Science, Faith, and Ethics: Grid or Gridlock? [Paperback]

Denis Alexander (Author), Robert S. White (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: January 2005

A Christian Approach to Controversial Topics in Science

Cloning, the environment, stem cell research, cutting-edge reproductive technologies, genetic engineering . . . Splashed across television screens and newspapers and argued in classrooms and over the water cooler, these are among the most hotly-debated issues of our day. Does religion belong in the laboratory? What relationship exists between science and Christian faith? Are the two mutually exclusive? Arguing that Christianity has much to contribute to the scientific and ethical debates facing today’s world, gifted scientists and committed Christians Alexander and White ask the hard questions as they examine some of the greatest scientific and ethical challenges of the age.

Topics include: • the new genetics

• reproductive technologies

• cloning

• the significance of evolution

• the environment and climate change

• sustainable consumption

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

Molecular biologist Alexander and geophysicist White are comfortably committed to both their Christian faith and their scientific fields, so this book is not so much a work of standard Christian apologetics as a defense of both science and "robust theism," with a plea for mutual understanding on both sides. The authors argue that Christianity and the natural sciences share many intellectual perspectives, and that accounts of controversy between science and faith have been overblown. At the same time, the Cambridge University scientists resist most attempts to read deep religious significance into scientific issues. They decry "the ways in which scientific theories, particularly the 'grand theories' of science, have been used for ideological purposes," instead encouraging readers to engage science on its own terms. On the ethical front, the authors address issues like human cloning, global climate change and creation/evolution controversies. There is a British flavor to some of their observations; American readers especially may question their assurance that "there is really no need for evolution to be a hot issue for Christians, or for anyone else for that matter, in the twenty-first century" even as the issue heats up in the States. Overall, the book achieves an impressive balance between thorough research and readability, and should find a ready audience among students of science. (Feb.)
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From the Publisher

Who would like this book?

An outstanding resource for thinking laypeople, Christian college science classes, and adult Sunday schools, it will help readers think deeply about the need for careful, well-reasoned faith at the frontiers of technology.

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Product Details

• Paperback: 190 pages
• Publisher: Hendrickson Publishers (January 2005)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1598560182
• ISBN-13: 978-1598560183
• Product Dimensions: 8.4 x 5.5 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 10.4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,391,713 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars an excellent ballanced look at science and faith, September 1, 2006

By 

Anne Gallivan (Boston MA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Science, Faith, and Ethics: Grid or Gridlock? (Paperback)

This is an excellent, even-handed examination of how thoughtful Christianity and responsible science can co-exist. The authors examine the basic principles underlying most of today's "hot topics" in science and ethics (evolution, abortion, cloning, the environment, etc.) and give the reader the facts they need to come to their own understanding of what is "right." This book does not assume that all good Christians will agree on these dificult issues, but they do assume that we need to be responsible in thinking them through.
I really appreciated the way they focussed on the science behind the issues and the basic relevant biblical principles behind the debate, and then let their reader come to his/her own conclusion.