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refelctions of a scientist
Elder Neal A. Maxwell once called Henry Eyring "the most distinguished Mormon scientist of this dispensation."
In this redesigned and reprinted volume, Henry Eyring discusses various aspects of science, religion, and life. Some of his topics are truth, heredity and environment, communication, freedom through obedience, the Church, Church leaders, work, the scriptures, the age of the Earth, organic evolution, nature and revelation and miracles. Especially interesting are his illustrations of how science and religion complement rather than detract from one another, and how the principles of both can be used to live a happier, more abundant life.
In this redesigned and reprinted volume, Henry Eyring discusses various aspects of science, religion, and life. Some of his topics are truth, heredity and environment, communication, freedom through obedience, the Church, Church leaders, work, the scriptures, the age of the Earth, organic evolution, nature and revelation and miracles. Especially interesting are his illustrations of how science and religion complement rather than detract from one another, and how the principles of both can be used to live a happier, more abundant life.
First published January 1, 1983
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About the author
Henry Eyring
62 booksHenry Eyring (February 20, 1901 – December 26, 1981) was a Mexico-born United States theoretical chemist whose primary contribution was in the study of chemical reaction rates and intermediates. Eyring developed the Absolute Rate Theory or Transition state theory of chemical reactions, connecting the fields of chemistry and physics through atomic theory, quantum theory, and statistical mechanics.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 113 reviews
July 19, 2009
A quote I like from page 47
"I have trouble understanding why people drift away from the Church. I'm sure the reasons are different and varied. I can understand if a person wants to misbehave and has to rationalize to himself. He has to think he's all right. But I also understand that people who think they have to be as smart as the Lord, understand everything, and have no contradictions in their minds may have trouble. There are all kinds of contradictions I don't understand, but I find the same kinds of contradictions in science, and I haven't decided to apostatize from science."
"I have trouble understanding why people drift away from the Church. I'm sure the reasons are different and varied. I can understand if a person wants to misbehave and has to rationalize to himself. He has to think he's all right. But I also understand that people who think they have to be as smart as the Lord, understand everything, and have no contradictions in their minds may have trouble. There are all kinds of contradictions I don't understand, but I find the same kinds of contradictions in science, and I haven't decided to apostatize from science."
April 24, 2019
I love that this book reads like he was just dictating to someone. Some really great stories worth remembering.
I like his general attitude towards religion and science. We are to search for Truth, wherever that is. I thought his first chapters and general attitude towards work and life were probably more interesting than his sections about science - but overall I thought it was a worthwhile read. His "Warts and Skeletons" Chapter was probably my favorite.
Some favorite quotes --
"There isn't a thing I'm expected to do in the Church that isn't the best thing for me."
"So I'm going to pray just the same, no matter whether he's all the way at the other side of the ranch or just part way. He's running this thing. I know that because of how magnificently it runs."
I like his general attitude towards religion and science. We are to search for Truth, wherever that is. I thought his first chapters and general attitude towards work and life were probably more interesting than his sections about science - but overall I thought it was a worthwhile read. His "Warts and Skeletons" Chapter was probably my favorite.
Some favorite quotes --
"There isn't a thing I'm expected to do in the Church that isn't the best thing for me."
"So I'm going to pray just the same, no matter whether he's all the way at the other side of the ranch or just part way. He's running this thing. I know that because of how magnificently it runs."
September 25, 2022
Not the most engaging read and spans from stream-of-consciousness reminiscing to describing details about Einstein’s particle theory. 🤔🧐
But it does contain some really great points, thoughts, and quotes, such as:
I served as a "small bishop," a branch president, in Princeton, New Jersey, for twelve years. Do you know what the salary was? Between about a minus 13 and 15 percent and half my time. When that kind of people preside over you, you can bet your life they believe in what they are doing.
I've watched carefully what happens to that tithing that bishops and the rest of us pay. I've never seen any of it taken up into heaven. It is always used right here to help the people who are around us and to do the things that if we were thoughtful enough we would want to do ourselves. I'm convinced that the money I pay for tithing does more good than I do with the rest of it. I've never seen it misused.
The Prophet Joseph Smith was surpassed by some in secular learning, but he was unsurpassed by anyone in his humble willingness to learn. He was genuinely teachable and was always willing to yield obedience to the promptings of the Spirit. Obedience to gospel principles can make man master of himself, and thus of his own destiny. There is no greater freedom than this.
I am now going to venture to say that science has rendered a service to religion. The scientific spirit is a spirit of inquiry, a spirit of reaching out for truth. In the final analysis, this spirit is the essence of religion. The Savior said, "Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you." (Matt. 7:7.) The scientist has, in effect, reaffirmed this great fundamental laid down by the Master, and in doing so has given a new impetus to religion.
You can't intellectualize your way to a testimony. There will always be another question beyond the one you have just answered. Incidentally, the same is true of science. None of its findings are final. Still, some people seem to stumble when they run into a contradiction.
There are all kinds of contradictions that I don't understand, but I find the same kinds of contradictions in science, and I haven't decided to apostatize from science.
In the long run, the truth is its own most powerful advocate. The Lord uses imperfect people. He often allows their errors to stand uncorrected. He may have a purpose in doing so, such as to teach us that religious truth comes forth "line upon line, precept upon precept" in a process of sifting and winnowing similar to the one I know so well in science.
The fundamental principle that has guided my religious life is that I need believe only what is true. The gospel is the truth as learned or discovered by whatever means and tools I can lay my hand or mind on.
To accept the idea that the human personality ends with death is to accept life as a futile, meaningless gesture. Every one of us has friends and loved ones who, if they had the knowledge and power, would preserve us and keep us as companions forever. God has that knowledge and power. He would be less compassionate than many good men if life ended at the grave.
God likes me and won't give up on me no matter what. He'll keep encouraging and praising me when he can, chastise when he must, but never stop hoping that I'll make something out of myself. He is so much more advanced than I am he couldn't be very impressed with my wisdom; it's my effort that really counts. I'm not apt to teach him anything he hasn't already known for a long time. One of the nicest things is his tolerance of us.
There is a further point that needs emphasis. The gospel is not the people in the Church. The gospel is not even the people who direct it. The gospel is the truth. One will have difficulty finding better men than we have presiding over the Church at present and than we have had in times past. Still, they are human beings, as we are.
This Church would have been perfect if the Lord had not let people into it. That is where the mistake seems to have been made, but we understand this, too. The Church is part of the Lord's wonderful plan to work with you and me. Mankind is thus singled out because of man's divine origin and transcendent destiny.
Reflections of a Scientist by Henry Eyring
But it does contain some really great points, thoughts, and quotes, such as:
I served as a "small bishop," a branch president, in Princeton, New Jersey, for twelve years. Do you know what the salary was? Between about a minus 13 and 15 percent and half my time. When that kind of people preside over you, you can bet your life they believe in what they are doing.
