The Probability of God: A Simple Calculation That Proves the Ultimate Truth

By Stephen D. Unwin

Book Overview

Does God exist?

This is probably the most debated question in the history of mankind. Scholars, scientists, and philosophers have spent their lifetimes trying to prove or disprove the existence of God, only to have their theories crucified by other scholars, scientists, and philosophers. Where the debate breaks down is in the ambiguities and colloquialisms of language. But, by using a universal, unambiguous language--namely, mathematics--can this question finally be answered definitively? That's what Dr. Stephen Unwin attempts to do in this riveting, accessible, and witty book, The Probability of God.

At its core, this groundbreaking book reveals how a math equation developed more than 200 years ago by noted European philosopher Thomas Bayes can be used to calculate the probability that God exists. The equation itself is much more complicated than a simple coin toss (heads, He's up there running the show; tails, He's not). Yet Dr. Unwin writes with a clarity that makes his mathematical proof easy for even the nonmathematician to understand and a verve that makes his book a delight to read. Leading you carefully through each step in his argument, he demonstrates in the end that God does indeed exist.

Whether you're a devout believer and agree with Dr. Unwin's proof or are unsure about all things divine, you will find this provocative book enlightening and engaging.

"One of the most innovative works in the science and religion movement] is The Probability of God...An entertaining exercise in thinking."--Michael Shermer, Scientific American

"Unwin's book is] peppered with wry, self-deprecating humor that makes the scientific discussions more accessible...Spiritually inspiring."--Chicago Sun Times

"A pleasantly breezy account of some complicated matters well worth learning about."--Philadelphia Inquirer

"One of the best things about the book is its humor."--Cleveland Plain Dealer

"In a book that is surprisingly lighthearted and funny, Unwin manages to pack in a lot of facts about science and philosophy."--Salt Lake Tribune

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1400054788
• ISBN13: 9781400054787
• Release Date: October 2004
• Publisher: Forum Books
• Length: 272 Pages
• Weight: 0.50 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.7" x 5.2" x 7.8"

Customer Reviews

Reframing the debate

Every one seems to have an opinion about whether or not God exists, and they're usually pretty sure of themselves to put it mildly. What Unwin has done in this book is to put all these people on the same side of the debate, whether they happen to be believers or atheists. The important thing that unites them is that they are CERTAIN. They have the answer and they know it. I think Unwin implies that this aspect of them is more telling about their logic than which side they happen to come down on. Unwin takes the opposite side of this debate - he's UNCERTAIN. What's more, he seems to be a guy who knows the language and formulas of uncertainty. I can see how some people might take issue with his logic when he comes up with these probabilities, but what's good is he sets out the procedure for changing the probabilities based on your definition of God. I've heard the same old stuff for and against God for years. This book doesn't contain the same old stuff. I liked it.

Not for the certain

This is not a book for the certain. It will probably irritate them. If someone's looking for a book that completely endorses their hardened beliefs, atheist or theist, this not the one for them. There are hundreds of other books for that. On the other hand, if you want a balanced, impressively systematic evaluation of the evidence in a very novel setting, I think you'll enjoy Unwin's book. He argues in the end that uncertainty isn't all bad, and even provides an important spiritual element, when it comes to belief in God. I think it describes a powerful basis for religious belief that doesn't have to be rooted in complete certainty.

A Douglas Adams for the Theists?

When I finished the book I felt like I'd gotten a free lunch. I came out knowing a lot about everyone from Pascal to Heisenberg, and yet I'd felt no pain. In fact, the book was a page-turner. I read Salmon of Doubt recently and I find Unwin's humor a little reminiscent of Douglas Adams. Also, quite apart from the whole God thing, this book is a great introduction to Bayes theorem of probability. Maybe I even feel confident enough to produce my own probability of God number ... well, probably ...

A thoroughly enjoyable and stimulating read

It's rare indeed when the tools of the scientific community are useful in contemplating fundamental concepts of faith in God. However, Dr. Unwin has accomplished just that by applying an established theorem of probability to grope with life's most basic question: "does God exist?" His proposed approach reaches out to those of us who feel the need to rationalize or substantiate our belief in a living and benevolent supernatural being.Amazingly, the author achieves this feat without burdening the reader with heavy theology and abstract mathematics. Nor does he reduce man's search for the Divine to trivial arithmetic. Rather, he proposes an intriguing way to view the subject. It's also a thoroughly enjoyable read because he presents his case in an informal, conversational style and with a sense of humor that balances the gravity of the subject.Perhaps the most appealing feature of the book is that it's basic ideas stay with you long after you've finished reading. For example, Dr. Unwin presents six "evidentiary areas" for estimating the probability that God truly exists; for example: the universal notion of good and evil, and life-saving events that defy physical explanation (miracles). He uses these concepts as a basis for developing a probabilistic argument that God exists; that is, the evidence suggests it's more likely he exists than he doesn't. Soon after finishing the book, I found myself playing with the numbers and applying them to my own ideas of evidence for and against the proposition that God exists. This is the stuff that stimulates great discussion around the dinner table or (God forbid) at happy hour.

Really Unique

This book is pretty unique, and a lot different than I expected. It's funny but deep and authoritative at the same time. It seems pretty bold to calculate the probability that God exists, but the author does it anyway. What's interesting is that he doesn't rely on the usual old arguments of intelligent design of the universe as the case in favor of God. In fact, he completely blows away that sort of argument. His cases for and against God seem balanced, so his conclusions seem convincing. This is definitely worth a read.