MathFiction: A Proof of God (Colin Adams)

a list compiled by Alex Kasman (College of Charleston)

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A Proof of God (2004)

Colin Adams
(click on names to see more mathematical fiction by the same author)
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A mathematician is approached by a seemingly crazy old man who claims to have a proof of the existence of God, but later it seems that he might not be so crazy after all in this hilarious spoof from Adams' ``Mathematically Bent'' column.

(quoted from A Proof of God)

``It is a proof by contradition.''

``Yeah?'' I said, flicking a glance at my computer, wondering if I had any new email.

``Yes, I assume first of all that there is no God and then ultimately I derive a contradiction. Therefore there must be a God.''

``And what is the contradiction?''

``That my first wife's name was Gladys.''

``That's ridiculous.''

``Yes, it is. My first wife's name was Elba. It was my second wife who was named Gladys.''

Of course, one should not look to this story for any serious theological discussion as the proof depends on the field of algebraic lingerie, but it is tons of fun to read and does give one something to think about in terms of academic integrity even if it does not address the existence of God.

Originally published in Mathematical Intelligencer Volume 26, Number 3 / September, 2004 and then reprinted in the collection Riot at the Calc Exam.....

More information about this work can be found at another page on this Website.
(Note: This is just one work of mathematical fiction from the list. To see the entire list or to see more works of mathematical fiction, return to the Homepage.)

Works Similar to A Proof of God

According to my `secret formula', the following works of mathematical fiction are similar to this one:

Monster by Alex Kasman
Journey to the Center of Mathematics by Colin Adams
Mathematicians in Love by Rudy Rucker
Year of the Rat by Kristine Kathryn Rusch
The God Equation by Michael A.R. Co
Pieces of Pi by David Bartell
Mangum, P.I. by Colin Adams
The Gimatria of Pi by Lavie Tidhar
A Killer Theorem by Colin Adams
Rumpled Stiltskin by Colin Adams

Ratings for A Proof of God:

Ratings

Have you seen/read this work of mathematical fiction? Then click here to enter your own votes on its mathematical content and literary quality or send me comments to post on this Webpage.

Mathematical Content:
4/5 (2 votes)

Literary Quality:
4.5/5 (2 votes)

Categories:

Genre	Humorous,
Motif	Academia, Proving Theorems, Religion,
Topic	Fictional Mathematics,
Medium	Short Stories,

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Where are the new works of mathematical fiction?: As you can see from this chronological listing, this database includes many works of mathematical fiction for each year from 1990 to 2025. Strangely, only two are listed for 2026, so far. Either less mathematical fiction is being published than in previous years or I'm just having more trouble finding it. If you know of any works of fiction that should be added to this list, especially recently published ones, please let me know. (Keep in mind that I do not include self-published works or children's fiction that just covers elementary mathematical concepts.) Thanks!

(Maintained by Alex Kasman, College of Charleston)