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Science and Faith in Harmony: Contemplations on a Distilled Doxology
Rather than discord between science and Christian faith, there is a harmony as grand as any choral masterpiece
The idea that Christianity and science are inextricably in conflict is a relatively recent conception. However, with each new scientific discovery and scriptural insight, it’s an idea that’s being proved to be insupportable.
Sy Garte has immersed himself in both science and faith and knows they work beautifully together to sing of the greatness of God. Now this respected scientist shares how God's world (nature and science) and God's word (made flesh in Christ) are bound together in loving harmony.
In Science and Faith in Harmony , Garte examines modern scientific concepts and what they can teach us about theological truths, such as the dual nature of Christ. He explores the ways in which the terminology and language of science and faith consistently match each other. Despite his deep dives into theology and science, Garte does not get overly technical in his writing. Instead, he is personal and passionate, speaking directly to readers with a tone of joy and wonder, inviting them to join the chorus of praise to the Lord.
Readers still wondering whether the truths of science and Christian faith are in conflict need this book. Following the path of Christ and holding a scientific worldview at the same time is not only possible but also leads to a fuller, richer life of harmony and truth.
The idea that Christianity and science are inextricably in conflict is a relatively recent conception. However, with each new scientific discovery and scriptural insight, it’s an idea that’s being proved to be insupportable.
Sy Garte has immersed himself in both science and faith and knows they work beautifully together to sing of the greatness of God. Now this respected scientist shares how God's world (nature and science) and God's word (made flesh in Christ) are bound together in loving harmony.
In Science and Faith in Harmony , Garte examines modern scientific concepts and what they can teach us about theological truths, such as the dual nature of Christ. He explores the ways in which the terminology and language of science and faith consistently match each other. Despite his deep dives into theology and science, Garte does not get overly technical in his writing. Instead, he is personal and passionate, speaking directly to readers with a tone of joy and wonder, inviting them to join the chorus of praise to the Lord.
Readers still wondering whether the truths of science and Christian faith are in conflict need this book. Following the path of Christ and holding a scientific worldview at the same time is not only possible but also leads to a fuller, richer life of harmony and truth.
264 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2024
12 people are currently reading
103 people want to read
About the author
Sy Garte
8 books42 followersSy Garte, PhD in biochemistry, is the author of the award-winning book The Works of His Hands: A Scientist’s Journey from Atheism to Faith (Kregel, 2019); Science and Faith in Harmony: Contemplations on a Distilled Doxology (Kregel, 2024); and Beyond Evolution: How New Discoveries in the Science of Life Point to God (Tyndale, August 2025) He has been a professor at three major universities and held leadership positions at the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and the Uniformed Services University. Sy has published over two hundred peer-reviewed scientific papers and five books, as well as articles on science and faith. He serves as the Editor-in-Chief of the American Scientific Affiliation’s (ASA) quarterly magazine God and Nature. He is a fellow of the ASA, and Vice President of the Washington DC Metro chapter. He served as lay leader at his United Methodist Church. Sy was raised in an atheist, Marxist family, and was baptized 12 years ago.
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Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews
February 16, 2024
This book is filled with short, inspirational, single-thought chapters. These vignettes range in topics from quantum interactions to biochemistry to insights from the author’s faith journey. He says, “The idea that science is at war with faith is one of the most pervasive falsehoods of the modern age, one that would have astounded the majority of earlier scientists, most of whom were believers.” p16.
“So yes, we should indeed accept well-substantiated scientific knowledge, but let’s always be certain we are speaking of real science and not pseudoscientific arguments. It will not always be easy to discern what is real and fake. But if we carefully engage our critical thinking skills, we can discern what is accurate. Since God created the world and continues to sustain the creative process – just as He continues to guide each of us – the evidence of the work is there to be discovered. That’s what science does. Science is not to be feared: it is the method God has given us to uncover His world.” p124. “Real science is a boon and an aid to theology, and we must not make the mistake of rejecting the reality of God’s words and works for the sake of trying to accommodate pseudoscience.” p124.
