RETURN OF THE GOD HYPOTHESIS PB

The New York Times bestselling author of Darwin’s Doubt presents groundbreaking scientific evidence of the existence of God, based on breakthroughs in physics, cosmology, and biology.

Beginning in the late 19th century, many intellectuals began to insist that scientific knowledge conflicts with traditional theistic belief-that science and belief in God are 'at war.' Philosopher of science Stephen Meyer challenges this view by examining three scientific discoveries with decidedly theistic implications. Building on the case for the intelligent design of life that he developed in Signature in the Cell and Darwin’s Doubt, Meyer demonstrates how discoveries in cosmology and physics coupled with those in biology help to establish the identity of the designing intelligence behind life and the universe.

Meyer argues that theism-with its affirmation of a transcendent, intelligent and active creator-best explains the evidence we have concerning biological and cosmological origins. Previously Meyer refrained from attempting to answer questions about 'who' might have designed life. Now he provides an evidence-based answer to perhaps the ultimate mystery of the universe. In so doing, he reveals a stunning conclusion: the data support not just the existence of an intelligent designer of some kind-but the existence of a personal God.

Stephen C. Meyer received his Ph.D. from the University of Cambridge in the philosophy of science after working as an oil industry geophysicist. He now directs the Center for Science and Culture at the Discovery Institute in Seattle, Washington. He authored Signature in the Cell, a (London) Times Literary Supplement Book of the Year.

As reviewed by Stephen McQuoid, GLO General Director:

'In this book Meyer recalls that while many of the founders of modern science were theists and indeed devout Christians, nevertheless the enterprise of science seemed over time to jettison theistic faith and commit to materialism without God. This culminated in prominent spokespersons such as the so called ‘New Atheists’ claiming that belief in God is profoundly unscientific.

From this point Meyer begins to look at some remarkable discoveries over that past few decades in the fields of astronomy, physics and biology. Three in particular are of note. Firstly, the universe is not eternal but came into being. Second, the universe is exquisitely finely tuned and third, those who thought Darwin’s theory was some sort of silver bullet for materialists now have to deal with the reality of information rich DNA which cannot be accounted for in his theory. The book finishes with a discussion on whether theism or atheism are the best explanation for all this data.

If you are familiar with some the significant debates between atheists and Christian apologists, these arguments will not be new to you. However, what Meyer does is to package and detail these arguments and explain their importance and this he does brilliantly. This is an academic book as well as 500+ pages long and Meyer clearly utilises material from his own PhD. It is however brilliant and helpful. It is exactly the kind of book to give to a thinking and well-read atheist that you might be witnessing to. If atheism is losing some of its explanatory power, this book is a bit of a sledgehammer that could damage it further.'

Publisher: HarperOne (26 April 2023)
Language: English
Paperback: 384 pages