I've watched carefully what happens to that tithing that bishops and the rest of us pay. I've never seen any of it taken up into heaven. It is always used right here to help the people who are around us and to do the things that if we were thoughtful enough we would want to do ourselves. I'm convinced that the money I pay for tithing does more good than I do with the rest of it. I've never seen it misused.
The Prophet Joseph Smith was surpassed by some in secular learning, but he was unsurpassed by anyone in his humble willingness to learn. He was genuinely teachable and was always willing to yield obedience to the promptings of the Spirit. Obedience to gospel principles can make man master of himself, and thus of his own destiny. There is no greater freedom than this.
I am now going to venture to say that science has rendered a service to religion. The scientific spirit is a spirit of inquiry, a spirit of reaching out for truth. In the final analysis, this spirit is the essence of religion. The Savior said, "Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you." (Matt. 7:7.) The scientist has, in effect, reaffirmed this great fundamental laid down by the Master, and in doing so has given a new impetus to religion.
You can't intellectualize your way to a testimony. There will always be another question beyond the one you have just answered. Incidentally, the same is true of science. None of its findings are final. Still, some people seem to stumble when they run into a contradiction.
There are all kinds of contradictions that I don't understand, but I find the same kinds of contradictions in science, and I haven't decided to apostatize from science.
In the long run, the truth is its own most powerful advocate. The Lord uses imperfect people. He often allows their errors to stand uncorrected. He may have a purpose in doing so, such as to teach us that religious truth comes forth "line upon line, precept upon precept" in a process of sifting and winnowing similar to the one I know so well in science.
The fundamental principle that has guided my religious life is that I need believe only what is true. The gospel is the truth as learned or discovered by whatever means and tools I can lay my hand or mind on.
To accept the idea that the human personality ends with death is to accept life as a futile, meaningless gesture. Every one of us has friends and loved ones who, if they had the knowledge and power, would preserve us and keep us as companions forever. God has that knowledge and power. He would be less compassionate than many good men if life ended at the grave.
God likes me and won't give up on me no matter what. He'll keep encouraging and praising me when he can, chastise when he must, but never stop hoping that I'll make something out of myself. He is so much more advanced than I am he couldn't be very impressed with my wisdom; it's my effort that really counts. I'm not apt to teach him anything he hasn't already known for a long time. One of the nicest things is his tolerance of us.
There is a further point that needs emphasis. The gospel is not the people in the Church. The gospel is not even the people who direct it. The gospel is the truth. One will have difficulty finding better men than we have presiding over the Church at present and than we have had in times past. Still, they are human beings, as we are.
This Church would have been perfect if the Lord had not let people into it. That is where the mistake seems to have been made, but we understand this, too. The Church is part of the Lord's wonderful plan to work with you and me. Mankind is thus singled out because of man's divine origin and transcendent destiny.
Reflections of a Scientist by Henry Eyring
May 31, 2017
The cover on my book reads:"In September 1919, Henry Eyring's father told him, 'You go over to the University of Arizona and learn everything you can, and whatever is true is a part of the gospel.' Henry took that advice and eventually became a widely respected scientist."
I really loved this book. (I'm about to read it again it was so good). It made me feel so much better about my own beliefs and how I feel about science and religion. There are already some great quotes in the other reviews and so I'll add mine. Here is an excerpt from pages 69 - 63 that made me smile...
"What, then, is to prevent us from seeking to understand God's methods of creation by any and all means available to us? Many avoid seeking understanding from science because they believe that any theory in conflict with the Lord's revelations will finally be proven false. Of course, given those assumptions, the position is clearly correct, since I don't believe that God intentionally misleads his children.
'We have a dilemma, however, because God has left messages all over in the physical world that scientists have learned to read. These messages are quite clear, well-understood, and accepted in science. That is, the theories that the earth is about four-and-one-half billion years old and that life evolved over the last billion years or so are as well established scientifically as many theories ever are. So, if the word of God found in the scriptures and the word of God found in the rocks are contradictory, must we choose between them, or is there some way they can be reconciled?
...'We should keep in mind that scientists are as diligent and truthful as anyone else. Organic evolution is the honest result of capable people trying to explain the evidence to the best of their ability. From my limited study of the subject I would say that the physical evidence supporting the theory is considerable from a scientific viewpoint.
"In my opinion it would be a very sad mistake if a parent or teacher were to belittle scientists as being wicked charlatans or else fools having been duped by half-baked ideas that gloss over inconsistencies. That isn't an accurate assessment of the situation, and our children or students will be able to see that when they begin their scientific studies.
..."Now wait a minute,' you say. 'I thought you weren't an 'evolutionist'!" I'm not. I'd be just as content to find out that God stirred up some dirt and water and out stepped Adam, ready to occupy the Garden of Eden. The only important thing is that God did it. I might say in regard that in my mind the theory of evolution has to include a notion that the dice have been loaded from the beginning in favor of more complex life forms...
"The really awful thing about me is that I really don't care one way or the other. Sometime, a billion years from now; it may come up in heavenly science class and I'll be glad to know, but until then I'll be content."
I really loved this book. (I'm about to read it again it was so good). It made me feel so much better about my own beliefs and how I feel about science and religion. There are already some great quotes in the other reviews and so I'll add mine. Here is an excerpt from pages 69 - 63 that made me smile...
"What, then, is to prevent us from seeking to understand God's methods of creation by any and all means available to us? Many avoid seeking understanding from science because they believe that any theory in conflict with the Lord's revelations will finally be proven false. Of course, given those assumptions, the position is clearly correct, since I don't believe that God intentionally misleads his children.
'We have a dilemma, however, because God has left messages all over in the physical world that scientists have learned to read. These messages are quite clear, well-understood, and accepted in science. That is, the theories that the earth is about four-and-one-half billion years old and that life evolved over the last billion years or so are as well established scientifically as many theories ever are. So, if the word of God found in the scriptures and the word of God found in the rocks are contradictory, must we choose between them, or is there some way they can be reconciled?
...'We should keep in mind that scientists are as diligent and truthful as anyone else. Organic evolution is the honest result of capable people trying to explain the evidence to the best of their ability. From my limited study of the subject I would say that the physical evidence supporting the theory is considerable from a scientific viewpoint.
"In my opinion it would be a very sad mistake if a parent or teacher were to belittle scientists as being wicked charlatans or else fools having been duped by half-baked ideas that gloss over inconsistencies. That isn't an accurate assessment of the situation, and our children or students will be able to see that when they begin their scientific studies.
..."Now wait a minute,' you say. 'I thought you weren't an 'evolutionist'!" I'm not. I'd be just as content to find out that God stirred up some dirt and water and out stepped Adam, ready to occupy the Garden of Eden. The only important thing is that God did it. I might say in regard that in my mind the theory of evolution has to include a notion that the dice have been loaded from the beginning in favor of more complex life forms...
"The really awful thing about me is that I really don't care one way or the other. Sometime, a billion years from now; it may come up in heavenly science class and I'll be glad to know, but until then I'll be content."
July 18, 2013
I really liked this quick read of the thoughts (reflections) of a man that was in the search for truth. He found that in his life science and religion enriched each other. It was a refreshing view in a world that puts science and religion at odds with each other.
