The Language of God: A Scientist Presents Evidence for Belief

Book Review by Jane
Dr. Francis Collins may sound familiar, but probably not because he is an author. Dr. Collins is the head of the Human Genome Project. He is also a Christian and Darwinist. This book explains how those views can clash and where they can harmonize. It also speaks of the ethics of science; for instance, he provides the reader with a clear understanding on ethics of embryonic stem cells research. There is a chapter on Intelligent Design that I found interesting, because I could never really understand what they were saying about it. He clearly explains what it is, then he explains why it cannot be an answer to the question of where we came from. He calls it a “God of the Gaps” theory, and claims it faces the same fate as other theories through history, which may end up discrediting faith once more scientific evidence is available.

Dr. Collins talks about his religious background and believing in God on a personal level. He explains he was not born into Christianity, but developed a faith through contemplation. When he started working as a scientist and doctor, he was content for a while having agnostic and atheist beliefs. So his faith is a tested one. He had many experiences that opened his eyes and he touches on those.

I liked how the book was organized. Dr. Collins started talking about how his faith developed. Then, he went into science, which is definitely his true love. Dr. Collins has a great knack for explaining views on The Big Bang Theory, and genetics, as well as Creationism, Intelligent Design and Darwinism so that the reader can understand. There is a theory that he has renamed BioLogos, which is Darwinism allowing for faith in God. It is a theory that leaves room for religion to grow as our science changes the information we have available to us.

If you are looking for affirmation on either the right or the left from Dr. Collins, you won’t find it. He writes about the harm that has been done in the name of science and in the name of religion. If you are looking for something that allows for belief in a Christian God and still accepts the truths that science is uncovering every day, this is a good book for you. This book is also for you if you want to learn about the above mentioned topics.