Book Review: The Hidden Face of God: Science Reveals the Ultimate Truth

Author: Gerald L. Schroeder
Spiritual Bias: Jewish (Kabalist)
Origins Bias: Atypical Creationist
Rating: Caveat Emptor
Level: Basic

Comments: This book by Schroeder contains a series of descriptions about various complex biological processes. In particular, he covers meiosis, the human brain, nerves, and basic cell operation. Some of the systems that he describes are truly incredible - detailed biology simply never fails to amaze me. He tries to make an argument that the majesty and complexity of these processes could only be the result of intelligent design. The problem is that in many instances the descriptions of the biological systems in question are not detailed enough and he really does not tie the complexity of these systems to explicit mathematical probability or irreducible complexity - which are the underpinnings of intelligent design theory. Now in addition to discussion about biology, Schroeder spents some time writing about metaphysical aspects of the universe. I found some of his ideas and thoughts interesting but in general this part of the book wasn't as edifying. I recommend this book for those interested in general origins but in my opinion if you're new to this field there are several other books that one should read first. In fact, Schroeder's The Science of God is a much better read.

Summary Quote: The insights of molecular biology have revealed a complexity at every stage of life's processes such that, if we were forced to rely on random mutations to produce them step by step, in the words of Nobel laureate de Duve, "eternity would not suffice."