A Secret of the Universe: A Story of Love, Loss, and the Discovery of an Eternal Truth

By Stephen L. Gibson

This is the story of two high-school pals from the Midwest for whom a personal tragedy sets in motion a journey of inquiry that spans a lifetime of cruel and glorious twists, and culminates in an... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0979388007
• ISBN13: 9780979388002
• Release Date: October 2007
• Publisher: Truth-Driven Strategies, LLC
• Length: 576 Pages
• Weight: 2.30 lbs.
• Dimensions: 9.0" x 1.5" x 6.0"

Customer Reviews

Reflections on Faith and the Meaning of Life

This story of two friends as they journey to maturity and struggle with their friendship and faith in the midst of the complexities of life is a warm, emotional, and uplifting story of hope. It is sprinkled with laughter, some serious tears, interesting philosophy and a little sex. Sort of like real life. I found myself very angry at some of the characters and in love with others. It is a book that reflected some of my struggles and I thought it was written with a warm and balanced hand. Much of it is a very fun read although three or four of the 37 chapters get a little heavy. I was surprised by some of the twists in the plot and thoroughly enjoyed my weekend wrapped up in this thoughtful tale.

looking outside of traditional Christianity

Stephen Gibson captured my attention throughout the three love stories intertwined in his book (A Secret of the Universe), even though I am not sure he realized that he was writing three love stories, given the title of his book. He provides plenty of reason to suggest that "Overbearing Bible Belting Christians of the modern era" appear to be similar to the Pharisees of two thousands years ago (as demonstrated by supporting characters Bill and his father-in-law in the story). The main character of the book (Ian) appears to be bent on searching for the "truth" about Jesus' walk and talk on earth concerning the messages He provided about effective ways to love others. Nestled in a story about the death of his father, meeting angels in strange places, flying airplanes around the country, maintaining a relationship with his best high school friend, and finding the perfect girl of his dreams in Chicago, the author provides a glimpse of a modern-day feminine Christ-like figure. Clearly, the modern-day heroine (Ian's wife) breaks a few of the canonical church rules, but seemingly never violated either of the two great commandments from Christ: love God with all of your heart, mind and soul, and love your neighbor as yourself. The strength of this book is that it will make you think outside of the box of "mythology truth" of traditional Christian perspectives that often go unquestioned. Based on the intriguing human interest story Gibson provides, the typical "Sunday morning Bible espousing Christians of our generation" do not seem to have enough grist to guide them to behave much different than people who have never set foot in a Christian Church. The weakness of this book is that it is too long for the message it provides. However, if you are a seeker of Christ-centered love in the modern era, like a bit of "real life" suspense, had your share of ups and downs in life, and you are willing to look at a new perspective of how two young men and one young woman see limitations within the Christian mythology, this book is for you. The book is well written, moves along swiftly, and has a surprise ending. I highly recommend reading this book, and then, finding a few friends to discuss the underlying principles of Christian love in each of the three stories.

Excellent read!

This book is well written and exciting. It makes you think but also is very entertaining. I became interested in "Truth-driven thinking" via Mr. Gibson's podcast, after listening to him read from the beginning of the book on one of his podcasts I became intrigued. Let me just say that I was not disappointed. The book, although considered "fiction", makes you think. Too me a good book puts you in the shoes of the main character(s) and this one did that, it put me right in the middle of the story and kept me there throughout. This story touches on politics, religion, freethinking, love -- it has a little bit of everything. I highly recommend this book and his podcast as well.

The answer is beautiful

Reviewed by Paige Lovitt for Reader Views (9/07) "A Secret of the Universe" begins in 1985, when buddies Ian and Bill are in high school. As they experience all of what life has to offer, both good and bad, they set off on different paths in regards to their personal spiritual beliefs. At one point, this does have a negative impact on their relationship, but at other points, the difference in their views makes each research deeper into their belief systems. In this way, it makes them stronger with what they believe. As time progresses into the 1990's both men are now married, and have their own lives to lead. Ian helps start a group, "The Desoterica," which investigates the epistemology of religious beliefs, especially Christian beliefs. These highly educated people share their knowledge with each other and begin writing their own book about what they believe to be the true fundamental basis for Christianity. In 2010, the group shares their work with the rest of the world. This is seen by many as an attack on Christianity. For others, their eyes are finally opened. The reaction of society impacts the group, and they are forced to be more discrete about where they live. Unfortunately, a tragedy still results from this. I really enjoyed reading "A Secret of the Universe." The story was excellent. It was interesting to see the infallibility of Bill, the man who considered his self to be a true Christian. Ian's research actually made him go into further exploration of his own beliefs. I found myself being educated about different beliefs through the discussions in the stories. I learned how people explain their beliefs that the earth is only 6,000 years old. I had heard this idea before, but this was the first time that I saw how the belief was justified. There was also a great deal of comparisons between pagan and Christian rituals. It appears that Christianity was not very creative in coming up with new ideas for rituals. I found these comparisons to be fascinating. My book came with a chapter-by-chapter discussion guide for this novel. The questions contained in the study guide are very thought-provoking and could lead to some very stimulating conversations within study groups. I highly recommend that this book be read by readers on a quest for the truth. "A Secret of the Universe" will help direct them on their path.

I dare readers to pick up this book and read it with an open mind.

How do we develop our fundamental beliefs? Why do we hold tight to wishes, prayers, karma, holiday traditions, shooting stars, mythologies and faith? Is it because our parents told us to or because we've researched for ourselves, because Wikipedia has an article about it or some great scholar has written a book? In Stephen L. Gibson's novel, "A Secret of the Universe," readers are welcome to come to understand some of the reasons we have faith, and our ever changing beliefs, hopefully discovering the secret along the way. Two friends, Ian and Bill, who went to high school together, have their own views of the universe. Their worlds co-exist, mingle throughout life, and affect the others' in ways only true friends can comprehend. There is intense joy and pain in each character's life, and such is reflected on the other. Through tragedy, each is brought to a pivotal point where what they believe leads them to the next step on their life's path; and, their next step in life effectively leads their beliefs. Into each life a little religion, sex and politics must fall, and these two friends address each topic openly. Their discussions and inner revelations surely reflect those of millions of people who will see themselves in black and white. Bill finds great comfort and support in his faith in God and his Christianity. Ian seeks answers through science and reason. Each of the men finds solid "proof" that reaffirms their views. This is no slight undertaking and the revealed secrets will shock the world as one of the men's beliefs inspires a seven year, intense, study that becomes very public. On the personal front, each of the friends has complex home situations. Emotional and poignant, questionable and tragic, the events in their love lives are often a catalyst for further inspection of their beliefs and the reasons why they hold those beliefs. What is most interesting is the meticulous amount of research that was done in the writing of this book. Stephen Gibson offers pages of footnotes for readers to further explore his points and this gives each point of view a strong backbone. Did Jesus Christ, the man, truly exist? Or do we just need him to have? At the very least, this book will inspire readers to examine why they believe the things that they do. It condemns none, but rather embraces the positives of various viewpoints and encourages readers to do the same, no matter what your faith. The writing is tight and brilliantly executed. The characters are downright human with their thought processes and flaws exposed for all to see. The plot reflects extensive planning and encompasses the warmth of home, and the cold reality of terrorism, all at the same time. It is a story about love, life, religion, science, research, goals, death, terrorists, culture, politics, morals, our fundamental beliefs, and the most important secret the world could discover. It is a book about why we believe the things we believe in, why mythology exists, why we need it