A Few quotes:
"Faith is feeling good about myself, feeling good about God, and muddling along after truth as best I can."
"The significant thing about a scientist is this: he simply expects the truth to prevail because it is the truth. He doesn’t work very much on the reactions of his heart. In science, the thing is, and its being so is something one cannot resent. If a thing is wrong, nothing can save it, and if it is right, it cannot help succeeding.
So it is with the gospel."
"The Bible speaks of the four corners of the earth and of the stars in a firmament, conjuring up the image of lights on the inside of a giant dome covering the earth. In the time of Columbus, many people thought a flat earth was a religious necessity. When it turned out to be round, Christ’s teachings were found to be just as consistent with the new view as with the old. In fact, the great underlying principles of faith were brought into bolder relief when the clutter of false notions was removed from around them."
"There are all kinds of contradictions that I don’t understand, but I find the same kinds of contradictions in science, and I haven’t decided to apostatize from science."
"These are historical events and can’t be confirmed by laboratory experimentation, but if someone could prove to me conclusively that any such miracle in the Bible didn’t really happen, but was just hyperbole on the part of the writer or some later translator, I wouldn’t lose my testimony. After all, I’m only interested in finding out what the truth is. The only miracle I can think of that makes a difference is the resurrection of Jesus Christ. Whether or not manna really fell from heaven or was just the dried sap of the tamarisk plants in the area doesn’t seem to me to have much religious significance."
A Few quotes:
"Faith is feeling good about myself, feeling good about God, and muddling along after truth as best I can."
"The significant thing about a scientist is this: he simply expects the truth to prevail because it is the truth. He doesn’t work very much on the reactions of his heart. In science, the thing is, and its being so is something one cannot resent. If a thing is wrong, nothing can save it, and if it is right, it cannot help succeeding.
So it is with the gospel."
"The Bible speaks of the four corners of the earth and of the stars in a firmament, conjuring up the image of lights on the inside of a giant dome covering the earth. In the time of Columbus, many people thought a flat earth was a religious necessity. When it turned out to be round, Christ’s teachings were found to be just as consistent with the new view as with the old. In fact, the great underlying principles of faith were brought into bolder relief when the clutter of false notions was removed from around them."
"There are all kinds of contradictions that I don’t understand, but I find the same kinds of contradictions in science, and I haven’t decided to apostatize from science."
"These are historical events and can’t be confirmed by laboratory experimentation, but if someone could prove to me conclusively that any such miracle in the Bible didn’t really happen, but was just hyperbole on the part of the writer or some later translator, I wouldn’t lose my testimony. After all, I’m only interested in finding out what the truth is. The only miracle I can think of that makes a difference is the resurrection of Jesus Christ. Whether or not manna really fell from heaven or was just the dried sap of the tamarisk plants in the area doesn’t seem to me to have much religious significance."
September 9, 2010
I really loved the beginning of this book. I was enthralled with some of the facts Henry came up with. There is so much out there to be explored that we may never find the answers to. It is mind-boggling to think about this world, our solar system, our universe, and other worlds, other solar systems, and other universes out there. I loved Henry connected science with religion and finds truth in both. The middle of the book got a little deep and I didn't understand some of what he was talking about, but I thought this was a pretty good read.
I think God is the ultimate scientist. This world could not have come into existence without someone behind the scenes making it work all together.
I think God is the ultimate scientist. This world could not have come into existence without someone behind the scenes making it work all together.
January 31, 2023
2nd read: No change in opinion. I'm not good at all the talk of atoms, etc. in the middle but his wry observations are still hilarious.
1st read: THIS!!! I love this! For one of my classes I've been reading "academic" Mormonism. So much complex thinking and hypothesizing and just plain "blerg." So I decided, on my own, to read something else. And this! This is wonderful. Funny, full of personality, simple- yet profound. I love this book. Sharp, sharp guy but he doesn't try to prove it. I could spend hours with him! He doesn't have all the answers but, by golly, he's got a good life philosophy. Someone down there calls it enthralling and they are right!!!
1st read: THIS!!! I love this! For one of my classes I've been reading "academic" Mormonism. So much complex thinking and hypothesizing and just plain "blerg." So I decided, on my own, to read something else. And this! This is wonderful. Funny, full of personality, simple- yet profound. I love this book. Sharp, sharp guy but he doesn't try to prove it. I could spend hours with him! He doesn't have all the answers but, by golly, he's got a good life philosophy. Someone down there calls it enthralling and they are right!!!
April 7, 2008
Truly inspiring, one of my favorite LDS books. I have a deep respect for the Eyring family, and was very moved by this candid look at the personality, beliefs, achievements, (and many hilarious and interesting anecdotes) of Henry B. Eyring's father. I've always believed it's possible to reconcile science and religion, and it was very gratifying to see one of the world's top physicists and a devout Mormon so succinctly explain his faith.
April 13, 2018
Funny autobiographical musings
This reads more like a series of discussions, if you had Henry J. Eyring over for dinner and asked him what he thought about various scientific, religious, and autobiographical topics. He has a fun, laid-back and friendly attitude that makes this a quick read. I love his attitude that the gospel consists of everything that's true, so we don't have to worry about choosing between different points of view, and that we need to be humble enough in science and religion to accept new data and be dedicated to truth, not ego.
This reads more like a series of discussions, if you had Henry J. Eyring over for dinner and asked him what he thought about various scientific, religious, and autobiographical topics. He has a fun, laid-back and friendly attitude that makes this a quick read. I love his attitude that the gospel consists of everything that's true, so we don't have to worry about choosing between different points of view, and that we need to be humble enough in science and religion to accept new data and be dedicated to truth, not ego.
April 18, 2019
This was a mixed bag for me, but I liked his sense of humor, and I loved the way he talked about "the truth" (scientific or otherwise). So refreshing.
April 12, 2024
Great book. I love how he merged science with religion.
November 10, 2019
I really enjoyed this. He's a smart and funny man and he boils it down to the basics which I really appreciated. It was fun to read some personal accounts like his interactions with Einstein and also to get his thoughts on faith vs science. I love the advice his father gave him "you don't have to believe anything that isn't true". He applied that to his life in science and in his faith.
There are a lot of great quotes, I read this with a pen in hand to underline things.
I was a little surprised by his humor. He doesn't take himself too seriously.
There are a lot of great quotes, I read this with a pen in hand to underline things.
I was a little surprised by his humor. He doesn't take himself too seriously.
March 28, 2023
This book was a strange mix of homespun tales of a rural upbringing, detailed scientific explanations of various laws and theories, and a joking almost flippant tone regarding both. I didn’t care much for any of these, but woven throughout were some really valuable insights about the complementary natures of science and religion. Here are some noteworthy quotes:
“Learn everything you can, and whatever is true is a part of the gospel.”
“The significant thing about a scientist is this: he simply expects the truth to prevail because it is the truth. He doesn't work very much on the reactions of the heart. In science, the thing is, and its being so is something one cannot resent. If a thing is wrong, nothing can save it, and if it is right, it cannot help succeeding.”
