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Born to Wonder: Exploring Our Deepest Questions—Why Are We Here and Why Does It Matter?
In Born to Wonder, Alister McGrath, a prolific Oxford scholar, scientist, and theologian, explores the deepest mystery at the heart of life itself.Life is a gift. We never asked to be born. Yet here we are, living in this strange world of space and time, trying to work out what it’s all about before the darkness closes in and extinguishes us. We are adrift on a misty, grey sea of ignorance, seeking a sun-kissed island of certainty, on which we might hope to find clear answers to our deepest and most poignant questions.What is the point of life? Why are we here? And what is it about us that makes us want to ask these questions? As far as we know, we’re the only species on earth that asks these questions, and dares to hope that we might find an answer. It seems that we are born to wonder, not merely to exist. From time to time, all of us find ourselves overwhelmed by a sense of awe or mystery, often when confronted with the beauty of nature, whether it is a mountain stream or the vast expanse of ocean waters. That is when we see a flicker of a grander vision of reality, perhaps lying beyond the horizons of our experience. It is as if, for only a moment, a veil is removed, and we catch a half-glimpsed sight of a promised land, waiting to be mapped and explored. This sense of wonder fuels much of humanity’s creativity and its search for understanding.
299 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 4, 2020
18 people are currently reading
1195 people want to read
About the author
Alister E. McGrath
451 books498 followersAlister Edgar McGrath is a Northern Irish theologian, priest, intellectual historian, scientist, and Christian apologist. He currently holds the Andreas Idreos Professorship in Science and Religion in the Faculty of Theology and Religion at the University of Oxford, and is Professor of Divinity at Gresham College. He was previously Professor of Theology, Ministry, and Education at King's College London and Head of the Centre for Theology, Religion and Culture, Professor of Historical Theology at the University of Oxford, and was principal of Wycliffe Hall, Oxford, until 2005. He is an Anglican priest and is ordained within the Church of England.
Aside from being a faculty member at Oxford, McGrath has also taught at Cambridge University and is a Teaching Fellow at Regent College. McGrath holds three doctorates from the University of Oxford, a DPhil in Molecular Biophysics, a Doctor of Divinity in Theology and a Doctor of Letters in Intellectual History.
McGrath is noted for his work in historical theology, systematic theology, and the relationship between science and religion, as well as his writings on apologetics. He is also known for his opposition to New Atheism and antireligionism and his advocacy of theological critical realism. Among his best-known books are The Twilight of Atheism, The Dawkins Delusion?: Atheist Fundamentalism and the Denial of the Divine, Dawkins' God: Genes, Memes, and the Meaning of Life, and A Scientific Theology. He is also the author of a number of popular textbooks on theology.
Aside from being a faculty member at Oxford, McGrath has also taught at Cambridge University and is a Teaching Fellow at Regent College. McGrath holds three doctorates from the University of Oxford, a DPhil in Molecular Biophysics, a Doctor of Divinity in Theology and a Doctor of Letters in Intellectual History.
McGrath is noted for his work in historical theology, systematic theology, and the relationship between science and religion, as well as his writings on apologetics. He is also known for his opposition to New Atheism and antireligionism and his advocacy of theological critical realism. Among his best-known books are The Twilight of Atheism, The Dawkins Delusion?: Atheist Fundamentalism and the Denial of the Divine, Dawkins' God: Genes, Memes, and the Meaning of Life, and A Scientific Theology. He is also the author of a number of popular textbooks on theology.
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
July 5, 2024
Deliciously thought provoking.
April 9, 2022
I can count on one hand how many books I quit, and this is unfortunately one of them. I wanted to finish it, but over halfway through the book it was clear that this book was simply a citation list of other people's philosophies of life. A grand (but biased) literature review if you will. It was pretty unbearable. Alister had no original thoughts of his own. When presenting other people's (cherry-picked) thoughts, he didn't even wrestle and engage with them, but just used them to either "prove" or "disprove" what he wanted to say. It wasn't intellectually challenging as I had hoped.
October 27, 2020
What is life all about? Why are we here? These questions of life and pondering of mysteries are part of our human makeup. Indeed, we learn more about life through questions instead of answers. In this book, author and professor Alister McGrath brings us through a couple of questions to wonder about ourselves, about life, and about our future. He tackles questions like:
- Who are we? What are we? What do we mean?
- Why we need more than mere facts?
- Why it is important to consider alternative perspectives?
- Is meaning a discovery or an invention?
- Why is there a loss in wonder in a world of disenchantment?
- Is our existence meaningful or meaningless?
- What's wrong with us?
- What is the fate of humanity?
- What does it mean to be human?
- ...
