Book Review: God of the Big Bang: How Modern Science Affirms the Creator
by Rich Deem

Introduction

God of the Big Bang: How Modern Science Affirms the Creator is Dr. Leslie Wickman's first book on the intersection of faith and science. Having grown up in a Christian home, Dr. Wickman was compelled to examine how science fit in with her Christian beliefs as she studied science growing up. In 2014, Dr. Wickman wrote an article on CNN's religion blog entitled, "Does the Big Bang breakthrough offer proof of God?," which went viral, resulting in a publisher requesting she write a book. So, the years of studying have resulted in God of the Big Bang—a layman's examination of the evidence supporting the existence of God.

Examining the evidence

Chapters 2-4 of God of the Big Bang examine the classical philosophical arguments for God's existence, the scientific method, and the use of logical arguments. Throughout, Dr. Wickman quotes from or cites numerous scientists who have believed in God.

The Bible and science

Chapter 5 examines the evidence for the reliability of the Bible and who Jesus is. Chapter 6 examines how different worldviews and Christian traditions have interpreted the origin of the universe.

Goldilocks principle

Chapter 7 is the most technically challenging chapter in the book, since it examines some of the details of how the universe and earth are specifically designed for life. However, the fine tuning of nature's numbers is probably the best evidence for the validity of the Christian worldview.

Environmental stewardship

The last two chapters of God of the Big Bang don't really fit into the overall theme of the book. However, I know why they were included. Like Dr. Wickman, I have a passion for appreciating and protecting God's creative efforts in nature. In contrast to "environmentalism," "environmental stewardship" or "creation care" is the Christian concept of protecting God's world for future generations of His people.

UFOs and extraterrestrial aliens

The final chapter is an examination of the likelihood we are alone on the universe. Although the data suggests that intelligent life is rare or absent in the rest of the universe, numerous UFO sightings have been happening frequently since the end of the second world war. Dr. Wickman concludes that these entities are extra-dimensional, non-physical realities correlated with worldwide levels of occult involvment.

Conclusions

God of the Big Bang is a brief introduction into the evidence for God's existence from the findings of modern science. Dr. Leslie Wickman's first book is an inspirational, easily readable account of what she has learned in her journey of faith and her study of science. Dr. Wickman's passion for how science and faith interact is best summarized by her statements, "So much in both realms of science and faith may not be fully understood for hundreds or thousands of years. My hope is that I never lose a holy curiosity about the way God works in either realm." May we all be so inspired in our walk of faith.