Mormon Scientist: The Life and Faith of Henry Eyring (Hardcover)

by Henry J Eyring (Author)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description
Twice in the final years of his life, Elder Neal A. Maxwell told a grandson of Henry Eyring's, You need to write your grandfather's story. This is that story of Henry Eyring, perhaps the most acclaimed scientist ever to come from The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. It is a book about science and Mormonism, written to be easily understood by newcomers to both subjects. It demonstrates why one of the Church's ­highest-­profile intellectuals was also one of its humblest believers. In fact, this story of Henry Eyring shows how intellect and belief go ­hand-­in-­hand and how simple, faithful people can change the ­world.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 320 pages
• Publisher: Deseret Book (February 6, 2008)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1590388542
• ISBN-13: 978-1590388549
• Product Dimensions: 9.1 x 6.1 x 1.2 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.4 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.1 out of 5 stars See all reviews (7 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #516,303 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

48 of 49 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Fusing Faith & Science, November 29, 2007

By	Benjamin Spaulding (Lawrence, Kansas, USA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

Henry Eyring fused science and religion. He never felt that his faith and profession were at odds. On the contrary, he felt that science enhanced his faith, and vice versa. I was impressed not only with Dr. Eyring's profession of faith and science, but I was amazed at his level of active involvement in each of them. He led Mormon congregations and scientific organizations, gave faith-promoting talks and wrote ground-breaking scientific papers.

The organization of the book is refreshing for a biography. As the author says in the Introduction, "Rather than proceeding chronologically through his life, we'll look first at the things he accomplished (his Legacy), then at the family experiences that shaped him (Heritage), and then at the unusual way he thought (Paradoxes). We will close with a section called Testament, in which Henry bears witness to those things of greatest importance."

This book not only gives insight into the life and mind of a world-renonwned scientist, but proves that a person does not have to choose science or religion -- both "disciplines" can be embraced.

14 of 14 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Nobel Prize Nominee's Life Combined Faith and Science, April 7, 2008

By	C. G. "CG" (United States) - See all my reviews

In response to "science?" I'd like to respectfully point out that Dr. Henry Eyring was nominated several times for the Nobel Prize due to his scientific work which is still included in current scientific textbooks due to its relevancy and usefulness.

This book is about an incredible scientist and how he not only contributed to our world scientifically, but how he also believed strongly in God and Christ and remained true to, and active in, his religious beliefs as a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints.

For those who read this book, I hope you do so to see how a person can believe in the importance of science and that this world was created by a loving God who wants us to learn to understand it. If evolution was used to create all life on earth, or not, is really only known to the Creator of us all, Who also knows the truthfulness, or falseness, of statements made by each of us about ourselves and others.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Mormon. Scientist., December 9, 2008

By	A. Marchant (New York) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

Unfortunately, that's about all there is to this kindly but shallow tribute to the beloved Mormon chemist. I wish I could give the book a better rating, but as biography, it disappoints.

Here's some of what's missing:
How did Henry Eyring relate to the women in his life (besides his two mothers)?
To what extent did Church responsibilities influence Eyring's transition from a scientist to an administrator, and how did he manage the change?
There are scant allusions to Eyring's parenting style; given his dedication to the role, more detail is in order.
Did Eyring play a role in moderating the doctrinal conflicts between General Authorities (i.e. David O. McKay and Joseph Fielding Smith)?
What was Eyring's essential invention in conceptualizing the reaction complex and to what classes of problems did he apply it? It is reasonable to expect more technical insight from the biography of a great scientist.

Prof. Eyring left a trove of personal and professional documentation. So someday a definitive biography will answer these questions - without in the least diminishing his legacy.