This forgettable survey of divine design in the natural world offers an awkward
treatment of what could have been a compelling topic. Swenson, a physician and
consultant best known to evangelical readers as the author of Margin,
alternates between schoolbook science and pious observations in a style
reminiscent of the Wonders of God's Creation films put out by Moody Bible
Institute a generation ago--if lacking the vividness of the latter. The book
aims to illuminate both the greatness and intimacy of God's involvement with
creation, spanning astronomy, biology, physiology and the microphysical world.
This is a delicate task, as some resonances between science and theology are
more apt than others. Swenson's attempt to quantify Jesus' red blood cells is
particularly inane ("Without a doubt, he shed at least one red blood cell for
every human who ever lived," he assures readers). Swenson primarily focuses on
Christian devotional interests, occasionally hinting at broader discussions
about biological complexity and cosmological coincidences. But the largest
share of the book is devoted to more or less direct expositions of specific
sciences, mining their subject matter for impressive statistics and handles for
(often strained) biblical allusions. Problems of disease or suffering are not
acknowledged. Christian readers looking for theological reflection on human
physiology will prefer Paul Brand and Philip Yancey's near-classic Fearfully
and Wonderfully Made, which approaches the topic with notably deeper insight
and compassion. (Nov.) Copyright 2000 Cahners Business Information.