Reflections on the Existence of God: A Series of Essays

by Richard E. Simmons III

This book is a series of short essays seeking to answer life’s most enduring question: Does God exist? I have attempted to craft a book that is well researched but also easy to read and understand. Each essay can be read in less than 10 minutes.

In the end it is important to know whether God exists or He does not exist. There is no third option. What I am seeking to do in this book is to determine which of these beliefs is true and which one is not.
—Richard E. Simmons III

Genres: Christian, Theology, Religion, Philosophy, Nonfiction, Spirituality, Faith

299 pages, Hardcover

Published December 14, 2019

Reviews

[Corey · Rating 4 out of 5]

Would give it 5 starts for ease of reading and pleasure. This book was hard to put down. Each chapter is very short and is structured cover 10 major topics such as foundation for morality, science, evolution, the psychology of atheism, and the evidence for Jesus and the resurrection. But what this books gives in terms of readability it lacks in terms of rigorous argument. I give it 3 stars for not being original or offering a fresh or unique perspective.

Each chapter mainly consists of the author stringing together a collection quotes from other Christian thinkers or religious skeptics in order to illustrate a brief and simple idea. I liked reading these selected quotes from across a wide spectrum of writers but so much of the material consisted in these quotes rather than the author himself developing his own ideas.

After I shifted my expectations for what this book is intended to be, I began to enjoy it much more. It feels more like an apologetics devotional that lightly touches a smattering of topics rather than offering a substantive, rigorous core argument that is developed chapter by chapter. That said, this is a great intro for someone who needs to be reminded that faith in Jesus has a solid basis in rationality and historical evidence and that atheism simply doesn't work because of the massive contradictions between a Darwinian account of human nature as mere matter and our lived experience as human beings.

I think Christians will feel encouraged reading this book and atheists will feel misrepresented or frustrated by parts it. If you're in a season of experiencing doubts about your Christian faith, this is a great read that will hopefully launch you into other books that do a deeper dive on crucial topics that area treated more robustly elsewhere.

[Dawn · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is so logical and thorough. If you know an atheist give them this book to read.

[John Coombes · Rating 5 out of 5]

Richard Simmons has penned a remarkably well-researched volume on a complex topic, but in an understandable manner of communication: a God-given gift to address the tragedy of unbelief and rejection of God. And not just a god, but the God announced by Paul to the wise (sic) men in the Aereopagus (Acts 17:16-34).
And just as there was division amongst these men about the message of the Grand Designer, so continuing down the centuries the same conundrum presents itself to similar men today. Because it would seem that it is often the educated, with influence over myriad untrained minds, who spread the improvable as truth. It is a sad truism that so many will believe what ‘they’ say, rather than walk their own road to truth.
In this book, Richard exposes the tragic futility and illogicality of atheism. Every argument is concisely rebutted and as one progresses through the essays, it becomes abundantly clear that the underlying disease is – to quote Essay 6.3 – ‘wilful blindness’. In spite of overwhelming evidence, scientific not speculative, that clearly indicates the cracks (nay crevices) in atheistic naturalism, men’s hearts are set in stone.
This hardness of heart, this wilful blindness is summed up by Richard Lewontin who said that no matter what evidence points to the contrary, they (atheist naturalists) are committed absolutely to materialism and even when the evidence points to a contrary position they refuse it based on their prior commitment, a commitment to materialism, because ‘we cannot allow a Divine Foot in the door’.
It is to this mindless rejection that Simmons so eloquently builds the case for God step by logical step. I started bookmarking notable passages, but eventually surrendered: i ran out of bookmarks.
“Reflections on the Existence of God” is a masterpiece in my humble opinion. It turns the tables on unbelief, indicating quite clearly that so many scientists through the honest pursuit of their studies have come to a sighted belief in reality, for naturalism can never explain the diversity and intricacy of the universe we are caused to inhabit.
If it were at all possible, this book should be in the syllabus of every school and university class to present the alternative; an other (sic) explanation, a clear exposition that will lead away from the hopelessness of this world to a life filled with wonder, the existence of a God who truly cares for His creation, with an infinite love for His image-bearers.
The underlying premise is reality; what do we sense in this natural world? Is all imaginary? Or is there sufficient evidence that points to the unmistakable conclusion of design in everything, design that is worthy of honest investigation. Naturalists leave everything to chance, even when the mathematics leads to the inevitable point at which their conclusions defy every law of probability.
Personally, this book has affirmed much for me and a five-star rating is without doubt. I exhort anyone in search of empirical truth to buy it and study it with care and openness of mind. For it is the mind that it addresses in the first place, and the heart which it convinces ultimately; a heart that will be receptive to the existence of the greatest scientist of all. One who supernaturally created the natural world that sustains us and seeks us out to reconcile us to ultimate truth and reality – Himself; the Way, the Truth and the Life.
One final quote from Essay 10.2 that sums it up pretty cogently.
“Ultimately, Christians live comfortably and consistently with their worldview because it fits the real world in which they live.”