“Some have asked me, "Is there any conflict between science and religion?" There is no conflict in the mind of God, but often there is conflict in the minds of men. Through the eternities, we are going to get closer and closer to understanding the mind of God; then the conflicts will disappear.”
“It takes several ingredients to make a good scientist. One is being bright, in seeing and grasping ideas quickly. Another is a sense of self-worth that allows you to keep struggling along even when you might seem lost in the woods for the moment.”
“I have many of my best ideas at night. I come to work each morning with new ideas. Most of them are wrong…. After examination, about 5 to 10 percent of the ideas are inherently interesting and provide some insight into certain phenomena. Each day is a winnowing and sifting of ideas. You have to develop the ability to distinguish blind alleys from the right track. It helps not to be too self-critical. Some people are perfectionists and can't stand the messy way most good ideas start. It's better to be a happy muddler.”
“Huxley said, "Perhaps the most valuable result of all education is the ability to make yourself do the thing you have to do when it is to be done, whether you like it or not." I'm not sure educated people have the corner on the stick-to-it-iveness market, but wherever persistence comes from, it makes a big difference.”
“To find truth, you have to try, and you have to persist in trying. Sometimes it's fun. Sometimes it's hard or boring. But it's always worth it.”
“The accuracy and order of the universe continue without regard to fashions in hairstyles, clothes, politics, science, or religion. What's true is true. What works, works.”
“Obedience is the price of freedom.”
“There isn't a thing I'm expected to do in the Church that isn't the best thing for me.”
“In the time of Columbus, many people thought a flat earth was a religious necessity. When it turned out to be round, Christ's teachings were found to be just as consistent with the new view as with the old. In fact, the great underlying principles of faith were brought into bolder relief when the clutter of false notions was removed from around them.”
“We should be willing to enjoy a full picture of our heroes, leaders, and history. I believe that when we ignore the "darker side" we leave ourselves unprepared for the revelation of some unhappy deed or event of past or present. We might be better off if we leave the warts on and let a few of the skeletons out of the closets ourselves for open examination. On the other hand, there are dangers in debunking everyone and everything that is a little above the ordinary. We ought to seek a happy balance of letting the truth flow forth without either hiding or digging for problems.”
The very funny story about how Einstein couldn’t identify his own bean plants, making the point that no one is an expert at everything.
“People who think they have to be as smart as the Lord, understand everything, and have no contradictions in their minds may have trouble. There are all kinds of contradictions that I don't understand, but I find the same kinds of contradictions in science, and I haven't decided to apostatize from science.”
“In the long run, the truth is its own most powerful advocate. The Lord uses imperfect people. He often allows their errors to stand uncorrected. He may have a purpose in doing so, such as to teach us that religious truth comes forth "line upon line, precept upon precept" in a process of sifting and winnowing similar to the one I know so well in science.”
“God has told us that the scriptures are incomplete. We are promised that we will receive more when we have mastered the lessons of what we have. Hence, teaching us how to live and treat others and how to obey the rules and laws of the gospel is the primary purpose of the scriptures; they are spiritual guides to religious questions. Of course, the scriptures do treat incidentally scientific, historical, and other nonreligious questions. In these areas, they should be supplemented by all relevant information. Viewed in this light, most problems disappear. I am obliged, as a Latter-day Saint, to believe whatever is true, regardless of the source. Questions involving the age of the earth, pre-Adamic man, or organic evolution may seem to us to be interesting and important. However, I doubt that God thinks they matter enough to have provided definitive explanations in our current scriptures. They will all receive adequate answers in due course. Whatever the ultimate answers are, the gospel will remain, and new questions will take the place of those we solve. For me, the truth of the gospel does not hinge on such questions, interesting as they are.”
“Whether or not a particular theory actually predicts reality or not is more a function of the underlying assumptions than of the elegance of the proof itself. Thus, euclidian geometry is perfect for the flat world for which it was designed, but it results in poor predictions in a three-dimensional world. The same kind of problem occurs when we begin considering the (spiritual) world. If it curves into a fourth or tenth or hundredth dimension, what basic assumptions should we adopt?”
“There seems no reasonable alternative to the conclusion that the Creator has methods of immediate communication unknown and perhaps unknowable to man. Somehow, the universe is coordinated and regulated by influences that transcend the laws of physics now known. I don't think that just because people on this planet don't know how to send messages any faster is any proof to me that God doesn't know how to do it. So I'm going to pray just the same, no matter whether he's all the way at the other side of the ranch or just part way. He's running this thing. I know that because of how magnificently it runs.”
“If I take everything I know from the scriptures and the prophets, and everything I know from science, and reconcile them, I still have as many unanswered questions as I have ones with answers. No intellectual approach nails down everything. In this life, there will always be unanswered questions. In fact, each answer seems to raise more questions. That's the way it is in science, too, and I don't apostatize from science for that reason. Actually, that's what makes science, and religion, fun. Faith is feeling good about myself, feeling good about God, and muddling along after truth as best I can.”
“A believer never does more disservice to religion than to support the truth with bad arguments. The listener spots the obvious errors, becomes impatient, often "throws out the baby with the bath," and turns away, even from true religion.”
“I am certain that the gospel, as taught in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, is true. It's a better explanation of what I observe in science than any other I know about. There are still lots of things I don't know, but that doesn't bother me. I'm a happy muddler. The gospel simply asks me to find out what's true as best I can and in the meantime to live a good life. That strikes me as the best formula for living there could be.”
“Learn everything you can, and whatever is true is a part of the gospel.”
“The significant thing about a scientist is this: he simply expects the truth to prevail because it is the truth. He doesn't work very much on the reactions of the heart. In science, the thing is, and its being so is something one cannot resent. If a thing is wrong, nothing can save it, and if it is right, it cannot help succeeding.”
“Some have asked me, "Is there any conflict between science and religion?" There is no conflict in the mind of God, but often there is conflict in the minds of men. Through the eternities, we are going to get closer and closer to understanding the mind of God; then the conflicts will disappear.”
“It takes several ingredients to make a good scientist. One is being bright, in seeing and grasping ideas quickly. Another is a sense of self-worth that allows you to keep struggling along even when you might seem lost in the woods for the moment.”
“I have many of my best ideas at night. I come to work each morning with new ideas. Most of them are wrong…. After examination, about 5 to 10 percent of the ideas are inherently interesting and provide some insight into certain phenomena. Each day is a winnowing and sifting of ideas. You have to develop the ability to distinguish blind alleys from the right track. It helps not to be too self-critical. Some people are perfectionists and can't stand the messy way most good ideas start. It's better to be a happy muddler.”
“Huxley said, "Perhaps the most valuable result of all education is the ability to make yourself do the thing you have to do when it is to be done, whether you like it or not." I'm not sure educated people have the corner on the stick-to-it-iveness market, but wherever persistence comes from, it makes a big difference.”
