Snatch defeat from the jaws of victory

Out of all the theistic philosophy books I've read, the first several chapters of this book does a good job of covering the major topics. I thoroughly enjoyed the walkthroughs of classical and modern logic to explain the philosophy behind truth and how it applies to theists and atheists alike. Long before I read this book it was the one of the arguments that had the greatest impacts on me and I enjoyed its presentation here as well. The author's personal story was interesting and relatable to the subject and made the book feel more human. I relate greatly to other scientists/engineers who find a deep connection between their work and their spirituality, having gone through a similar transformation myself.

However, the narrative took a nose dive at the beginning of the final chapter in a ramble against transgenderism, tolerance, cancel culture, and "post truthers". I call it a ramble, unlike the other genuine arguments in this book, because it does none of the work to encapsulate the discussion and address the supportive points of view that are in contrast to those of the author. In fact, it completely avoids discussing it by simply describing the climate as "red hot" after spending paragraphs alluding to it as 'delusional' and comparing it to a child in a costume pretending to be superman. It was extremely disappointing to see that the logic and arguments used in the rest of the book were completely dropped at this ideological stumbling point in favor for a dogma that isn't substantiated by the previous arguments and thought experiments. Earlier, the author takes great care to express that he believes the faith of the apostles and martyrs of Christianity because they suffered and died for their beliefs, and that people do not do so for things they know are false. The same can be said for transgender people. They suffer at the hands of the prejudiced, are disowned and evicted by their families, and they have one of the highest rates of suicide in the United States due to how they are treated. Despite this, transgender people will still live according to their beliefs because living any other way would be a lie for them. I wish I could explain why the author's basis for rejecting transgenderism is wrong, but he never actually explains it. If he believes it is a choice, then he fails to support his own arguments based on the inherent suffering of the transgender community that he used to justify Christian martyrs. If he believes it to be a mental illness, he does the ethical and moral malpractice of failing to treat it with compassion and understanding. I would argue that the author's stance against "post truthers" doesn't make him a 'truther', it makes him pre-truth. In his argument against what he portrays as an unsubstantiated extremist view, he has accepted one of his own.

A disappointing end to an otherwise interesting book. I wish it didn't take so much away from the previous chapters, but this subject is used to introduce and outline the author's concluding arguments. The tone of the book changes and it sticks out like a sore thumb, almost antithetical to much of the previous themes. Perhaps it serves as a poignant warning that, in our enthusiasm for things that are good, we can accidentally smuggle in things that are bad due to peripheral blindness and association.

15 people found this helpful

Totally worthwhile

Ever feel like the world is just a ball of confusion? The author details how his quest for truth started with pursuit of 3 doctorate degrees that if nothing else left him with more questions and confusion. Then came the discovery that truth is not limited to a scientific worldview. The implications are truly profound individually and collectively. He discovers what many before have discovered about the reality of God, but with his deeply scientific background comes to the conclusion that "believing is seeing". Also explains how everything involves faith, not just religious beliefs. Written concisely and narrated clearly; part historical, biographical, analytical, and contemporary. Provocative.The book ends with an invitation to seek truth not just by study but also by faith.

5 people found this helpful

Simply Amazing

Just finished Amazing Truths for the first time a week ago. PERFECT follow up is Believing is Seeing. Be ready with your dictionary; collegiate level. Don't let that stop you. Dr. Guillen has the unique gift and hard experience as a journalist. Big words always follow easy understanding. Science is followed with biblical reference.

Clearly the big win here is that Dr. Guillen is on Audible and is the reader. Offers huge benefits to the listener. Again, this man is a journalist. His award winning career across the globe is keenly supported by research - research that is easy to understand.

I just ordered (pre-release) the hard copy book. It will be my challenge to take the next listen with the book in hand along with my study notebook.

YUP. Must have in the library AND on your phone.

Jeff Tallman, Franklin Tennessee.

4 people found this helpful

A much needed discussion on faith

Michael Guillen’s discussion on faith is much needed in today’s diverse world. It was honest, powerful, and important. This book will be warmly embraced or stubbornly discarded, depending on the faith of its reader. Thanks, Michael. Well said!

3 people found this helpful

enlightening

Couldn't put it down, so in touch with life's struggles as I've encountered them as well. love the reconciliation of science to Christianity. on the mark, down to earth while still beyond material reality. so loved this book!

3 people found this helpful

I loved everything about this audio book.

It gave me comframation to questions I may have had and it also showed me of what my inner most core beliefs are the same as someone else's. it's always nice to relate to something that your on the same page of someone else's faith and beliefs. I've recommended this book to all my friends . thank you and may God bless you in all your ways and journeys through life and everlasting life to come. Joe Mitchell

1 person found this helpful

Love it!

Dr. G is a gift to anyone who listens/reads. His knowledge, experience, and ability to communicate is unique and worth a listen/read.

1 person found this helpful

Insightful Testimony

I appreciate Michael's honesty and vulnerability throughout this book. I'd recommend this to those looking into Christianity, for whatever reason, and current Christians at any point in their walk. He talks a great deal on science, religion and atheism, contrasting them with his life experience.

1 person found this helpful

Great listen!!

I’m a loyal listener of Dr. G’s podcast. I love his unpretentious manner, and his way of explaining complex scientific concepts, in a way that us non-scientists can understand. I was hoping the book would be more of the same, and I was not disappointed. I’m going to go back and read (listen to) it again and again.

1 person found this helpful

excellent, bought the Kindle book too!

excellent book. I took many science courses but Michael Guillen really has wonderful insight. I especially loved chapter 4 about light, but every chapter is good. Thank you for writing this.