[Thom D. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Richard Simmons’ new book “Reflections on the Existence of God” is a most thoughtful and captivating book on the fundamental questions of faith. It addresses the basic question of atheism versus belief in God. Its practical and logical approach to this enduring inquiry is thoroughly researched and intelligently written. It is divided into short, thoughtful chapters which can be easily read at the breakfast table and reflected on from time to time throughout the day.

Many chapters contain powerful stories that illustrate the different views people of renown have had, and the effects on their lives. One chapter is a story about a pastor who was at Dachau at the end of World War II, and was one of the most moving few pages I have every read. I am still feeling the powerful reality of the event as described. Another chapter describes Albert Camus’ journey through a life of atheism, and his reaching out to a minister in a church in Paris near the end of his life which changed his view and had a profound effect on him through the next several months before he died.

I highly recommend this book to both believers and non-believers and all in between.

Thom D. (Seattle)

[Colleen Mulshine Epperson · Rating 5 out of 5]

While reading this book, I think I reread it about 3 more times. It is a series of essays that compares the atheistic worldview and the Christian worldview. It is so good. It proves how in order to have a functioning society, we need to abide by the Judeo-Christian values and those values are only evident in the Christian worldview. It is broken up into many topics and each one built on the next. I only wish I could be this articulate!

[Max Ruby · Rating 2 out of 5]

Grandpa recommended this book to me. While I agree w the overall premise (God exists) this book is way too apologetic and polemical for my liking. Seems like people who would enjoy this book have not done near enough philosophical reflection themselves. Sometimes has completely misleading/uncharitable critiques. Also does not cite its opponents accurately. Logically it’s quite surface-level, as it doesn’t engage with counter arguments much at all.

[Sara · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a book I will keep on my shelf to return to again and again. Simmons does an excellent job of looking at the question of "Does God Exist?" using many resources and thoughts from authors both modern and of old. It is written in language that is understandable and easily read in smaller parts. He addresses topics including science and evolution, evidence for Christianity, the search for meaning, the presence of evil, morality, atheism, and more.

[Sophia Leslie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very well researched and put together!! Was so helpful to me in understanding more of why I believe what I believe, as well as helping me learn all about what atheists believe and seeing how contradictory and false atheism truly is in all its beliefs.

[Ashley Duryea · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good intellectual reasoning, but could have been done in half the pages. Very repetitive.

[George Morris · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very well written and thought provoking discussion about the difference between atheism and theism. It allows one to believe either but by way of mountains of research he makes the case for Christianity. The essays are well written and researched and short enough they may be read anytime. I do think they are best read when one has the time to think the subject through and absorb the theme of the essay.

[Damon Hawkins · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent book of very short essays. Well cited by many credible sources. This is the best resource I've ever read that succinctly addresses the evidence against Darwinism/Atheism and for the existence in the Triune God of the Bible.

[Nathaniel Jones · Rating 1 out of 5]

What a disappointing book. It starts with a bang and grabbed my attention, as the author threw down the gauntlet against “the four horsemen” of religion's unraveling: Christopher Hitchens, Richard Dawkins, Sam Harris, and Daniel Dennett. I had high hopes for a book that would engage seriously with the complex and nuanced questions of humanism, science, reason, and progress. But as the chapters went on it became clear that the author wasn't actually willing to engage with the views of nonbelievers honestly and instead argued against a "straw man" version of atheism that not only doesn't believe in god, but that actually believes in nothing at all, even at one point going so far as the say that atheists don't even believe in human consciousness (literally the one thing we all *must* agree on, sigh...).

The atheist "straw man" that is flogged to the point of absolute boredom in the book is one of moral relativism (i.e. there's no basis to judge moral right and wrong, morality is all a matter of everyone's opinion), which is actually not a position held by most atheists. The author draws a false distinction between "operational" science that studies the world today and "ongoing" science that looks into the past, and seeks to discredit the latter, particularly with respect to evolution. Strangely, the big bang, which I assume must also be part of the "ongoing" science that should be discredited since it is focused on understanding the distant past, is put forward as strong evidence for god.

In the end there is nothing particularly new or interesting to be found in this book, except perhaps a case study in how to misrepresent the views of others and fail to engage with real issues of truth and evidence. It is useful neither to believers or nonbelievers as a real source of argument against atheism because it fails to engage with the actual positions of the atheists it claims to argue against. In the end, this is really just a book for evangelical Christian believers who will enjoy seeing the "greatest hits" of modern Christian apologetics presented under a veneer of evidence based debate. It's about as much fun as watching the author play tennis without the net.