“To find truth, you have to try, and you have to persist in trying. Sometimes it's fun. Sometimes it's hard or boring. But it's always worth it.”
“The accuracy and order of the universe continue without regard to fashions in hairstyles, clothes, politics, science, or religion. What's true is true. What works, works.”
“Obedience is the price of freedom.”
“There isn't a thing I'm expected to do in the Church that isn't the best thing for me.”
“In the time of Columbus, many people thought a flat earth was a religious necessity. When it turned out to be round, Christ's teachings were found to be just as consistent with the new view as with the old. In fact, the great underlying principles of faith were brought into bolder relief when the clutter of false notions was removed from around them.”
“We should be willing to enjoy a full picture of our heroes, leaders, and history. I believe that when we ignore the "darker side" we leave ourselves unprepared for the revelation of some unhappy deed or event of past or present. We might be better off if we leave the warts on and let a few of the skeletons out of the closets ourselves for open examination. On the other hand, there are dangers in debunking everyone and everything that is a little above the ordinary. We ought to seek a happy balance of letting the truth flow forth without either hiding or digging for problems.”
The very funny story about how Einstein couldn’t identify his own bean plants, making the point that no one is an expert at everything.
“People who think they have to be as smart as the Lord, understand everything, and have no contradictions in their minds may have trouble. There are all kinds of contradictions that I don't understand, but I find the same kinds of contradictions in science, and I haven't decided to apostatize from science.”
“In the long run, the truth is its own most powerful advocate. The Lord uses imperfect people. He often allows their errors to stand uncorrected. He may have a purpose in doing so, such as to teach us that religious truth comes forth "line upon line, precept upon precept" in a process of sifting and winnowing similar to the one I know so well in science.”
“God has told us that the scriptures are incomplete. We are promised that we will receive more when we have mastered the lessons of what we have. Hence, teaching us how to live and treat others and how to obey the rules and laws of the gospel is the primary purpose of the scriptures; they are spiritual guides to religious questions. Of course, the scriptures do treat incidentally scientific, historical, and other nonreligious questions. In these areas, they should be supplemented by all relevant information. Viewed in this light, most problems disappear. I am obliged, as a Latter-day Saint, to believe whatever is true, regardless of the source. Questions involving the age of the earth, pre-Adamic man, or organic evolution may seem to us to be interesting and important. However, I doubt that God thinks they matter enough to have provided definitive explanations in our current scriptures. They will all receive adequate answers in due course. Whatever the ultimate answers are, the gospel will remain, and new questions will take the place of those we solve. For me, the truth of the gospel does not hinge on such questions, interesting as they are.”
“Whether or not a particular theory actually predicts reality or not is more a function of the underlying assumptions than of the elegance of the proof itself. Thus, euclidian geometry is perfect for the flat world for which it was designed, but it results in poor predictions in a three-dimensional world. The same kind of problem occurs when we begin considering the (spiritual) world. If it curves into a fourth or tenth or hundredth dimension, what basic assumptions should we adopt?”
“There seems no reasonable alternative to the conclusion that the Creator has methods of immediate communication unknown and perhaps unknowable to man. Somehow, the universe is coordinated and regulated by influences that transcend the laws of physics now known. I don't think that just because people on this planet don't know how to send messages any faster is any proof to me that God doesn't know how to do it. So I'm going to pray just the same, no matter whether he's all the way at the other side of the ranch or just part way. He's running this thing. I know that because of how magnificently it runs.”
“If I take everything I know from the scriptures and the prophets, and everything I know from science, and reconcile them, I still have as many unanswered questions as I have ones with answers. No intellectual approach nails down everything. In this life, there will always be unanswered questions. In fact, each answer seems to raise more questions. That's the way it is in science, too, and I don't apostatize from science for that reason. Actually, that's what makes science, and religion, fun. Faith is feeling good about myself, feeling good about God, and muddling along after truth as best I can.”
“A believer never does more disservice to religion than to support the truth with bad arguments. The listener spots the obvious errors, becomes impatient, often "throws out the baby with the bath," and turns away, even from true religion.”
“I am certain that the gospel, as taught in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, is true. It's a better explanation of what I observe in science than any other I know about. There are still lots of things I don't know, but that doesn't bother me. I'm a happy muddler. The gospel simply asks me to find out what's true as best I can and in the meantime to live a good life. That strikes me as the best formula for living there could be.”
January 16, 2009
I read this book during my first year of College and while reading I became a huge fan of Dr. Eyring and his ideas. It was refreshing to read about his way of viewing our world and how Science and all of its' new discoveries that continue to occur are all part of God's plan. This was very comforting to read since my thoughts were very similar to his and also considering how many people try to say that both Science and God can't co-exist. It was comforting to read about Dr. Eyring's strong beliefs in certain scientific theories such as organic evolution, the age of the earth and pre-Adamites and how none of these theories detracted him away from his faith nor did they minimize, in his mind, God's role in our lives. In fact, these scientific theories seemed to confirm and strengthen his faith. It was also very entertaining to read about the long, and often at times, heated discussions that he had with Joseph Fielding Smith concerning the aforementioned scientific theories. Smith was not an advocate for Henry's science and both tried to convince the other that their ideas were wrong, but neither prevailed. In spite of all their disagreements they were able to respectfully disagree on those matters and remain friends. A great book all around, especially since it is written by the man himself so you get a large sample of not only his great mind but also his easy-going, kind personality.
February 25, 2009
Great book! Henry Eyring was an amazing scientist (worked with Einstein) and very faithful man. He teaches about truth. The gospel is all truth--wherever it comes from. Science and faith work together to help us know God better. It's neat to learn from his example, knowledge, and testimony.
Here are a few quotes that I really like (about having a passion for what you do, hard work and priorities, obedience, and kindness):
"If science or whatever else you have chosen to do is just an eight-hour day and then on to other things, you're probably not going to change the world." (p. 24)
"I have no goal other than to do a good job with the task at hand, whatever that may be." (p. 25)
"Obedience is the price of freedom...win freedom by fulfilling [your:] duties over and beyond what is required." (p.31)
"We all have to rely on a very small measure of information and a very large measure of faith." (p. 77)
"I think [God:] cares about how I treat my fellowmen and is not very much impressed with the rest [meaning reaction rate theory, integral calculus--"He's known that all along.":]." (p. 89)
Here are a few quotes that I really like (about having a passion for what you do, hard work and priorities, obedience, and kindness):
"If science or whatever else you have chosen to do is just an eight-hour day and then on to other things, you're probably not going to change the world." (p. 24)
"I have no goal other than to do a good job with the task at hand, whatever that may be." (p. 25)
"Obedience is the price of freedom...win freedom by fulfilling [your:] duties over and beyond what is required." (p.31)
"We all have to rely on a very small measure of information and a very large measure of faith." (p. 77)
"I think [God:] cares about how I treat my fellowmen and is not very much impressed with the rest [meaning reaction rate theory, integral calculus--"He's known that all along.":]." (p. 89)
November 11, 2013
This book is written by the premier LDS scientist to this time. It provides the liason between science and religion. It helps one sort out what type of things to not believe or to believe about science and religion.
