The Natural Sciences: A Student's Guide

Reclaiming the Christian Intellectual Tradition

by John A. Bloom, David S. Dockery (Editor)

In this accessible guide for students, a well-regarded science professor introduces readers to the natural sciences from a distinctly Christian perspective. Starting with the classical view of God as the Creator and Sustainer of the universe, this book lays the biblical foundation for the study of the natural world and explores the history of scientific reflection since Aristotle. Bloom argues that the Christian worldview provides the best grounds for scientific investigation, offering readers the framework they need to think and speak clearly about the pursuit of scientific knowledge.

Genres: Science, Faith

128 pages, Paperback

First published January 31, 2015

Reviews

[E · Rating 5 out of 5]

This might be the best entry of the series out of all the ones I've read so far. Bloom lays a strong foundation for the Christian's interest in science (which isn't difficult considering the strong faith of nearly all of the major scientists until about 1800). He shows that no one checks his or her faith at the laboratory door; if one refuses to consider the supernatural, that is a hegemonic religious declaration on par with the shunning of Galileo. Thus Bloom ably pushes back against naturalistic reductionalism without espousing a "god of the gaps" theory (in fact, he points out that scientists by and large practice "naturalism of the gaps," which isn't any better).

Bloom closes with some great thoughts on how to integrate faith with the scientific enterprise; in fact, these thoughts would apply to all of the liberal arts--and ought to be. Great book on an important topic.

[Eric C 1965 · Rating 4 out of 5]

Understand the connection of science and faith


Excellent overview of how science supports a biblical worldview.
Well supported with many of the standard works on science and faith intersection and the history of the same.

[Mark A Powell · Rating 4 out of 5]

Science and religion are often placed at odds: science is facts and religion values, it is said. Here, Bloom addresses the fallacies of equating a naturalist philosophy (one that is predisposed to avoid any supernatural explanations for any data) and science which, ostensibly, is the quest for truth. This short work argues for an appropriate integration of theology and science, noting that the two are not enemies nor is there any reason they need to be.

[Jared Hiebert · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book accomplishes exactly what it sets out to accomplish - it is a good college level introduction to the issues surrounding the current climate of science and faith discussion. It is fair, intelligent and above all biblical. I will be using it as a text in my college course this coming semester. Recommended highly.