Amazing Truths by Michael Guillen

I am not sure how to describe this book. I thought it was going to be one of apologetics, but it is not. It is more an explanation of Guillen's awe at correlations between biblical and scientific truth. There are correlations between the universe and Christian belief that are amazing truths.

Sometimes Guillen draws a lesson from science that is applied to Christianity. One example is dark matter. He gives the history leading to the postulation of dark matter and dark energy. Scientists now believe that only five percent of the entire universe is actually visible to us. He relates that to life after death. “Believing in an afterlife is consistent with believing there is a huge part of reality that is hidden from us.” That correlation breaks down a bit when one considers that scientists proposed dark matter and energy because they could see the effects caused by the invisible something. Belief in the afterlife does not have the same kind of origin.

I was most fascinated with his discussion on light and the nature of God. Scientists know that the speed of light is a constant in a vacuum. We know from Einstein's theories that the faster an object goes, the more time slows down. For a particle traveling 99.99999 percent the speed of light, a second stretches to a day and a half. For light itself, traveling at 100 percent the speed of light, time slows to a complete stop. Time doesn't exist. 1 John 1:5 tells us God is light. God is not bound by time. For Him, there is no time. He exists beyond time.

Another correlation Guillen covers includes the fact that the universe had a beginning and materialized out of nothing (energy?). He also has a good section on the limits of scientific “proof.”

He identifies the purpose of this book: “To urge you, when faced with complex issues, to consider thoughtfully both the findings of science and the teachings of Scripture.” He wants readers to see the agreement between the two. Many think that believing the Bible is stupid. Reading this book helps one see that the Bible should be treated with respect. It has insights science is now confirming.

I would recommend this book to those who are interested in the relationship of the Bible and science in general terms but not in specific instances. The correlations Guillen provides are in the realm of interesting and perhaps amazing but not in the realm of convincing proof. He also shares the spiritual applications of many scientific discoveries which is interesting but again, not conclusive proof of a specific correlation between science and the Bible.

My rating: 4/5 stars.

Michael Guillen, PhD, is a three-time Emmy Award winner, bestselling author, and former Harvard University instructor. He was the ABC News science editor for fourteen years and now hosts a prime time series on the History Channel. Guillen earned his PhD in physics, mathematics, and astronomy from Cornell University. You can find out more at www.michaelguillen.com.

Zondervan, 208 pages.

I received a complimentary egalley of this book from the publisher for the purpose of an independent and honest review.