Einstein's God: A Way of Being Spiritual Without the Supernatural Kindle Edition
by Todd Macalister (Author) Format: Kindle Edition
4.1 out of 5 stars 42 ratings
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The original "spiritual but not religious" guy...
Albert Einstein's genius included a spiritual sense that fits comfortably with science. With quotes that illustrate Einstein's views, and with a look at how spiritual feelings may be understood and valued by modern science, this book shows a way of being spiritual that does not include belief in the supernatural. This book examines parallels between some modern views and long-standing systems of belief. It looks at ways of gaining from both the old and the new. But, it also identifies a choice that must be made. So, if traditional beliefs don't fit with what you see—if you see yourself as "spiritual, but not religious," if you attend services, but only partially believe, or if you think you're not really spiritual at all—take a look. You may find something you can say you do believe.
Einstein's God: A Way of Being Spiritual Without the Supernatural
byTodd Macalister
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Ioannis C.
1.0 out of 5 stars Not a great read
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 7 September 2021
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It is a collection of quotes with no structure, no coherence , no logical flow to guide the reader.
The title is catchy and brings in some quotes (single lines ) from Einstein.
I understand and respect the effort but more could be done to make it look more professional in terms of literature collection, flow, coherence, presentation.
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Steven H Propp
TOP 100 REVIEWER
5.0 out of 5 stars AN EXCEPTIONAL SELECTION OF QUOTATIONS, WITH FRESH IDEAS
Reviewed in the United States on 19 October 2020
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Author Todd Macalister wrote in the Preface to this 2008 book,
“After years of attending, I stepped away from the church. The stories seemed impossible---an all-knowing presence, invisible angels, and fiery pits of hell… I couldn’t believe it.
And it didn’t make sense to just go along. I knew that SOMETHING lay behind the beauty and order in all we see. But, my sense of this needed to fit with what seems real. Millions, around the world, share this view. And, as we recognize forces greater than ourselves but reject the supernatural, many of us see ourselves, as Albert Einstein did, as ‘deeply religious nonbelievers.’ But, in rejecting the traditional, we are on our own. We have no bible to learn from, and no church or community. We need a new way of framing what we understand and feel. And we need words that can help us consider what we believe.”
He adds in the Introduction,
“This book begins with quotes that give an overview of Einstein’s spiritual views. It shows how a world-view grounded in science can serve as a basis for reverence. And it shows how core elements in religions---hope and faith---can be gained with Einstein’s God. This book examines parallels between Einstein’s views and traditional systems of belief… it also identifies a choice that must be made. So, if traditional faiths don’t fit with what you see---if you see yourself as ‘spiritual, but not religious’… or if you think you’re not really spiritual at all---take a look. You may find something you can say you DO believe.”
He summarizes,
“Einstein’s religion combined a spiritual sense with a world-view grounded in science. He had … reverence and awe, when he considered the wonders of creation. But, he recognized we know nothing about the force that brought this all into being… He waw nature are an expression of the force that guides our world. And he felt that, as we begin to understand small parts of what is, we may get a glimpse… into the force that causes all things to be as they are. Einstein felt that the attempt to understand expresses a type of reverence. And he felt that the goal and method of science … could be a Way of spiritual practice and seeking… Einstein… could not accept, many concepts in traditional religion---a personal god, miracles, and life after death… He saw the world as wholly based in natural laws… As his best sense of what is---how things seem to be---it served as a type of belief.” (Pg. 13-14)
He observes,
“Several approaches have evolved---to incorporate modern views in traditional faiths. In reform churches and temples, teachings from holy books may focus on symbolic truths, and downplay the supernatural and miracles… individuals may have their own non-literal ways of viewing Biblical stories, and the words they say when they join with others in prayer… By adapting ancient traditions to accommodate modern views, a body of ancient wisdom is retained. And, people also retain the community and the rituals and celebrations that, for many, are the main attraction in religion.” (Pg. 26-27)
He suggests,
“Often, there is no thought that ‘anyone’ is listening as we beseech the powers that be. We simply have a wish and think these thoughts, and may say these words out loud. But some, more intentionally direct their thoughts out toward the unseen power… that causes things to be as they will be… Prayer can be a quiet time---to gather thoughts, and to give thanks or show respect or appreciation… Medical research has shown that prayer can offer an increased sense of well-being. It may also reduce anxiety, promote a more positive outlook, and offer a sense of calm. Meditation has similar benefits… It can bring a sense of calm, and focus the mind.” (Pg. 42-43)
He notes,
“Much as Greek myths remain valuable, long after the religion they were based in declined, images and stories from a range of traditions can help us consider issues in our lives. We may be drawn to cathedrals, and moved by religious music and art. And, to gain the emotional power of marking life events as our ancestors have for centuries, we may get married in a church or under a chuppah, or observe traditional rites for funerals and births. We may celebrate traditional holidays… without needing to be active members of these religions. This has parallels with the past. When Christianity replaced pagan belief, many elements of older traditions were retained… many traditional views will remain when something new is formed.” (Pg. 53-54)
