The Language of Science and Faith: Straight Answers to Genuine Questions [Hardcover]

Karl W. Giberson (Author), Francis S. Collins (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: February 15, 2011

Christians affirm that everything exists because of God--from subatomic quarks to black holes. Science often claims to explain nature without including God at all. And thinking Christians often feel forced to choose between the two. But the good news is that we don't have to make a choice. Science does not overthrow the Bible. Faith does not require rejecting science. World-renowned scientist Francis Collins, author of The Language of God, along with fellow scientist Karl Giberson show how we can embrace both. Their fascinating treatment explains how God cares for and interacts with his creation while science offers a reliable way to understand the world he made. Together they clearly answer dozens of the most common questions people ask about Darwin, evolution, the age of the earth, the Bible, the existence of God and our finely tuned universe. They also consider how their views stack up against the new atheists as well as against creationists and adherents of intelligent design. The authors disentangle the false conclusions of Christians and atheists alike about science and evolution from the actual results of research in astronomy, physics, geology and genetics. In its place they find a story of the grandeur and beauty of a world made by a supremely creative God.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"For too long, followers of Jesus have been told they have to make a choice--between science and Christianity, reason and belief, their intellectual integrity and their faith. The Language of Science and Faith is a readable and comprehensive resource for the thoughtful Christian who refuses to choose. Giberson and Collins tackle difficult topics with charity, accessibility and integrity, moving the origins conversation forward in a way that honors God and builds up the church. This is a must-read for those who want to love the Lord with their heart, soul, mind and strength." (Rachel Held Evans, author of Evolving in Monkey Town )

"Collins and Giberson add a learned and engaging voice to the continuing struggle between Christian faith and scientific knowledge. The authors are central figures in advancing a true conversation between an ancient faith and modern ways of knowing, and it is hard to match their experience in dealing with the central questions covered in this volume. The Language of Science and Faith is an accessible distillation of their wisdom and I recommend it with great enthusiasm." (Peter Enns, Senior Fellow in Biblical Studies, The BioLogos Foundation )

"The theory of evolution raises important questions for Christians of all sorts, but this book is the best I've found to address the concerns of American evangelicals. It is written in clear enough language to be accessible to students at a variety of levels, yet sophisticated enough to be of interest to professionals in both science and theology. It is at once intelligent and inspiring." (Nancey Murphy, professor of Christian philosophy, Fuller Theological Seminary )

"Concise. Clear. Convincing. The Language of Science and Faith provides a straightforward means whereby the two sides of this contentious issue can get themselves on the same page. I recommend it as a resource for individuals and groups who want to believe that God speaks through both Scripture and nature." (Daniel M. Harrell, Ph.D., senior minister, Colonial Church, Edina, Minn., and author of Nature’s Witness: How Evolution Can Inspire Faith )

"This book is destined to become a classic for those who, with an open mind, are willing to seriously wrestle with questions about the relationship of modern science with Christian faith. It is not for the faint of heart but is a treasure trove for those willing to dig deep into this critical subject." (Dr. Tim Johnson, senior medical contributor for ABC News and author of Finding God in the Questions )

"Two challenging languages, one old and wise, one modern and awesome. Two very different accounts of human origins. Can the book of Scripture and the book of nature both be true in the age of science? We need sympathetic and enlightening interpreters. Happily Giberson and Collins here offer a guide to the perplexed that is reverent, relevant and very well-informed." (Owen Gingerich, Harvard-Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics, author of God's Universe )

"As a pastor, I am constantly searching for resources that will guide people to the fullness of God. I care that my congregation be attracted toward God's artistry, moved by his majesty and intellectually challenged by his sovereignty. This book is at the top of my recommendations both as an evaluation of theories of creation and as a devotional that prompts us to revere the Creator." (Dr. Joel C. Hunter, Northland Church, Longwood, Florida )

Product Details

• Hardcover: 251 pages
• Publisher: IVP Books (February 15, 2011)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0830838295
• ISBN-13: 978-0830838295
• Product Dimensions: 8.5 x 5.9 x 1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.1 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (20 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #57,086 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #82 in Books > Religion & Spirituality > Religious Studies > Science & Religion

More About the Author

Karl Giberson directs the science and religion writing workshop at Gordon College. He is one of the leading scholarly voices in America's ongoing ontroversy over evolution. He has published over two hundred articles, reviews, and essays, both technical and popular, and written seven books with two more under contract.

