This book was OK as far as Christian apologetics go. I appreciated some of the points that she made, especially the preciseness in the mathematics involved in nature and the differences in the mind and the soul. But I'm afraid that this book was a little bit too much over my head. It was a bit too "sciency". Someone with a strong science background would appreciate this book but for the average layperson, I would recommend Lee Strobel and Josh McDowell.

Rating: 3 out of 5

Thanks to NetGalley and Harvest House for a copy of this book to review.

Science and the Mind of the Maker by Melissa Cain Travis is a great scholarly resource for defending your faith. This book is well thought out and researched. I highly recommend it to anyone who want to further research this topic. This book was not what I expected. It read more like a high school or college textbook than mainstream nonfiction. That being said, it was well written and I would recommend it as such. I received a digital copy of this book from the publisher with no obligations. These opinions are entirely my own.

Well written book giving arguments and evidences for the Creation of the universe by a personal, loving, creative God. Though some of the material might be a bit more technical, the arguments should be accessible to most readers.

This book's thesis according to the author is that Christian theisim, unlike atheism, offers an explanation of the natural world and of the scientific achievements of mankind. As a Christian, I would say she follows through on that description, but I'd also tell people that this is maybe written at a higher level of science/math background/interest than what you might expect. I'm not saying it's written above her audience at all, but it just might lean on that a little more heavily than you'd anticipate from the summary. The most useful part of each chapter might be the "key points" section because that summarizes the main themes and might help direct any rereading in the future. I like that textbook feel to it, and she does the same in the conclusion, which is a nice touch.

I'm glad I read this book, and I think it will be one I go back to, which is a compliment from someone who rarely rereads anything. I just don't know if I'd suggest this to anyone unless they already have a strong interest/background in the subject.

This was a really great read. It is great to have a book that argues for the existence of a maker from a scientific perspective. The author brings forward different arguments which she backs up, in my opinion, soundly. I do have a background in science and philosophy, which I think helped a lot. The book, while straight forward and easy to read, does read like a philosophy book, which might be a bit of a curve ball for some readers. Nonetheless, as previously mentioned, it is a relatively easy read, that can be read by anyone interested.

I received an ARC via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

I selected this book because I have children who are starting to encounter evolution theory in school and I wanted to give them another resource that could help them better understand the arguments that support Biblical Creation and the Maker Thesis. This book is a great resource, though I should note it is written at a very high level, perhaps best suited to upper high school or college levels.

Honestly, for my own level of education (four year degree, English major), I found this book difficult to understand in many places. It frustrated me a bit, but for those with the background that I lack, this could be an invaluable tool for how to interpret both historical and current beginning of life theories from a Christian worldview.

The book is well-cited and has many quotes from scientists and mathematicians of all backgrounds and belief systems (including “none”), contemporary as well as historical. While the author comes at the topic from a believing viewpoint, she is careful to include ideas from many areas of scientific expertise, pointing out how a materialistic view leaves many holes and how the maker thesis works with each one.

For me, the most useful part of each chapter was the “key points” wrap-up; it reiterated the main themes of the chapter and condensed some of the arguments into more understandable chunks. The conclusion also operated in the same way but would likely not make much sense without the further explanations given throughout the rest of the work.

Overall this is an excellent resource, though it might frustrate those without a strong math and science background. I recommend it for those who are interested in the topic and who either have said background or are willing to put in the extra time and effort that it may take to engage with the material.

I received a review copy of this book through NetGalley but was not required to write a positive review. The thoughts expressed are both honest and my own.

In the book Science and the Mind of the Maker, professor and author Melissa Cain Travis, writes a very insightful and academic defense for a Creator or what she calls “The Maker Thesis.” Travis writes: “Granted, we are not able to prove (or disprove) God’s existence scientifically, so instead of asking whether or not science proves God, the correct question to ask is whether or not his existence makes better sense of the available evidence.” And her conclusion is it does make more sense.
Why is this important? Travis writes: “…no one is going to be persuaded of John 1:14 (the Word was made flesh) if they are not first persuaded of John 1:3 (there is a creating Word).”
This is a good book, but it reads more like a college text book. It is full of incredible research. I would recommend this book. I received a copy of this e-book from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

The thesis of this book, Travis writes, is “...Christian theism, unlike atheism, offers a sufficient explanation of the observable features of the natural world as well as mankind's impressive scientific achievements.” (Loc 54/2845) The foundational rationality of nature and that humans are fit to investigate nature are amazing. There is a Mind behind the universe, making it possible for rational inquiry to exist.

Her Maker Thesis suggests certain discoveries of the natural sciences support the inference of a Mind behind the universe, and that this Mind intended man to be successful in studying the natural sciences. She suggests the Mind structured the universe in such a way man could investigate it and become aware of Him.

She argues in three areas. First, from modern scientific evidence supporting the philosophical argument for the existence of the Maker. Second, explaining the features of the universe that need to exist to make scientific investigation possible. Third, the philosophical argument that a rational Mind and humans with souls are necessary to the effective practice of the natural sciences.

Some of her philosophical arguments were beyond my attention span. Her evidence from science did make sense to me. There was a beginning to the universe. The universe is fine tuned for life. The sophisticated design of DNA. There is an amazing interconnection between mathematics and nature. I really appreciated her explanation of the Higg's field and Higg's boson. It's the best I've seen for the non-scientist. I am glad she chose not to enter into the creation/evolution debate too. The Maker Thesis works either way.

In her conclusion, Travis believes the Maker Thesis best explains the scientific evidence and philosophical arguments she has presented. I think she has done a good job of it. Some of the material might be puzzling for non-scientific readers but she provides a list of key points at the end of each chapter.

I recommend this book to Christians who are dismayed by the recent claims of atheists that science is disproving the existence of God. Travis shows it is not the case. Granted, there is no hard scientific evidence available to prove that God exists and designed the universe. But Travis's work shows that the Maker Thesis provides a good account of nature and our ability to comprehend and investigate it.

I received a complimentary egalley of this book from the publisher. My comments are an independent and honest review.

Well written and researched but not written for the average person. I was looking for something that would be written for those who aren't scientifically minded.
I received this book free from the publisher for the purpose of review.