Science and Grace: God's Reign in the Natural Sciences

by Tim Morris

Jesus Christ is Lord of creation and Christians are called to bear witness to his glory and faithfulness in all things. Yet in recent years, science and Christianity have often been considered two distinct types of knowledge, each self-contained-the truth of one doing nothing to the validity of the other. We are now living in a time of transition from a modern to a postmodern cultural context, and how exactly Christianity and science will influence and be influenced by this transition is yet to be seen. In this transition, the divide that seemed to exist between these two branches of knowledge appears to be crumbling and an apparent "war" between science and Christian theology has started-with many on both sides insisting that a high regard of the one automatically translates into a low regard for the other. More and more the developments of science appear to challenge the basic beliefs of Christianity. Has science gotten off track? Does Christian theology need to be corrected by science? Is there such a thing as a Christian science or is science just science? The shift in our cultural backdrop now provides a valuable opportunity for Christians to examine these questions and to reassess the way we have come to frame science and religion issues. While many books address science and faith issues, Science and Grace uniquely offers wisdom for Christians who desire to refine their perspective on science so that critical analysis of the scientific pronouncements of our day as well as thankful appreciation for scientific endeavor spring naturally from their Christian worldview. Authors Tim Morris and Don Petcher help readers to develop a "theology of science" that utilizes specifically Christian convictions about God's faithfulness to his creation. This "theology of science" encourages Christians to be actively and confidently involved in science itself as well as in the current discussions about the status of science in our culture, thus bearing witness to God's reign even in the natural sciences.

Genres: Science

368 pages, Paperback

First published March 16, 2006

Reviews

[Judson Marvel · Rating 3 out of 5]

Morris and Petcher take a Kuyperian approach to the natural sciences. One of the main points is that we can understand science as "God's faithfulness as a the rule and kind intention of the Father for His creation is mediated through the Son and brought to fruition by the Spirit in history" (311). The first section critiques modernist assumptions on science and presents a Reformed Christian approach. The second section posits a Trinitarian approach to God's work in creation and history. The third section examines how science flows from the Great Commandment to love God and neighbor. The reason for the three stars is not because I dislike Kuyper. In fact, I greatly admire Kuyper; I'm currently reading Bavinck's Reformed Dogmatics again. Instead, the three stars reflects my hesitancy to use "worldview" language. I wonder if it is the best word to use, since it seems like another word for "opinion." I have my worldview, you have your worldview, and someone else has his worldview.

[Thomas McElrath · Rating 4 out of 5]

While not the most exciting book, it offers several in-depth dissections of the nature of the relationship between science and Christianity. It gets past the surface level issues and really dives deep into what is actually causing the problems in the relationship. When read with humility it should be a wake up call for anyone trying to elevate one or the other.

[Victor Chininin · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is an excellent work on the Christian's view, stewardship, and participation in science. It debunks some cultural assumptions and works historically to an understanding of how we got where we are. It challenges the Christian to be more involved as an agent of God's blessing in a world that needs redemption while also being an agent of proclamation of the gospel's power to redeem a fallen world from God's righteous wrath.

[Joel]

On my shelf, and since I studied under Dr. Petcher I really ought to read this one soon...