David C. Peterson. God Is a Particle? WestBow Press, 2017. See here to buy the book.
David C. Peterson is an attorney. This book, God Is a Particle?,
is about the Higgs boson particle/field, commonly called the “God
particle.” Peterson provides background information on how it was
discovered and what it is: essentially, it underlies the composition and
organization of the cosmos. Peterson believes that God created the
Higgs Boson particle, and he also offers reflections on Intelligent
Design, Black Holes and multiple universes, evolution, the post-mortem
survival of the soul, and the spiritual life.
Here are some thoughts about the book:
A. The prose is well-written and effectively organized. Not all WestBow books are like that!
B. In terms of the scientific element, some parts of the book were
more impressive than other parts. Peterson is not afraid to engage
atheist scientists like Victor Stenger. Peterson seems open to the
existence of multiple universes, whereas a number of Christian
apologists are dismissive of the concept. In terms of less impressive
parts, Peterson states that there are no missing links between
chimpanzees and humans, when the theory of evolution does not affirm
that humans descended from chimps but rather that humans are related to
chimps.
C. Peterson argues that atheists should not dismiss God’s existence
because there are a lot of things that are beyond our understanding.
Maybe, but atheists can make the same point about theism: why dismiss a
natural cause for the universe or life and posit a supernatural cause?
Maybe there is a natural cause that is unknown to us.
D. The parts about the afterlife and scientific studies of prayer
and meditation are interesting. Peterson makes an argument from
authority in talking about out-of-body experiences, but his point is
effective: you have people from different backgrounds, some of them
respected in academia, who have had these experiences, so there may be
something to them. Peterson refers to a study by Andy Newberg, MD of
the brain when it is praying and meditating, and the brain when praying
shows signs of communication. I am interested in fact-checking this to
see if that is what Newberg actually says, but it is an intriguing
point.
E. Peterson’s defense of the spiritual life is compelling, as he
talks about the futility of materialism. It may not be Christian-enough
for some, since it upholds some non-Christians as spiritual exemplars
and (as far as I recall) does not mention the death and resurrection of
Christ.
I received a complimentary copy of this book through BookLook Bloggers. My review is honest.