Siegel writes this book in defense of the philosophy of dualism. He recognizes we are more than random products of evolution - humans have a sense of themselves and thoughts about the nature of reality that can't be denied or explained by pure materialism. And our sense of morality is undeniable. One good point: "Evolutionary theory can explain why the Nazis wanted to exterminate the Jews, but it cannot explain why Wallenberg worked to save the Jews despite the danger to himself. And it cannot explain why so many of us admire Wallenberg’s behavior and are horrified by the Nazis ’ behavior."

Yet Siegel trips over his own mind when he tries to dismiss religion on dualistic grounds. First, he proposes a self-contradictory system here: "Evolution made humans tune in transcendent reason because reasoning helped us to survive and reproduce, but our reason also puts us in touch with universal morality that rises above the logic of evolution, so we can see that it is not good to kill your stepchildren as gorillas do."

Then he gives the transcendent an arbitrarily higher value here: "A dualist theory of evolution explains that reason should overrule our impulses when there is a conflict, because our impulses just happen to exist while our reason can tell us what is right and wrong, what should exist. A dualist theory of evolution also explains our frequent failures to live up to our ideals. We fail because of the conflict between our reason and the impulses that evolution has programmed into us."

Although he is trying to deny religion, his use of the concept of reason, in this case, is religious. Reason has some sort of conscious component that sets the standard for justice. That sounds like God, to me.

It seems he has two areas to think through more clearly: evil and creation. Seigel dismisses a host of very provocative and well-founded thinkers (see Stephen Meyer) with this statement: "This is the decisive argument against intelligent design. Instead of arguing about the obscure question of why certain physical constants are fine-tuned to make the universe hospitable to life, we can lay intelligent design to rest by making this obvious point: a benevolent God would not choose to create our species and other animal species by using the cruel process of evolution, with hunger, violence and competition causing the less fit to die painfully."

The problem of evil vexes a lot of people, but dualism doesn't solve it. Justice solves it. Physical justice exacted by God, Who became human, solves it. That's exactly what the Christian message is.

As far as creation is concerned, Seigel tries to not deal with it by saying evolutionary theory has already told us how we got here, case closed. But that leaves the question open of why we are here, which dualists should be very interested in exploring.

I'm afraid Seigel's biases lead him to draw contradictory and incomplete conclusions at this point. I recommend looking up Stephen Meyer to learn about intelligent design. Read the book Love Thy Body by Nancy Pearcey to think through why dualism isn't a good answer. And read Keeping Your Kids on God's Side (which has an excellent resource list), by Natasha Crain to get a good overview of responses to scientific challenges to Christianity.

A Skeptic's Faith
By Charles Siegel

This book is for those of us with the desire and ability to follow the complex ideas – often conflicting and sometimes elliptical in nature – put forward to explain the conflicting scientific and philosophical thought concerning evolution, materialism, reason and consciousness.

The author has obviously delved deeply into these ideas and presents his own narrative concerning his beliefs. For the layman though, this book is a tough go. I found myself getting lost in the complexities. I would not recommend this book to those who are not prepared to give it their total attention and contemplation of the ideas presented.

A fascinating look at dualism. Siegel makes a strong case for matter and spirit existing together. Siegel spins together fresh examples with philosophical rationales.

Thank you Netgalley and Omo Publishing for this advanced reader copy.

The book is interesting to read.

Thank you Netgalley and Omo Publishing for this advanced reader copy. A Skeptic’s Faith offers another way to look at most influential items if this works. Early in the book materialistic thinking is discussed. Which offers a different way to examine life and theories. The book is interesting, read it with an open mind.

While I found the cover design and title of this book intriguing, the writing left me wanting something more. To me, the author's tone was somewhat "preachy" or "know-it-all" and, thus, it was hard for me to "hear" what the author was saying over the tone.

It is a good attempt to study and report on the mindset and thoughts of people who do not consider themselves people of "faith" (Believing in things that cannot be "seen"--proven by scientific study or by the 5 senses). I found the notion that many people confess their "faith" (belief) without considering the meaning of that confession. We should all be aware of what we believe and why we believe so. The author does a good job of bringing forth the process that should be utilized to have certainty of the basis of one's faith.

