delivered so much to the world: clean water; more food; better healthcare; longer life. And we live in a time of rapid scientific progress that holds enormous promise for many of the problems we face as humankind. So much so, in fact, that many see no need or use for religion and belief systems that offer us answers to the mysteries of our universe. Science has explained it, they assume. Science and religion just do not mix.
Oxford Maths Professor and Christian believer Prof. John Lennox offers a fresh way of thinking about science and Christianity that dispels the common misconceptions about both. He reveals that not only are they not opposed, but they can and must mix to give us a fuller understanding of the universe and the meaning of our existence.
128 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2019
304 people are currently reading
2210 people want to read
About the author
John C. Lennox
71 books888 followersJohn Carson Lennox is Professor of Mathematics in the University of Oxford, Fellow in Mathematics and the Philosophy of Science, and Pastoral Advisor at Green Templeton College, Oxford. He is also an Adjunct Lecturer at Wycliffe Hall, Oxford University and at the Oxford Centre for Christian Apologetics and is a Senior Fellow of the Trinity Forum. In addition, he teaches for the Oxford Strategic Leadership Programme at the Executive Education Centre, Said Business School, Oxford University.
He studied at the Royal School Armagh, Northern Ireland and was Exhibitioner and Senior Scholar at Emmanuel College, Cambridge University from which he took his MA, MMath and PhD. He worked for many years in the Mathematics Institute at the University of Wales in Cardiff which awarded him a DSc for his research. He also holds an MA and DPhil from Oxford University and an MA in Bioethics from the University of Surrey. He was a Senior Alexander Von Humboldt Fellow at the Universities of Würzburg and Freiburg in Germany. He has lectured extensively in North America, Eastern and Western Europe and Australasia on mathematics, the philosophy of science and the intellectual defence of Christianity.
He has written a number of books on the interface between science, philosophy and theology. These include God’s Undertaker: Has Science Buried God? (2009), God and Stephen Hawking, a response to The Grand Design (2011), Gunning for God, on the new atheism (2011), and Seven Days that Divide the World, on the early chapters of Genesis (2011). Furthermore, in addition to over seventy published mathematical papers, he is the co-author of two research level texts in algebra in the Oxford Mathematical Monographs series.
He studied at the Royal School Armagh, Northern Ireland and was Exhibitioner and Senior Scholar at Emmanuel College, Cambridge University from which he took his MA, MMath and PhD. He worked for many years in the Mathematics Institute at the University of Wales in Cardiff which awarded him a DSc for his research. He also holds an MA and DPhil from Oxford University and an MA in Bioethics from the University of Surrey. He was a Senior Alexander Von Humboldt Fellow at the Universities of Würzburg and Freiburg in Germany. He has lectured extensively in North America, Eastern and Western Europe and Australasia on mathematics, the philosophy of science and the intellectual defence of Christianity.
He has written a number of books on the interface between science, philosophy and theology. These include God’s Undertaker: Has Science Buried God? (2009), God and Stephen Hawking, a response to The Grand Design (2011), Gunning for God, on the new atheism (2011), and Seven Days that Divide the World, on the early chapters of Genesis (2011). Furthermore, in addition to over seventy published mathematical papers, he is the co-author of two research level texts in algebra in the Oxford Mathematical Monographs series.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 184 reviews
August 2, 2020
I always thought John Lennox lovely because he looks like a snowman, but his gloriously sparkling sense of humour makes it even more so. This little book is no exception; he is, although a scientist, never dull and dreary but rather an excellent communicator. His clever prose and metaphors have an almost uncanny power to put a constant smile on a reader's face, while making logical sense at the same time. Persuasively and genuinely, he presents his understanding for the relationship between Science & Christianity, demonstrating that they are more than not being in conflict - they effectively complement each other.
February 23, 2024
Bright and conversational--in a tone reminiscent of C.S. Lewis--this relatively small bite of apologetics aims to assert and defend one important point: Science and faith are not at odds.
"Christians do not deny the laws of nature. On the contrary, they regard the laws of nature as descriptions of those regularities and cause/effect relationships which have been built into the universe by its Creator--and according to which it normally operates. If we did not know them, we should never recognize a miracle if we saw one."
Lennox is a Professor of Mathematics and Pastoral Advisor at the University of Oxford--a marriage of roles that are far more complementary than contradictory. He opens the book with an account of a time early in his academic life when a number of his colleagues sat him down and essentially berated him for his faith, insisting he'd never advance in his career unless he gave it up. He was astonished by this conviction they seemed to have of the incompatibility of religion and higher learning, and it put him on a path to reeducate others regarding this misconception.