It is said that the author would have received a Nobel Prize had he not taught at an isolated university like the University of Utah and been a Mormon. I am sure he regrets neither but perhaps the Nobel people regret it now.
This book gave me a lot of insight being a science teacher and also having a strong testimony of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and Jesus Christ as my Saviour.
I even wanted to write a book about the scientific facts of Creation and evolution. I even had my first chapter written and proofread by an English teacher at my school.
Recently, I have made Henry Eyring an addition to our scientists list or let students do reports on him for extra credit.
It is said that the author would have received a Nobel Prize had he not taught at an isolated university like the University of Utah and been a Mormon. I am sure he regrets neither but perhaps the Nobel people regret it now.
This book gave me a lot of insight being a science teacher and also having a strong testimony of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and Jesus Christ as my Saviour.
I even wanted to write a book about the scientific facts of Creation and evolution. I even had my first chapter written and proofread by an English teacher at my school.
Recently, I have made Henry Eyring an addition to our scientists list or let students do reports on him for extra credit.
February 10, 2017
I used to think I'd make a good scientist, as I read this book I realized I'm not naturally drawn to these topics even when I try to want to. Good book, but I got very lost and distracted in the midst of reading this. Also I had to force myself to keep going. It discusses many great topics about god and science and how they don't clash yet when science is right it supports god all along. Good points with a scientific perspective!
June 29, 2015
Interesting that one of his last points was to never support the truth with bad arguments, or "defend a good cause with bad arguments." We need to think and inquire. Sort out the truth from error and start again. I felt very clearly as I read this how well Henry Eyring knew that God is real and that He loves us and is perfectly aware of us.
There were a few lame jokes and maybe a few lines that would bother some people (read: his talk of his wives, meeting him in heaven...) But this was great and I feel a nice complement (from 30+ years ago) to "Crucible of Doubt" which I also recently finished.
I did like his notes to parents. What are we teaching our kids in this arena? Do they understand why we believe what we believe? Are we supporting good causes with bad arguments? Are we supporting bad arguments with bad arguments? Great things to ponder going forward as a parent.
There were a few lame jokes and maybe a few lines that would bother some people (read: his talk of his wives, meeting him in heaven...) But this was great and I feel a nice complement (from 30+ years ago) to "Crucible of Doubt" which I also recently finished.
I did like his notes to parents. What are we teaching our kids in this arena? Do they understand why we believe what we believe? Are we supporting good causes with bad arguments? Are we supporting bad arguments with bad arguments? Great things to ponder going forward as a parent.
March 17, 2009
This book is for anyone who thinks that LDS beliefs are in conflict with modern scientific theory, and a refreshing reminder to us all: the gospel is truth. Wherever it may be found. With his folksy style, I found myself forgetting that I was reading from one of last century's preeminent scientists for pages at a time, until he'd interject something about particle theory or a dinner he attended with a bunch of Nobel prize winners. A quick read, but carrying the weight of a lifetime of gospel and secular learning and teaching, combined with the simple faithful testimony he had. One I'll go back to.
February 13, 2023
4 stars: Above average for a science/religious book
I like Henry Eyring mindset towards Science and Religion. From reading this book I learned that he believes in evolution, but won't be disappointed if that wasn't true in the end because in the end the most important part is that God played a hand in it.
I adopted one of Henry Eyring mindset when I started graduate school. My thoughts were if this doesn't work out I would go back and work in a chicken farm again. It has helped me remember that I have done hard things and what I am doing now is more enjoyable than being in a chicken coop.
Tags: Clean, religious, scientific
I like Henry Eyring mindset towards Science and Religion. From reading this book I learned that he believes in evolution, but won't be disappointed if that wasn't true in the end because in the end the most important part is that God played a hand in it.
I adopted one of Henry Eyring mindset when I started graduate school. My thoughts were if this doesn't work out I would go back and work in a chicken farm again. It has helped me remember that I have done hard things and what I am doing now is more enjoyable than being in a chicken coop.
Tags: Clean, religious, scientific
December 11, 2010
This was fantastic. He was so matter-of-fact about science and religion not competing with each other that at times I had to laugh out loud. One of my favorite quotes: "In this life, there will always be unanswered questions. In fact, each answer seems to raise more questions. That's the way it is in science, too, and I don't apostatize from science for that reason. Actually, that's what makes science, and religion, fun. Faith is feeling good about myself, feeling good about God, and muddling along after truth as best I can."
December 15, 2016
Good book. It's just that: reflections of a scientist. A Mormon scientist. A good man. An honorable man. I especially enjoyed the first chapters, with the stories about his life. The rest of it was the reflecting part, and it was good too.
Also, this book is not written by Henry J. Eyring, but simply Henry Eyring. That's what the cover shows, and it should be changed in the Goodreads description.
Henry Eyring was the father of Henry B. Eyring, apostle, who is the father of Henry J. Eyring, author of other books.
Also, this book is not written by Henry J. Eyring, but simply Henry Eyring. That's what the cover shows, and it should be changed in the Goodreads description.
Henry Eyring was the father of Henry B. Eyring, apostle, who is the father of Henry J. Eyring, author of other books.
October 27, 2022
This is an excellent book by a man who was a brilliant scientist and a religious leader. He was family to prophets and a scriptural scholar. In the pages of this book he discusses how he pursued truth in his life through study, experiment, prayer, and revelation. This book should be read by everyone looking to learn.
March 3, 2015
This book is actually written by Henry Eyring who is Henry B. Eyring's father. Jaynee read it for a college class and recommended it to me. Loved reading about how science and religion go hand in hand. Dr Eyring has a great sense of humor as well.
January 19, 2022
This is a delightful, humorous little book with lessons on life, religion and science.
Quotes:
The apostles of old and Joseph Smith sealed their testimonies with their blood. Henry Eyring sealed his testimony on the rack of bone cancer. That rack stripped away all artifice. He was true and faithful to his testimony of the gospel to the very last.
At first I thought the big problem of University students would be questions in logic and philosophy, but I soon found out that when they were happy and socially accepted, their imagined difficulties melted away.
Speaking about bishops in the Church of Jesus Christ:
I know their salary. I served as a “little bishop,” a branch president in Princeton, New Jersey for 12 years. Do you know what the salary was? Between about a minus 13 and 15 percent and half my time.
I always get something useful out of [sacrament meeting talks]. Sometimes the talks being given from the pulpit or rather weak. Then I may have to listen a while before I can figure out what the topic is, but once I have that, I start preparing in my mind a talk on the same subject.“What would I say if that were my theme?” I asked myself. Of course, I’d get more new ideas if I listen to the other fellow, but I enjoy my own thoughts, and I really do listen a lot of the time.
I like to see one of the brethren make what appears to be a mistake now and then. I make them all the time. So, I think that if the Lord can use one of the Brethren and they’re not perfect, then maybe he can find a way to use me. Some people get all worked up when someone important says something a little differently that they would say it. But I’m delighted. If I can see something less than perfection in our leaders, it gives me hope… I also dose in church occasionally, but that’s because I trust my leaders. If I were worried about what they were doing, I’d stay wide awake.