“Natural science is the best way to understand nature. But the argument that science trumps saying “God did it” is so far out of date it’s ridiculous. We Christians know it is not religion’s job to explain natural phenomena. But we also understand that God did everything, created everything, including native and the scientific laws that govern it. Scientific discoveries don’t diminish God’s role in nature and in our own lives. Rather, they magnify His glory.” p158.
At the end of each chapter, there are additional recommendations for learning about the topic in the chapter. On several occasions, Garte discusses evolution. It would have been very helpful if he had included resources to understand evolution accurately and to clear up common misunderstandings. Unfortunately, some of the resources that are recommended perpetuate misconceptions of evolution. I also would have liked to understand better how the author views Divine Design differently from the Intelligent Design Movement. (NOVA’s documentary “Judgment Day – Intelligent Design on Trial”, available on YouTube, is a good introduction to the ID Movement.)
I really appreciate Garte’s passion for Jesus and desire to show that science and faith can be in harmony. My favorite part of the book was the way he continually points to Jesus and that some of the chapters are almost devotional in nature. I thought the chapter on peer review was excellent and wish more of his recommended resources were from peer-reviewed content/sources.
Garte has such a lovely testimony of his faith journey from an atheist to a Christ-follower, and his joy in the journey shines throughout the book. One of the strengths of this book is also its weakness. At the end of each chapter there is a diversity of recommended resources ranging from atheists on scientific topics to evolution-denying apologists. I’m concerned that for some readers who have experienced church environments hostile to science, the inclusion of people and organizations that deny evolution theory and promote skepticism of evolutionary science may inhibit the reception of Garte’s main message. In my opinion, it would have been better for the book to stick with accurate, peer-reviewed claims when it comes to evolution.
In spite of this shortcoming, I enjoyed Garte’s enthusiasm and insights. I found the short topical chapters easy to read and often inspiring. I hope many who are struggling with finding harmony between science and faith find this a helpful resource in exploring these topics.
“So yes, we should indeed accept well-substantiated scientific knowledge, but let’s always be certain we are speaking of real science and not pseudoscientific arguments. It will not always be easy to discern what is real and fake. But if we carefully engage our critical thinking skills, we can discern what is accurate. Since God created the world and continues to sustain the creative process – just as He continues to guide each of us – the evidence of the work is there to be discovered. That’s what science does. Science is not to be feared: it is the method God has given us to uncover His world.” p124. “Real science is a boon and an aid to theology, and we must not make the mistake of rejecting the reality of God’s words and works for the sake of trying to accommodate pseudoscience.” p124.
“Natural science is the best way to understand nature. But the argument that science trumps saying “God did it” is so far out of date it’s ridiculous. We Christians know it is not religion’s job to explain natural phenomena. But we also understand that God did everything, created everything, including native and the scientific laws that govern it. Scientific discoveries don’t diminish God’s role in nature and in our own lives. Rather, they magnify His glory.” p158.
At the end of each chapter, there are additional recommendations for learning about the topic in the chapter. On several occasions, Garte discusses evolution. It would have been very helpful if he had included resources to understand evolution accurately and to clear up common misunderstandings. Unfortunately, some of the resources that are recommended perpetuate misconceptions of evolution. I also would have liked to understand better how the author views Divine Design differently from the Intelligent Design Movement. (NOVA’s documentary “Judgment Day – Intelligent Design on Trial”, available on YouTube, is a good introduction to the ID Movement.)
I really appreciate Garte’s passion for Jesus and desire to show that science and faith can be in harmony. My favorite part of the book was the way he continually points to Jesus and that some of the chapters are almost devotional in nature. I thought the chapter on peer review was excellent and wish more of his recommended resources were from peer-reviewed content/sources.
Garte has such a lovely testimony of his faith journey from an atheist to a Christ-follower, and his joy in the journey shines throughout the book. One of the strengths of this book is also its weakness. At the end of each chapter there is a diversity of recommended resources ranging from atheists on scientific topics to evolution-denying apologists. I’m concerned that for some readers who have experienced church environments hostile to science, the inclusion of people and organizations that deny evolution theory and promote skepticism of evolutionary science may inhibit the reception of Garte’s main message. In my opinion, it would have been better for the book to stick with accurate, peer-reviewed claims when it comes to evolution.