One of the first things Lennox explores at length is the long history of faith-filled men who were also major contributors to the scientific world. Not despite their metaphysical beliefs--but BECAUSE of them. Some obvious names like Newton and Galileo... but also a few I knew nothing about.
Speaking of Galileo. >.>
Am I alone in being told only that he was persecuted by the Catholic church for concluding that the Earth wasn't the center of the universe? Because that's literally the only thing I retained from my public school experience.
Turns out, Galileo's troubles were a heck of a lot more complex than that.
For starters, Galileo may have been a bit lacking in the social diplomacy department. (Apparently, he irritated the elite of his day by publishing in Italian and not in Latin, to offer some intellectual empowerment to new people.) And then he had the gall to contradict, and present compelling evidence against, the reigning worldview at the time: Aristotelianism.
"In his famous letter to the Grand Duchess Christina in 1615, Galileo claimed that it was the academic professors who were so opposed to him--that were trying to influence the church authorities to speak out against him. The issue at stake for the academics was clear: Galileo's scientific arguments were threatening the all-pervading Aristotelianism of the academy."
Yeah... that little tidbit blew my mind and sent me down a research rabbit hole. And I can't thank the author enough for that massive reorientation. But really, it shouldn't have surprised me that it was Galileo's own academic peers who used the church as a weapon against a man they found threatening to Aristotle--and by extension, their whole perception of scientific reality.
"The Bible and science evidently agree that the universe had a beginning. That is quite remarkable. For from the cosmological perspective, the idea of a beginning belongs to the 20th century. Up until that time, the view of Aristotle--that the universe was eternal--had dominated European thinking. The irony is that the Bible had been saying that there was a beginning for thousands of years."
I much appreciated the author's Cake analogy. (Essentially, science is useful to tell us how a cake is made, and what it's made of. But it cannot tell us why the baker made it. It cannot explain the intended purpose.) Science answers 'what' and 'how' questions. God answers 'why' questions. They are not at odds--by their nature, they are simply answering different questions.
Or to put it another way:
"We may say that God no more competes with science as an explanation of the universe than Henry Ford competes with science as an explanation of the motor car. God is an agent creator explanation of the universe--He's not a scientific explanation."
I also had no idea it was a man of the cloth who came up with the idea of The Big Bang.
"It was in fact a Belgian priest, Georges Lemaître, a believer in God, who first suggested on the basis of Einstein's theories, that there had been a beginning to space-time. That beginning was eventually jokingly called The Big Bang by the cosmologist Sir Fred Hoyle, who did not himself believe in it."
I'd never heard of this particular claim, but found it backed by numerous sources. Here's a quick rundown of how this came to be: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qym7Z...
"Christians do not deny the laws of nature. On the contrary, they regard the laws of nature as descriptions of those regularities and cause/effect relationships which have been built into the universe by its Creator--and according to which it normally operates. If we did not know them, we should never recognize a miracle if we saw one."
Lennox is a Professor of Mathematics and Pastoral Advisor at the University of Oxford--a marriage of roles that are far more complementary than contradictory. He opens the book with an account of a time early in his academic life when a number of his colleagues sat him down and essentially berated him for his faith, insisting he'd never advance in his career unless he gave it up. He was astonished by this conviction they seemed to have of the incompatibility of religion and higher learning, and it put him on a path to reeducate others regarding this misconception.
One of the first things Lennox explores at length is the long history of faith-filled men who were also major contributors to the scientific world. Not despite their metaphysical beliefs--but BECAUSE of them. Some obvious names like Newton and Galileo... but also a few I knew nothing about.
Speaking of Galileo. >.>
Am I alone in being told only that he was persecuted by the Catholic church for concluding that the Earth wasn't the center of the universe? Because that's literally the only thing I retained from my public school experience.
Turns out, Galileo's troubles were a heck of a lot more complex than that.
For starters, Galileo may have been a bit lacking in the social diplomacy department. (Apparently, he irritated the elite of his day by publishing in Italian and not in Latin, to offer some intellectual empowerment to new people.) And then he had the gall to contradict, and present compelling evidence against, the reigning worldview at the time: Aristotelianism.
"In his famous letter to the Grand Duchess Christina in 1615, Galileo claimed that it was the academic professors who were so opposed to him--that were trying to influence the church authorities to speak out against him. The issue at stake for the academics was clear: Galileo's scientific arguments were threatening the all-pervading Aristotelianism of the academy."
Yeah... that little tidbit blew my mind and sent me down a research rabbit hole. And I can't thank the author enough for that massive reorientation. But really, it shouldn't have surprised me that it was Galileo's own academic peers who used the church as a weapon against a man they found threatening to Aristotle--and by extension, their whole perception of scientific reality.
