Lennox, John. God and Stephen Hawking, Whose design is it anyway? Oxford: Lion, 2011.
96 pages.
[xrr rating=4.5/5]
This book is a simple reply to Stephen Hawking’s The Grand Design. Lennox begins by debunking the idea that this is a debate between science and religion. Instead, he casts the debate in the light of theism vs. atheism conjuring Galileo, Kepler, and Newton as well as various contemporary scientists to support this approach.
Lennox then critiques several of Hawking’s statements that test the generosity of credulity. For instance “Because there is a law such as gravity, the universe can and will create itself from nothing” (p. 16) and “Philosophy is dead” (p. 18). The first statement Lennox dispatches decisively by pointing out its logical incoherence. The second statement is demonstrated to be a philosophical statement; leaving Hawking in an awkward position.
Lennox then goes on to address Hawking’s retreat to a “multiverse” model. This model is Hawking’s explanation for what Hawking openly admits: “Our universe and its laws appear to have a design that both is tailor-made to support us and, if we are to exist, leaves little room for alteration” (p. 47). Lennox skillfully demonstrates the folly of the solutions proposed by Hawking.
Finally, Lennox wraps up the book with a brief chapter on the designer of the admitted design and then addressing science in relation to rationality.
The ups
First, Lennox’s thinking is clear and his argument cogent. He is a spokesman whose apology is credible, reasonable, daunting.
Second, this work is short and fairly accessible. Most should be able to follow his points fairly comfortably. Those who have not read Hawking’s works can still benefit significantly from the read.
The downs
First, Lennox takes a classical (vs. presuppositional) approach to apologetics. This shows itself particularly in his discussion of science and rationality and colours the way he handles many topics.
Second, Lennox overtly leaves room for varying positions on creation.
Conclusion
This book is a layman’s apology for Christianity. It is suitable both for fans of Hawking and for followers of Jesus Christ. This book deserves a broad audience.
Grace to you.