In spite of this shortcoming, I enjoyed Garte’s enthusiasm and insights. I found the short topical chapters easy to read and often inspiring. I hope many who are struggling with finding harmony between science and faith find this a helpful resource in exploring these topics.
March 9, 2024
Dr, Sy Garte is well known in the scientific community as a biochemist who has written over 200 published papers. He came to Christ in middle age after being raised as both an atheist and a communist. In his first book, “The Works of His Hands” Garte outlines his journey from atheist to Christian. One of the key themes of the earlier work is that we can learn a lot from science, but science can only take us so far. It eventually leads us to a point where it raises questions that aren’t answerable by science, and honesty compels us to find a different road to find those answers.
Science and Faith in Harmony is an attempt to show how scientific understanding raises questions and provokes thought. Provoking thought then leads to deeper contemplation into the mysteries of not only the created universe, but into the mysteries of God Himself.
Science and Faith in Harmony consists of short chapters, introduced by a Bible verse accompanied by a quote from someone in the scientific community. One pre-publication reviewer said this: “Sy’s pithy chapters are like salted peanuts: you say to yourself, just a couple more…..before you find yourself consuming the whole bag.” I found that to be the case. In each short chapter, there is usually an anecdote from someone’s real life which is then shown analogous to some aspect of science, and then a connection is made between science and the Christian faith. I found the book to be almost a devotional, and in fact, I read it that way.
What struck a deeper chord, at least for me: Garte’s preface. He spoke of his love of music and his early musical lessons and explained the concepts of melody and harmony. Not being that musical, I had never really thought about the difference between them, only the similarity, It is the differences that make the richness and the beauty of the musical piece. Of course, the differences cannot be so great as to form dissonance, in which case we wouldn’t have music. We’d have noise.
Unfortunately much of the American church has little harmony between faith and science, but much noise. Garte’s book will be helpful in reducing the noise. Perhaps more harmonizing can begin.
Which brings me to an even deeper chord that Garte struck. The book seemed to be a deliberate attempt to give credit to what we can all learn from people who may disagree with the author. These disagreements might be between theists, agnostics, or atheists. Christians frequently disagree on non-essential doctrinal matters. This book is somewhat different in that Garte is intentionally giving shout outs to fellow Christian believers who most likely disagree with him on how science and the Christian faith itself harmonize.
For example, the foreword is written by Sean McDowell, who probably is not fully on board with evolutionary creationism. Likewise, the book is liberally sprinkled with quotes from people associated with Reasons to Believe, the Discovery Institute (intelligent design), and other groups who love Jesus Christ and wish to honor Him, yet most likely are not fully convinced (and may even actively oppose) evolutionary creationism, which Garte as a scientist accepts.
In contrast to the typical young-earth creationist confrontation and accusation, Sy Garte has written a gracious and generous book that illustrates the increasing wonder and awe that can be encountered when one learns that new tidbit. If Steven Meyer or Hugh Ross don’t agree on some point of evolutionary theory, fine. Garte is pointing out by referencing their work, and even promoting it, that their voices are heard at the table and their contributions are significant.
I can only wish the noisier voices in American evangelicalism will read it.
Science and Faith in Harmony is an attempt to show how scientific understanding raises questions and provokes thought. Provoking thought then leads to deeper contemplation into the mysteries of not only the created universe, but into the mysteries of God Himself.
Science and Faith in Harmony consists of short chapters, introduced by a Bible verse accompanied by a quote from someone in the scientific community. One pre-publication reviewer said this: “Sy’s pithy chapters are like salted peanuts: you say to yourself, just a couple more…..before you find yourself consuming the whole bag.” I found that to be the case. In each short chapter, there is usually an anecdote from someone’s real life which is then shown analogous to some aspect of science, and then a connection is made between science and the Christian faith. I found the book to be almost a devotional, and in fact, I read it that way.