"The Bible and science evidently agree that the universe had a beginning. That is quite remarkable. For from the cosmological perspective, the idea of a beginning belongs to the 20th century. Up until that time, the view of Aristotle--that the universe was eternal--had dominated European thinking. The irony is that the Bible had been saying that there was a beginning for thousands of years."
I much appreciated the author's Cake analogy. (Essentially, science is useful to tell us how a cake is made, and what it's made of. But it cannot tell us why the baker made it. It cannot explain the intended purpose.) Science answers 'what' and 'how' questions. God answers 'why' questions. They are not at odds--by their nature, they are simply answering different questions.
Or to put it another way:
"We may say that God no more competes with science as an explanation of the universe than Henry Ford competes with science as an explanation of the motor car. God is an agent creator explanation of the universe--He's not a scientific explanation."
I also had no idea it was a man of the cloth who came up with the idea of The Big Bang.
"It was in fact a Belgian priest, Georges Lemaître, a believer in God, who first suggested on the basis of Einstein's theories, that there had been a beginning to space-time. That beginning was eventually jokingly called The Big Bang by the cosmologist Sir Fred Hoyle, who did not himself believe in it."
I'd never heard of this particular claim, but found it backed by numerous sources. Here's a quick rundown of how this came to be: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qym7Z...
February 21, 2019
Great addition to my John C. Lennox book collection. Recommend for anyone who struggles with the "can I be logical, scientific, and a Christian" question. Liked how it specifically addresses the Christian God and not just "god" in the broader sense of the word.
July 31, 2023
As a follower of Jesus, I enjoy apologetics, but this is one of the worst books I've read. His arguments are mostly non-sequiturs. For example, in the second chapter, he refutes the claim that Christians are delusional for believing in God. However, his only argument that Christians are not delusional goes like this: Christians tend to be happy and enjoy life, therefore, their belief in God is not a delusion. Lennox admits that a delusion is a persistent false belief in the face of strong contrary evidence, but all he does to counter that is say "religious involvement correlates strongly with wellbeing, happiness, life satisfaction... lower rates of depression, and faster rates of recovery from depression, to mention just a few". But delusion and happiness are not mutually exclusive in the slightest. In fact, the opposite is often true ( as the saying goes, "ignorance is bliss.")
Much of the book is reasoned with arguments not much better, if not worse than this. Lennox avoids many credible and serious arguments against Christianity. Rather, he spends most of his time cherry-picking evidence that supports Christianity only in minor ways, such as the numerous manuscripts of the Old and New testaments. One area I wish he had discussed is the authorship of biblical texts. There's much historical evidence against traditional understandings of biblical authorship, none of which is discussed in this book. Instead, Lennox summarizes minor historical evidence supporting parts of the Bible, then generalized to claim it is all true.
Lennox spends the majority of this book masquerading as a historian and scientist and misguiding his readers with poorly reasoned arguments, and at best the occasional sliver of truth. Ultimately, Lennox is providing many atheists with the evidence they need to show how delusional Christians can be.
Much of the book is reasoned with arguments not much better, if not worse than this. Lennox avoids many credible and serious arguments against Christianity. Rather, he spends most of his time cherry-picking evidence that supports Christianity only in minor ways, such as the numerous manuscripts of the Old and New testaments. One area I wish he had discussed is the authorship of biblical texts. There's much historical evidence against traditional understandings of biblical authorship, none of which is discussed in this book. Instead, Lennox summarizes minor historical evidence supporting parts of the Bible, then generalized to claim it is all true.
Lennox spends the majority of this book masquerading as a historian and scientist and misguiding his readers with poorly reasoned arguments, and at best the occasional sliver of truth. Ultimately, Lennox is providing many atheists with the evidence they need to show how delusional Christians can be.
April 24, 2022
I was leant this book by my friend because I’ve always wondered about the cross over between science and religion, can they both simultaneously be believed and followed? As someone who does subscribe both to science and (more recently) religion, I was excited to read this - especially when learning Lennox himself is a mathematician and a reliable scientific scholar.
Lennox provides a well thought through and thorough argument for the existence of God and Christianity while fiercely criticising Dawkins ‘The God Delusion’, while also making both historic and current references to theists and scientists.
Essentially, if you’re looking for something to inspire you or to spark your faith, or you’re interested in science or religion, or if you’re agnostic or even an atheist - this would be a brilliant read if you’re prepared to have an open mind.
Lennox provides a well thought through and thorough argument for the existence of God and Christianity while fiercely criticising Dawkins ‘The God Delusion’, while also making both historic and current references to theists and scientists.
Essentially, if you’re looking for something to inspire you or to spark your faith, or you’re interested in science or religion, or if you’re agnostic or even an atheist - this would be a brilliant read if you’re prepared to have an open mind.
