Customer Reviews

A Secret of the Universe: A Story of Love, Loss, and the Discovery of an Eternal Truth

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With very little of the world's headlines making sense to those millions who read or watch them, this novel or story form of addressing the glue that holds people's perceptions together is a healthy start toward healing. Author Stephen L. Gibson (' Truth-Driven Thinking: An Examination of Human Emotion and Its Impact on Everyday Life') is a young campaigner for epistemology - the science of studying the origins of human belief and knowledge as examined through basing all thought on truth. Instead of electing to create what could have been a dry discourse on science and religion and how the two intertwine, Gibson has demonstrated his own personal journey through a story involving the friendship of two boys/men, one (Bill) is a devoted literalistic, evangelical Christian while the other (Ian) seeks to explain the holes in the blind faith religion of his upbringing, choosing instead to question every aspect of every form of 'religions', looking for the proof or truth of each and how these religions have so profoundly influenced human behavior.

The characters created to enact the drama of this philosophical exercise are interesting enough to propel the reader through the far too long (576 pages) book. Spanning a time frame from 1985 to 2010 the story is essentially one of coming of age of two boys from Michigan (the author's home) and how they respond to love, death, tragedy, marriage, children, personal losses and personal triumphs, terrorism, and individual soul searching. If the polarity between these two lads strays a bit at times, the reasons are to explain the author's plan for revealing the bifurcated facets between blind faith religion and re-examined religion: Conservative Bill (who believes that such things as premarital sex and homosexuality are sick and are abominations to God) while inquisitive Ian joins forces to form a group of intellects called The Desoterica, a conclave committed to re-examining the Bible and the Koran and other religious writings to see how 'truth' reveals how much of what the world has accepted as fact is actually a mixture of myth, copy discrepancies about events that have been altered by influences and human needs to make the universe understandable. For example, the Desoterica goes to the Old and New Testament to trace the expectations of the Jews for a Messiah and how those expectations resulted in a splinter group who created a man - Jesus of Nazareth - described by four different men (Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John) - in disparate ways, demonstrating that time has pasted pieces together and created a myth out of need, a myth that cannot be based on truth from the very source from which it is taken: there are significant variations in the concept of the Virgin Birth, the resurrection, the human form son of God who is the only path to heaven, etc.

Gibson has done his research (and shares it in the appendices of this tome) and has successfully created a book that will challenge the reader no matter the end of the spectrum from which each reader begins this journey, a positive effect during this time Gibson calls 'this very difficult period of history...a tribal retreat'. A SECRET OF THE UNIVERSE is a wise title: the operative word is 'A' secret not 'the' secret. And while that 'secret' as revealed at book's end is a bit precious and less adventuresome that the bulk of the novel, it at least provides a leveling ground for the philosophy discussed. Many people will be polarized by this book, but isn't that a healthy beginning to opening wide discussions about the very sources of thinking that have lead us to where we are in 2007?

Though few would describe this as a Great Novel (the writing, while often interesting, is too often caught up in sidebar excursions that somehow too frequently end up in conversations in the cockpit of an airplane!), for this reader it is worth the time required to read it through, despite the tedious passages. It is thoughtful, challenging, and provides some good scholarship as practiced today as a bait for the author's very worthwhile truth-driven thinking. It will doubtless cause debate: it will hopefully provoke some thoughtful changes. Grady Harp, October 07

How do we develop our fundamental beliefs? Why do we hold tight to wishes, prayers, karma, holiday traditions, shooting stars, mythologies and faith? Is it because our parents told us to or because we've researched for ourselves, because Wikipedia has an article about it or some great scholar has written a book? In Stephen L. Gibson's novel, "A Secret of the Universe," readers are welcome to come to understand some of the reasons we have faith, and our ever changing beliefs, hopefully discovering the secret along the way.

Two friends, Ian and Bill, who went to high school together, have their own views of the universe. Their worlds co-exist, mingle throughout life, and affect the others' in ways only true friends can comprehend. There is intense joy and pain in each character's life, and such is reflected on the other. Through tragedy, each is brought to a pivotal point where what they believe leads them to the next step on their life's path; and, their next step in life effectively leads their beliefs. Into each life a little religion, sex and politics must fall, and these two friends address each topic openly. Their discussions and inner revelations surely reflect those of millions of people who will see themselves in black and white. Bill finds great comfort and support in his faith in God and his Christianity. Ian seeks answers through science and reason. Each of the men finds solid "proof" that reaffirms their views. This is no slight undertaking and the revealed secrets will shock the world as one of the men's beliefs inspires a seven year, intense, study that becomes very public. On the personal front, each of the friends has complex home situations. Emotional and poignant, questionable and tragic, the events in their love lives are often a catalyst for further inspection of their beliefs and the reasons why they hold those beliefs.

