The Language of God

A Scientist Presents Evidence for Belief

By: Francis S. Collins

Narrated by: Francis S. Collins

Length: 7 hrs and 12 mins

Publisher's summary

Dr. Francis Collins, head of the Human Genome Project, is one of the world's leading scientists, yet he is also a man of unshakable faith in God and scripture. Dr. Collins has resolved the dilemma that haunts everyone who believes in God and respects science. Faith in God and faith in science can be harmonious, not separately but together, combined into one worldview. For Collins, science does not conflict with the Bible, science enhances it.

The Language of God makes the case for God and for science. Dr. Collins considers and dismisses several positions along the spectrum from atheism to young-earth creationism, including agnosticism and Intelligent Design. Instead, he proposes a new synthesis, a new way to think about an active, caring God who created humankind through evolutionary processes.

He explains his own journey from atheism to faith, and then takes listeners on a stunning tour of modern science to show that physics, chemistry, and biology can all fit together with belief in God and the Bible. The Language of God is essential for anyone who wonders about the deepest questions of all: Why are we here? How did we get here? And what does life mean?

Download the accompanying reference guide.

©2006 Francis S. Collins. All rights reserved. (P)2006 Simon & Schuster Inc. All rights reserved.

Critic reviews

"Collins' credibility as a scientist and his sincerity as a believer make for an engaging combination, especially for those who, like him, resist being forced to choose between science and God." (Publishers Weekly)

Good read (listen)

Overall this book was both interesting and informative. The topic is very relevant today given the tensions between the religeous right and other groups regarding evolution versus creation. There was, however, a bit too much 'me' (author) in the book and I felt it fell short of helping me find a rational basis for seeing God's hand in the wonders of science. Despite this, it was thought provoking and helps frame this very complex subject.

Good, Not Great

Any additional comments?

I feel that this book addressed some of the more superficial or commonly argued issues with regard to the merging of science and religion, but glossed over what, to me, are the more fundamental philosophical issues and took answers to those more fundamental questions as a given. Some of the information regarding how DNA works was interesting, but I was looking for more detail around the mechanisms and the elegance of DNA. The book did have some of that, but not as much as I would have expected. After all, God is in the details.

More answers

If you are a believer, read C.S Lewis' Mere Christianity then follow with this outstanding book.

If you don't believe, then read "The Language of God" and when compelled read C.S. Lewis.

Science vs God is a false dichotomy

Listened to this on my drive from Chicago to Denver yesterday, and greatly enjoyed it. Love it when audio books are read by the actual author, so that I can feel exactly what he means. His main thesis is that we should embrace all truth, but that the tools of science aren't capable of answering the meta questions having to do with the meaning and purpose of life. Collins is a physical chemist, physician and geneticist. He tells the fascinating story of how he ended up leading the human genome project that not only mapped the 3.1 billion letters of human genetic code, but insisted that it all become public domain. (There was a private company competing with this project and wanting to patent the information.) The two apendices, on bioethics and on applying DNA research to real health issues, were especially worthwhile.

A memoir of harmony in science and faith

Collins is a fascinating man who is simultaneously a cutting-edge geneticist and a man of deep faith. This book is part memoir and part philosophy - in it not only does Collins discuss how he personally came to become a believer through seeking out truth using logic and reason; he also explains how rational belief can strengthen science and vice-versa in the human quest to discover the truth of the universe.

Hearing a first-hand account of the mapping of the human genome from the Human Genome Project director himself is especially moving. Additionally, inclusion of the actual songs Collins composed and performed during momentous occasions of scientific discovery were very poignant and make this audio book a special experience. Collins narration is pleasant and easy to listen to, his personal conviction is clearly conveyed.

Although the primary focus of this book revolves around the religious philosophy of a single person, I believe it is a fascinating choice for any open-minded listener who has an interest in Mr. Collins and his work, or desire to hear a level-headed criticism of the contentious PR battle between fundamentalist religious institutions and science.

Once in a lifetime story

Exceptional book, by exceptional individual. Should be required reading for every college student. History will refer to this book for centuries.

Harmony at Last

To think as a Christian once brought up in a system heavily leaning toward cultural elitism, exclusive thinking and a sort of interpretation of scripture that led to anti-intellectualism and judgment towards self and fellow man more than anything else, I’m humbled to find such a gem as this book. Written by famed NIH Director (and narrated as well) Dr Francis Collins one can only be in awe with his efficient and balanced approach of sharing personal testimony, scientific exploration and evidence, and logical thinking as he unpacks the place where religion and science can exists without us picking one or the other.
Very grateful to you sir for your work both in this book and without and will recommend this to anyone I can.

Very good points

This had good points in it. Understanding concepts can be hard at times. So good to go over and relisten.

Expected more

I was looking for an intelligent exploration of Christianity but this was more an argument against creationism. The appendix was the best part of the book in which he produced some results of his gene research.

wish it was longer.

this book reads like a casual conversation with a dear friend. I will most definitely listen to this again and recommend it to all of my friends and family