Reflections of a Scientist

Henry Eyring was an accomplished chemist and lifelong Christian. This book, his posthumously published reflections, addresses both aspects of his life, but it is directed more to Christians (and Mormons specifically) than to chemists. The unifying exhortation of the book is to find truth everywhere possible. Dr. Eyring weaves advice about living and believing with stories from his life, especially his childhood. Throughout the book, he displays confidence that science and religion are allies, that God exists and is good, and that sometime in the eternities everything will make sense. He frequently expresses love for his parents and admiration for his church leaders. He starts by writing about his guiding principles and his religion. Next, he quickly explains evolution and radiometric dating, and then briefly summarizes science at all measurement scales. He concludes that God is a better scientist than he is and that he is willing to let God use whatever processes God wants to use. This book is thoughtful and exhibits great perspective. I found Dr. Eyring's humility and honesty refreshing. The conversational writing style makes for an enjoyable and quick read.

Henry Eyring was my chemistry professor and had an amazing ability to explain complex processes in a manner that made sense and engaged the student. I read this book in the early 80's, not long after Dr. Eyring passed away. A deeply intelligent man, he tried hard to reconcile his faith with science in general. Most interesting were his comments on evolution where he was loath to discount both the intellect and motives of those who believed evolution was scientifically sound. What a breath of fresh air such statements were in an era where religious dogmatists such as Bruce R. McConkie and Boyd K. Packer were moving the LDS church away from a culture of learning to an insular world of strict interpretation of scripture and blind obedience to authority. Henry Eyring if alive today would be deeply alarmed at what he would see in the religion of his heritage. The LDS church is in deep turmoil because the church stubbornly holds to implausible myths, when the scientific method exposes those myths for what they are. After Boyd K. Packer's "The Mantle is Far Greater" speech, the LDS church has lost all credibility with the scientific community and intellectual thought within the Mormon corridor has been suppressed and villified. This book by a dying old chemist was hopefully not the last gasp of Mormon intellectual thought. May this blessed man rest in peace. (...)

This collection of Eyrings musings on faith are both entertaining and insightful. The book closes the gap between science and faith. After I read it, I purchased a copy for my father and my best friend, neither of whom are LDS -- it has that much universal appeal. Pick up a copy for the intellectual in your life