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Throughout human history, a significant chasm has existed between science and religion, church and state. Martin seeks to combine his faith-based prism with extensive knowledge in the sciences to establish that monumental moments like the Big Bang, the extinction of the dinosaurs, and evolution are evidence that science is a means of expressing faith and understanding God, a means to reveal his divinity and infinite scope. By connecting belief and science through both known and less commonly known scientific events, the author effectively paints a comprehensive picture for the layman. Initially, Martin’s focus is on Galileo, one of the earliest men of faith and science, and the Copernican theory that subsequently led to two inquisitions. Further, the text juxtaposes evidence for the Big Bang with carbon-isotope-driven data that suggests another brewing “Grand Extinction” that could be expedited by continued human folly.
Digging beneath the surface, Martin demonstrates how seemingly unrelated principles like atomic theory represent another layer of theological revelation. At every turn, the author’s vast knowledge of the sciences and its interaction with theology is on full display and best exemplified by the section on chromosome evolution. Despite the prose centering on extremely dense scientific theory and terminology, Martin consistently provides humor-infused charts and graphics to simplify the transition of knowledge from his mind and experience to his readers. Perhaps one of the most mesmerizing tables is “A Chronology of Cranial Expansion.” In succinct and precise detail, Martin navigates through a nearly two-million-year expansion of the frontal region that dictates cranial capacity. Combining his own theories with research and references throughout, there is little doubt that Martin’s work is thought-provoking and impels audiences to at least consider that the chasm between science and faith may not be so gargantuan and insurmountable after all.
RECOMMENDED by the US Review