Song of a Scientist: The Harmony of a God-Soaked Creation

by Calvin B. Dewitt

World-renowned environmental scientist Cal DeWitt is widely regarded as a pioneer in opening the eyes of the Christian community to the wonders of God's Creation and the dangers of its degradation by human beings. With the rare combination of scientific rigor, poetic imagination, and a deep Christian faith, DeWitt probes the twin books of God's Word and God's world, nudging us toward grateful stewardship and praise, joining the doxology of all creation.

Genres: Nonfiction, Christian

272 pages, Paperback

First published March 15, 2012

Reviews

[Hannah Harder · Rating 4 out of 5]

Dr. Cal DeWitt is a personal hero of mine and meeting him personally and participating in his Au Sable Institute Pacific Rim field studies revolutionized my life and cemented my path as an environmental scientist. The book though is a little disparate and probably too short for condensing such an extraordinary life as it jumps around from topics and inspirational ideas trying to distill his theology and purpose. There are some thought provoking accounts, like how his Village has created and maintained a plan for sustainable development but knowing more of the practicalities and advice for applying such ideals to community life, and especially larger communities, would be useful.

[Karen · Rating 3 out of 5]

Excellent points about the harmony of environmentalism and the Bible, and many gray excerpts from the authors prior works. However at many places the text seemed disjointed, jumping from a prior quote to nature observed when author was writing a particular passage, which was very hard to follow.

[Katie W · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book does a stellar job at communicating the author’s love for creation. I enjoyed it overall, though I may disagree with several small points DeWitt makes.

[Becky Carlan · Rating 3 out of 5]

“Theatrum gloriae Dei - the theater of God’s glory (Calvin on creation)
(From CAP)

[Kate · Rating 4 out of 5]

As much as I dislike books that begin with the writer describing what they see out the window while writing (seriously, that is such a ridiculous trope), I was slowly pulled in by this book. Without having read any of his other books yet, I think this is a great introduction and summary of DeWitt's thinking about religion and the environment. He has an engaging voice, made all the more engaging by his total nerding out about nature. His valuable insights are interspersed with intriguing Scripture exegesis and interesting anecdotes. It's a gentle book that is definitely worth a look.

[Leslie Lea Nord · Rating 3 out of 5]

This beautiful little book is written by an environmental scientist who wants to convince Christians that God has instructed them to protect the planet through scripture, and that science is an important tool for us to use to find out how to do so.

[Carol O'casey · Rating 5 out of 5]

This should be required reading for all who walk this earth--especially Christians. DeWitt inspires us to appreciate the artwork of the Master Craftsman.