Belief: Readings on the Reason for Faith

“A brilliant, wide ranging and powerful series of readings on the possibilities, problems and mysteries of faith. This book belongs on the shelf of every believer—and every serious skeptic.” — Rabbi David Wolpe, author of Why Faith Matters

“This life-giving, faith-filled and hard-nosed collection reveals why, as St. Anselm wrote, true faith always seeks to understand.” — Rev. James Martin, author of My Life with the Saints

From Dr. Francis Collins, New York Times bestselling author of The Language of God, comes the definitive reader on the rationality of faith.

"Is there a God?" is the most central and profound question that humans ask. With the New Atheists gaining a loud voice in today's world, it is time to revisit the long-standing intellectual tradition on the side of faith. Francis Collins, New York Times bestselling author of The Language of God and renowned physician and geneticist, defends the reason for faith in this provocative collection. Collins is our guide as he takes us through the writings of many of the world's greatest thinkers -- philosophers, preachers, poets, scientists -- both past and present, including such luminaries as C. S. Lewis and Augustine, and unexpected voices such as John Locke and Dorothy Sayers. Despite the doubts of a cynical world, this essential companion proves once and for all the rationality of faith.

"In the twenty-first century, many seem to have concluded that the spiritual experience and the life of the mind ought to occupy separate domains, and that disruptions, conflicts, and disenchantments will result if the firewall comes down. Surely humanity's ongoing search for truth is not enriched by such limitations. In the words of Socrates, the key to a fully mature and richly rewarding life, both for us as individuals and as a society, is to ‘follow the argument wherever it leads,' unafraid of the consequences. If this collection of essays provides even a small encouragement in this direction for the seeker, the believer, or the skeptic, that will be gratifying indeed." -- from the Introduction

“BELIEF is more than an anthology; it is a provocation, a brilliant, wide ranging and powerful series of readings on the possibilities, problems and mysteries of faith. This book belongs on the shelf of every believer – and every serious skeptic.” - Rabbi David Wolpe, author of WHY FAITH MATTERS

“Why believe? Let Francis Collins, the eminent scientist, public intellectual and careful thinker, help you answer life’s most basic question. In this personal and persuasive book, Collins offers those authors who helped lead him to God. Philosophize with Plato, theologize with Aquinas, wrestle with suffering alongside Elie Wiesel, fight for justice next to Dr. King, learn how to love from Mother Teresa and begin to pray beside Thomas Merton. This life-giving, faith-filled and hard-nosed collection reveals why, as St. Anselm wrote, true faith always seeks to understand.” - Rev. James Martin, SJ, author of My Life With the Saints

“This life-giving, faith-filled and hard-nosed collection reveals why, as St. Anselm wrote, true faith always seeks to understand.” - Rev. James Martin, SJ, author of My Life With the Saints

“Because I teach in the area of faith and reason I have a shelf full of anthologies, and I have to say that this is the most varied and interesting of them all.” - Nancy Murphy, co-author of Did My Neurons Make Me Do It? and Professor of Christian Philosophy at Fuller Theological Seminary

“As I read through the chapters, I felt I was at a banquet table with old friends. What a feast Francis Collins has served!” - Philip Yancy, author of What's So Amazing About Grace

“Francis Collins wisely surmises that the question of God’s existence is the most essential question we can ask for the answer defines life itself. I have had the privilege of knowing Dr. Collins for many years and have deeply enjoyed his friendship. While I do not share the perspective of every essay in this collection, they are a powerful counterpoint to the strident atheism of our day and any reader will be stirred to engage with this very profound question.” - Ravi Zacharias, author of The Grand Weaver

Belief is a wonderful expose on the different arguments for religious and spiritual beliefs. These readings are critical for our understanding of religion and will be essential for fostering greater dialogue about the nature of religion in the future. An important read for anyone interested in the study of religion and spirituality. - Andrew Newberg, M.D., author of Why God Won't Go Away

A wonderful expose on the different arguments for religious and spiritual beliefs. These readings are critical for our understanding of religion and will be essential for fostering greater dialogue about the nature of religion in the future. An important read for anyone interested in the study of religion and spirituality. - Andrew Newberg, M.D., author of Why God Won't Go Away

“Grounded in the conviction that the question of God’s existence remains for us humans the most central and profound of questions, Francis S. Collins—a foremost geneticist and author of the bestselling The Language of God—has compiled a rich array of readings in his new book. Belief shows how the question has been posed and with what results, from as early as fifth-century B.C. to the present.” - America Magazine

“Francis S. Collins—a foremost geneticist and author of the bestselling The Language of God—has compiled a rich array of readings in his new book.” - America Magazine

“Any seeking clarity on the debate between reason and faith will find this an engrossing collection.” - The Bookwatch