First question: why is this book being reviewed for an LDS audience?

When I first saw this book described in a published review, my interest was keen. Questions about science -- DNA, evolution, etc. -- are raging in Mormonism these days. Critics of the historicity of the Book of Mormon welcome the recent advances in DNA research to show that the events described could not have taken place. Supporters of Book of Mormon historicity point to weaknesses in methodology to dismiss claims of the critics. Some (including some past Church leaders) have proclaimed evolution to be contrary to Mormon teaching. Others correctly point out that the Church has never taken an official stand on the issue.

From its inception, Mormonism has provided a fertile field for the sometimes-warring magesteria of science and religion. Some, like Henry Eyring, found accommodation possible, as documented in his The Faith of a Scientist. Others have found accommodation impossible, ultimately choosing between the the certainties of science and the speculations of faith.

But Bethell says, "Not so fast." He devotes this book to debunking the "certainties of science," arguing that the liberal establishment has so dominated both the media and academia that evidence and argument have been skewed to marginalize those who disagree with the "liberal agenda." He proceeds to argue the "other side" of the issues -- global warming, evolution, human genome research, the effect of toxic chemicals, etc. The picture he draws is one of a society so utterly out of touch with reality that it has pursued a vain and sometimes dangerous course in its advancement of false causes.

One need only read the back cover to get the gist of Bethell's arguments:

Bet your teacher never told you: "Intelligent Design" has more evidence in its favor than Darwinianism does. Nuclear power is the cleanest and safest form of energy. The Church did not persecute Galileo for his science. An AIDS diagnosis in Africa does not require an HIV test. Small does of "toxic" chemicals can be good for you. There has been virtually no improvement in cancer mortality since the war on cancer was declared in 1971. Private investors know embryonic stem cells are unlikely to produce miracle cures..

Chapter by chapter, Bethell attacks some of the most sacred of cows in the scientific community. Using statistics, case studies, and other evidentiary bases, he presents his case for an alternative view of some of today's hottest issues. He writes with ease and with some humor, always certain of his conclusions, unbending in his commitment to what he views as the truth behind the spin.

His final two chapters are devoted to questions concerning evolution, design and origins in general. They constitute a full frontal attack on the evolutionary school, and he takes no prisoners. Are there Mormons who will cheer him on? Of course, just as there will be a large number in the general population (especially among fundamentalist Christians) who will likewise greet his arguments with acclaim.

Of course, others will see Bethell's work as a kind of guide for the modern Luddite. However one views his effort (and it was, after all, a "main selection of the Conservative Book Club"), he's a very good writer, and a fervent believer in his cause. (It isn't my intention to evaluate his claims, nor will I either endorse or oppose his conclusions.)

Readers wanting to know the "other side of the story" will find this book both entertaining and informative. And as in religion, so in many other fields, there is always another side to the story. Bethell tells his side well.

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Jeff Needle
January 28, 2006