In addition to blogging regularly at the Huffington Post , Giberson has written for Salon.com, Discover, Perspectives on Science & Faith, Books & Culture, Quarterly Review of Biology, Weekly Standard, Christianity Today, Zygon, USA Today and other journals. He writes and speaks widely about all aspects of the creation-evolution controversy. Giberson is vice-president of the BioLogos Foundation, a think tank aimed at helping Christians integrate their faith with contemporary science. He was the founding editor of Science & Theology News, the leading publication in the field until it ceased publication in 2006, and editor-in-chief of Science & Spirit magazine from 2003-2006. His book Saving Darwin was recognized by the Washington Post Book World as "One of the best books of 2008." His work has appeared in several languages and his book Oracles of Science has been translated into Italian, Spanish, and Polish.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

28 of 33 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Good summary of the BioLogos perspective on creation and evolution, March 15, 2011

By 

Paul R. Bruggink (Clarington, PA USA) - See all my reviews
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Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: The Language of Science and Faith: Straight Answers to Genuine Questions (Hardcover)

This book is written for "Christian readers who would like to have a position[on creation and evolution] that is both biblically based and scientifically sound." The broadest and most general question the authors are addressing is "how to understand evolution as the way that God created life." The authors strongly refute the notions that "many scientists are rejecting evolution" and "a large number of scientists have publically repudiated evolution," stating that "these claims are simply false. They also strongly refute the "scientific" arguments for a young earth, the "appearance of age," and changes in the speed of light as explanations for a young earth. The authors propose that the question of whether the uncontroversial fact of microevolution provides evidence for the complex and controversial claims of macroevolution is at the heart of the entire controversy over evolution.

Chapters 1-8 are each organized around groups of questions, covering a total of 71 questions. In their discussion of relating science and religion (Chapter 3), they discuss Stephen Jay Gould's non-overlapping magisteria (NOMA), how Galileo removed a misunderstanding about what the Bible was teaching, and present a helpful lesson on relevant aspects of biblical hermeneutics. Chapter 5 (Science and the Existence of God) is probably the weakest chapter, in which the authors (a physicist and a geneticist) attempt to discuss philosophical issues like relating evolution to the problem of evil and the existence of God. Chapter 8 (Evolution and Human Beings) contains possibly the best summary discussion I have yet seen on Simon Conway Morris' concept of convergence in evolution, which the authors propose as one way of looking at how God might have guided evolution. Throughout the book, the authors are careful to point out that they don't have "final" answers, only answers that might be right. The book finishes up (Chapter 9) with a "Modern Creation Story," how the creation story might have been written by someone with an understanding of modern science.

The book includes 15 pages of Notes, a Name Index, a Subject Index, an Index of Questions, and a brief but well-organized Annotated Bibliography which unfortunately does not include a section covering books that focus on the theological issues affected by biological evolution.

I frequently found myself wishing that the authors had included more back-up material, but they cited space limitations. Nevertheless, the book is an excellent introduction to the subject and does include good suggestions for further reading. I recommend it as a very good starting point for anyone struggling with how to integrate the findings of science with the message of the Bible.

21 of 25 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Needed Book by Believers to Dispel the Myth of Creationism, May 3, 2011

By 

Joel L. Watts "Joel Watts" (Charleston, WV) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: The Language of Science and Faith: Straight Answers to Genuine Questions (Hardcover)

In this book, the authors, Francis S. Collins and Karl W. Giberson, lay the foundation for Biologos and the scientific worldview based in Scripture while remaining well within the scientific community. This book is, at times, a little professorial, but for the most part, it is an easy read for either the lay-scientist or the lay-theologian. Frankly, it is one which should be examined as a middle ground in the current `war' between science and a faith of a few, which is built upon an extremely literal reading (usually of a translation) of Genesis 1.

