Jane Goodall is preeminent scientist, hard-working conservationist, and animal rights activist, but is perhaps best known as the “chimpanzee lady”. As a young woman who had no scientific training whatsoever, Dr. Goodall followed her life-long dream to Africa and by a stroke of fortune (or divine guidance), ended up working for the renowned Louis Leakey. Recognising her potential, Leakey offered Goodall the challenge of a fascinating, new work - to set up a study of the chimpanzees of Gombe. Goodall, along with her mother Danne, spent months alone in the dangerous forests of Gombe as she began this study. Gradually she became world-famous for her truly groundbreaking discoveries about this species. Gombe has since became a research station of the highest calibre populated by students from all over the world.
‘Reason for Hope’ is a bucket-list book in that although it was published over a decade ago, it is wonderfully inspirational as Goodall remembers her fascinating life and freely shares about the faith that allows her to believe and hope in a better future for all. Goodall was always prepared to break the ‘social norms’ of scientists, and the arena of faith is just such a ‘breaking’ since many scientists frown upon and even ostracise other scientists who acknowledge a belief in God. Goodall’s faith is rooted in Christianity, although it might be a little eclectic for the taste of many. Nevertheless Goodall has plenty to teach us as she powerfully and passionately seeks to break the age-old and false dichotomy between science and faith.
Goodall is an evolutionist who believes in God and believes that God actively works in the world around us and desires humanity to grow (or evolve) ethically, morally and socially to live in a way that is far wiser and more respectful of creation. Goodall’s writing about her faith sometimes tends to be overly sentimental but never fails to acknowledge the realities of pain and disappointment in the world and to simultaneously point toward hope in God to redeem and restore.
As mentioned, Goodall does not shy from life’s tougher experiences, for example in chapters like "The Roots of Evil" where she describes her shocking discovery of chimps' capacity for cannibalistic attacks on members of their own community; and "Death" which details her despair at the suffering and demise from cancer of her husband, Derek. Goodall outlines how her thinking developed out of experiences such as these, sometimes struggling with doubt and temptations towards atheism, but ultimately testifying to the goodness and grace of God even in suffering. She often quotes her grandmothers favourite verse, "as thy days, so shall thy strength be," as being a source of great personal comfort and encouragement.
Yet, ultimately, it is Goodall’s intelligent and sensitive blend of faith and science that is most compelling and perhaps is the reason this book became a New York Times bestseller. You may not agree with all her conclusions but can certainly respect the journey she has undergone. Goodall addresses the ethical and spiritual dimensions of science and conservation, and this perspective alone is invaluable. Her tireless fight for the environment and against animal abuses was never rabid, but compassionate, reasoned and respectful of all - and again, we have much to learn from her here. 'Reason for Hope' is a moving and compelling book - even if it is a little dated now - that should be valued by all concerned about the fate of the planet and its inhabitants, and all who are interested in a more constructive working relationship between science and faith.
'Reason for Hope' was co-authored with Phillip Berman.