What is most interesting is the meticulous amount of research that was done in the writing of this book. Stephen Gibson offers pages of footnotes for readers to further explore his points and this gives each point of view a strong backbone. Did Jesus Christ, the man, truly exist? Or do we just need him to have? At the very least, this book will inspire readers to examine why they believe the things that they do. It condemns none, but rather embraces the positives of various viewpoints and encourages readers to do the same, no matter what your faith.

The writing is tight and brilliantly executed. The characters are downright human with their thought processes and flaws exposed for all to see. The plot reflects extensive planning and encompasses the warmth of home, and the cold reality of terrorism, all at the same time. It is a story about love, life, religion, science, research, goals, death, terrorists, culture, politics, morals, our fundamental beliefs, and the most important secret the world could discover. It is a book about why we believe the things we believe in, why mythology exists, why we need it to, and its very fundamental purpose. I dare readers to pick up this book and read it with an open mind. You won't be sorry. I wholeheartedly recommend "A Secret of the Universe."

My, oh my. What a unique and enthralling book. As many of you know, over recent years there have been a spate of "apocalyptic" fiction novels by Tim Lehay and Jerry Jenkins, once serious writers. These novels pretend that a certain end of times will come and play out various adventures against this backdrop.
This book by Stephen L. Gibson is perhaps a much more thoughtful and honest addition to the genre. In this case, the story is not according to a fanciful script designed to appeal to true believers that already buy the "case" outlined in the backdrop. Instead, Gibson presents a novel whose two primary characters, close friends, begin from the same spiritual place, shift to divergent views, and then through the unfolding of the story come to a place of mutual acceptance and respect for each other's beliefs. Beyond that perhaps, they come to somewhat of a unification of those beliefs, though each from a differing perspective.

I suppose this is the Holy Grail of much of the spiritual community. Can their be a unified theory of religion that transcends tribal fundamentalism, and thereby makes our world a more peaceful and safer place? The book opens the door a crack to that possibility with its promise of opening a portal to free discussion and debate.

In the course of the novel, Gibson takes the reader through a primer of current thoughts by both christians and atheists. (Atheist is a challenging word to use because it conjures up certain images which do not adequately describe it. An atheist can be spiritual and very comfortable in Eastern and New Age philosophy which have fabulous and generous value systems). In the novel, he provides sufficient detail to build a general understanding of the differing stances and provides enough names and reference materials to give the reader a road-map for further exploration. The "story" of the novel is sufficiently interesting to keep the reader engaged.

Cameo appearances by such luminaries as Bishop John Shelby Spong provide opportunity for dialog in which inquiring minds have access to many answers in keeping with these thinker's philosophies. These passages can be somewhat lengthly but it is here that the nuggets are found. Gibson also injects many passages of Christian scripture with some textual scholarship, pointing out error or matters of uncertainty or alternative interpretation.

The truth is that there is a Secret of the Universe. No one knows what it is, all we can be certain of is that it is beyond our experience and therefore our limited ability to comprehend. Gibson provides some thoughts on what it might be.

While the conclusion leaves many questions unanswered, perhaps that is the point. It attempts to draw a cozy ending where love is what matters most and the parties to the story come together in that spirit of love around the death of one protagonist. While this could certainly happen in real life, it does not resolve anything. Yes, peace is at hand for the few in that room, but war still rages for the millions out here.

I recommend this book not for it's poetry or prose, nor for it's throat grabbing suspense, but for it's honest and thorough addressing of contemporary issues in the context of "story". The world could not help but be a better place if we and our children read more books like this and fewer trivial, materialistic, megalomaniacal, or meaningless fantasies.

This book is well written and exciting. It makes you think but also is very entertaining. I became interested in "Truth-driven thinking" via Mr. Gibson's podcast, after listening to him read from the beginning of the book on one of his podcasts I became intrigued. Let me just say that I was not disappointed. The book, although considered "fiction", makes you think. Too me a good book puts you in the shoes of the main character(s) and this one did that, it put me right in the middle of the story and kept me there throughout. This story touches on politics, religion, freethinking, love -- it has a little bit of everything.
I highly recommend this book and his podcast as well.

As I read A SECRET OF THE UNIVERSE I repeatedly saw parallels to my own journey from religious faith to religious skepticism. Others may read the book and recognize their journey to a deeper faith through a dark wood of doubt. Throughout the book I found myself identifying strongly with characters who voiced views that I agree with. A few pages later I would find myself empathizing with another character whose views and beliefs are at odds with my own, as the character struggled with an ethical dilemma or personal tragedy. The characters experience a full range of the joys and sorrows life offers. Their experiences impact with their most deeply held convictions and they are changed in ways they never imagined possible.

The author, Stephen Gibson admits he is a reforming emotion driven thinker. His book TRUTH-DRIVEN THINKING: AN EXAMINATION OF HUMAN EMOTION AND ITS IMPACT ON EVERYDAY LIFE and his podcasts encourage readers and listeners to seek truth, elusive and complex though it may be; through dialogue, discourse, and inquiry. It would be wrong for readers to assume from these statements that their emotions will not be engaged while reading A SECRET OF THE UNIVERSE. It is not a dry and dispassionate story. Gibson recognizes the power of emotions in creating and sustaining relationships between people as well as commitment to a cause higher than one's own self. His own passion for the pursuit of truth is clearly evident in his writing. I recommend A SECRET OF THE UNIVERSE to theists and atheists alike.

Stephen Gibson has created a compelling novel that wraps a compelling and believable fictional story around a frank discussion of religion, ethics, and perception of truth.

If you are open minded and interested in seeing things from a different point of view, but get tired of non-fiction books that push you relentlessly towards a conclusion while ignoring any contrary ideas or thoughts, then you will find this book to be a refreshing approach.

I throughly enjoyed both the fictional story and the discussions that it wraps around. I highly recommend the book for anyone who feels like they have something to gain from open minded examination of how people perceive truth or why they believe what they do.

This story of two friends as they journey to maturity and struggle with their friendship and faith in the midst of the complexities of life is a warm, emotional, and uplifting story of hope. It is sprinkled with laughter, some serious tears, interesting philosophy and a little sex. Sort of like real life. I found myself very angry at some of the characters and in love with others. It is a book that reflected some of my struggles and I thought it was written with a warm and balanced hand. Much of it is a very fun read although three or four of the 37 chapters get a little heavy. I was surprised by some of the twists in the plot and thoroughly enjoyed my weekend wrapped up in this thoughtful tale.

Stephen Gibson captured my attention throughout the three love stories intertwined in his book (A Secret of the Universe), even though I am not sure he realized that he was writing three love stories, given the title of his book. He provides plenty of reason to suggest that "Overbearing Bible Belting Christians of the modern era" appear to be similar to the Pharisees of two thousands years ago (as demonstrated by supporting characters Bill and his father-in-law in the story). The main character of the book (Ian) appears to be bent on searching for the "truth" about Jesus' walk and talk on earth concerning the messages He provided about effective ways to love others. Nestled in a story about the death of his father, meeting angels in strange places, flying airplanes around the country, maintaining a relationship with his best high school friend, and finding the perfect girl of his dreams in Chicago, the author provides a glimpse of a modern-day feminine Christ-like figure. Clearly, the modern-day heroine (Ian's wife) breaks a few of the canonical church rules, but seemingly never violated either of the two great commandments from Christ: love God with all of your heart, mind and soul, and love your neighbor as yourself.
The strength of this book is that it will make you think outside of the box of "mythology truth" of traditional Christian perspectives that often go unquestioned. Based on the intriguing human interest story Gibson provides, the typical "Sunday morning Bible espousing Christians of our generation" do not seem to have enough grist to guide them to behave much different than people who have never set foot in a Christian Church. The weakness of this book is that it is too long for the message it provides. However, if you are a seeker of Christ-centered love in the modern era, like a bit of "real life" suspense, had your share of ups and downs in life, and you are willing to look at a new perspective of how two young men and one young woman see limitations within the Christian mythology, this book is for you. The book is well written, moves along swiftly, and has a surprise ending. I highly recommend reading this book, and then, finding a few friends to discuss the underlying principles of Christian love in each of the three stories.

In many respects, I feel I've taken a parallel path to Mr. Gibson and some of the characters in his book. Leaning about why we believe things, how these beliefs affect our lives and those around us and, ultimately, around the world has become my passion over last several years. "A Secret of the Universe" encapsulates so many of the "discoveries" I've made in my own quest for truth. Through this effective narrative, Gibson conveys complicated, esoteric material in an approachable and applicable fashion, deftly introducing sensitive and controversial ideas throughout the story. He extensive use of footnotes supports the veracity of his conclusions and makes this work so much more than just an ordinary work of fiction. Believers and non- believers alike can spend weeks, is so inclined, reviewing what is what I consider a must-read-book list on a subject that ultimately affects our lives and the future of our world's societies. Recent works by Dawkins( The God Delusion), Dennet (Breaking the Spell) , Harris (The End of Faith, Letter to a Christian Nation) and Hitchens (God is not Great) make somewhat similar arguments against the God of the bible and religion in general, but here, Gibson's approach is so much more human, facile to comprehend, personal and entertaining. I hope to see his not-so-little book dramatically rise in popularity and spark continued dialog on these important topics.
As an aside, a website readers may find applicable upon finishing the book is [...] and podcasts from truth-driven thinking, the skeptics guide to the universe, point of inquiry, and Freethought radio.

Gibson does a wonderful job of using realistic characters to present important real-world issues. The author clearly completed exhaustive research and his story brilliantly conveys a wealth of knowledge through conversations between characters. I personally connect with Ian as he evaluates his beliefs and practices with reference to current understanding and rational thought. This is a great thinker's book and I highly recommend to all. Both young and old will benefit from the objective nature of this book.