He continues,
“As Einstein’s view becomes more widely understood, people may meet and talk… Books may be assembled… with images and insights that reflect a spiritual sense that does not include a personal God… Groups may be formed, and leaders may emerge… these views could form the core of a new religion. Or, these views may remain a more private affair… Whatever form it takes… Einstein’s God provides a foundation for a type of belief that fits with a modern understanding… it points to a Way---of being spiritual without the supernatural.” (Pg. 53-55)
One of the best aspects of this short book is how actual quotations from Einstein are liberally included. (And he actually gives the SOURCE of the quotations, in the ‘Notes’ section at the end of the book.) For example: he quotes Einstein from ‘New York Times Magazine’ for November 9, 1930,
“The religious geniuses of all ages have been distinguished by this kind of religious feeling, which knows no dogma and no God conceived in man’s image; so that there can be no church whose central teachings are based on it. Hence it is precisely among the heretics of every age that we find men who were filled with the highest kind of religious feeling and were in many cases regarded by their contemporaries as atheists… How can cosmic religious feeling be communicated from one person to another, if it can give rise to no definite notion of a god and no theology? In my view, it is the most important function of art and science to awaken this feeling and keep it alive in those who are receptive to it.” (Pg. 58)
This is a marvelous book, that will be “must reading” for those studying Einstein’s religious views, and will be of great interest to those seeking more progressive and less dogmatic paths in religion and spirituality.
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Veronica Avila
2.0 out of 5 stars Wikipedia Article is Far Superior
Reviewed in the United States on 30 November 2020
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Apparently, anybody can write a book. This is a tiny pamphlet of big font, big spaces, collection of quotes (and not even Einstein's most important quotes on this subject) and some random editorializing by some guy (with no credentials) who says he writes about how "drugs, meditation, and other activities may have on feelings."
For a highly superior article on this subject, go to wiki: Religious and philosophical views of Albert Einstein.
6 people found this helpful
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Kieran Fox
1.0 out of 5 stars Insultingly bad
Reviewed in the United States on 31 March 2021
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This "book" is little more than a collection of out-of-context quotations from Einstein and uninformed commentary by the author. It does not rise even to the level of a Wikipedia article (as another reviewer pointed out), and its only real virtue is its recognition that Einstein’s spirituality resembles Taoism. Sophomoric writing, disjointed punctuation, and careless formatting all combine to provide a perfect physical manifestation of what this book is in spirit: a hopeless mess.
I purchased this and read it cover to cover only because I am endeavoring to read everything on Einstein's spiritual side, but this is the worst, most lackluster effort in a field already plagued by mediocrity. It's shameful that such drivel is actually sold and promoted as a serious book on one of history's greatest minds.
Macalister deserves one star for being obviously well-intentioned, but take it from someone who has read almost every book, article, and essay on Einstein's religious and spiritual views in the past few months: this is a total waste of your time and money.
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Frances
5.0 out of 5 stars Good snap shot of Einstien
Reviewed in the United States on 3 November 2019
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Enjoyed book. Have always enjoyed reading about Einstien.
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Esther Grace Frohwein
5.0 out of 5 stars ( For me ) It WAS....One of the most important Books to Read.
Reviewed in the United States on 5 September 2021
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Found out a lot of Einstein's Religious Views were exactly like mine. Wow I was Amazed.
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Marian E. Gilmore
5.0 out of 5 stars Thought provoking
Reviewed in the United States on 29 December 2012
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Excellent book, would recommend it to anyone questioning the existence of "higher being". Exactly as I expected. Came at the time indicated.
4 people found this helpful
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Jeffrey C. Mendenhall
4.0 out of 5 stars Finding a God I Can Live With
Reviewed in the United States on 30 August 2010
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I purchased this book for a dear friend, a physician and medical writer, who has a strong connection to the spiritual world that surrounds us but who has struggled with belief in a God. I skimmed this wonderful book prior to presenting to him. It is both a comfort and a challenge -- as any such book should be.
11 people found this helpful
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De Omnibus Dubitandum.
1.0 out of 5 stars Very Little Einstein For The Price! Do NOT waste your money on this book!
Reviewed in the United States on 23 January 2010
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Friends:
You see the title and you think "WOW! Lets find out what the smartest man in the world thought about God, that I do not already know!" So what does this 'so called' book tell us that we did not already know ~ NOTHING!
Frankly, this IS NOT A BOOK. It may be a college term paper with a fancy cover but as we all know from "little Ralfie" in "A Christmas Story", a fancy cover does not promise a good grade. Everything in this book is easily found if you GOOGLE the subject. Nothing here is unknown to a well read and/or educated person. It is MUSTLY FLUFF and delivers nothing.
My Grade: "D".
I recommend you DO NOT BUY the BOOK.
I expected a lot more. I do not want you to also be disappointed.
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