Review of:  A Theory of Everything (That Matters)

Alister McGrath.  Tyndale Momentum, $22.99 (224p) ISBN 978-1-4964-3807-2

Oxford University professor of science and religion, McGrath brings readers a fascinating study of Einstein’s theories and how he sought to discover meaning within the mysteries of science [x-xi].  McGrath explores Einstein’s attempts to develop a cohesive understanding of the world from the perspectives of religion, science, and ethics [p. 9].  He describes the scientific achievements of Isaac Newton that dominated the world of physics while Einstein was coming of age [pp. 17-34].  While working as a technical assistant in a Swiss patent shop in 1905, he wrote the first of four revolutionary papers that were said to “overthrow” Newtonian ideas [pp. 17, 43-109].  In the first of these articles, “the Photoelectric Effect and the Nature of Light,” published in March 1905, Einstein proposed that light was composed of particles and that each particle’s energy was proportional to the frequency of the electromagnetic radiation of which it was part [p. 45].  This discovery led to Einstein’s being awarded the Nobel Prize in physics in 1921.  His second article dealt with “Brownian motion,” the movement of very small particles of matter when suspended in liquid [p. 51.]  In June 1905, Einstein’s third article was published, in which he set out his theory of special relativity.  September 1905 welcomed the publication of his fourth article containing the well-known equation, E=mc2, outlining the equivalence of matter and energy [p. 67].  However, Einstein ultimately failed in his quest to discover a “grand theory of everything” that would unify all scientific phenomena [p. 108].  While he did not take part in organized religion, he expressed a sense of wonder and awe toward nature and the arts, especially the music of Mozart [pp. 113-134].  He did not believe in a personal God but remarked that he considered a “cosmic religious feeling” the “strongest and noblest motive for scientific research.” [p. 137].  McGrath encourages Christian readers of Einstein to consider his teachings as a tool to develop their own ideas regarding the relationship between science, religion, and the “meaning of everything” [pp. 163-184].  This book is an excellent choice for Christians with an interest or background in scientific research.  However, the academic nature of the work would turn away general lay readership. 5 stars