I honestly highly recommend this book. I have been reading books on atheism lately by Dawson and Harris, among others, and I must admit I find the arguments by atheists convincing and strong. It is a relief to read Collins' book.The author was first an atheist, having been convinced during his scientific education that there is no place for God in this world. However, he soon realized that science cannot replace God. In fact, science re-enforced his belief in God. Collins explains that as a Christian believer, "the experience of sequencing the human genome, and uncovering this most remarkable of all texts, was both a stunning scientific achievement and an occasion of worship."The author spends quite a long time on evolution, explaining how evolution re-enforces the existence of God. Atheists always use evolution as a major proof that there is no God. Collins believes in evolution, but concludes that there must have been a force to put evolution in motion. In other words, there must have been a creator. "In my view," Collins goes on to say, "DNA sequence alone, even if accompanied by a vast trove of data on biological function, will never explain certain special human attributes, such as the knowledge of the Moral Law and the universal search for God." Collins insists that "science is not threatened by God; it is enhanced" and "God is most certainly not threatened by science; He made it all possible."According to the author, pain and suffering, so ever present in the world, does not mean that there is no God. Many atheist authors have argued that if God really existed, He would not have allowed suffering. But the author explains that this is not necessary true. In fact, the author's daughter was raped when she was a teen, but this in no way convinced him that there is no God. Why God permits the suffering of innocents is a puzzle Collins does not pretend to solve, although he speculates, following C.S. Lewis, that we may need to suffer in order to learn. I found his arguments very convincing.Reason persuaded the author that the universe could not have created itself. C.S. Lewis was influential to the author, and like Collins, Lewis was atheist before embracing God. After reading this book, I am encouraged to read C.S. Lewis' books. Indeed there is wisdom in the written word. But take care; words are mightier than the sword! Choose your side carefully.
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