Christianity and Science

N.B. This page is not intended to be comprehensive. It is also a work in progress. So, check back from time to time. All links lead to Amazon.

General Books on the Subject of Science and Christianity:

Brooks, John Hedley. Science and Religion: Some Historical Perspectives

Carroll, Vincent and David Shiflett. “Christianity and Science” in Christianity on Trial.

Danielson, Dennis. The Book of the Cosmos: Imagining the Universe from Heraclitus to Hawking

Numbers, Ronald L. (editor). Galileo Goes to Jail and Other Myths about Science and Religion

This collection of essays is an excellent resource. Each chapter addresses one of the common popular myths about the relationship of science and religion. As noted above, most of the myths stem from the conflict model that was invented and popularized by . . . While this book goes beyond Christianity, the relation of science and Christianity is still a dominant theme not surprisingly. Each chapter stands on its own.

The chapters in this book are relatively short due to the specific nature of each topic. It was a quick read and would make a great textbook either in whole or in part at the post-secondary level. I think some secondary school students would be able to benefit from it as well.

Stark, Rodney. “God’s Handiwork” in For the Glory of God: How Monotheism led to Reformations, Witch Hunts, Science, and the End of Slavery

In the chapter entitled “God’s Handiwork” in For the Glory of God, Rodney Stark presents a historical account of the relationship of Christianity and the rise of the modern scientific method. Indeed, Stark argues that although as a method science can now function independently of Chrisianity (or religion), the scientific method arose only once and it did so in the West because of Christianity. (For more see my post “God’s Handiwork”.)

Books Specifically Addressing The Theory of Evolution and Young Earth Creationism:

Collins, Francis. The Language of God.

Cunningham, Conor. Darwin’s Pious Idea: Why the Ultra-Darwinists and Creationists Both Get It Wrong

In this section, this book is my favorite. Unfortunately, it is a difficult book to read. Yet, its difficulty arises from Cunningham’s thorough treatment of both contemporary evolutionary theory and Christian theology. Many of the books available on this topic including those I have listed here are often strong in one discipline and weak in the other. It is worth the effort. Thankfully, Conor Cunningham has produced a one-hour documentary with the BBC called Did Darwin Kill God? which can function as a summary of some of the key points he makes in this book.

Giberson, Karl. Saving Darwin: How to be Christian and Believe in Evolution

So far, Giberson’s book is the best book I have read describing the historical roots of the modern YEC movement and how it gained such a following in the United States. Giberson addresses the early favorable reception of Darwin’s theory and some the myths about Darwin. He also details the events of the Scopes Monkey Trial which he describes as a show trial. He also traces the rise of “creation science” in North America from the reported visions of Ellen White of the Seven Day Adventists through the publication of John Whitcomb’s & Henry Morris’s The Genesis Flood and to its reformulation under ID (Intelligent Design). It is an incredible narrative and is written in very engaging prose.

I cannot recommend this book highly enough.

Lamoureux, Denis. Evolutionary Creationism: A Christian Approach to Evolution

I Love Jesus & I Accept Evolution

Mayr, Ernst. What Evolution Is. (See my post on this book.)

Truly wanting to understand the theory of evolution as it is currently held and the evidence for it. I asked a fellow church member who is also a biologist to recommend a book that would describe the theory to me in a non-polemical tone. That is, I wanted to read an account of theory of evolution by someone who was not also trying to convince me that I ought to be an atheist. This book is that book.

Science and Theology in Conversaton:

Giberson, Karl. Seven Glorious Days

McGrath, Alister. The Science of God

Scientific Theology
Scientific Theology
Scientific Theology

Polkinghorne, John.

Torrance, Thomas F.

Other Important Theological Works:

The works listed here are not necessarily directly addressing the relationship between modern scientific method and discoveries and Christian theology. However, the questions the authors are addressing seem to me to have significant implications for how we understand God and nature.

Tanner, Kathryn. God and Creation in Christian Theology.

On Genesis 1-3:

For books that will help you become a better Bible reader and interpreter, see my How to Read the Bible for All Its Worth page and My Favorite Commentaries page.

Enns, Peter. The Evolution of Adam.

Giberson, Karl. Saving the Original Sinner.

Giberson’s book is a tour de force. I was incredibly impressed by his history of the interpretation and use of the biblical figure of Adam. Anyone wanting to grapple with questions about the historical Adam must read this book.

Waltke, Bruce K. Genesis: A Commentary

Walton, John. The Lost World of Genesis 1.