Meet the Author
Michael Belote is an engineer who has always been intrigued about blending his interests with his faith since becoming a born-again Christian as a young adult. More recently, he has written prolifically about his Christian faith on his blog: Reboot Christianity.
Book Basics
I rarely read, and even more infrequently review, self-published books. Occasionally, however, the content of an author’s request for a review or the unique nature of her/his writing intrigues me enough that I opt to review such a book. Since Belote’s approach was so different from anything I have ever read, I was immediately interested.
Rise of the Time Lords: A Geek’s Guide to Christianity is a creative attempt to integrate the author’s interests in order to view Christianity from a different perspective. Belote is comprised of 17 chapter length essays on varying elements of the Christian faith. Each chapter begins with a story from the author’s life experience as a “sci-fi geek” or a story from science or engineering – the author’s areas of professional interest. The story leads in to an explanation of a theological concept, which consumes the remaining pages of each chapter.
Belote is a much better story teller than theologian or Christian educator. His storytelling is conversational and draws readers into his experiences and interests while his exposition on theological matters comes across as cold and, at times, condescending. His knowledge of the introductory matters far exceeds that of the theological constructs, yet he presents the latter with great certitude while often making significant claims without appropriate citations. In short, the idea for Belote’s first book is fascinating, but the execution is disappointing.
So What?
Belote claims:
Geeks often feel left out of Christianity. Their love of science is seen as dangerous; their love of asking tough questions is viewed as a challenge to the legitimacy of their faith (p.169).
Sadly, I have met people who express feelings similar to those Belote expresses above. My immediate response to such has always been to remark that Christianity is a religion that is far bigger than the one perspective of Christianity the speaker envisions or understands to represent the whole. Personally, I have always participated in communities of faith that welcome geeks, appreciate deep questions, and see no conflicts between science and religion.
How welcomed are geeks, those asking deep questions, and scientists in your community of faith?
Michael Belote. Rise of the Time Lords: A Geek’s Guide to Christianity (Reboot Christianity Publishing, 2012). ISBN: 9781300020226.