The Language of Science and Faith: Straight Answers to Genuine Questions

Christians affirm that everything exists because of God--from subatomic quarks to black holes. Science often claims to explain nature without including God at all. And thinking Christians often feel forced to choose between the two.

But the good news is that we don't have to make a choice. Science does not overthrow the Bible. Faith does not require rejecting science. World-renowned scientist Francis Collins, author of The Language of God, along with fellow scientist Karl Giberson show how we can embrace both. Their fascinating treatment explains how God cares for and interacts with his creation while science offers a reliable way to understand the world he made.

Together they clearly answer dozens of the most common questions people ask about Darwin, evolution, the age of the earth, the Bible, the existence of God and our finely tuned universe. They also consider how their views stack up against the new atheists as well as against creationists and adherents of intelligent design.

The authors disentangle the false conclusions of Christians and atheists alike about science and evolution from the actual results of research in astronomy, physics, geology and genetics. In its place they find a story of the grandeur and beauty of a world made by a supremely creative God.

Publisher: InterVarsity Press, March 2011

Order The Language of Science and Faith

Radio Interview about the book: http://www.4shared.com/audio/41YMq3RM/Centered_SiriusXM_2011_11_20_-.html

Reviews:

"As a pastor, I am constantly searching for resources that will guide people to the fullness of God. I care that my congregation be attracted toward God's artistry, moved by his majesty and intellectually challenged by his sovereignty. This book is at the top of my recommendations both as an evaluation of theories of creation and as a devotional that prompts us to revere the Creator." —Dr. Joel C. Hunter, Northland Church, Longwood, Florida

"Two challenging languages, one old and wise, one modern and awesome. Two very different accounts of human origins. Can the book of Scripture and the book of nature both be true in the age of science? We need sympathetic and enlightening interpreters. Happily Giberson and Collins here offer a guide to the perplexed that is reverent, relevant and very well-informed." —Owen Gingerich, Harvard-Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics, author of God's Universe

"This book is destined to become a classic for those who, with an open mind, are willing to seriously wrestle with questions about the relationship of modern science with Christian faith. It is not for the faint of heart but is a treasure trove for those willing to dig deep into this critical subject." —Dr. Tim Johnson, senior medical contributor for ABC News and author of Finding God in the Questions

"Concise. Clear. Convincing. The Language of Science and Faith provides a straightforward means whereby the two sides of this contentious issue can get themselves on the same page. I recommend it as a resource for individuals and groups who want to believe that God speaks through both Scripture and nature." —Daniel M. Harrell, Ph.D., senior minister, Colonial Church, Edina, Minn., and author of Nature’s Witness: How Evolution Can Inspire Faith

"The theory of evolution raises important questions for Christians of all sorts, but this book is the best I've found to address the concerns of American evangelicals. It is written in clear enough language to be accessible to students at a variety of levels, yet sophisticated enough to be of interest to professionals in both science and theology. It is at once intelligent and inspiring." —Nancey Murphy, professor of Christian philosophy, Fuller Theological Seminary

"Collins and Giberson add a learned and engaging voice to the continuing struggle between Christian faith and scientific knowledge. The authors are central figures in advancing a true conversation between an ancient faith and modern ways of knowing, and it is hard to match their experience in dealing with the central questions covered in this volume. The Language of Science and Faith is an accessible distillation of their wisdom and I recommend it with great enthusiasm." —Peter Enns, Senior Fellow in Biblical Studies, The BioLogos Foundation

"For too long, followers of Jesus have been told they have to make a choice--between science and Christianity, reason and belief, their intellectual integrity and their faith. The Language of Science and Faith is a readable and comprehensive resource for the thoughtful Christian who refuses to choose. Giberson and Collins tackle difficult topics with charity, accessibility and integrity, moving the origins conversation forward in a way that honors God and builds up the church. This is a must-read for those who want to love the Lord with their heart, soul, mind and strength." —Rachel Held Evans, author of Evolving in Monkey Town

"The authors disentangle the false conclusions of Christians and atheists alike about science and evolution from the actual results of research in astronomy, physics, geology and genetics. In its place they find a story of the grandeur and beauty of a world made by a supremely creative God." —Christian News, March 21, 2011

Review of the book from Studies in Religion

The Language of Science and Faith: Straight Answers to Genuine Questions

Karl W. Giberson and Francis S. Collins Downers Grove, IL: Intervarsity Press, 2011. 251 pp.

Can Christians affirm the general theory of evolution and believe God is Creator? A new book from Karl Giberson and Francis Collins answers this question with a resounding yes! The Language of Science and Faith offers straight answers to genuine questions about contemporary science and Christian theology. This is the type of book for those wrestling seriously with evolution and Christian faith. It’s not a book written in technical language only academicians could understand. The prose is accessible and the language lucid.

Suppose you’re having a conversation about some issue related to God and contem- porary science. In the conversation, your friend asks, ‘‘So what do you mean by evolu- tion?’’ Or your friend wonders, ‘‘What actually is the evidence for evolution?’’ You could refer this friend to a biology textbook, but few textbooks offer concise answers with the questions of faith in mind. What you need is a book that gives understandable, brief, and informed answers to pertinent questions.
Enter The Language of Science and Faith, by Giberson and Collins. The questions above are only the tip of the iceberg. Discussions of science and faith move in a myriad of directions and raise dozens of questions. Giberson and Collins’s book answers many of the most common: Is there proof of macroevolution? Can we really know the earth is billions of years old? Does the Bible teach the world is young? Can religion contribute to science or can science contribute to religion? How should we read Genesis? What should we do when science and Christian faith seem to conflict? What role might God play in evolution? Does evolution worsen the problem of evil? Does evolution disprove God? Why are Darwin’s theories controversial? Do thermodynamics disprove evolution? Does the mystery of the origin of life undermine evolution? How are the Big Bang, fine- tuning, and God as Creator related? What is Intelligent Design? Did humans come from monkeys? Is human evolution an accident? What about Adam and Eve?

The final chapter of the book offers a contemporary story of creation – a grand narrative. This narrative uses the language and ideas of both contemporary science and Christian faith. It’s a brief summary of the issues addressed in the book.
Throughout the book, Giberson and Collins make a convincing case that a Christian can affirm both the general theories of contemporary science – including evolution – and the general doctrines of Christian faith. Along the way, they address problems they see in Young Earth creationism, Intelligent Design, and atheism.

Specialists in the science-and-religion discussion will not find detailed or nuanced arguments in this book. The authors did not write The Language of Science and Faith for an academic conference. The dearth of sophisticated arguments doesn’t mean the book is erroneous. But it does mean those wanting to go deeper to answer questions such as those I’ve listed above should consult a more extensive science-and-religion bibliography. This book plays a very important role. It is perfect for cross-disciplinary conversations, univer- sity seminars on science and faith, and Sunday school discussions. It promotes a particular perspective – often called ‘‘theistic evolution’’ but herein labeled ‘‘biologos’’ – that I per- sonally find most plausible overall. Although the book may not convince those strongly predisposed to atheism or young earth creationism, it can help people open to serious dis- cussion about contemporary science and Christian faith. This book should convince those sitting on or near the fence on questions of evolution and Christian belief. In this context, I heartily recommend The Language of Science and Faith.

Thomas Jay Oord
Northwest Nazarene University