Science and Christianity: Conflict or Coherence?

by Henry F. Schafer III

Professor Henry F. (Fritz) Schaefer is one of the most distinguised physical scientists in the world. The U.S.News and World Report cover story of December 23, 1991 speculated that Professor Schaefer is a "five time nominee for the Nobel Prize. "He has received five of the most prestigious awards of the American Chemical Society, as well as the most highly esteemed award (the Centenary Medal) given to a non-British subject by London's Royal Society of Chemistry. He is a Fellow of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences. Moreover, his general interest lectures on science and religion have riveted large audiences in nearly all the major universities in the U.S.A. and in Beijing, Berlin, Budapest, Calcutta, Cape Town, New Delhi, Hong Kong, Istanbul, London, Paris, Prague, Sarajevo, Seoul, Shanghai, Singapore, Sofia, St. Petersburg, Sydney, Tokyo, Warsaw, Zagreb and Zurich. In the present book, Dr. Schaefer's university lectures have been expanded to full length essays. Thus we have a first-hand account of the lively current science/Christianity discussions by one of the major participants. Finally, the present book describes why and how Dr. Schaefer became a Christian as a young professor of chemistry at the University of California at Berkeley. Throughout, the books retains the highly personal character of the university lectures, general respect for those with whom the author disagrees, and a delightful sense of humor.

Genres: Theology, Science, Christian, Christianity

216 pages, Paperback

First published December 23, 2003

Reviews

[Brantley Good · Rating 5 out of 5]

A phenomenal book I thoroughly enjoyed reading. I recommend this book for ANY reader but especially anyone who’s belief in science is the cause for their disbelief in the concept of a god or specifically Christianity. This book shows one can believe & trust in both.

The book’s main premise is that Science and Christianity do not conflict and that there is rather quite a lot of coherence between the two. The author (UGA Professor I flex I am friends with) is both a highly successful scientist (5x Nobel Prize Nominee) and a strong Christian (50+ years) so he speaks on both Science and Christianity with authority and wisdom. This book does a fantastic job of introducing Christianity and countering some of the main arguments/ questions many intellectuals may have with Christianity though their understanding of Science.

[Ryan · Rating 3 out of 5]

I only read 2 essays: the one on evolution and the one detailing why Fritz (we had lunch together, surely we're on a first name basis) left Berkeley and became a Christian. I really enjoyed both essays, but when I tried out the other chapters, I found that science and religion don't conflict for me on other topics, e.g. free agency or the big bang.

[L.S. · Rating 3 out of 5]

Delightful essays by one of the best! I had the pleasure to assist twice at his presentations, and I would do it again. Probably the best known lecture is "Big Bang, Stephen Hawking and God", which was given in nearly 200 location on earth. Maybe worth a translation in Romanian also. :D

[Stan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Finished reading this book for the second time on Feb. 5, 2010

Good discussion of various science and Christianity topics.

However chapters 9 and 10 presenting Dr. Schaefer's journey of faith
are excellent.

[Michael · Rating 4 out of 5]

Collection of essays by Henry F. Schaefer III, a prominent quantum chemist and Christian professor at the University of Georiga.

[Alvin Natawiguna · Rating 4 out of 5]

Read the first time.. pretty interesting, especially on the chapters about Mr Schaefer's faith journey

[Marcus Muresan · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not bad - 6.5/10