Real Scientists Real Faith: 17 leading scientists reveal the harmony between their science and their faith

by R.J. Berry

The science / faith debate rages on. Yet many leading scientists have an active Christian faith. Here 17 scientists, all esteemed by their peers, tackle two questions: What difference their faith makes to their scientific practice; and What difference their science makes to their understanding of their faith. Contributors include: Francis Collins, Director, Human Genome Project Joan Centrella, Chief of the Gravitational Astrophysics Laboratory, NASA Bob White, Professor of Geophysics, University of Cambridge Alister McGrath, Professor of Theology, King's College London, and molecular biologist Wilson Poon, Professor of Physics, University of Edinburgh

Genres: Faith, Science

288 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2009

About the author

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Robert James "Sam" Berry FRSE FSB is a British geneticist, naturalist and Christian. He was professor of genetics at University College London between 1974-2000. He was president from 1983 to 1986 of the Linnean Society, the British Ecological Society and the European Ecological Federation. A Christian, Berry has spoken out in favour of evolutionary creationism, and served as a lay member of the Church of England's General Synod and president of Christians in Science. He gave the 1997–98 Glasgow Gifford Lectures entitled Gods, Genes, Greens and Everything.

Reviews

[Michellee Garcia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really enjoyed the insights from the contributing authors and have plenty of further reading to engage with!
I particularly enjoyed the chapters by Francis Collins, Andrew Briggs, and Calvin B. Dewitt.

[Andrea Montack · Rating 3 out of 5]

Learned a lot

There were chapters in this book that I thoroughly enjoyed,then there were others that I thought didn't do justice to the topic. Those chapters focussed on the work of the scientists and only had a few lines regarding how their faith and science mixed. For those chapters I was a bit disappointed.
Overall I learned a lot and also was pleased to know that there are so many influential people who refused to deny the existence of God

[Eppursimuov3 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Real Scientists, Real Faith is a collection of short autobiographies written by scientists who also happen to profess a Christian faith. The stories both encouraged and challenged me at the same time, providing the seeds for further reflection with regards to my own faith, vocation and calling as a scientist as well as a Christian. Covering scientists from a wide range of disciplines, from astronomers, conservationists, neurobiologists etc, this book is really about ‘What difference their faith makes to their scientific practice, and what difference their science makes to their understanding og their faith’, I highly recommend this book to all Christian scientists or Christians thinking about a vocation in science.

[Christine Norman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Each scientist who wrote an essay for this book related how he/she was able to live their Christian faith while working in the scientific community. Several related how they came to accept Jesus because of their scientific careers. Others, who were always Christians, worked to integrate their Christian beliefs with their scientific careers and atheistic colleagues. It was an interesting and surprising mix. I was most surprised by the number of committed Christian scientists that embraced evolution and the old-age model of the earth. It made me think.

[Ian · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very interesting book of how Christians see how their faith influences their approach to their field. In a time where faith or belief in anything supernatural is considered intellectual suicide, these testimonies of Christian intellectuals who are leading in their field is an encouraging read.

[Crescens · Rating 5 out of 5]

Honest, open-minded, down-to-earth, inspiring stories from a handful of intelligent people. Personally very encouraging and stimulating.