Canceled Science: What Some Atheists Don’t Want You to See

by Eric Hedin

Eric Hedin was enjoying a productive career as a physics professor at Ball State University when the letter from a militant atheist arrived and all hell broke loose. The conflict spilled first onto the pages of the local newspaper, and then into the national news. The atheist attack included threats from the Freedom from Religion Foundation, which targeted Hedin after learning his Boundaries of Science course exposed students to an evidence-based case for design and purpose in cosmology, physics, and biochemistry. Canceled Science tells the dramatic story of the atheist campaign to cancel Hedin’s course, reveals the evidence the atheists tried to bury, and explores discoveries that have revolutionized our understanding of the nature and origin of matter, space, and even time itself.

Genres: Science, Nonfiction, Atheism

254 pages, Kindle Edition

Published March 1, 2021

Reviews

[Seth Cordle · Rating 4 out of 5]

I actually took a Physics class from Dr. Hedin the semester after his Boundaries of Science class had been shut down. I was unaware of the scandal at the time. But after running into him at a revival meeting during the semester, I was completely confounded with the idea of a man working in the science department of the most liberal school in the state (a quite conservative one, I admit).

I’ve told that story to a few people over the nearly nine years since it happened. But recently, someone responded with this book recommendation, knowing exactly about whom I was speaking. So I ordered it on a whim. And I was not disappointed.

I’ve been a subscriber to Astronomy magazine for years now. I love the idea of discoveries in astrophysics. But I’m also a youth pastor that loves the idea of making sense of theology. This book would be a recommendation for anyone with even the slightest interest in apologetics.

He went over topics about which I’ve had many conversations, but he also touched on subjects about which I knew nothing. I was intrigued throughout the entire book. Personally, I believe the true strength of it is in the first & last chapters. Professor Hedin had a wonderful way of telling the story of his rollercoaster responses to his class. His skill as a teacher (that I know from first hand experience) was on display as he took complicated subject matter & translated it into terminology that help it make sense to people on most levels of intelligence & education.

Bottom line: I was encouraged & educated. God is moving in the scientific community. It was wonderful to see the details of how.

[Mike Lisanke · Rating 3 out of 5]

This wasn't a terrible science book as it talked about science mostly and philosophy concerning science somewhat. And it mentioned some very interesting ideas like Intelligent Design but gave them no more mention than a popular science website would mention their discredit! Instead the author focuses on all the mistaken ideas of mainstream science and tried to infer how they all justify Intelligent Design because of the obvious need for fine tuning of their flimsy models of how the Universe is supposed to work... Somebody Needs to tell this author, having an idea and math model of that idea does Not Prove Anything.

I'm torn recommending this book for insight into ID because, there's none. And I don't like books like this one and Stephen Meyers new book on God Hypothesis revisited which does the same thing... it says we can't make sense of Our Math Model... if God or the Universe maker got the parameters off by 1 part in a godzillion nothing would work; absolutely nothing... and then, they Don't go on to blame the shitty model. too stupid.

[Omarove · Rating 5 out of 5]

Compelling book and an amusing narrative! Highly recommended!

Prof. Eric taught a university course called the "Boundaries of Science", where he discussed abstract questions in science and life. Albeit following scientific reasoning and logical arguments, he was not spared from a reckless campaign by atheists. Apparently, reaching to the conclusion that an intelligent designer is inevitable is biased and against nature/logic. Fast-forward, Prof. Eric writes this easy-going book showcasing what he taught in that course, which is a summary of the arguments pertaining to the existential questions of life, including astronomy and biology. Using the information theory to prove intelligent design was a well-knitted chapter.

While reading through the book, the author uses specific terminology to describe a given phenomenon or an observation in the universe. I tirelessly recall verses from the Quran, which described such things with great accuracy (but more than 1400 years ago!).

It is just sad that academia can not hub open science as it claims, academic papers can be rejected and the authors' reputation stained just because the word "Creator" is mentioned or something against evolution is reported (with evidence!). This shall stop!

[Ray Simmons · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very fast reading because it is organized and well written. The first chapter is the story of the author's "Boundaries of Science" course at Ball State University. His "goal was to give a presentation of the well-accepted and mainstream scientific evidence and theories, and let the students explore the larger implications." (p. 9) "Jerry Coyne, a nationally known atheist, blogger, and evolutionary biologist, had acquired a copy of my class syllabus and asked my chair to verify if it was being used in a science class". (p. 11) I did not find it difficult to believe this "cancel culture" attack had happened in this way: attack the employer of the offender, not debate the offender. The details of this attack were interesting.

The remaining chapters give a great summary of the philosophical questions and answers, on which the origins sciences have developed well enough to shed light. Chapter 11. "Mind, Beauty, and Information", was a wonderful chapter that encouraged me and helped me fully appreciate these issues in light of scientific discoveries. I highly recommend this book.