I do approve of the author's consistently defining terms, so as to ensure that the audience would be in step with his thoughts. I did agree that the definition of skeptic precludes the word from being used in every situation where someone disagrees and/or debates for another side of the issue. I had never really thought about the real meaning and usage of skeptic, so I'm glad that the author carefully defined the term.

The author makes statements in a manner that seems to imply that the author believes these statements are proven facts. And, not all of these statements have footnote to allow readers to confirm the validity of the supposedly factual facts presented. The author does provide references for some of the information presented, but also, other included statements need a note.

I also think the author uses examples that are controversial or divisive. For example, his counter examples include climate change and flat earth theories. These theories are no more conclusively proven than the faith theory the author is attempting to disprove; thus, the reasoning presented is circular and non-sequitur at best.

Overall, I do not recommend this book. I admire the author's attempt to remind readers to avoid dogma and create non-abstract reasoning as basis for one's faithful believing. We can all improve our logical and critical thinking skills as a means of effectively debating issues needing solutions. However, the author of this book seems to be utilizing exactly the non-scientific and dogmatic thinking he rails against in his book. To me, the entire book is a presentation of what the author challenges us to avoid.

I was curious about this book. The author uses references to other writers to express his views on the World around us and how we perceive what is true and what is not. I recommend this book for those readers who want a different view of the World.

A Skeptic's Faith is a deep philosophical book that speaks about faith, science and how the common concept of scientific materialism puts everything into question. Using many examples from scientists and people calling themselves philosophers attempting to expose philosophical ideas based on scientific materialism, really gets one thinking if what is so-called mainstream thinking in the sciences really makes sense.

With A SKEPTIC'S FAITH, Charles Siegel effectively takes on the current faith placed in science and the unthinking piling on into world views and perspectives on the way things are and the way things should be. Throughout, the organization of the book and the way powerfully different, challenging views are expressed made it a much more challenging read than the works of other thought=provokers which include the anecdotes, personal experiences, and fascinating detours. I enjoyed the view into a very different and potentially influential writer. The timing feels right, post-Covid and ongoing world tumult for other ways of thinking about thinking and living in the world owe all share. While the writing of the book often felt more like personal rant than the considered, out-of-the-standard-lockstep-thinking box, Siegel's notable disciplined approach to what is known versus what is considered known is an essential challenge. I received a copy of this book and these thoughts are my own, unbiased opinions.

‘A Skeptic’s Faith’ by Charles Siegel was, for me, an extremely thought provoking, open minded, wildly intriguing read. Definitely will be reading again. Recommend!

I received a free copy of, A Skeptic's Faith, by Charles Siegel, from the publisher and Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. This was an ok read. Im secure in my belief and religion, so it did not sway me one way or the other.

In the first chapter already, I saw a kindred soul. Someone admits that they too are and have always been unable to believe something unless they have some reason to believe that is true. This is exactly the point why I feel like every and any religion has failed me - or I have failed them - just because I have always been so utterly unable to believe.
So, the first chapter already made me kind of biased and made me like the book and the author already. So, I kept on reading being sure I already like, love, and enjoy this book.

As I kept reading, I had to look up the author and their background, because their way of thinking and writing was so much like mine, and like several of those I went to the university with - I saw a reflection of my university education there, a university degree in philosophy. That approach, that way with words. That screams of a background in philosophy. But. This is so weird - I was unable to find anything, absolutely anything about him.

Either way, this book was such a delight to read. It was written in a language I understand and speak fluently - a language of an open mind, science, logic, and reason. And skepticism too, of course.

If anyone out there is desperately looking for a reason-infused read regarding all sorts of real-life issues (with a very healthy dose of philosophy added to it), this is something I cannot recommend this book enough.

P.s.
Although I used to be the biggest fan of Richard Dawkins some 15 years ago, and this book goes on about him not being the bearer of the ultimate logic and truth after all in everything and anything he says, I absolutely see the validity of their point, and I do not feel in any way threatened to keep being a Dawkins' fangirl in my own way. So, even if the book contains some opinions that are in a way contradictory to your own ones, they are written in such a way that you can see the logic in their thinking, yet it does not make you feel any less than just because you choose to stick to your guns with your opinion.