(Eyring and Einstein were talking. They went out to a garden which was turned into a WWII victory garden). Now I’m a farmer from Pima, so I guessed what the crop was, but I didn’t know whether Einstein knew or not so I picked up a plant and asked him what it was. He didn’t know…I asked [the gardener]… He said, “they’re soybeans.” Well I thought what you would’ve thought: “Einstein doesn’t know beans. “
There are all kinds of contradictions [in the church] that I don’t understand, but I find the same kinds of contradictions in science, and I haven’t decided to apostatize from science.
(In talking to Spencer W. Kimball, his brother in law, about some troubling scriptures): I asked Spencer what he thought… His eyes twinkled, and he smiled slightly as he said, “I always read fast when I get to those verses.”
He didn’t mean it, of course. I don’t know anyone who comes closer to meeting the high standard of that scripture than Spencer, but it’s nice to know that he understands the rest of us.
My wife and I have a lot that is 60 feet across the front, 100 feet deep, and extends straight up to the limits of space, so far as I know. Clearly, this qualifies me to speak on the broader aspects of the universe.
Broken, uncompleted lives are the best possible reason for a hereafter in which the scales of justice are balanced by a just God. To believe otherwise is to attribute to God a lack of sensitivity that we find regularly in good men.
Some people have pointed to some members of the Church and said, “now, Dr. Eyring, that’s one of your brethren and he’s not what he ought to be.“ My answer is this: “well, you ought to see what he’d be like if it weren’t for the church.“ … The Church would have been perfect if the Lord had not let people into it…. The church is part of the Lord‘s wonderful plan to work with you and me.
Quotes:
The apostles of old and Joseph Smith sealed their testimonies with their blood. Henry Eyring sealed his testimony on the rack of bone cancer. That rack stripped away all artifice. He was true and faithful to his testimony of the gospel to the very last.
At first I thought the big problem of University students would be questions in logic and philosophy, but I soon found out that when they were happy and socially accepted, their imagined difficulties melted away.
Speaking about bishops in the Church of Jesus Christ:
I know their salary. I served as a “little bishop,” a branch president in Princeton, New Jersey for 12 years. Do you know what the salary was? Between about a minus 13 and 15 percent and half my time.
I always get something useful out of [sacrament meeting talks]. Sometimes the talks being given from the pulpit or rather weak. Then I may have to listen a while before I can figure out what the topic is, but once I have that, I start preparing in my mind a talk on the same subject.“What would I say if that were my theme?” I asked myself. Of course, I’d get more new ideas if I listen to the other fellow, but I enjoy my own thoughts, and I really do listen a lot of the time.
I like to see one of the brethren make what appears to be a mistake now and then. I make them all the time. So, I think that if the Lord can use one of the Brethren and they’re not perfect, then maybe he can find a way to use me. Some people get all worked up when someone important says something a little differently that they would say it. But I’m delighted. If I can see something less than perfection in our leaders, it gives me hope… I also dose in church occasionally, but that’s because I trust my leaders. If I were worried about what they were doing, I’d stay wide awake.
(Eyring and Einstein were talking. They went out to a garden which was turned into a WWII victory garden). Now I’m a farmer from Pima, so I guessed what the crop was, but I didn’t know whether Einstein knew or not so I picked up a plant and asked him what it was. He didn’t know…I asked [the gardener]… He said, “they’re soybeans.” Well I thought what you would’ve thought: “Einstein doesn’t know beans. “
There are all kinds of contradictions [in the church] that I don’t understand, but I find the same kinds of contradictions in science, and I haven’t decided to apostatize from science.
(In talking to Spencer W. Kimball, his brother in law, about some troubling scriptures): I asked Spencer what he thought… His eyes twinkled, and he smiled slightly as he said, “I always read fast when I get to those verses.”
He didn’t mean it, of course. I don’t know anyone who comes closer to meeting the high standard of that scripture than Spencer, but it’s nice to know that he understands the rest of us.
My wife and I have a lot that is 60 feet across the front, 100 feet deep, and extends straight up to the limits of space, so far as I know. Clearly, this qualifies me to speak on the broader aspects of the universe.
Broken, uncompleted lives are the best possible reason for a hereafter in which the scales of justice are balanced by a just God. To believe otherwise is to attribute to God a lack of sensitivity that we find regularly in good men.
Some people have pointed to some members of the Church and said, “now, Dr. Eyring, that’s one of your brethren and he’s not what he ought to be.“ My answer is this: “well, you ought to see what he’d be like if it weren’t for the church.“ … The Church would have been perfect if the Lord had not let people into it…. The church is part of the Lord‘s wonderful plan to work with you and me.
July 18, 2018
Some of my favorite quotes from the book (there were a lot):
There was a time when many people thought that the pure understanding of the scriptures required the acceptance of a flat earth. The Bible speaks of the four corners of the earth and of the stars in the firmament, conjuring up the image of lights on the inside of a giant dome covering the earth. In the time of Columbus, many people thought a flat earth was a religious necessity. When it turned out to be round, Christ’s teachings were found to be just as consistent with the new view as with the old. In fact, the great underlying principles of faith were brought into bolder relief when the clutter of false notions was removed from around them.
Sometimes science has at first appeared to be at odds with religion, but then new discoveries have come to provide supporting insight.
On one ... occasion a man from the Navy and I spent the morning with Einstein at his home talking about high explosives. I think he was more interested in relativity than high explosives, but he was not a bad chemist. … At noon we walked out into … a victory garden. Now I’m a farmer from Pima, so I guessed what the crop was, but I didn’t know whether Einstein knew or not. So I picked up a plant and asked him what it was. He didn’t know. We walked about a hundred yards to where the gardener was sitting on his wheelbarrow. As I walked by, I asked him what it was. He said, “They’re soy beans.” Well, I thought what you would have thought: “Einstein doesn’t know beans.”
I have always felt comfortable with the views of our trained scientists among the General Authorities: James E. Talmage, John A. Widtsoe. God has left messages all over in the physical world that scientists have learned to read. These messages are quite clear, well-understood, and accepted in science. That is the theories that the earth is about four-and-one-half billion years old and that life evolved over the last billion years or so are as well established scientifically as many theories ever are.
God created the world, and my faith does not hinge on the detailed procedures he used.
The fundamental principle that has guided my religious life is that I need believe only what is true.
D&C 101:32-34 Yea, verily I say unto you, in that day when the Lord shall come, he shall reveal all things—
Things which have passed, and hidden things which no man knew, things of the earth, by which it was made, and the purpose and the end thereof—
Things most precious, things that are above, and things that are beneath, things that are in the earth, and upon the earth, and in heaven.
We should keep in mind that scientist are as diligent and truthful as anyone else.
We have to keep firmly in mind at all times the two aspects of the Church: its divinely inspired perfect side, and its human side. This Church would have been perfect if the Lord had not let people into it.
