Science and Grace: God's Reign in the Natural Sciences (Paperback)

~ (Author), Don Petcher (Author) "FROM ITS INCEPTION IN the Jewish context, Christianity has engaged countless cultures and in consequence countless varieties of ways of thinking about the world..." (more)
Key Phrases: epistemological piety, scientific servant, religious antithesis, Jesus Christ, Holy Spirit, Spirit of God (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Review

-Morris and Petcher have written an original, interesting, and well-researched book that should be helpful to many readers, especially those who want to deepen their understanding of science and the Reformed tradition.- -Dr. Edward B Davis, Distinguished Professor of the History of Science, Messiah College -A thoughtful and inspiring call to action. Even though the relationship between science and faith is controversial, the work of the sciences is too important for evangelicals to leave it to others. Although it means taking risks, Morris and Petcher show how Christian involvement in the sciences can be a wholehearted outworking of a love for Christ and a concern for His glory.- -Dr. Bill Davis, Professor of Philosophy, Philosophy Department Chair, Covenant College -Rather than falling into the common trap of saying only what Christians should reject, this book moves from destruction to construction. Here we find fresh insights into matters of prolegomena dealing with science and Christian belief-. What surfaces is a wonderful tapestry of creation viewed from a Trinitarian perspective that informs the handling of such issues as method, knowledge, nature, grace, the kingdom, and the promise of the whole scientific enterprise. Morris and Petcher present a positive path for the faithful scientific servant.- -Dr. Kelly M. Kapic, Associate Professor of Theological Studies, Covenant College -This is an extraordinarily important book filled with -paradigm-shifting- ideas. The authors break new ground in showing how Christians can come to terms with both Modernism and Postmodernism. Showing how Kuyper, Dooyeweerd, and other worldview thinkers anticipated the -paradigm- thinking that characterizes Postmodernism-which, in turn, can be appropriated by Christians today-is brilliant. Morris and Petcher write about complex issues in a remarkably clear and engaging way.- -Dr. Gene Edward Veith, Jr., Professor of English, Concordia College Wisconsin --This text refers to the Kindle Edition edition.

Review

"Morris and Petcher have written an original, interesting, and well-researched book that should be helpful to many readers, especially those who want to deepen their understanding of science and the Reformed tradition."
—Edward B. Davis, Distinguished Professor of the History of Science, Messiah College

"A thoughtful and inspiring call to action. Even though the relationship between science and faith is controversial, the work of the sciences is too important for evangelicals to leave it to others. Although it means taking risks, Morris and Petcher show how Christian involvement in the sciences can be a wholehearted outworking of a love for Christ and a concern for His glory."
—Bill Davis, Professor of Philosophy, Philosophy Department Chair, Covenant College

"Rather than falling into the common trap of saying only what Christians should reject, this book moves from destruction to construction. Here we find fresh insights into matters of prolegomena dealing with science and Christian belief. . . . What surfaces is a wonderful tapestry of creation viewed from a Trinitarian perspective that informs the handling of such issues as method, knowledge, nature, grace, the kingdom, and the promise of the whole scientific enterprise. Morris and Petcher present a positive path for the faithful scientific servant."
—Kelly M. Kapic, Associate Professor of Theological Studies, Covenant College

"This is an extraordinarily important book filled with "paradigm-shifting" ideas. The authors break new ground in showing how Christians can come to terms with both Modernism and Postmodernism. Showing how Kuyper, Dooyeweerd, and other worldview thinkers anticipated the 'paradigm' thinking that characterizes Postmodernism-which, in turn, can be appropriated by Christians today-is brilliant. Morris and Petcher write about complex issues in a remarkably clear and engaging way."
—Gene Edward Veith, Jr.Provost and Professor of Literature, Patrick Henry College; Director, Cranach Institute, Concordia Theological Seminary; Columnist and Author

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 368 pages
• Publisher: Crossway Books (March 16, 2006)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1581345496
• ISBN-13: 978-1581345490
• Product Dimensions: 8.4 x 5.4 x 1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 13.6 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #176,006 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Combines science and Scripture to life, June 23, 2006

By	Christian Book Previews.com "Christian Book P... - See all my reviews (TOP 1000 REVIEWER)

Science & Grace combines scholarly wisdom and practical advice to provide thoughtful Christians a clear perspective on a controversial issue. In a thorough analysis, the authors prove that science and the Bible are not at odds, but actually dovetail for a heightened appreciation of God's creation.

Although the subject is approached from an academic angle, the diligent reader will definitely become more knowledgeable about an issue that is impacting our culture. Theology and scientific beliefs are shown to be the foundation on which people interact with the world around them. Decisions about scientific endeavors are based on these convictions and those decisions may eventually touch the lives of millions of people. Developing a Christian worldview is not an option, but a necessity. These pages will guide believers through the maze of misinformation to find a definitive and purposeful path.

Most noteworthy is the broad approach to this subject. The authors didn't dwell on the creation and evolution debate, but delved into other aspects of modern science and how they relate to Christian thinking and involvement. This offers readers a practical view of both the benefits, as well as the misuse of science, and offers advice on the right response to these situations.

This book is ultimately an expression of the glory of God's creation. Beholding the world through the lens of science magnifies the work of the Creator in the world today. This appreciation, combined with the factual evidence the authors provide, helps readers formulate an intelligent response to this subject, while also recognizing the responsibility that results. The book closes with some practical recommendations for combining science and Scripture in relevant areas of life.

Science & Grace has the potential to propel Christians to the forefront of the scientific debates that shape our society, allowing their opinions to steer crucial and worldwide decisions. - Joyce Handzo, Christian Book Previews.com

4 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A great help to those Christians in science, June 6, 2006

By	Phillip Broussard (Lookout Mtn, GA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

To be upfront, I know both the authors, and have followed the production of this work closely. Nonetheless, I feel after reading the book in its entirety, that Petcher and Morris have done an excellent job at showing how Christians should view their work in science. Clearly dealing with the issues of modernism and postmodernism, they discuss how science is intimately tied to one's worldview and should be clearly presented as such. The dealing of how God works in the midst of what we perceive as "natural law" and "miracles" is very helpful in understanding how God deals with his creation. The second part of the text deals with how Christians should see their work in the sciences, and again the authors make a strong case for seeing this work as fully in Christ's kingdom. They give good guidance to those who worry whether a Christian should be in science, as well as how to deal with the issues one will face when working in science. For those who see their science as separate from their faith, this book will be challenging, yet extremely benefical.