What struck a deeper chord, at least for me: Garte’s preface. He spoke of his love of music and his early musical lessons and explained the concepts of melody and harmony. Not being that musical, I had never really thought about the difference between them, only the similarity, It is the differences that make the richness and the beauty of the musical piece. Of course, the differences cannot be so great as to form dissonance, in which case we wouldn’t have music. We’d have noise.
Unfortunately much of the American church has little harmony between faith and science, but much noise. Garte’s book will be helpful in reducing the noise. Perhaps more harmonizing can begin.
Which brings me to an even deeper chord that Garte struck. The book seemed to be a deliberate attempt to give credit to what we can all learn from people who may disagree with the author. These disagreements might be between theists, agnostics, or atheists. Christians frequently disagree on non-essential doctrinal matters. This book is somewhat different in that Garte is intentionally giving shout outs to fellow Christian believers who most likely disagree with him on how science and the Christian faith itself harmonize.
For example, the foreword is written by Sean McDowell, who probably is not fully on board with evolutionary creationism. Likewise, the book is liberally sprinkled with quotes from people associated with Reasons to Believe, the Discovery Institute (intelligent design), and other groups who love Jesus Christ and wish to honor Him, yet most likely are not fully convinced (and may even actively oppose) evolutionary creationism, which Garte as a scientist accepts.
In contrast to the typical young-earth creationist confrontation and accusation, Sy Garte has written a gracious and generous book that illustrates the increasing wonder and awe that can be encountered when one learns that new tidbit. If Steven Meyer or Hugh Ross don’t agree on some point of evolutionary theory, fine. Garte is pointing out by referencing their work, and even promoting it, that their voices are heard at the table and their contributions are significant.
I can only wish the noisier voices in American evangelicalism will read it.
January 9, 2024
In times where science is both revered and mistrusted—and often represented as incompatible with Christianity, PhD biochemist Sy Garte again bridges the gap between science and faith in another winner. His new book Science and Faith in Harmony: Contemplations on a Distilled Doxology picks up where his first book, The Works of His Hands: A Scientist’s Journey from Atheism to Faith, leaves off. In this wonderful collection of essays, he invites readers to consider his worldview, where “science is distilled doxology,” and where the “Book of God’s Word (Scripture) and the Book of God’s Works (Nature) tell us the same story of truth.”
Decades of work as a researcher, curator of others’ research, and tenured professor have steeped Dr. Garte in the natural world’s most minute functions. In midlife, however, his studies of the intricacies of life’s underpinnings convinced this formerly atheist scientist that, like it or not, nature’s existence by chance was statistically impossible. When his determined quest for answers about life’s beginnings led him into the unknowable realms of quantum mechanics and the origins of cellular structure and function, he had to acknowledge that such perfection could only have been designed by a wise, loving Creator, whom Dr. Garte met in the person of Jesus Christ.
In these essays, the author reflects on that intersection of faith and its expression in the natural world. As with any book that stretches one’s thinking, readers will agree, applaud, question, and disagree with the author’s tenets. I imagine Dr. Garte would engage such discussions with open arms and season them with his vast knowledge and experience. The stance of this brilliant, creative scientist is that of a humble, joyful, curious listener. I felt awed and respected as I read, sensing that I was in the company of a caring teacher who never stops learning. Even the book’s appendix was fascinating.
This collection is an accomplished synthesis of art and community and science and faith—and the journey of a dedicated scientist who ties them together, delivers the package, and waits with delight for the contents to bless his readers.
I received an advance copy of the book with no expectation of a favorable review.
Decades of work as a researcher, curator of others’ research, and tenured professor have steeped Dr. Garte in the natural world’s most minute functions. In midlife, however, his studies of the intricacies of life’s underpinnings convinced this formerly atheist scientist that, like it or not, nature’s existence by chance was statistically impossible. When his determined quest for answers about life’s beginnings led him into the unknowable realms of quantum mechanics and the origins of cellular structure and function, he had to acknowledge that such perfection could only have been designed by a wise, loving Creator, whom Dr. Garte met in the person of Jesus Christ.
