Everyone has questions on big issues. This title provides fascinating insights into four common areas of such questions: time, space, life and God. The four areas are addressed separately, each section giving scientific details (where relevant) as well as quotations from great scientists, thinkers, writers and theologians. The reader’s thinking is challenged and the light of biblical teaching is shed along the way.
In terms of layout, each topic is split into many small sections with subheadings and illustrations. For example, when a person is quoted there is usually a picture of them or a picture/diagram of something else relevant. This can make the book difficult to follow and it’s not always easy to see connections between sections. However, it works well as a book to dip into to find stimulating quotations or useful information.
Each of the four topics is approached in a different way. For example, under the ‘Time’ section you will read about atoms, the law of gravity and relativity, but headings also include ‘Time to pause’, ‘Time passes and is gone for ever’ and ‘When did time begin?’. As with other chapters, challenges for the reader are included, such as the question, ‘How will you spend eternity?’.
Of the many quotations, one by Augustine illustrates how the book stimulates thought: ‘But if the present were always present, and did not pass into past time, it obviously would not be time but eternity’ (p.59).
At whom is the book aimed? Probably not the sceptic — they may well resist the frequent biblical references. It would suit any who are seeking or those who have a measure of Christian background or interest in the faith. Young people would benefit from reading it, as well as preachers on the lookout for useful illustrations and quotations.
Overall, this is an excellent and thought-provoking book. It challenges those who ignore God and embrace ideas such as humanism. May all who read it conclude that God is indeed the author and creator of the universe — including time, space and life.
Paul Relf
Chatham
