A ‘Failed-Again’ Christian: Explaining Why I Believe is an intimate spiritual memoir that wrestles with some of the most pertinent and enduring questions linked to the reconciliation of faith, science and the problem of evil. As hinted at by the subtitle, Explaining Why I Believe, the book’s purpose is two-fold: first, to recount Tan’s life story and spiritual journey; second, to offer a rationale for his faith, grounded in his experiences and knowledge. It is a personal account that takes readers on a journey of both inquiry and discovery, and hopes to address the apparent contradictions between faith and science that have so often been popularised in public discourse.
Kim Tan is one of the UK’s most successful biotech entrepreneurs: he is co-founder of the Transformational Business Network (TBN) and a trustee of the John Templeton Foundation. He is also Pro-Chancellor of the University of Surrey (UK) and a fellow of the Royal Society of Medicine (UK).
The book is comprised of 11 short chapters and is well-written, maintaining a clear and informative style throughout. It does not rely heavily on technical language and even in areas where more specialised matters such as DNA composition are explored, Kim masterfully translates the terminology and adapts his thinking for the lay reader, which makes the book accessible to a wide audience. In this review we will briefly touch upon some book’s highlights.
Within the first chapter, Kim traces his personal journey to faith: from growing up in a Taoist family in Malaysia, through a period as a ‘half-baked Darwinist’, to eventually becoming a committed Christian. Underlying this narrative is a humble, honest reflection: Tan identifies himself not as a exultant believer but as a ‘failed-again Christian’ (page 7). For Tan, the Christian faith represents an acknowledgement of the reality that we are imperfect: we keep failing, yet in this failing we are met by the grace of God and return to forgiveness and peace: ‘The Church is a hospital and rehab centre for sinners, not a museum for saints’ (page 10). The style of the book has a raw, relatable honesty which doesn’t sugar-coat. This kind of transparency may resonate with readers who themselves struggle, doubt or sometimes feel unworthy.
The body of the book is opened with a clear assertion that, contrary to popular belief, science and religion are not inherently at odds. Some of the most influential scientists in history were theists, including, Mendel, Pascal, Newton, Cuvier, Collins, and even Einstein, who rejected the premise that science and religion are mutually exclusive (page 10).
Tan highlights that while it is important to recognise the truths of science, we must not place these matters on a pedestal but rather recognise their limitations: ‘…while scientific truth is exact in its specificity, it is also incomplete. Our scientific knowledge and theories necessarily change when presented with evidence from new discoveries’ (page 17). More importantly, science struggles when it comes to things like meaning, value and beauty, and here the author quotes Stephen Hawking who acknowledges that science may one day figure out how the universe began, yet ‘…it cannot answer the question: why does the universe bother to exist?’ (page 18).
Tan then introduces his perspective on the Bible, pointing out that it was not primarily a scientific book intended for a scientific audience; rather it attempts to explain the ‘…who and the why behind the universe, not the how’s’ – and in this regard, ‘…it is the perfect complement to science, not a contradiction’ (page 21). The book then touches upon some misconceptions surrounding the interpretation of biblical books like Genesis, where ‘days’ did not refer to 24h periods but to epochs, stages, order, and a beginning (pages 22-23).
An interesting point is made on DNA composition where evolutionists argue that we are derived from chimps because we because we share 98.4% of our DNA with chimpanzees. The problem is that, as Tan puts it, we also share 75% of our DNA with the zebra-fish and 50% with a banana. So a more useful and accurate understanding of evolution places it within a common design framework and indeed, within the hands of a designer. This is known as evolutionary creationism (page 24).
The book then turns its attention towards God’s character as it is revealed in nature. Here Tan argues that at God is powerful, creative, orderly, intelligent and personal (pages 31-33). Looking at humanity itself, Tan argues that two core teachings found within scripture, identifying human beings as image bearers of the divine yet tainted by sin, ‘…make perfect sense of the human experience’ (page 37).
A particularly intriguing point in the book comes when Tan then opens a discussion surrounding the problem of suffering and evil. In light of original sin, Tan points out that ‘when humankind became infected with evil, nature too became infected and the harmony was shattered’ (page 41). Diseases like cancer or natural disasters can, in part, be attributed to ‘…an imperfect world populated by imperfect people operating on imperfect laws’ (ibid). Not that this offers complete justification but for some readers it may bring a degree of explainability.
The book concludes with a sincere account where Kim Tan acknowledges his own doubts, ‘For me the journey to faith is a “long and winding road”. But doubt is healthy. It forces me to re-think my assumptions and prejudices’ (page 57). Yet the beauty and complexity of nature coupled with the reality of the human condition as reflected in scripture compel Tan to believe that a ‘…theistic worldview might be more consistent with our experience of life’ (page 58).
While the book is not aimed specifically at a business audience, those within the private sector or working with the natural sciences will find much use in it. It offers a sharp and captivating analysis at the intersection of science and faith. Above this, it is a story of personal transformation where Kim Tan offers hope: the emphasis is on grace, forgiveness and humility rather than gallant certainty and triumphalist language. Tan underscores a Christianity rooted in human fallibility, dependence on God’s mercy and continual discovery. That message will feel refreshingly down-to-earth for many.
A ‘Failed-Again’ Christian is not a theological book – but rather a testimony which invites the reader not to ‘arrive’ but to walk, stumble, and keep seeking. For the vast majority, reading it will be a wise use of time.
‘A “Failed-Again” Christian: Explaining Why I Believe’ by Dato Kim Tan was published independently in 2025 (ISBN 979-8-3163-8248-4). 63 pp.
Andrei E. Rogobete is Associate Director at the Centre for Enterprise, Markets & Ethics. For more information about Andrei please click here.