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Book Analysis: The Quest by Todd Wood
Book Summary
The Quest is a book written by Todd Charles Wood discussing the life-long pursuit for
God and knowledge about His creation. Tod introduces a new attitude towards evolution and
creation, shedding light on the importance of critical analysis, through research, and a thirst for
truth. Tod's goal for his book is to encourage readers to take a deeper look into their held beliefs,
Christian or not, and push them toward the joys questioning the wonders of science and the
beauty of God's handiwork.
The latter half of the book, chapters 6 through 10, discusses the significance of science,
examining the Bible, acknowledging some hard questions surrounding creation, pursuing to
become more like Jesus, and showing love to those who disagree. Each chapter, although
presented with a Christian bias, urges readers to investigate both scientific studies and biblical
passages, while practicing Christian virtues like humility and patience, to help in the never-
ending hunt for answers to seemingly troublesome questions about Genesis and the current
world. Tod writes, "We don't succeed by being content with where we are but by pushing
forward to the next horizon. The hardest questions are the next horizon." (Wood p. 101).
However, Tod recognizes that "pushing forward" will not work if researchers and scientists do
not pay close attention to how they go about their investigation. Tod later writes, "Above all,
remember the power of the gospel. Grace can cover all our sins, even the sins of our enemies."
(Wood p. 122). Tod emphasizes the power of love as the most important thing a Christian has at
their disposal. A scientist can exhibit extraordinary intellectual honesty and enthusiasm towards
their studies. However, if that same scientist is arrogant, dismissive, or rude towards those who
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object his worldview, then very few people will want to listen to what he has to say even if he is
right. (308 words)
Notable Quotes
1."Creationism is science, or at least it can be." (Wood p. 73).
-This quote is a very bold statement, and it enforces one of his points. A lot of Christians
believe that science "proves" creationism, yet a lot still view it as a religious standpoint.
Wood makes the ideology stronger by claiming that creationism is science if Christians
are willing to investigate it.
2."It's arrogant to assume you understand everything about the Bible." (Wood p. 81).
-By saying this, Tod makes it clear that nobody fully understands the Bible, not even him.
He uses this to encourage fellow believers to be in a constant state of inquiring and
studying the passages in scripture to gain a better and deeper understanding and view of
God's glorious creation, as there is always more to learn.
3."Jesus is worth it, and the quest is pointless without it." (Wood p. 122).
-Todd ends the final chapter of his book with this quote. Todd calls everyone who claims
to be a follower of Christ to embark on a quest. However, he recognizes that "the quest"
is ultimately meaningless without something to give it meaning. Todd claims that Jesus
gives the quest meaning because He is the one who originally gave it to him. (211 words)
Reflections
The main lesson that I learned from this book is I do not know as much as I thought I did
about creation. Granted, I never claimed to be an expert, but I also did not think of myself as
incompetent. However, after reading this book and about how Todd Wood has devoted his life
searching and research the mysteries of God and His creation, I understood why he has such
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great passion. Todd has far more knowledge about various and intricate aspects surrounding
creation, which is why, I think, he wants to know more and why he thirst for more knowledge.
He knows how much there is to know and study. Todd has expanded my view of God and the
world of science even further and imparted a deeper understanding of the importance of chasing
hard questions. After reading this book, I feel more motivated to search for answers both about
God and science while taking another look at my beliefs. Lastly, when I finish reading Tod's
book, I thought if I claimed to be a follower of Christ, why would I not share in Tod's passion for
being in awe of God and all that he has made. (200 words)