There was a time when many people thought that the pure understanding of the scriptures required the acceptance of a flat earth. The Bible speaks of the four corners of the earth and of the stars in the firmament, conjuring up the image of lights on the inside of a giant dome covering the earth. In the time of Columbus, many people thought a flat earth was a religious necessity. When it turned out to be round, Christ’s teachings were found to be just as consistent with the new view as with the old. In fact, the great underlying principles of faith were brought into bolder relief when the clutter of false notions was removed from around them.
Sometimes science has at first appeared to be at odds with religion, but then new discoveries have come to provide supporting insight.
On one ... occasion a man from the Navy and I spent the morning with Einstein at his home talking about high explosives. I think he was more interested in relativity than high explosives, but he was not a bad chemist. … At noon we walked out into … a victory garden. Now I’m a farmer from Pima, so I guessed what the crop was, but I didn’t know whether Einstein knew or not. So I picked up a plant and asked him what it was. He didn’t know. We walked about a hundred yards to where the gardener was sitting on his wheelbarrow. As I walked by, I asked him what it was. He said, “They’re soy beans.” Well, I thought what you would have thought: “Einstein doesn’t know beans.”
I have always felt comfortable with the views of our trained scientists among the General Authorities: James E. Talmage, John A. Widtsoe. God has left messages all over in the physical world that scientists have learned to read. These messages are quite clear, well-understood, and accepted in science. That is the theories that the earth is about four-and-one-half billion years old and that life evolved over the last billion years or so are as well established scientifically as many theories ever are.
God created the world, and my faith does not hinge on the detailed procedures he used.
The fundamental principle that has guided my religious life is that I need believe only what is true.
D&C 101:32-34 Yea, verily I say unto you, in that day when the Lord shall come, he shall reveal all things—
Things which have passed, and hidden things which no man knew, things of the earth, by which it was made, and the purpose and the end thereof—
Things most precious, things that are above, and things that are beneath, things that are in the earth, and upon the earth, and in heaven.
We should keep in mind that scientist are as diligent and truthful as anyone else.
We have to keep firmly in mind at all times the two aspects of the Church: its divinely inspired perfect side, and its human side. This Church would have been perfect if the Lord had not let people into it.
June 18, 2021
An interesting collection of essays. Highlights from the life of Henry Eyring and his thoughts on the supposed conflict between science and religion, among other reflections and observations.
"In this Church, you only have to believe the truth. Find out what the truth is!"
"To find truth, you have to try, and you have to persist in trying."
"Questions involving the age of the earth, pre-Adamic man, or organic evolution may seem to us to be interesting and important. ... For me, the truth of the gospel does not hinge on such questions, interesting as they are."
"He created the world, and my faith does not hinge on the detailed procedures He used."
"The fundamental principle that has guided my religious life is that I need believe only what is true."
D&C 88:78-79
Teach ye diligently and my grace shall attend you, that you may be instructed more perfectly in theory, in principle, in doctrine, in the law of the gospel, in all things that pertain unto the kingdom of God, that are expedient for you to understand; of things both in heaven and in the earth, and under the earth; things which have been, things which are, things which must shortly come to pass; things which are at home, things which are abroad; the wars and perplexities of the nations, and the judgments which are on the land; and a knowledge also of countries and of kingdoms.
"The scientific spirit is a spirit of inquiry, a spirit of reaching out for truth." This is also "the spirit of true religion, an honest seeking after knowledge of all things of heaven and earth."
Matthew 7:7
Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you.
"In this Church, you only have to believe the truth. Find out what the truth is!"
"To find truth, you have to try, and you have to persist in trying."
"Questions involving the age of the earth, pre-Adamic man, or organic evolution may seem to us to be interesting and important. ... For me, the truth of the gospel does not hinge on such questions, interesting as they are."
"He created the world, and my faith does not hinge on the detailed procedures He used."
"The fundamental principle that has guided my religious life is that I need believe only what is true."
D&C 88:78-79
Teach ye diligently and my grace shall attend you, that you may be instructed more perfectly in theory, in principle, in doctrine, in the law of the gospel, in all things that pertain unto the kingdom of God, that are expedient for you to understand; of things both in heaven and in the earth, and under the earth; things which have been, things which are, things which must shortly come to pass; things which are at home, things which are abroad; the wars and perplexities of the nations, and the judgments which are on the land; and a knowledge also of countries and of kingdoms.
"The scientific spirit is a spirit of inquiry, a spirit of reaching out for truth." This is also "the spirit of true religion, an honest seeking after knowledge of all things of heaven and earth."
Matthew 7:7
Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you.
July 11, 2017
First just to clarify a confusing aspect of this book...it is about Henry Eyring, the chemist and father of Henry B Eyring the Apostle. If you are LDS that will help you understand what this book is about much more. Overall this book was fairly good. I found the first half to be slow and a lot more of a personal history than about science or religion which is not what I was expecting. However the second half or so was a lot more about what he observed and loved about science and how that relates with what he observed and loved about religion and the Gospel of Jesus Christ. The book is organized into short chapters about different topics that he wants to address - he discusses his testimony of that topic and how science and religion both support each other in that thing, while sharing personal stories about it. Overall if you enjoy science and are interested in religion this will be a good read for you. If you found your physics or chemistry classes boring you will likely find this book to be boring as well.
August 8, 2022
K, I’m about 90% sure that they took this book, whittled it down, and created Faith of a Scientist from it. Most of this book was very, very familiar to me, so I’m guessing there was a lot of overlap.
This book is close to twice as long as Faith of a Scientist and is maybe a bit more autobiographical. You get more details on his early life as well as several brief personal anecdotes. If given a choice between the two, read this.
He had an interesting take on reconciling science with religion, which was basically ‘I seek the truth wherever it is.’ So that’s kind of cool. He brings up a lot of Gospel questions like the age of the Earth and cavemen etc and basically just says ‘don’t know, don’t really care.’ Which is not really to wave them away but to say ‘there’s an explanation for everything and we’re not gonna get it in this life so why speculate one way or the other?’
This book is close to twice as long as Faith of a Scientist and is maybe a bit more autobiographical. You get more details on his early life as well as several brief personal anecdotes. If given a choice between the two, read this.
He had an interesting take on reconciling science with religion, which was basically ‘I seek the truth wherever it is.’ So that’s kind of cool. He brings up a lot of Gospel questions like the age of the Earth and cavemen etc and basically just says ‘don’t know, don’t really care.’ Which is not really to wave them away but to say ‘there’s an explanation for everything and we’re not gonna get it in this life so why speculate one way or the other?’
May 5, 2018
Such a wonderful book. Henry Eyring is so smart, funny, clever and insightful. The book is a fast short read. It's under 100 pages. There are many great quotes, but here are a few from the last chapter. "The gospel is not the people in the church. The gospel is not even the people who direct it. The gospel is the truth." He was a seeker of truth wherever he found it in religion and science. He said all truth is the gospel. "The church would have been perfect if the Lord has not let people into it." :D Truth!
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