Thomas Nelson Publishers has just introduced a series of biographies entitled, “Christian Encounters”. I just finished reading Mitch Stokes’ work on the life of Isaac Newton. While I cannot yet speak for the other books in the series, this volume is a resounding success. Stokes relates the life of Newton in a concise manner that is neither simplistic nor overly complex.

The pacing of the work is great. You will read about all the major events of Newton’s life—not just the famous ones. It’s inspiring to see how his life unfolded. The man who barely escaped the farm became the author of one of the greatest scientific books of all time (Principia). The man who craved solitude ended up managing a workforce charged with replacing the currency of a nation.

I was also pleasantly surprised by the lack of sermonizing. I’m a pastor, but the last thing I wanted to read was a biography that tried to force this historic figure into modern Christianity modes of thought. Newton was clearly a believer, but unlike much of modern Christendom, he didn’t confine his faith to a religious sphere.

Whether you’re a Christian or not, this work is an excellent brief introduction to a remarkable man.

Disclaimer: I received this book for free as a member of Thomas Nelson’s Booksneeze program.

Stokes, Mitch. Isaac Newton. Thomas Nelson, 2010. Christian Encounters.