[Larry White · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hedin gives an excellent refresher or overview of the classic arguments for considering intelligent design: cosmology and physics, and biology, evolution and human nature. These in themselves are sufficient recommendations for this excellent book. But I found two other features to be especially compelling. First, in my opinion, his discussion of the information basis for both the existence of the universe and for life was very well done. While I have been aware of this for quite some time, I found Hedin’s explanations to be both enlightening and concise. Second, the book is unique in being framed by Hedin’s personal experiences as a university professor targeted by the cancel-science movement of activist atheism. This is an outstanding, readable book on a topic that should get greater attention and understanding. Academia needs more Eric Hedins.

[Joe Biscoe IV · Rating 5 out of 5]

A well written book exposing the tactics of atheistic organizations who are at war with free thought. And we’ll organized to convince beyond reasonable doubt that the God of the Bible is the Creator of the universe. Eric gets a five star review from me not only because the book is easy to read and well put together. But also because he doesn’t simply stop where others would. Writers like Jastrow and Behe seem to simply state that evolutionary theory is incapable of explaining the world and universe we observe. And that it actually breaks known scientific laws. But Eric steps further and claims that the Judeo Christian God fits the bill for the Creator of the universe. Most wouldn’t have the guts to claim that.

[Russell Williams · Rating 5 out of 5]

Profound and Awe Inspiring

I have read several books similar to this one but Canceled Science is hands down the most engaging and informative of them all. This book does far more than tell the story of attacks on his class by atheists, but it also goes into great detail about the wonders of creation that could only be accomplished by an intelligence of mind-boggling power and creativity. And unlike other books I’ve read on the subject, this one is written in such a way that the average person without a scientific background can easily understand and appreciate.

Thank you so much for this book, Dr. Hedin. God is using you well.

[Vincent · Rating 5 out of 5]

Surprising Book.

Some authors who approach the origin sciences will admit that the evidence for Intelligent design far outweighs any evidence (that isn’t given to evolution supporters) for evolution. What most don’t do is take the next step and declare the the Judeo-Christian God fits the bill for the designer. For that reason Eric gets a five star rating from me.

A well written and informative look into the effects of scientism. Eric shows how naturalistic scientism falls short for explaining the world, the universe and their origins. Eric then reveals the underhanded tactics of atheistic organizations at war with free thinking. Definitely a good read.

[Karen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Eric Hedin is super-smart. I don’t have much of a sciencey brain. The only reason I gave this book 4 instead of 5 stars is because, despite Hedin’s best efforts to make astrophysics clear for the lay person, it was still way over my head much of the time. However, by focusing on the “Summary and Reflection” at the end of each chapter instead of trying to understand every point, I made much better progress.

[John Waldrip · Rating 4 out of 5]

Extremely well-written book by an author who seems to be a well-qualified scientist. My only regret is his obvious commitment to the day-age theory (he is not a young earth creationist, a position that saturates his book).

[Trey Gourley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing summary of the arguments

You would have to read many books to get the same rich, diverse scientific arguments presented in this book. All in context of a personal and relevant life experience of the author. Highly recommended!

[Grant Nielsen · Rating 4 out of 5]

awesome and truthful

The author just makes sense of an otherwise confusing world. Dr. Sagen (and all others who fit his idolatry and ideology) I hope you now have found the “TRUTH”.

[James · Rating 5 out of 5]

A book outlining the fine tuning of the universe and the information system found within biological cells which the author sees as pointing to a designer for Nature as well as an argument against Materialism/Naturalism.

[Lorraine Nitschke · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brilliant!

This book is a most enthralling discussion of Intelligent Design, and the complete, utter, abject failure of the THEORY of Evolution to explain anything! I recommend this book!

[Paul Brownback · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is rationally and scientifically compelling. It provides a great analysis of factors related to our universe that cannot be explained from a materialist perspective.

[Trudy Pomerantz · Rating 4 out of 5]

"the universe, rather than being devoid of meaning ... is like a great work of art, full to overflowing with meaning,"

[James Beverly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Yes, I do think

Succinct and powerful in its articulation of evidence. A very good advocate for keeping an open mind when considering why we exist.

[Zaid · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fascinating read no doubt! I made a great decision to just start reading it out of no where even tho i had much left to read from other books as well! This absolutely doesnt deserve any criticism because what was promised by the author, he delivered it amazingly well. I might write a detailed review later. If you are hesitating, then fear not. Read it!

[Tandava Graham · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an absolutely fascinating book, in terms of both how much science is able to explain about our universe and how much it isn’t. Accepting theism as a possibility is actually the most open-mindedly scientific way to relate to the actual evidence we have and our understanding of it. I believe that will always be the case, though I also believe that science can, should, and will continue to deepen our understanding. And I think Hedin presents this in a very fair way, working on science’s own terms and with the support of many highly respected scientists, mathematicians, and philosophers to remind anyone who may need it that pride and dogmatism are never becoming nor beneficial in the pursuit of Truth (whether you want to capitalize that or not).