Dr. Cunningham “peels the onion” by exposing, revealing layer
by layer, the intricacies of human belief in the existence of God, from the perspective
of a scientist subscribing to scientific reasoning. Dr. Cunningham’s platform stems as a
rebuttal, a clarification of inaccuracies of the renowned work of Dr. Francis
S. Collins, The Language of God. Dr. Cunningham goes further by “Decoding” his
colleague’s truisms using critical logic, analytical reasoning, citing historical
and contemporary sociological influences and conforming to explanations based
on scientific reasoning. This forms the
basis of a systematic, logical, and expertly written series of, what are
essentially “White Papers” of expert analysis; each taking incremental steps
towards his conclusions. Dr. Cunningham
writes, “The universal application of scientific theories to explain nature has
been one of the most productive uses of the human mind.” He uses this powerful methodology to answer,
to the best of his ability, the questions of theology.
As an example, Dr. Cunningham, in his retort to the
question; Can science explain the need
for religion, explains the following medical research conducted by Dr.
Andrew Newberg using a PET Scan of Buddhist monks while praying. “He found decreased brain activity in the posterior
superior parietal lobe, an area that helps us locate ourselves in three dimensions
and separate ourselves from the world outside. Newberg believes that without the parietal lobe, the concept of god or
God would not exist. No scientist or
rational person would deny that while god or God might exist elsewhere, god or
God also has to exist as a mental state in the brain.”
Decoding the Language
of God: Can a Scientist Really Be a Believer? discusses very personal and sensitive issues of belief in God, with
the utmost politeness and highest regard for the personal opinions of the
reader. The innate quality in the
writing of Dr. George C. Cunningham makes this book as enjoyable as if one was
to spend an evening in conversation, or perhaps attend one of his lectures. His written “voice” rings true to his belief
and his personal opinions, while carefully respecting the intelligence of the
reader. He makes it clear his research
on the topics is based on logical plateaus others have already proven or
disproved. This is very delicately done,
revealing the “gentleman” within the scientist. He professes the humble teachings of a man that has performed immeasurable
research, has devoted much of his life’s work toward achieving his skillful
articulation of his reasoning. He
carefully and successfully postures his work not to offend any of his
intellectual readers. As a literary
piece, his use of footnotes and indexing are impeccable. With the respect he gives, I certainly
reciprocate, as I believe all that read his work would agree in his soundness
in his determinations, even if contradicting their own belief.
To Dr. Cunningham, I say, “Q.E.D. Quod erat
demonstrandum.” You certainly have
decoded Collins’ work. This book is for
the open-minded person that isn’t afraid to challenge the standard belief
system of religion, science, and the question regarding the existence of God.
Buy this book at Amazon.com