For those who are interested in understanding the "steel man" version of the secular views this book argues against, I'd recommend "Enlightenment Now" by Steven Pinker for a primer on secular values and meaning in life, "God's Problem" by Bart Ehrman for a theological exploration of suffering in the bible, and "Why Evolution Is True" by Jerry Coyne for a fascinating summary of the scientific evidence for evolution.

[Kraig Dodge · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a gem. I started reading because it was offered on Kindle for very little. I had heard of it. I started reading it sort of as a daily devotional, but I quickly found it to be quite good reading. I could not put it down. It is an easy read, and yet profound. Basically, it compares atheism to Christianity. If you are an atheist and don't wish to have your faith challenged, don't read this book. If you want to continue to live in your inconsistent worldview, don't read this book. If you wish to understand reality more clearly, you should read this book! I highly recommend it!

[jdm · Rating 5 out of 5]

Richard Simmon’s book “Reflections on the Existence of God” explores perhaps life’s most profound question. Despite the weighty subject matter, it is so superbly researched and written that it is hard to put down. This is a great read for anyone, but especially those who doubt the existence of God, occasionally struggle with their own belief, or simply desire to have their own faith strengthened. I expect to re-read it many more times

[Rachel Ramey · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book about apologetics and worldview is, in some ways, rather broad, but at its core, pretty narrow. Together, the collection of essays addresses the fact that either there is a God or there is not, that only one of these positions can be true — and, therefore, only one reflects the reality we see and know — and gives evidence for the “yes, there is a God” view from a variety of disciplines.

It isn't, exactly, a full apologetic for the existence of God, although it’s most like that. It isn't an attempt to build a full biblical worldview around all the issues of our day. However, it does an excellent job of demonstrating how a worldview rooted in belief in — or disbelief in — God influences how we approach all the issues of our day. It’s a strong apologetic for the idea that worldview matters.

I found parts of the book surprisingly profound. (My favorite part — if I can call it that — was the testimony of the pastor who previousy served as a soldier liberating Dachau. Never before have I heard such a deep grasp of human nature — both in the fundamental value of man as image-bearer and in the fallenness that turns men into devils.) And yet the book is not pedantic. It references a variety of famous thinkers, including Sigmund Freud, C.S. Lewis, Betrand Russell, Albert Einstein, Albert Camus, and Stephen Hawking, making this an excellent way to begin familiarizing a student with some of these men, yet the entire book is very accessible in its writing style.


An avowed atheist could read the book and it would not be obnoxious or out of place; the primary target audience, though, seems to be Christians needing answers for the world around them. I think it will be most impactful for Christian students (or adults) immersed in secular culture, unaware of how heavily their own worldview has been shaped by secularism, and unaware of how heavily society today is relying on the vestiges of Christian ethics from past generations. It’s also helpful for those whose worldview is solid who simply want to expand their repertoire of apologetic talking points — or even just looking for encouragement.

I do wish Francis Collins had not been repeatedly referenced as a largely positive example of someone who has seen science and Christianity as compatible, as Collins doesn’t have a biblical worldview. He does believe in God, but overall has a completely secular worldview that he’s tried to shoehorn God into (ignoring some of the very same blind spots Reflections later points out about “science” that isn’t) — and actively pushes this worldview. Collins is a man for Christians to mark and avoid, and I’m concerned this book might encourage readers to see him otherwise and be led astray.

Although they’re grouped together by topic, each essay in the book stands alone and can generally be read in about 10 minutes or less. This format lends itself well to discussion groups like book clubs or youth groups, so if you’re looking for an option to introduce worldview and/or apologetics, this book could be a good choice.

[Jeffrey Reynolds · Rating 5 out of 5]

Is your philosophy consistent with real life? Are your beliefs concerning God and the origins of this planet and life based on careful study and examination of said belief system, or is it really based on wishful thinking? If you find your view don't match up to reality, do you admit you're wrong and adjust your thinking, or do you defend those views even if they border on nonsense?

In "Reflections on the Existence Of God," Richard Simmons III (not to be confused with the energetic exercise guru) gives a series of 56 essays dealing with these questions. Topics on these include the existence of evil and suffering, beauty, whether we have consciousness or are just robots, the debate on macro-evolution and intelligent design, and whether Christianity is historically accurate.

I found this book both thought provoking and enjoyable. Simmons has a conversational style, and treats other authors with respect, regardless of whether he agrees with them.

This is an ideal book either to challenge a friend or to give yourself things to think about and energize your own faith.

[Xenophon · Rating 3 out of 5]

Reflections on the Existence of God is a collection of essays which amount to a sort of apologetics catechism. It's a book that seems to be written with group reflection in mind and perfect for that role in Church small groups, Sunday Schools, Youth Groups, and so forth.

The author's background is in business and economics, not theology or philosophy. As such he writes in a personal, plain-spoken manner that many will find refreshing, but wins no points for style.

All in all, a decent review of basic questions people ask and how Christianity provides answers. I made many highlights and recommend it to young students and newer Christians alongside something more comprehensive like Nancy Pearcey's Total Truth.

[Jerry Lee · Rating 3 out of 5]

Too many secondary citations.

I like this book but I could not recommend it to a non-Christian friend. The reason is that there are way too many places where the author sites something that is supposedly said by someone else but the source is not a book or article by the person who is quoted but some other person who supposedly must be getting it from somewhere else. And in one case there is a quote from Darwin's Origin of the Species that when I went to Origin of the Species I could not find. This sort of thing makes me doubt whether I could use these arguments to convince somebody who was not already a Christian.

[Nathan Schneider · Rating 5 out of 5]

Richard Simmons’ essays on the existence of God are well organized and easy to digest (each essay is clearly written can be read in a few minutes). Simmons writes about a broad array of apologetic material, including creation vs. evolution, human identity, and morality. There are also a lot of references that one could follow for further exploration. Overall, this book is a very simple, easy-to-grasp, clear exploration of the reasonableness of Christianity and the problems of a secular worldview.

[Graham · Rating 4 out of 5]

I've read a few books like this but this one has been my favourite so far. Simmons breaks his book down into short chapters themed by content for ease of reading. He adopts a sincere and methodical approach which I really appreciated as all too often this kind of book can just come across as preachy or sermonising. Various problematic topics are explored from the barriers between science and religion, evolution, Darwinism, the Big Bang Theory and the nature of evil. The tone, between scholarly and approachable, is just right.

[Sophia Ramey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reflections addresses a myriad of concerns many atheists and non-christians have with christian theology and beliefs, including discussing evil, morality, science, psychology, science and evolution, and the meaning of life. It comes from a christian worldview, but is objective and logical in its reasoning. It brought to light many sound arguments I wouldn't have otherwise thought of, but also brings balance by acknowledging that just because you can argue something effectively doesn't mean the listener will agree with you--their heart is ultimately in God's hands.

[Ken Blackwell · Rating 5 out of 5]

A first rate book on Christian apologetics

An excellent book. Carefully researched with suitable anecdotes of people who have encountered God in a personal way. The author takes a variety of topics often used by skeptics to deny faith. In so doing he presents robust answers to the arguments given. In so doing he presents a strong, water tight case for the reality of the Christian faith in the 21st century. An excellent read.

[Peter Walker · Rating 5 out of 5]

timeless and insightful

Richard has carefully and gracefully lead a reasonable conversation that anyone in their search to understand God and his revelations in Christ can embrace. No rude or mocking comments for those who may believe in evolution, but rather a rational exploration that will ultimately cause an atheist or agnostic to see the merits of Christianity against their beliefs and possibly choose another path.

[Ginger Combs · Rating 5 out of 5]

I can't recommend Richard's book highly enough. So much truth so concisely written and so well-referenced it is a gem of an apologetics book for todays readers. The book provides much for skeptics to respectfully consider and much to encourage the faith of believers. A wonderful book to share with a new generation of thinkers and seekers.

[Kathy Hertogs · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a fantastic book. It is very well thought out and scientifically researched. Yet, it is written in a series of short, readable chapters that are very thought provoking and entertaining at the same time. Bottom line: You need to either accept Jesus as the Son of God or you reject Him. There is no in between.

[Loren Killgore · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m not even finished yet, but already giving this five stars. I’m just over halfway, into the psychological reasons for (dis)belief. Each essay is short and simple enough to understand. (Most anything even remotely do with philosophy, doesn’t take before it’s going in empty useless circles for me.) This is quite the exception!

[Donn and Linda Eley]

Truth

The book challenges the reader to decide why we live and what is our worldview? Is there a God or not? The arguments and conclusions of history's great thinkers are presented. Each reader needs to decide. Eternity depends on it. I will recommend this book to all of my friends.

[Anthony Evans · Rating 5 out of 5]

A series of essays revolving around the lack of logic in atheistic beliefs. Perspectives from both theistic and atheistic with solid references.

In order to put your beliefs into something, you must research and examine all the evidence before reaching a conclusion about your beliefs. Reaching a conclusion in any other way is both illogical and irresponsible, and is an act of willful blindness.

[Trevor Anderson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reflections on the Existence of God is a powerful and thought-provoking book. I'm a big fan of Richard E Simmons III and his literature on thoughtful living and spirituality. Whether you're a believer or not, this book is an incredible read.

[Joey Midgett · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great read. I wish ask my loved ones would read this.

This book will make you think and leave you with no choice but to choose the absurdity of atheism out humbly surrender to Christ.