January 12, 2020
A handy little book that presents a logical approach to Christianity, and how science and faith CAN mix. It outlines some of the limitations of science and also encourages the reader to personally experience a faith in Christ. A good introduction and one that I would feel comfortable giving out to skeptics as well as people seeking more about the faith.
Read
April 9, 2023A very easy to read explanation of how science and Christianity can cooperate together. Lennox critiques well with some witty humour that I appreciate. Listened to the first chapter of this book in lecture form first, and then realized it was a book. Very thought provoking. Gives a Christian more confidence that the Bible and science can work together.
September 21, 2023
Una introducción clara y objetiva de cómo se relaciona Dios y la Biblia con la ciencia. Lennox explica de manera tan sencilla, que cualquier persona puede entender. Recomendado.
March 25, 2021
كتاب رائع يتحدث فيه عن مواجهات مع اسئلة لبعض الملحدين المضادين لتعاليم الكتاب المقدس ..
عن وجود الله و عن امكانية الايمان به
و هل حقا العلم و الايمان يتحاربان ام ان الايمان لا يعارض العلم و ان الفهم الحقيقي لكلمة الله الكتاب المقدس .. تكشف عن الرب الخالق و قدرته على التدخل بشكل معجزي في هذا الكون .. و برغم هذا فهو اتقن النظام الكوني وفق قوانين و ابعاد لاتعارض ابدا معرفتها الايمان به ..
بل ان وجودها دليل على مبرمج و خالق مبدع و فائق الذكاء
كما ان الكتاب يتناول شكوك الملحدين عن قضايا هامة مثل لماذا يؤمن المسيحيين ان المسيح هو الله الظاهر في الجسد و لماذا نؤمن ان رسالة الكتاب المقدس .. تدعو الى الايمان بالمسيح عن اختبار و ليس اعتناق تعاليمه فقط ..
و شكوك حول شهادة الرسل و قيامة الرب يسوع .. و كيف يجيب عليها الكاتب ..
كتاب ممتع
عن وجود الله و عن امكانية الايمان به
و هل حقا العلم و الايمان يتحاربان ام ان الايمان لا يعارض العلم و ان الفهم الحقيقي لكلمة الله الكتاب المقدس .. تكشف عن الرب الخالق و قدرته على التدخل بشكل معجزي في هذا الكون .. و برغم هذا فهو اتقن النظام الكوني وفق قوانين و ابعاد لاتعارض ابدا معرفتها الايمان به ..
بل ان وجودها دليل على مبرمج و خالق مبدع و فائق الذكاء
كما ان الكتاب يتناول شكوك الملحدين عن قضايا هامة مثل لماذا يؤمن المسيحيين ان المسيح هو الله الظاهر في الجسد و لماذا نؤمن ان رسالة الكتاب المقدس .. تدعو الى الايمان بالمسيح عن اختبار و ليس اعتناق تعاليمه فقط ..
و شكوك حول شهادة الرسل و قيامة الرب يسوع .. و كيف يجيب عليها الكاتب ..
كتاب ممتع
January 18, 2023
"God created Adam to be curious but not discontented. The first humans were not prevented from slaking their curiosity... God wanted them to explore his universe and to discover the treasure of his wisdom"
Admittedly while I was always somewhat fascinated by physics and astronomy, Science was never my strong point. The nauseating maths equations made sure that any potential interest in the field was largely stamped out. I'm a story guy, what can I say?
As such, when having discussions with unbelievers about the wonders of the universe, I would always feel a deep unease that I was about to be trounced by some new scientific argument followed by a patronising pat on the head. "Aww it's kinda cute that you believe in a flying sky daddy that helps you make sense of this otherwise meaningless existence. As for me and the rest of the modern world, science closes this gap in our knowledge, illuminating minds once darkened and imprisoned by superstition."
However, in "Can Science Explain Everything?", John Lennox reminds us that such notions could not be further from the truth. In fact, a careful definition of both reason and faith shows us that these two terms are not at odds at all but are demonstrated by committed Atheists and Christians alike. Assumptions are challenged, and a compelling case for the intellectual nature of Christianity it presented.
Rather than being a stumbling block, the Christian faith was what fueled the curious minds of Kepler, Galileo, and Farady, whose groundbreaking discoveries were viewed as service to their creator. On the other hand, the dogged rejection of immaterial realities within the Atheist worldview actually closes minds to a comprehensive understanding of the universe as a whole.
Not all the arguments that Lennox makes are given room to breathe, but his wonderfully accessible writing style presents enough here to challenge misconceptions and stimulate discussion. I also appreciated the evangelistic thrust that kept the focus on Christ. For minds that naturally orientate toward reason and science, Lennox presents a convincing case for faith.
