A theory of everything (that matters) : a short guide to Einstein, relativity and the future of faith
by Alister McGrath Hodder & Stoughton, 2019 179 pages £11.99 ISBN 978 1 529 377 958
also available as an ebook
This book has been written to celebrate the centenary of the event that proved Einstein’s theories of
relativity, to wit, the measurements of a solar eclipse in May 1919. Einstein was eventually awarded
the Nobel Prize for Physics in 1922, although, ironically, not for his work on relativity.
Alister McGrath is a well-known lecturer and author of many books, particularly on the relationship
between science and religion, the Christian faith specifically.
This work of only 179 pages is an exploration of the discoveries of Albert Einstein in physics and
of. his beliefs about the supernatural. Gifted with expert understanding of scientific as well as
theological matters, Prof. McGrath has an enviable ability to explain and communicate.
Anyone who can explain the theory of special relativity (the relationship between space and time) in
a few pages with the benefit of a few diagrams, must needs have a keen understanding of science as
well as an impressive command of language.
At the end of the day it seems that despite his Jewish ancestry, Einstein was never religious in the
traditional or conventional sense of adhering to a specific faith. Yet he did believe in the
supernatural. He did talk a great deal about God in terms of an intelligence, a superior mind or a
force. He did not, however, believe in a personal God, much like the Dutch Jewish philosopher,
Spinoza, of the 17 th century who held to an impersonal cosmic order or an ‘orderly harmony’. Such
harmony can be discovered by research into the way the universe works.
It is suggested that the best way to describe Einstein is to call him a ‘religious humanist’.
In this short but fascinating book Alister McGrath offers clarity and insight on two fronts
concerning Albert Einstein – firstly, against the general background of science in the early 20 th
century, the detail and significance of Einstein’s contribution to scientific thought and secondly,
a carefully researched account of the often discussed comments that Einstein proffered on the
different spheres of science and religion.
A final chapter is used to explore what, if anything, might help Christians to engage more profitably
with Einstein’s thinking in order to enrich their own faith.