They begin chapter one by discussing the views (often erroneous) of Darwin. This view of Darwin and Darwinism is something which they must change, mainly due to our normal appetites of taking in only what is spoon fed to us, regardless of historical accuracy. Their goal in the introduction is not to make Darwin likable, but to explain first and foremost that the terminology most often applied, Darwinism, is outdated at best, and a purposed distortion at worst. Indeed, both YEC and Evolutionists use Darwin and it's cognates to describe what is best seen as evolution. What is interesting is the way in which evolution has changed since Darwin. While Chick (Jack T.) would have us believe that Darwin is not only the basis, but the sole source of evolutionary thought, the authors are able to briefly, and with lay terminology, show how science has advanced far past Darwin, evolving you might say, to where we are today. So much so, that to continue to label evolution as Darwinism is patently false. Part of this advancement is due to Christian scientists, such as Mendel, who have furthered science while holding on to their faith in God. On this note, let me add that in this brief introduction they mention the word most often feared by scientists, atheists and Mainliners - GOD. (For scientists, they use `God talk' an awfully lot.) It is not forced, and neither is the use of God as second hand thought. With the ground laid, they move on in the first chapter to discussing key terms.

In the second chapter of this book, Can We Really Know the Earth is Billions of Years Old?, the authors explore the process by which the scientific community has come to date not only the age of the universe, but so too the planet earth. And, for my benefit, they use simplistic laymen's terms, while for your benefit, they do not blatantly attack or engage in name calling the YEC. They simply show that through various independent methods, the age of the universe, that of 13 billion years old, is proved time and time again. You'll have to read the book to find out about measuring light, reversals and the such, as they are able to break down the mountain called science into pebbles for our understanding. And their question on page 68 is correct - unless God has spent time creating false facts, lies (my word), then we can only assume that the universe and the earth is as old as science has revealed. The last part of the chapter deals with ancient Christian interpreters and how they suggested dealing with the bible and science. They use Origen, Augustine, and as they do in subsequent chapters, Aquinas. This is important, especially in their assertion that neither the bible nor Christian Tradition requires us believe in a 6000 year old earth. Further,in their time line, they note that hardcore Young Earth Creationism comes to us in present form from the 1960s. Interesting enough, they even quote from The Fundamentals as examples of conservative Christians not requiring a detain interpretation if Genesis 1.

In the third chapter, How Do We Relate Science and Religion, they try to correct the myth that Science and Religion are at war with one another! Wait, you mean that they aren't? They quote Augustine and Aquinas - who, in my opinion, is a central figure in exploring the role of science and theology - to show that Christian theologians have valued science. This is true, whether or not fundamentalists - believers or non-believers - want to be historical about the whole thing. One of the issues which we have today is the lack of historical context. How many of us actually study history, quantifying data, examining and exploring the field? Instead, we simply settle for one book on the subject. If we do the latter, which more often than not is the preferred choice, then we are going to fall into the same trap that science and religion are perpetual enemies where only one can survive.

The fourth chapter, Can Scientific and Scriptural Truth Be Reconciled, may be a difficult one for some to grasp. You have to get what they are saying, what they are calling you, the reader, to grasp about truth and Truth. There are truths which are subjective, moral and ethical truths, and the such are difficult to prove but nevertheless are easily assumed by people, groups, without question. They give several examples, but I am not going to copy and paste. You'll just have to buy the book. The fact is, is that truth in our known universe is under attack, especially by forces of postmodernity, and yet these scientists, and indeed according to the authors, most scientists, reject the idea that truth is localize or somehow only for momentary purposes. Now, I know that this will trouble some of you, in that we are taught to believe that scientists see truth as relative. But such an approach is opposite of what a scientist has to do. This very belief in truth, in order, is what underlies both religion and science. This is important as they go on to explore the orderliness of the universe (109).

They move on to discuss the (mis)use of the Bible as a scientific text. They note that we are violent to the text, my words here, when we assume that the ancient writers are abiding by our modern rules. They write, `We must allow them to be authentic members of their own time and then make the effort to understand what that means.' (107) This bit of insight is invaluable when we examine storytelling in Scripture, or the use of other sources as Luke did. As a matter of fact, it is an invaluable lesson when we examine much of history, even of the secular variety.