Admittedly while I was always somewhat fascinated by physics and astronomy, Science was never my strong point. The nauseating maths equations made sure that any potential interest in the field was largely stamped out. I'm a story guy, what can I say?
As such, when having discussions with unbelievers about the wonders of the universe, I would always feel a deep unease that I was about to be trounced by some new scientific argument followed by a patronising pat on the head. "Aww it's kinda cute that you believe in a flying sky daddy that helps you make sense of this otherwise meaningless existence. As for me and the rest of the modern world, science closes this gap in our knowledge, illuminating minds once darkened and imprisoned by superstition."
However, in "Can Science Explain Everything?", John Lennox reminds us that such notions could not be further from the truth. In fact, a careful definition of both reason and faith shows us that these two terms are not at odds at all but are demonstrated by committed Atheists and Christians alike. Assumptions are challenged, and a compelling case for the intellectual nature of Christianity it presented.
Rather than being a stumbling block, the Christian faith was what fueled the curious minds of Kepler, Galileo, and Farady, whose groundbreaking discoveries were viewed as service to their creator. On the other hand, the dogged rejection of immaterial realities within the Atheist worldview actually closes minds to a comprehensive understanding of the universe as a whole.
Not all the arguments that Lennox makes are given room to breathe, but his wonderfully accessible writing style presents enough here to challenge misconceptions and stimulate discussion. I also appreciated the evangelistic thrust that kept the focus on Christ. For minds that naturally orientate toward reason and science, Lennox presents a convincing case for faith.
October 26, 2020
Very clear and good book!! Simple and relevant arguments are developed!
July 30, 2019
Don't judge a book by its cover, could not be more true. I picked up the book after its title and also because a mathematician wrote it, but the content of the book is totally unexpected. It starts with a pseudo analysis why religion and science can coexist, end ends up as a full Bible commercial (with the regular divine intervention at the end).
I would normally just shelf the book after a few chapters but I was intrigued of a scientist that tries to explain and interpret religious statements, that keep him religious in his atheist field of work.
To disprove atheism the author uses declared atheists statements, and questions on their validity, but also questions the ability of the scientist to state something outside their field (religion). The same argument but for scientists that are Christians is used to reinforce religion (here it doesn't seem to matter that religion or ethics or psychology is not their field, in hindsight this probably also applies to a mathematician writing a religious book).
The middle of the book is salted with incredible analogies that leads me to believe this book is not addressed to anyone in his field. From comparing earth description in the Bible with "I am the door" metaphor not to take things literal, to explaining miracles ( breaking the natural law ) with breaking an arithmetic law by adding 10$, 20$, 10$ to a drawer, expecting to find 40$ next time you open it, but yet you find 10$ ( in this case the miracle is theft, one that breaks the law you were expecting ). I believe an analogy to that analogy would be to take the whole chapter 8, put 1 Jesus corpse in a tomb, lock it for 3 days, the law of Common sense would tell you that when you open it, 1 Jesus will be there, but when we open it we see that Common sense law has been broken and Jesus is not there. By all means he must have resurrected.
Transition from one chapter to another is made smoothly by stating what the next chapter will deal with, and starting with a statement about previous chapter conclusions. This is also the place where the author makes preposterous claims, for example "In chapter 6 we saw science does not make miracles impossible", a conclusion he solely must have reached, as no unbiased reader could draw the same conclusion.
The last chapters have nothing to do with science, even the word is barely even present, and when it is, it's totally unrelated.As any good Christian the author has encountered divine intervention and boosts greatly on it.
After reading this book I cannot grasp to whom it is addressed, a convinced Christian that also has good education will probably find this book amazing because it reinforces his beliefs. For an unconvinced Christian ( one like myself ) this book can actually turn you to atheism. The analogies and explanations for faith are puerile and makes you think that a scientist should have come with better arguments. If the foundation of religion would rest on books like this, we would all be atheists. Oh, and if you're of another religion just ignore the book (even if your a scientist).
I would normally just shelf the book after a few chapters but I was intrigued of a scientist that tries to explain and interpret religious statements, that keep him religious in his atheist field of work.
To disprove atheism the author uses declared atheists statements, and questions on their validity, but also questions the ability of the scientist to state something outside their field (religion). The same argument but for scientists that are Christians is used to reinforce religion (here it doesn't seem to matter that religion or ethics or psychology is not their field, in hindsight this probably also applies to a mathematician writing a religious book).
