Things a Computer Scientist Rarely Talks About

From the Publisher: How does a computer scientist understand infinity? What can probability theory teach us about free will? Can mathematical notions be used to enhance one's personal understanding of the Bible? Perhaps no one is more qualified to address these questions than Donald E. Knuth, whose massive contributions to computing led others to nickname him "The Father of Computer Science" -- and whose religious faith led him to undertake a fascinating analysis of the Bible called the 3:16 project. In this series of six spirited, informal lectures, Knuth explores the relationship between his vocation and his faith, revealing the unique perspective that his work with computing has lent to his understanding of God. His starting point is the 3:16 project, an application of mathematical "random sampling" to the books of the Bible. The first lectures tell the story of the project's conception and execution, exploring the complex dimensions of language translation, aesthetics, and theological history. Along the way, something even more interesting is revealed: the many insights that Knuth gained from such interdisciplinary work. These theological musings culminate in a mind-bending final lecture, which tackles infinity, free will, and the other Big Questions that lie at the juncture of theology and computation. Things a Computer Scientist Rarely Talks About, with its charming and user friendly format -- each lecture ends with a question and answer exchange, and the book itself contains more than 100 illustrations -- is the most readable, intriguing approach yet to this crucial topic. It is, quite simply, required reading, both for those who are serious -- yet curious -- about their faiths, and for those who look at the science of computation and wonder what it might teach them about their spiritual world.