In these essays, the author reflects on that intersection of faith and its expression in the natural world. As with any book that stretches one’s thinking, readers will agree, applaud, question, and disagree with the author’s tenets. I imagine Dr. Garte would engage such discussions with open arms and season them with his vast knowledge and experience. The stance of this brilliant, creative scientist is that of a humble, joyful, curious listener. I felt awed and respected as I read, sensing that I was in the company of a caring teacher who never stops learning. Even the book’s appendix was fascinating.
This collection is an accomplished synthesis of art and community and science and faith—and the journey of a dedicated scientist who ties them together, delivers the package, and waits with delight for the contents to bless his readers.
I received an advance copy of the book with no expectation of a favorable review.
March 8, 2024
If you believe all scientists are soulless Godless atheists, this might not be the book for you – there again, it might be just perfect. And if you believe all Christians are anti-science judgementalists, this might be perfect too. Scientist Sy Garte’s faith sings through this collection of short essays, as does his love of music, nature, people and, yes, science. It’s a well-informed love, written into well-chosen words. And reading this book is rather like meeting an interesting stranger over coffee (such a gentle, welcoming start), then choosing to meet them again and again until you’re learning more than you ever thought you could, and thoroughly enjoying the experience.
The essays follow many Christian themes – what is grace, how can you hear God’s voice? Then they reach into wonderful Christian parable, with scientific details reflecting the glory of God in truly fascinating ways. Deep questions of science parallel similarly deep questions of faith, and whole is truly, as the title says, science and faith in harmony.
After reading this book, you’ll be able to converse with some of those friends you wrote off as hopeless cases, and find shared hope. You'll have learned some science, learned about faith, and shared in a song of good humor and joy.
Disclosure: I met the author online many years ago and I love his writing, his faith, his humor, and his science.
The essays follow many Christian themes – what is grace, how can you hear God’s voice? Then they reach into wonderful Christian parable, with scientific details reflecting the glory of God in truly fascinating ways. Deep questions of science parallel similarly deep questions of faith, and whole is truly, as the title says, science and faith in harmony.
After reading this book, you’ll be able to converse with some of those friends you wrote off as hopeless cases, and find shared hope. You'll have learned some science, learned about faith, and shared in a song of good humor and joy.
Disclosure: I met the author online many years ago and I love his writing, his faith, his humor, and his science.
June 7, 2024
This wasn’t what I expected, but I enjoyed it. I would say this is a book of parables, except instead of seed, tenants, and sheep to speak of the nature of life with God, it’s DNA code, enzymes, and quantum physics. There’s some apologetics sprinkled in, but this seems mostly for believers, especially those who might be trying to find a balance between science and faith. All of the sections are short and easy to read, and Sy doesn’t get too much into the details, but does provide lots of resources for learning more. Instead of working hard to prove his case like many Christian science books (which is necessary at times), Sy takes a step back and just marvels at the universe as a work of the Creator.
February 7, 2024
This delightful book presents a multitude of striking, insightful analogies and other connections between modern science and the Christian faith, incorporating Sy's personal and professional experience. Engaging a wide range of fields, from quantum mechanics to ecology — and especially his favourite enzyme aaRS — Sy draws out the divine design he sees at all levels in the book of God's works. Each chapter can be read as a standalone devotional, valuable for non-scientist and scientist alike, as Sy passionately and invitingly presents various aspects of the good news of Jesus alongside accessible descriptions and explanations of the world's wonders as explored by science.
October 18, 2024
This is a lovely book, where the author writes very short “chapters” on various topics that combine his Christian faith with his scientific profession. As a previous atheist (read about his change of perspective in his earlier book), his insights are useful and balanced. I thought that most of the tiny chapters were outstanding, while a few didn’t resonate quite so much. The breadth and quality of the chapters was excellent and impressive. The author does a terrific job pointing out that there is much more out there than can be understood by science alone.
December 21, 2025
I generally do not like books that have 44 chapters and each kind of stands on its own, but I do appreciate that most are good and actually hold on their own, which is not always the case with books like this. Sy Garte is a scientist, and some chapters are a bit more sciency than others - and there are some "arguments" about science and faith here that are worth reading about, and that were new to me, but also the good old ones that Garte investigates. Overall, a good book that is worth reading if the title scratches your itch.
Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews