Title: Truth and Consequences
Author: Ralph E. Carlson
Publisher: iUniverse
ISBN: 978-1-4917-7318-5
Pages: 108
Genre: Theology, Philosophy
Reviewed by: Rev. Cecil Thomas
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Not often does a book compel the reader to continue reading due to its thought provoking and highly advocative words arranged in exactly the order desired by the reader to see; yet I have found Ralph E. Carlson’s Truth and Consequences as being such this type of achievement. From the very first page, I absolutely could not put the book down until completion. In this regard, I salute the skill of thought provoking logic, historical research and general wisdom commanded in this terse text of such overwhelming stature.
A daunting composition compiling the wisdom of scholars, philosophers, scientists, mathematicians and theologians throughout the centuries, Ralph E. Carlson makes it look easy as he depicts the “True or false” conditions of mankind’s most basic belief system. Within his use of mathematics, Carlson depicts a fact as being stated as a proposition with either a true or false condition. If true, then onto the next fact for logical analysis, but if false, so ends the discussion or theory.
Given this road map, the existence of God, or the IIE (Infinite Intelligent Entity) is sought out to be proven, or dismissed. The author, for example, parallels the existence of intelligent alien life’s existence in a way similar to the concept of proving God’s existence. Not having any proof that aliens exist does not mean they do not exist; as we may have simply not have found the proof. This is a trite example to the sophisticated “Peeling the onion” performed in Truth and Consequences on the existence theories of religion.
These series of researched and substantiated historical judgements, brought out so eloquently and without prejudice, creates a learning experience within the galley text unparalleled in most writings on the subject; clearly visionary by the original inherent wisdom of the author. Albeit much of work on the subject has been determined (QED) in countless books, scriptures, documents and historical recounts the past, in which Carlson’s work exemplifies a doctorate thesis on the subject; as often I felt the genre of this book alluded too.
Discounting the Unguided Evolutionists, agnostic scientists, and stubborn believers as well, the summations, conclusions and unambiguous determinations within this book will certainly amaze you, as it did me. Opening up such clarity of thought, beautifully presented with humility and confidence, reading Carlson’s work created a feeling of being privileged and definitely a witness of an inspired intellectual. Footnoted to almost a fault, he relies on the foundations of scores of volumes of writings, both the Old and New Testament, scientific work on evolution, and mathematical modeling on the topic of the possibility of extraterrestrial intelligent life. Not a stone is unturned in Carlson’s challenging the reasonable assumptions which are at the core of our beliefs of the meaning of life.
The latter part of Truth and Consequences divulges into more the historical belief of Christianity, citing some examples of miracles which can only be explained by the intervention of a deity beyond ordinary understanding. In a way I feel the author began to pontificate on the subject rather than allowing for the reader’s own determinations, however the word crafting continued to be masterful in his unique presentation.
This book is a must for everyone. Written in a clear and non-presumptuous fashion allowing for the reader’s personal opinions to be tested against the author’s descriptive illustrations. The stimulation and impact of Truth and Consequences goes far beyond an ordinary book on the subject, placing it firmly into an extraordinary category of achievement.