McGrath covers many grounds based on the theme of wonder. We are simply some molecular carbon particles simply there to survive. We need to ponder about what it means to be human. We have that need to make sense of what is going on in the world. This rises in importance even as we deal with the brokeness and chaotic events happening in the world today. Even if we do not feel a need to ask such questions at present, there is no telling when the same set of questions will arise sometime in the future. McGrath then takes us on an exploratory journey from our smallest atoms to the large universe. He asks about our tendency to become preoccupied with our own concerns and explores the different views of how human narcissism comes about. He reminds us too not to make ourselves the center of the universe, and to repeat the same mistakes our ancestors had dealt with Copernicus. McGrath cites many philosophers, thinkers, and scholars in showing us that the questions we ask, are more common than we might think. It is a universal concern, not just some religious initiative.
He ends with a powerful section about how we could move forward with our set of ponderings and wonderings. This last chapter is a must-read for all.
My Thoughts
This is a book about apologetics to remind us that life itself is a question we ought to ponder about. This question should humble us to recognize that we are not the center of meaning. Instead, there is something or someone larger than ourselves. McGrath eagerly engages the different perspectives of the day to offer an alternative argument to atheists, agnostics, and skeptics alike. He even mentions his own colleague, Richard Dawkins, that while they share different faith and life perspectives, they could still appreciate the beauty and mysteries of this world. Humans are much different from animals because they are able to ask questions about the meaning of existence. Surely that is a hint that we cannot reduce life to simply atoms and molecules! What I do appreciate is how McGrath does it with reason and care not to be reductionistic on other views. He is showing us a powerful way to explain with reason the rationality of Christianity. In contrast to some of the skeptics which often tend to reduce Christianity to choice bits for attack, McGrath writes respectfully with class and knowledge.
In all three sections of exploration, McGrath has this common theme: The world is larger than ourselves which calls for humility. Life is meaningful and mysterious, which calls for generosity and openness to learn. Our future is hopeful which calls for a willingness to expand our horizons through learning and graciousness. As a scientist, he is able to engage with some of the leading scientists in many areas of disciplines. As a philosopher, he reminds us about Henry David Thoreau's lament that "there are nowadays professors of philosophy, but not philosophers." Indeed, many could talk about philosophy but few actually go beyond that. As a Christian apologist, McGrath makes the case that Christianity is reasonable and is worthy of further investigation by the skeptic. If there is one thing that would perhaps need more exploration, that would be the emotional component. While this may not necessarily be, relatively speaking, within the author's expertise, it is still an important consideration. After all, we are human beings with emotions, and often, the emotions could get the better of our intellect.
Alister McGrath is one of the world’s leading Christian theologians, is Andreas Idreos Professor of Science and Religion at Oxford University. Previously he was professor of historical theology at Oxford University and is currently senior research fellow at Harris Manchester at Oxford.
Rating: 4.5 stars of 5.
conrade
This book has been provided courtesy of Tyndale House Publishers and NetGalley without requiring a positive review. All opinions offered above are mine unless otherwise stated or implied.
- Who are we? What are we? What do we mean?
- Why we need more than mere facts?
- Why it is important to consider alternative perspectives?
- Is meaning a discovery or an invention?
- Why is there a loss in wonder in a world of disenchantment?
- Is our existence meaningful or meaningless?
- What's wrong with us?
- What is the fate of humanity?
- What does it mean to be human?
- ...
McGrath covers many grounds based on the theme of wonder. We are simply some molecular carbon particles simply there to survive. We need to ponder about what it means to be human. We have that need to make sense of what is going on in the world. This rises in importance even as we deal with the brokeness and chaotic events happening in the world today. Even if we do not feel a need to ask such questions at present, there is no telling when the same set of questions will arise sometime in the future. McGrath then takes us on an exploratory journey from our smallest atoms to the large universe. He asks about our tendency to become preoccupied with our own concerns and explores the different views of how human narcissism comes about. He reminds us too not to make ourselves the center of the universe, and to repeat the same mistakes our ancestors had dealt with Copernicus. McGrath cites many philosophers, thinkers, and scholars in showing us that the questions we ask, are more common than we might think. It is a universal concern, not just some religious initiative.
He ends with a powerful section about how we could move forward with our set of ponderings and wonderings. This last chapter is a must-read for all.
My Thoughts
This is a book about apologetics to remind us that life itself is a question we ought to ponder about. This question should humble us to recognize that we are not the center of meaning. Instead, there is something or someone larger than ourselves. McGrath eagerly engages the different perspectives of the day to offer an alternative argument to atheists, agnostics, and skeptics alike. He even mentions his own colleague, Richard Dawkins, that while they share different faith and life perspectives, they could still appreciate the beauty and mysteries of this world. Humans are much different from animals because they are able to ask questions about the meaning of existence. Surely that is a hint that we cannot reduce life to simply atoms and molecules! What I do appreciate is how McGrath does it with reason and care not to be reductionistic on other views. He is showing us a powerful way to explain with reason the rationality of Christianity. In contrast to some of the skeptics which often tend to reduce Christianity to choice bits for attack, McGrath writes respectfully with class and knowledge.
