The Language of God

A Scientist Presents Evidence for Belief

By: Francis S. Collins

Narrated by: Francis S. Collins

An instant bestseller from Templeton Prize–winning author Francis S. Collins, The Language of God provides the best argument for the integration of faith and logic since C.S. Lewis’s Mere Christianity.

It has long been believed that science and faith cannot mingle. Faith rejects the rational, while science restricts us to a life with no meaning beyond the physical. It is an irreconcilable war between two polar-opposite ways of thinking and living. Written for believers, agnostics, and atheists alike, The Language of God provides a testament to the power of faith in the midst of suffering without faltering from its logical stride. Readers will be inspired by Collin’s personal story of struggling with doubt, as well as the many revelations of the wonder of God’s creation that will forever shape the way they view the world around them.©2006 Francis S. Collins. All rights reserved; (P)2006 Simon & Schuster Inc. All rights reserved.

Critic reviews

"What an elegantly written book. In it Francis Collins, the eminent scientist, tells why he is also a devout believer.... A real godsend for those with questioning minds but who are also attracted to things spiritual."

-- Archbishop Desmond Tutu

"The world respects Francis as a brilliant scientist responsible for breakthrough discoveries benefiting mankind. For a decade I have been privileged to admire him as a devoted family man and talented musician with a charmingly sharp wit. This intellectually honest, spiritually grounded reconciliation of God and science helps answer your greatest questions. I was profoundly enlightened and believe this important book should be required reading."

-- Naomi Judd

"Francis Collins, one of the world's most distinguished scientists, treats the relationship of science and religion with reason and reverence. Collins's mix of clear technical exposition and personal reflection is infused with an intellectual and spiritual honesty. Everyone who questions how religious faith could be reconciled with scientific knowledge, everyone who fears that modern science attacks the heart of religious faith, everyone interested in an enlightened discussion of a crucial issue of our time should read this book."

-- William D. Phillips, 1997 Nobel Laureate in Physics

"In today's world, scarred by cultural warfare, it is rare for a scientist to offer a testimony of faith in God. For that scientist to be one of the world's most renowned is rarer still. For his testimony to be so lucid and compelling, combining reason and revelation, science and spirit, is unheard of. The Language of God belongs on the shelf of every believer and every seeker."

-- Dr. Robert H. Schuller, Founding Pastor, the Crystal Cathedral

Good read (listen)

Overall this book was both interesting and informative. The topic is very relevant today given the tensions between the religeous right and other groups regarding evolution versus creation. There was, however, a bit too much 'me' (author) in the book and I felt it fell short of helping me find a rational basis for seeing God's hand in the wonders of science. Despite this, it was thought provoking and helps frame this very complex subject.

Good, Not Great

Any additional comments?

I feel that this book addressed some of the more superficial or commonly argued issues with regard to the merging of science and religion, but glossed over what, to me, are the more fundamental philosophical issues and took answers to those more fundamental questions as a given. Some of the information regarding how DNA works was interesting, but I was looking for more detail around the mechanisms and the elegance of DNA. The book did have some of that, but not as much as I would have expected. After all, God is in the details.

More answers

If you are a believer, read C.S Lewis' Mere Christianity then follow with this outstanding book.

If you don't believe, then read "The Language of God" and when compelled read C.S. Lewis.

Science vs God is a false dichotomy

Listened to this on my drive from Chicago to Denver yesterday, and greatly enjoyed it. Love it when audio books are read by the actual author, so that I can feel exactly what he means. His main thesis is that we should embrace all truth, but that the tools of science aren't capable of answering the meta questions having to do with the meaning and purpose of life. Collins is a physical chemist, physician and geneticist. He tells the fascinating story of how he ended up leading the human genome project that not only mapped the 3.1 billion letters of human genetic code, but insisted that it all become public domain. (There was a private company competing with this project and wanting to patent the information.) The two apendices, on bioethics and on applying DNA research to real health issues, were especially worthwhile.

Inspiring and encouraging!

An excellent review on an important topic. I appreciate this logical resolution between faith and science.