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Reading God's World: The Scientific Vocation

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This salient collection of essays seeks to probe the connection between religion and science, to see if they are truly diametrically opposed when correctly understood and practiced, or rather, friends. This book argues for the latter.

Having read half of the book thus far, the passion, clarity and refreshing presentation of this topic by ten prominent scientists/theologians is certain to raise many stimulating questions in the reader's mind.

Pearcey provides salient presentation of how science became a Christian vocation, showing that many of those significant in modern science development felt strongly that science and theology were not at odds, but co-patriots.

Chemist Scaeffer contributed a passionate tale of his journey into answering the question: Science & Christianity: Conflict or Coherance. He provides in much memoir and historical tracing how many past and current scientists of some repute felt as he: definitely coherance. What many today think is a sealed and done deal that the answer should be conflict, Scaeffer shows that this might be too hasty.

Jastram gives forth a fascinating romp through the lens of "image of God" in creation of humanity, and then its connection with mediation between heaven and earth, a unique place in created order. Opens one's mind to expansion of limited, narrow definitions of "image of God."

These were but highlights of what delivers on being a sizeable contribution to the dialogue, and especially to interested Christians considering the connection between science and Christianity. Interested readers might also check out Alister McGrath's series on this, with first volume: Scientific Theology: Nature.

Reading God's World: The Scientific Vocation is a compilation of essays by diverse authors, all of them Christians who work in scientific fields, including teaching, experimental science, or technical work. The common theme binding the different topics is the bond between faith and natural laws, and the revelation that since nature is created by God, human understanding of religion needs to hear what science has to say just as modern science needs to be guided by innately moral and ethical assumptions. Individual essays concerning the origin, contribution, and theology of scientific vocation include "Interpreters of the Book of Nature", "Science and Christianity: Conflict or Coherence?" and "Scientists Called to Be Like God". An enthusiastically welcome contribution to the ongoing debate concerning the moral intermelding of scientific and religious wisdom, and the increasing need to establish ethical codes that respect the sanctity of life and individual dignity in a world dramatically changed by ever-increasing scientific possibilities.

Reading God's World: The Scientific Vocation is a compilation of essays by diverse authors, all of them Christians who work in scientific fields, including teaching, experimental science, or technical work. The common theme binding the different topics is the bond between faith and natural laws, and the revelation that since nature is created by God, human understanding of religion needs to hear what science has to say just as modern science needs to be guided by innately moral and ethical assumptions. Individual essays concerning the origin, contribution, and theology of scientific vocation include "Interpreters of the Book of Nature", "Science and Christianity: Conflict or Coherence?" and "Scientists Called to Be Like God". An enthusiastically welcome contribution to the ongoing debate concerning the moral intermelding of scientific and religious wisdom, and the increasing need to establish ethical codes that respect the sanctity of life and individual dignity in a world dramatically changed by ever-increasing scientific possibilities.

This collection of essays is another in many recent books turning back the myth that science and religion are dire enemies. In fact, you will see how science blossomed in the Christian West, not in spite of it, but because of it. Some essays are better than others, but this is a good introduction to the topic. See also The Genesis of Science: How the Christian Middle Ages Launched the Scientific Revolution, The Abacus and the Cross: The Story of the Pope Who Brought the Light of Science to the Dark Ages and Show Me God: What the Message from Space Is Telling Us About God.