The fifth chapter tackles the theology of the `image of God' and in a way which might threaten several atonement dogmas. Tough, I know, but so is the fact that many of us have created the image of God which we desire to see instead of finding ourselves being transformed by God. We are hesitant, when something might prove us wrong, to accept that the new fact, even to accept it as plausible, because for us, that disproves God - when in fact, all it proves if we were to accept this new information is that we remain humble enough to accept the fact that we simply do not have the mental capacity to always, and in every way, fully explain God. This is a tough chapter because it will force you - it should, you know - to come to terms with how evil is presented by your own personal doctrine of the Creation. What these authors have done is to unite theology and science, to allow science to answer the difficult question which plagues us - Why Does God Allow Evil? - and in such a way in which free will and God's sovereignty is maintained. Unlike some, these authors do not see God as abandoning Creation, but instead actively maintaining, guiding it, and following the same natural laws which He forces us too - and yet, even in these natural laws, we find freedom to control. So - how do you explain the presence of evil, the origin and allowance thereof, in your theistic response to the natural world?

Some of these arguments are difficult - not to difficult to understand even if you read it - read it a few times, as it is called reading for a reason - but I am not about to try to write them down, merely regurgitating their thoughts. You'll have to buy the book, but let me turn briefly to page 138. In it, they mention that nature has freedom, a freedom God allows but maintains natural laws. We can understand this politically, right? Freedom comes when laws are maintained. Here, to explain the great evils of humanity, such as the holocaust, the authors turn to those same laws, these dancing electrons (read the book as this portion of it is extremely fascinating) which is the epitome of free will, to explain how nature has developed evil - how we use our Life to develop evil. It is about choice, mostly. For me, I have to wonder then - maybe they will, maybe they won't get to it - but to the extent at which God has foreseen the future, such as the future in which Christ would be needed to begin the New Creation. Even at this point, they offer some solid statements, but if free will is so easily allowed, what about the needed events which bring about certain events in the history of the Divine and its creation, humanity? For the issue of God and time - something I would like to see explored more is the issue of God as a quantum observer in a sort of quantum superposition with humanity - see p144-149, and especially 145.

Chapter 6 deals with the controversy which surrounded and still surrounds Darwin's theories while chapter 7 deals with something which I find uniquely interesting - the ability for this universe to support life. What is interesting is the history of the reaction to science, especially in this country. It wasn't really until the 1960's that we found the extreme reaction to evolution that we see today. As the authors show, even the pioneers of Fundamentalism (this is something that I struggle with - separating fundamentalists from the early Fundamentalism, especially on this topic). The authors, though, know their history - and they are able to show that like other events in American history, the rise of YE-Creationism needs to be examined as a-historically as possible. You see, even before Darwin, there were extreme scientific introspections, even among Christians, as to the dating of... Read more ›

7 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Much to applaud and question, September 15, 2011

By 

Jared Totten "jaredtotten" (Omaha, NE) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: The Language of Science and Faith: Straight Answers to Genuine Questions (Hardcover)

In 2006, Francis Collins rolled a snowball called The Language of God and tossed it down a hill. It picked up steam, it grew, and it is now an avalanche fast approaching both the scientific and Christian landscape. From the book grew the BioLogos Foundation. Then an appointment of Collins to Director of the Nation Institutes of Health. And finally, BioLogos birthed a second book, The Language of Science and Faith, which was gathered and written by Karl Giberson.

At the risk of being too simplistic, Francis Collins and BioLogos represent the most visible apologists of theistic evolution. While The Language of God was their defense to the naturalistic and atheistic camps, The Language of Science and Faith is their entreaty to the Christian and theistic circles. I honestly don't know which is the more difficult task.

There is much here that I applaud. I believe that all truth is God's truth, and science is one of the ways that we discover truth about our universe. Thus anything that science proves to be true, we should celebrate as part of God's good creation. The chapter on the age of the earth was fascinating and awe-inspiring, and even more so the chapter entitled "What Is the Fine-Tuning of the Universe, and How Does It Serve as a Pointer to God?"

However, there is also much here that I question. The authors seem dismissive of Intelligent Design, brushing it off as a mere creationism in disguise. They state (without citing sources) that a majority of evangelicals still hold to young earth creationism and verge on condescension in the process. They suggest that evolution offers a better explanation to the "evil" we see in nature (wasps planting their eggs inside a live caterpillar which serves as food when the eggs hatch, etc.) but such examples, while rhetorically powerful, are really non-moral problems that can't honestly be considered a problem of evil. At times, they even seem to be committing a sort of "science of the gaps" error in suggesting future science is a better answer than considering the involvement of God.

In the end, this is an important conversation for Christians to have, and Giberson and Collins have played a huge role in advancing that discussion. While this book will be controversial to most people at one point or another, they state their case clearly and compellingly.