In all three sections of exploration, McGrath has this common theme: The world is larger than ourselves which calls for humility. Life is meaningful and mysterious, which calls for generosity and openness to learn. Our future is hopeful which calls for a willingness to expand our horizons through learning and graciousness. As a scientist, he is able to engage with some of the leading scientists in many areas of disciplines. As a philosopher, he reminds us about Henry David Thoreau's lament that "there are nowadays professors of philosophy, but not philosophers." Indeed, many could talk about philosophy but few actually go beyond that. As a Christian apologist, McGrath makes the case that Christianity is reasonable and is worthy of further investigation by the skeptic. If there is one thing that would perhaps need more exploration, that would be the emotional component. While this may not necessarily be, relatively speaking, within the author's expertise, it is still an important consideration. After all, we are human beings with emotions, and often, the emotions could get the better of our intellect.
Alister McGrath is one of the world’s leading Christian theologians, is Andreas Idreos Professor of Science and Religion at Oxford University. Previously he was professor of historical theology at Oxford University and is currently senior research fellow at Harris Manchester at Oxford.
Rating: 4.5 stars of 5.
conrade
This book has been provided courtesy of Tyndale House Publishers and NetGalley without requiring a positive review. All opinions offered above are mine unless otherwise stated or implied.
January 12, 2021
This is a brilliant book, covering a range of disciplines and topics in a thoughtful way. Alister McGrath writes in a clear, considered and sensitive manner, and is fair to those who think differently to himself. The book is dense, and I found myself dipping into a chapter at a time. There is much to think about, so I think of this book almost as a reference tool, to be pondered and not read straight through.
I particularly enjoyed thinking about life as the process of a journey, as opposed to a view from a balcony. The chapter on the cosmos was thought-provoking. My favourite chapter was perhaps the last one, where McGrath summarises the book by encourages the reader to embrace the mystery of God’s creation with humility and wonder. I highly recommend this book to all those who are interested in science, theology or psychology.
I particularly enjoyed thinking about life as the process of a journey, as opposed to a view from a balcony. The chapter on the cosmos was thought-provoking. My favourite chapter was perhaps the last one, where McGrath summarises the book by encourages the reader to embrace the mystery of God’s creation with humility and wonder. I highly recommend this book to all those who are interested in science, theology or psychology.
April 6, 2021
Wow this book is fantastic. McGrath starts by noting that we humans are born to wonder...and then he explores where that wonder leads and how we try to answer the many questions we raise as the result of finding ourselves here, alive, in the universe. This is a must read for everyone...he so soundly brings together science and theology (& a good bit of philosophy and history too!) to expose problematic ideologies and point us in the direction of a life of mystery, wonder, and ultimately, trust. This is certainly a book I’ll return to again and again.
June 16, 2021
This is a highly rated book, by an author who I have greatly appreciated. But this book was a disappointment. It did not resonate with me at all. I found it dreary, overly wordy and was relieved to finally finish it. If isolated, the specifics of the contents are excellent, but the book does not hold together. After finishing the book, if it were not for the title, I don’t know if I would even remember what the book was about. Thus, while I think that some of the authors books are outstanding, I cannot recommend this one.
November 13, 2023
I really enjoyed this book although if you're like me and of average intelligence I'd recommend reading it versus listening. The author does a good job of exploring different philosophies, movement and sciences that explore the meaning of life. He gives fair summaries and assessments of those he disagrees with. I think I would have understood it better with a physical copy in hand and rereading things that I didn't catch the first time instead of listening.
September 23, 2020
I was first attracted to the theme of “the meaning of life” when asked to read Viktor Frankl’s Man’s Search for Meaning in high school. Later, in college, I had to read it again. In grad school I was introduced to Paul Welter’s Counseling and the Search for Meaning in a course taught by the author. As the title suggests, the book draws from Viktor Frankl’s earlier ideas. Alister McGrath’s new book again returns to some of these same themes.
McGrath the search for meaning from a number of perspectives - historically, psychologically, scientifically, and theologically. He also addresses the importance of meaning and the lack of meaning (referencing Frankl) in an individual’s life.
Interestingly, McGrath originally trained as a molecular biophysics (PhD). As he began his college education he was an avid atheist. But over time he was forced him to examine his faith. In 1971, he writes, “I turned my back on one faith and embraced another.” He began studying at Cambridge for ordination in the Church of England. Completing additional studies in Divinity, he now serves as Professor of Divinity at Gresham College where he explores the intersection of Science, Faith, and God, within modern culture.
