While making a long journey across the world and enduring the fatigue that comes with it, I thought it would be nice to enjoy some light reading along the way. I mean it as no pun when I say Zero Gravity proved to be just the thing.
Zero Gravity is a biography of Jeff Williams, an American astronaut who, over the course of his career, spent 534 days in space. It tells the story of his life from humble beginnings in Wisconsin, to his training and graduation at West Point, to his career as a test pilot, to his acceptance into the space program, to his repeated journeys into space, to his eventual retirement and second career as a pastor.
As the book tells the story of his life, it also tells the story of his faith. It was while his career was well underway and his marriage beginning to crumble that first his wife and then Jeff himself found themselves intrigued and eventually captivated by the gospel. They became Christians and began to serve the Lord in their family, local church, and vocation.
Thus, Jeff was a Christian astronaut whose purpose in space was both practical and theological. He was able to help construct the International Space Station and also able to offer a unique perspective on God’s handiwork from the very frontiers of human ability and accomplishment. Along the way, he interacted with many noteworthy people, many of whom left their mark on him in one way or another. On that note, this book features a foreword by John MacArthur, a friend and theological mentor to Williams, that represents one of the final pieces MacArthur wrote before his death.
Williams’ life is told very capably by Chris Anderson, whom Williams met as they studied together at The Master’s Seminary. Zero Gravity is fast-paced, interesting, and well-written. I expect it will prove popular among readers of all kinds—those who are intrigued by space, those who enjoy spiritual biography, or those who just plain enjoy reading a good book. I am thankful to have read it and am quite certain you will be as well. Highly recommended!
