Endorsements & Reviews

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“In this important book, Mark Schaefer demonstrates that we cannot be certain about anything that matters. And yet, through metaphor we are drawn toward deeper understanding of both religious and scientific reality. Schaefer demonstrates broad knowledge, great insight, and humility in a book that will help overcome the unfounded fanaticisms of our age. I hope it will be widely recognized and read.”

—Rev. Dr. J. Philip Wogaman, Dean Emeritus, Wesley Theological Seminary

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Reader Reviews

☆☆☆☆☆ “Complex Ideas in Accessible Prose”

This book takes on the complex questions of human existence–what is the nature of our world? how does language work? why do we disagree about the nature of god? who’s right–in language that was not over my head as a non-theologian. Organized into three major realms of uncertainty–our faith, our language, and our science–this book puts concepts that don’t usually appear together into conversation with one another.

I am no less uncertain about faith, language, and my life than I was before, but now the uncertainty is not frightening. Many thanks to the author! —AK

☆☆☆☆☆ “I recommend this book to everyone”

I purchased this book because I was a former student of Rev Schaefer both in class and in church. It was a great read, and I recommend it using the following three assertions:

First, this was written by someone with a deep knowledge of many fields of study, and a specialization in Christian religion. You do not have to be a Christian to find meaning in the book, but for Christians, the section on religion will be more engaging.

Second, this book is not for a close-minded individual. It will challenge your preconceptions at some point, or at many points for me personally. This is a good thing, it means the process of real learning and critical thinking is taking place. You just have to keep going and see the concepts as part of a whole, rather than individual conflicts with what you thought previously.

Third, this book did make me think hard about things in my life. I’m not going to share them over Amazon, but you know a book is good when it helps you realize things about your own life. Even better, my reaction to one of Rev Schaefer’s arguments was, “So following that logic, the only thing that is certain is uncertainty itself,” then flipping to the front cover and having a laugh. Even the title was thought through with care and insight.

So I recommend this book to everyone, especially critical thinkers and people who may be struggling with personal questions of doubt or uncertainty. Have fun reading!—AG

☆☆☆☆☆ “Fascinating, Intellectually Rigorous, Yet Accessible”

This an entertaining and massively thought provoking exploration of the metaphorical and poetic nature of the scriptures of the Abrahamic religions, as well as the use of metaphor to describe that which cannot be described. If you think scientific thought and religious faith are mutually exclusive, this book might just change your mind.—JC