For generations it has been assumed that the discoveries of science, especially in the nineteenth and twentieth centuries, tended to refute the beliefs of religious people and established religions, and challenged the very existence of God. Templeton makes a striking argument for just the opposite point of view. He goes to the writings of many of the world's leading scientific thinkers - as diverse in background as Albert Einstein and Teilhard de Chardin - and discovers them in awe of the universe, perceiving the hand of Divine mystery at work. Templeton believes that the best way to know God is through a reverential, open, humble approach. He presents this humble approach as the one that many of the most distinguished scientists have come to in their quest for knowledge and meaning.
This book is over 35 years old and not particularly well-written. A professional contact gave it to me during a business meeting and thought I'd like it. It has one main point repeated over and over. The author wants scientists to research spiritual and religious beliefs with the same rigor as other scientific endeavors. He uses the word humble repeatedly to explain why he thinks this doesn't happen; religious leaders are so sure of their beliefs being right that they don't want to humble themselves to the possibility of better researched truth and beliefs. Some passages are New Age and some are fundamental Christian, with other representations as well. I don't recommend this book.
You'll learn that science and religion can co-exist quite beautifully and that science and the application of the scientific method just may be the key to experiencing a paradigm shift in theologic matters.
The book will also show you that keeping an open mind towards God and religion is an important aspect on your spiritual journey. Why ridicule and "fight against" other religions when you can embrace them and build upon your own beliefs with some of their beliefs that you weren't originally familiar with? Why deny God when our limited thought processes can't even begin to comprehend the concept and actuality of God?