It was McGrath’s dual interests in science and theology that drew my interest to this book. I was not disappointed. Whether the reader’s interest lie in science, theology, psychology, or philosophy, McGrath’s Born to Wonder should be an interesting read.
______________
This review is based on a free electronic copy provided by the publisher for the purpose of creating this review. The opinions expressed are my own.
McGrath the search for meaning from a number of perspectives - historically, psychologically, scientifically, and theologically. He also addresses the importance of meaning and the lack of meaning (referencing Frankl) in an individual’s life.
Interestingly, McGrath originally trained as a molecular biophysics (PhD). As he began his college education he was an avid atheist. But over time he was forced him to examine his faith. In 1971, he writes, “I turned my back on one faith and embraced another.” He began studying at Cambridge for ordination in the Church of England. Completing additional studies in Divinity, he now serves as Professor of Divinity at Gresham College where he explores the intersection of Science, Faith, and God, within modern culture.
It was McGrath’s dual interests in science and theology that drew my interest to this book. I was not disappointed. Whether the reader’s interest lie in science, theology, psychology, or philosophy, McGrath’s Born to Wonder should be an interesting read.
______________
This review is based on a free electronic copy provided by the publisher for the purpose of creating this review. The opinions expressed are my own.
November 8, 2020
The central metaphor of this book is considering a journey along the Road. You live out the very real experiences of joy and sorrow that play out on that Road. Sometimes, we try to look for a Balcony-level perspective. We want to see from the top down in order to gain an understanding that there is a greater purpose that we cannot see from our position on the Road.
The problem with being on the Road is that while we might try to understand the Balcony, there are going to be times when we simply don't know and we wonder. This wondering can be positive or negative. We wonder why the world is created and is so amazingly beautiful. We wonder why humans are so awful to each other. We try to understand the Balcony, but sometimes the answer is not clear.
For Christians, and McGrath is a Christian, we have many answers revealed to us through revelation. However, even for Christians, we cannot understand all the things of God. As a result, we wonder. We try to fit the pieces together.
This is an extremely valuable work. Some will be frustrated with McGrath. He basically says that part of our journey on earth is learning to be humble and open to wondering. For people who like certainty, that is tough. Even if I can't see from the Balcony all the time, I can still believe that there is Someone who knows and the Road is taking me where I am meant to be.
The problem with being on the Road is that while we might try to understand the Balcony, there are going to be times when we simply don't know and we wonder. This wondering can be positive or negative. We wonder why the world is created and is so amazingly beautiful. We wonder why humans are so awful to each other. We try to understand the Balcony, but sometimes the answer is not clear.
For Christians, and McGrath is a Christian, we have many answers revealed to us through revelation. However, even for Christians, we cannot understand all the things of God. As a result, we wonder. We try to fit the pieces together.
This is an extremely valuable work. Some will be frustrated with McGrath. He basically says that part of our journey on earth is learning to be humble and open to wondering. For people who like certainty, that is tough. Even if I can't see from the Balcony all the time, I can still believe that there is Someone who knows and the Road is taking me where I am meant to be.
September 25, 2020
I picked it up thinking it a sort of psychology book about human emotion of wonder. But it is much deeper and complex than that.
It is stuffed with philosophy and that too with abstract pure philosophy.
So it was tough to understand and to read in one go.
It is a book that requires patience and digging to extract things of your use.
It introduces to number of Philosophers and scientists.
It is a tough big book for intelligent guys who wish to know why we are here and purpose of life.
It is stuffed with philosophy and that too with abstract pure philosophy.
So it was tough to understand and to read in one go.
It is a book that requires patience and digging to extract things of your use.
It introduces to number of Philosophers and scientists.
It is a tough big book for intelligent guys who wish to know why we are here and purpose of life.
December 2, 2023
McGrath is incredibly easy to follow, which is good because with his intellect he could easily lose you in the maze. This was pretty good. I have heard that he has completed his last book that he wants to write, I can’t remember if it is this one or another, but regardless this would be a good place to start with the works of McGrath.
December 21, 2020
This is a book meant to be read much more slowly than I was able...and better in a group that could break it apart, discuss, debate. It took a long and convoluted time to get to the point....
February 21, 2021
Whatever stage you are in life right now, may you never lose the language to wonder. This book touches on what it means to be human by leading you to examine theology, philosphy, and even science.
October 25, 2023
Really good
Read
August 11, 2024Definite re-read!
July 15, 2020
This is an Advance Reader Version. It is scheduled to be released August 4, 2020.
December 23, 2020
I thoroughly enjoyed this discussion of humanity. Many questions are addressed but the book is written in such a way as to force you to think about things for yourself. This isn't for everyone but I personally love the style and writing of McGrath.
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews