The Devil's Delusion by David Berlinski

The Devil's Delusion: Atheism and it's Scientific Pretensions is an intriguing text which takes on the strongly held assumptions of the scientific community - especially biologists. Berlinski has at least two goals in mind. First, to show the inconsistant gaps of evidence and reason of several strongly held scientific convictions, including evolution. Berlinski thinks that in many respects science is a matter of faith. Second, Berlinski suggests that many in the scientific community have found a philosophical ally in atheism. As a result, the fundamental question about the existence of God is on the line.

The following quote encapsulates several scientific theories examined by Berlinski. Regarding the Landscape theory he states, "The Landscape theory has, after all, been brought into existence by assumption. It cannot be observed. It embodies an article of faith, and like so much that is a matter of faith, the Landscape is vulnerable to the sadness of doubt" (p. 128). Berlinski's sensibility toward the Landscape theory is similar to the much more controversial theory of evolution. He wants theory to be driven by evidence not by a faith driven presupposition.

David Berlinski is not a Christian but an agnostic and mathematician by training. What is refreshing about this book, and his approach to the topic, is that he longs for consistency arguing for (or against) the existence of God. This approach alone is refreshing because faith driven assumptions and allegiances are stripped away, nonetheless he argues that evidence lies with the theists and not the atheists.

For more information about this book watch this YouTube link here an interview conducted by the Hoover Institution at Stanford University: