Coming to Peace with Science: Bridging the Worlds Between Faith and Biology

by Darrel R. Falk, Francis Collins (Foreword)

Is a thoroughly Christian and biblically informed doctrine of creation compatible with widely held conclusions of modern science, especially biology? For Darrel R. Falk, this is not just an abstract question but one with which he has personally wrestled. A professor of biology, Falk brings together his biblically based understanding of creation and the most current research in biology. The result of his efforts to acknowledge the validity of science and the authority of Scripture is a new paradigm for relating the claims of science to the truths of Christianity. Written with the undergraduate student in mind, this book nonetheless will help anyone who is looking for a place to stand in the creation-evolution debate, fearful that they'll have to choose between intellectual integrity and the faith of the church. Calling for charitable discussions within the church, Falk shows how an original and ongoing interaction of God with creation is fully reconcilable with the kinds of development identified by current biological science.

Genres: Science, Christian, Religion, Nonfiction, Philosophy, Faith, Theology

235 pages, Paperback

First published April 30, 2004

Reviews

[Kevin Johnson · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book, like some others I've read on the subject, seems to me to be kind of an exercise in futility.

Why try to reconcile science with the Bible? Why not with the Hindu religion? Because the author, himself, is not Hindu?

He seems to make sense when discussing the science, carefully pointing out why each current scientific theory is believed to be true--backing it up with evidence. Then makes huge (ridiculous in my opinion) assumptions when speaking about religion. Like we all just assume Jesus rose from the dead, that the holy spirit exists, that God cares for us.

He offers little proof to support these assertions. This sort of thing makes me less inclined to believe in God. So, in a sense, the author has failed me, if not others.

[Carolyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Definitely the best book I've read so far on the subject of origins - Falk lays out many of the conclusions I'd already drawn from previous reading but does a much better job than I would be able to do. He's gracious, knowledgeable, and plain-spoken. I'd recommend it to anyone interested in the subject - particularly Christians or scientists who think their profession prevents them from becoming a Christian. My only regret is that he doesn't address the concept of built-in age. Otherwise, very well done.

[Reilly]

He makes some interesting points, but I'm not completely sold. Some of what he says that supports a gradual creation just seems coincident and that he's trying to make it fit. Yes, a lot of it makes sense, but definitely take it - as with everything you read - with a grain of salt, and discern for yourself.

[Lukas Szrot · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow... This was a great read. I picked it up for a 'theistic evolution' perspective while writing a sociology of education paper on teaching evolution. I found it greatly inspiring, accessible and filled with the kind of wonder I have come to expect from great popularizers of science like Neil deGrase Tyson or the late great Carl Sagan. I would highly recommend this book to any who think that traditional Christianity is not compatible with modern science.

I am not a man of faith, truth be told. I left the church in my teens, and never really felt as though I belonged to begin with. I might be called a freethinker or an enchanted naturalist. I might also be called an agnostic, for I have not stopped asking the question: Is there a God? It seems to be among the biggest and most profound questions a person can ask. I may never have the definitive answer of a believer or Nonbeliever, per se. Maybe it's the journey, the seeking itself, that holds the greatest meaning for me personally. Books like this one really inspire me to ask this question anew.

[David · Rating 5 out of 5]

Falk makes the case for a belief in Jesus and in evolution. He concentrates much more heavily on the scientific evidence for evolution rather than how Genesis and other scriptures can be interpreted to include evolution. He is wonderfully courteous toward opposing views within Christianity and exhorts believers to likewise be patient and open with others with different interpretations.

[Suzie · Rating 2 out of 5]

If you aren’t already convinced that evolution is real, this book would be enlightening. However, for a scientist wanting to reinforce her faith in God through science, I was left disappointed. I learned some fun facts about isotope dating and calculating the growth of the galaxy to confirm the Big Bang Theory.

[John Kirkwood · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well argued. Breaks down some very complicated arguments so a laymen could understand or at least begin to comprehend. The analogies were a big help. As thorough the scientific arguments, the theological lessons and Biblical principles are the fruit of the Holy Spirit.

[Jane Glen · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very accessible read and very informative.

[Eliana Harris · Rating 2 out of 5]

The amount of analogies in this book is on par with Survivor.

[JHB · Rating 4 out of 5]

I made it almost 100 pages. It’s good, conversational, interesting material, but I’ve burned myself out on this topic and don’t feel like finishing it, lol

[Paul Dann]

This is a very useful book for Christians who have grown up in or are currently living in an environment where belief in evolution is discouraged, but want to investigate the evidence for themselves. There seems to be very strong opposition to evolution in evangelical circles in the US, though that's far less true here in the UK.

For me, the issue mainly hinges on how to reconcile evolution with certain Biblical theology. For instance: if we believe the evidence points to humans having evolved over millions of years, how do we approach the question of sin and the atonement? At what point during the evolutionary process did God begin to hold humans accountable for sin? If sexual behaviour is evolved, why does God condemn homosexuality? How do we account for spirit and soul? These questions and many more are absolutely fundamental, in my opinion, following the acceptance of the evidence for evolution.

Sadly, this book covers none of the above questions. He does a wonderful job of presenting the scientific evidence for "gradual creation" (he's very careful to avoid the term "evolution"), but makes few attempts to reconcile the theological and philosophical questions it raises. He does make some references to scripture, but I felt they were a little half-hearted, and I was even quite unconvinced by his interpretation of some passages. I'm happy to accept that Falk's strong suit is science, and regrettably I'll need to look elsewhere for a theological angle.

I think this book could make a good reference in discussing evolution with other Christians who have been exposed to anti-evolutionary arguments in the past.

[Harvey L. Long · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very interesting and thought provoking. Many Christians accept evolutionary processes in the creation of the world and mankind,but Dr. Falk does not address God's experimentation in the formation of modern man. Such a discussion would be very interesting. A very good read packed with scientific data that can be understood by those without a science background. The dating of fossils and discussion of genes and . was excellent

Very interesting and thought provoking. Many Christians accept evolutionary process in the creation of the world and mankind,but Dr. Falk does not address God's experimentation in the formation of modern man. Such a discussion would be very interesting. A very good read packed with scientific data that can be understood by those without a science background. The dating of fossils and discussion of genes and was excellent.

[Erin · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is a great introductory book to a gradual creation view. I'm still processing my full thoughts. As the author points out in the final chapter, his purpose in writing this book is not to convince creationists of his view, but to help them understand how a Christian can hold his view. He wishes to help foster unity among God's people with non-essentials, as Jesus and Paul both admonished us to do.

I will say, his final chapters also just made me really want to read John H. Walton's "The Lost World of Adam and Eve: Genesis 2-3 and the Human Origins Debate" even more. It is definitely on my list.

This is a good book, and I hope to own it as a resource in the future.

[Marty · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an excellent book, especially if you've ever worried that there is a conflict between science and Christian belief. This book shows how we can accept both science and Christian faith. All truth is from God and if there appears to be a conflict, we've probably misunderstood something or tried to interpret something too literally. The book is well written and very encouraging.

[Tuesdaye]

You are admirable for coming up to this kind of book!

[Jenmcclaflin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Slow at times and sometimes a difficult read but an incredibly interesting topic and approach

[Mike · Rating 3 out of 5]

Couldn't finish this...didn't feel the case he was making was satisfyingly thorough.

[Elizabeth]

As seen on BioLogos.