The middle of the book is salted with incredible analogies that leads me to believe this book is not addressed to anyone in his field. From comparing earth description in the Bible with "I am the door" metaphor not to take things literal, to explaining miracles ( breaking the natural law ) with breaking an arithmetic law by adding 10$, 20$, 10$ to a drawer, expecting to find 40$ next time you open it, but yet you find 10$ ( in this case the miracle is theft, one that breaks the law you were expecting ). I believe an analogy to that analogy would be to take the whole chapter 8, put 1 Jesus corpse in a tomb, lock it for 3 days, the law of Common sense would tell you that when you open it, 1 Jesus will be there, but when we open it we see that Common sense law has been broken and Jesus is not there. By all means he must have resurrected.
Transition from one chapter to another is made smoothly by stating what the next chapter will deal with, and starting with a statement about previous chapter conclusions. This is also the place where the author makes preposterous claims, for example "In chapter 6 we saw science does not make miracles impossible", a conclusion he solely must have reached, as no unbiased reader could draw the same conclusion.
The last chapters have nothing to do with science, even the word is barely even present, and when it is, it's totally unrelated.As any good Christian the author has encountered divine intervention and boosts greatly on it.
After reading this book I cannot grasp to whom it is addressed, a convinced Christian that also has good education will probably find this book amazing because it reinforces his beliefs. For an unconvinced Christian ( one like myself ) this book can actually turn you to atheism. The analogies and explanations for faith are puerile and makes you think that a scientist should have come with better arguments. If the foundation of religion would rest on books like this, we would all be atheists. Oh, and if you're of another religion just ignore the book (even if your a scientist).
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 19, 2023
Přečteno v českém překladu, ale jsem líný přidávat ho do Goodreads. Zajímavé argumenty, hlavně v prvních třech čtvrtinách knihy. Závěr už mi přišel čisté evangelizační, což chápu, ale už se to na můj vkus moc odchýlilo od hezké polemiky argumentů a protiargumentů.
October 4, 2019
Lennox's book is a short and sweet challenge to a contemporary attitude that idolizes science. Through his level-headed retelling of scientific history, his close examination of scientific theory, and his reasoned evaluation of faith's role within science, Lennox shows the limitations of science. He reveals science's tendency to point to a reality beyond human observation and understanding. Although Lennox deals with heavy topics, he does so without being dense. His lapses into storytelling and the occasional glimpses of his British personality help keep the reading light.
My primary objection to the book is that Lennox seems to unnecessarily waffle on the issue of the age of the earth. Although he gives the question fair treatment, his response is unsatisfying and seems unlikely. I would have liked to hear a few alternative explanations. Also, Lennox spends a large amount of the book examining the miracles recorded in the New Testament. Although an important follow-up to the topic of science, it seems to stray from the initial direction of the book. Since it is such a short book, it seems like he should have spent more time developing his original critique of science instead. But Lennox obviously had a different plan, and the result is still good.
My primary objection to the book is that Lennox seems to unnecessarily waffle on the issue of the age of the earth. Although he gives the question fair treatment, his response is unsatisfying and seems unlikely. I would have liked to hear a few alternative explanations. Also, Lennox spends a large amount of the book examining the miracles recorded in the New Testament. Although an important follow-up to the topic of science, it seems to stray from the initial direction of the book. Since it is such a short book, it seems like he should have spent more time developing his original critique of science instead. But Lennox obviously had a different plan, and the result is still good.
February 17, 2020
This is an excellent little book that introduces the topic of whether Science and Christianity can co-exist. The Author is a Mathematician(thus I have an affinity for him as my Science degree and post-graduate studies where in Mathematics) - in fact he is (was) Professor of Mathematics at Oxford - and so it is not surprising that he takes quite a logical approach to the matter. I also appreciated that he didn’t ridicule those who disagreed with him, and that he gives good references to both sides of the argument.
This book would be quite appropriate if you know at least a little Science, and want to know how does it relate to Christianity (if at all); or if you are Christian who wants to be able to give a better defence of his/her faith (so not a bad intro to Apologetics). Easy to read, and a good place to start :)
This book would be quite appropriate if you know at least a little Science, and want to know how does it relate to Christianity (if at all); or if you are Christian who wants to be able to give a better defence of his/her faith (so not a bad intro to Apologetics). Easy to read, and a good place to start :)
January 7, 2021
I typically read a book till the end no matter how bad it may be. I strongly believe that if someone bothered to put that much effort into writing a book, the least i can do is finish reading it (with one exception of War and Pease but thats another story). Thank God it was short as the content was nothing but garbage. I wanted to barf onto every single page. Also, i never ever write reviews. This is how stupid i thought this book was.
March 30, 2021
After listening to one of the public debates of John Lennox at the University of Vienna a year or so ago, I put reading one of his books on my to-do list. He looked a little like a human teddy bear, I liked him. A little less importantly, I also liked his way of speaking, arguing, and his way of approaching the discussion.
I would structure his book „Can science explain everything?“ into two broad topics. First he goes into the broad question of how science relates to theism or atheism. Then he delves a little deeper into the relation to the specific type of theism commonly called Christianity. Spoiler: Since Lennox identifies as a Christian, you basically know how the book ends, so there’s no big plot twist in here.
I was slightly impressed by the first part of the book. In his writing style you do notice that he is a Professor of Mathematics. His train of thought is always clearly visible and well stated. His arguments supporting the statement that theism and science in principle are not unmixable, as often stated, are valid and bullet proof. Although I have always found myself somewhere between atheistic and theistic, always hesitating to call me either one, I could relate deeply to many of his points. It gets a little less comfortable in the second part, when he deals more specifically with Christianity. He mentions many arguments in favor of Christianity, from general historical evidence (besides the Bible) through explanations of the context of biblical writings to his personal experiences and interpretations.
To me, this book disproves the assumption that religious belief necessarily stems from intellectual laziness (as little Timo once thought). All of the points made by Lennox are cautiously and solidly argued. Many of his points made, especially in the first part of the book, are stated with almost-mathematical rigor. In the second part they are comprehensible and well motivated, though sometimes arguable in my opinion. Arguable in a way that there’s nothing wrong with the underlying assumption, however the underlying assumption is more of a personal decision than logical necessity.
I would be very interested in experiencing Lennox discussing this topic in a one-to-one discussion. But reading his book was also nice. I did learn some new things. I liked this book and will soon read a second book of his.
I would structure his book „Can science explain everything?“ into two broad topics. First he goes into the broad question of how science relates to theism or atheism. Then he delves a little deeper into the relation to the specific type of theism commonly called Christianity. Spoiler: Since Lennox identifies as a Christian, you basically know how the book ends, so there’s no big plot twist in here.
I was slightly impressed by the first part of the book. In his writing style you do notice that he is a Professor of Mathematics. His train of thought is always clearly visible and well stated. His arguments supporting the statement that theism and science in principle are not unmixable, as often stated, are valid and bullet proof. Although I have always found myself somewhere between atheistic and theistic, always hesitating to call me either one, I could relate deeply to many of his points. It gets a little less comfortable in the second part, when he deals more specifically with Christianity. He mentions many arguments in favor of Christianity, from general historical evidence (besides the Bible) through explanations of the context of biblical writings to his personal experiences and interpretations.
To me, this book disproves the assumption that religious belief necessarily stems from intellectual laziness (as little Timo once thought). All of the points made by Lennox are cautiously and solidly argued. Many of his points made, especially in the first part of the book, are stated with almost-mathematical rigor. In the second part they are comprehensible and well motivated, though sometimes arguable in my opinion. Arguable in a way that there’s nothing wrong with the underlying assumption, however the underlying assumption is more of a personal decision than logical necessity.
I would be very interested in experiencing Lennox discussing this topic in a one-to-one discussion. But reading his book was also nice. I did learn some new things. I liked this book and will soon read a second book of his.
December 21, 2024
Accessible, yes. My problem is that, especially the arguments for the historicity of the Bible, Lennox confidently makes numerous claims as if they are not controversial when in fact they are. Namely, whether Jesus said he was God, or the reliability of the Gospels’ depiction of Jesus. Sure, the Gospels should not be considered absolutely lacking in historicity, but they should also not be considered to be free of serious problems of consistency.
The first few chapters serve as a good introduction, sort of. It’s just too presumptuous at times after that — specifically on the reliability of the Gospels.
It’s worth saying that I do like Lennox. He is a great communicator and comes across well. I enjoy watching his debates. My criticism is not toward him as such, but rather the format of this book — to try, in a brief way, to argue for the reliability of the Gospels … that cannot be done briefly in any serious way.
And for the record, I agree with the thesis of the book — that science cannot explain everything. Science describes. Science does not explain. *Scientists* *attempt* to explain basis on the available data. Reading Peter Godfrey Smith’s introduction to the Philosophy of Science, titled “Theory and Reality” is the book I would recommend to read instead to more seriously answer this thesis.
The first few chapters serve as a good introduction, sort of. It’s just too presumptuous at times after that — specifically on the reliability of the Gospels.
It’s worth saying that I do like Lennox. He is a great communicator and comes across well. I enjoy watching his debates. My criticism is not toward him as such, but rather the format of this book — to try, in a brief way, to argue for the reliability of the Gospels … that cannot be done briefly in any serious way.
And for the record, I agree with the thesis of the book — that science cannot explain everything. Science describes. Science does not explain. *Scientists* *attempt* to explain basis on the available data. Reading Peter Godfrey Smith’s introduction to the Philosophy of Science, titled “Theory and Reality” is the book I would recommend to read instead to more seriously answer this thesis.
May 29, 2024
I am appreciative of those who strive to unpack the science versus religion debate as a whole through meticulous research, which includes compelling arguments from both sides stating their beliefs--some of which include both God and science--, rather than either scratch the surface or make no attempt to consider that, contrary to seemingly popular belief, God and science may not be mutually exclusive. As someone who believes in both God and science (and no, I am not a skeptic or anything), I read this book mainly because I wanted a bit more of an insight to the debate as a whole. It was interesting reading peoples' arguments from different perspectives about their beliefs in the origins of the universe, miracles, etc. Overall, I was pleased with what I read. I have known and believed for a long time that God created the heavens and the earth and that miracles--such as Jesus' resurrection--are real, but I would say it helped solidify my belief that that includes the scientific aspect of creation as well, such as the laws of nature.
February 15, 2024
I really like Lennox. This is a very accesible summary of some of his other works. Where this book sticks to its subject it’s excellent. The final 1/4 of the book starts giving a surface level overview of the doctrine of original sin and its consequent ideas about salvation. He makes some short remarks about why this is relevant to his subject but it seemed out of place to me (beside the fact that I believe him to be wrong in his assessment of sin and salvation).
The opening 3/4 of the book do well at making accessible some of the explanations as to why science (broadly defined, not just the specific interpretation of science that is often associated with Christianity) & Christianity aren’t the enemies often assumed to be.
3.5 rounded up.
The opening 3/4 of the book do well at making accessible some of the explanations as to why science (broadly defined, not just the specific interpretation of science that is often associated with Christianity) & Christianity aren’t the enemies often assumed to be.
3.5 rounded up.
May 30, 2022
A simple yet profound book anyone should read. It may take some general knowledge on the subjects discussed, but this book is also an amazing starting point for a conversation with a skeptical person or also an Atheist. It offers such simple answers to some of the world's biggest questions that some people might be ashamed to even try to stand against them.
As a math teacher, John C. Lennox doesn't skip over any steps in proving science and Christianity actually work together getting to the ultimate conclusion.
As a math teacher, John C. Lennox doesn't skip over any steps in proving science and Christianity actually work together getting to the ultimate conclusion.
January 13, 2023
John Lennox also delighted me in this book! At first glance, a small book, but very high quality! He approaches the topic of science and Christianity in the right way and explains how in fact these two concepts are compatible, although many people cannot combine them and think that they do not go together. Wonderful explanations and examples of how science cannot explain everything and that it does not turn against Christianity but goes together.
I read this book in Serbian and I am really delighted.
I read this book in Serbian and I am really delighted.
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September 12, 2020ehhhh this is hard. like kind of good but also not really at times. i don’t know about this i’m not even going to rate it tbh. if i did somewhere between a 2-4 but not a three. there were good moments but a lot of very average moments that were either not that convincing or nothing new. if you have no foundation in theology i guess i’d give it a go... idk
April 21, 2024
Echt een heel helder, fijn tegengeluid tegen stemmen als die van Dawkins. Sluit goed aan bij hoe ik ernaar kijk en dat is prettig; blijkbaar ben ik niet alleen in mijn overtuigingen. Aanrader voor christenen die zich in een wetenschappelijk milieu bewegen, helpt om antwoorden te geven op veelgestelde vragen.
March 2, 2020
First, I agree with the author's viewpoint. Second, this is a really helpful little book for someone struggling with their Christianity and science. It's something I can recommend to students in high school (it's short, 125p.) Can Science explain everything? The answer is no.
March 20, 2021
I read this all in one day. Very well written. Very concise writing and the real life stories of his really adds to it. It talks a lot on the Christian point of view which I suppose I should have expected but it at least keeps me more informed.
A great read.
A great read.
June 7, 2024
Had to read before an event. Loved the first 3/4. I must admit, I skimmed the last bit about the resurrection, because I've already read these arguments in other books (and found them convincing). So I'm sure the last 1/4 is also good, but I didn't read it as carefully.
December 28, 2024
such an excellent book explaining clearly why we need Christianity and not just our own logic or scientific beliefs
"But John is not only concerned that we come to believe these facts; he is also concerned that, on the basis of those facts, we come to trust in Jesus as a person"
"But John is not only concerned that we come to believe these facts; he is also concerned that, on the basis of those facts, we come to trust in Jesus as a person"
January 13, 2025
A short and interesting read. The author is clearly able to answer the question of "can science explain everything?". The main point he had was that science and Christianity go hand in hand instead of imposing each other. By reading this book, it has definitely changed my perspective on science and Christianity.
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