A Theory of Everything (That Matters): A Brief Guide to Einstein, Relativity, and His Surprising Thoughts on God

Humans are born with deep longings and questions about meaning and purpose. We often look to the brightest among us to bring clarity to our toughest queries. Albert Einstein (1879–1955), while an authority on science, was also frequently approached for insight into life’s ultimate significance and value. McGrath (science, religion, Oxford Univ.) looks seriously at Einstein’s views, providing an overview of his achievements followed by a critique of his beliefs on God and the nature of reality. McGrath does not offer much in the way of revelatory findings; there are no major surprises here. As many likely know, Einstein did not believe in a personal God, as is witnessed in the Judeo-Christian religions. He did, however, conceive of the universe as profoundly rational and maintained always that there lay something deep and mysterious behind that rationality.