©2006, Crossway Books, 352 pages in paperback.

Many Christians consider science as an unfriendly and thus unproductive territory for Christian entry. The authors point out early in this volume that such an attitude would have been thought strange and untrue to Christians as recently as two centuries ago.

In this encouraging volume, Morris and Petcher, science professors at Covenant College, show that true science is rooted in the Trinity Who has created all things and maintains order in creation even in our fallen world. True science is founded on the laws God established. He is lord over every movement.

The opening chapter briefly traces the path that has resulted in science and Christianity being viewed as separate spheres. Particular attention is given to the Enlightenment. As the authors point out, one’s worldview will shape one’s approach to science as well as any discipline. All people, even scientists, bring some view of the world into their vocation. The writers then stress the importance of a biblical understanding of the Trinity to the scientist. They write from a reformed perspective and thus stress the importance of covenantal theology. The God who entered into covenant with His people promised them redemption and the calling of his elect to Himself. We can be assured that God will uphold His creation as the application of redemption to His people throughout history requires such maintenance until Christ returns on the Final Day. I found their pages devoted to the ongoing work of the Spirit in creation to be insightful and thought-provoking.

The authors’ emphasis on the covenant and God’s upholding the world in an orderly fashion provides a basis for an answer to those who falsely interpret orderliness as a sign of a mechanistic universe. Also covenantal theology provides a basis for the Christian to remember we live in a fallen world. Scientific examination is an examination of a world affected by sin. Of course, the Christian scientist must remember that the scientist himself, whether he is a Christian or not, is also a sinner. All of this has great implications for how one approaches science, creation, as well as fellow scientists. These professors continually make relevant theological applications to the domain of science undergirding their thesis that Christianity is a necessity for proper science.

Within a covenantal framework the church, the community of fellow believers cannot be ignored.  Proper attention is given to the importance of the scientist being within a local body of believers and sharing his work with non-scientists who are Christians. Pages devoted to the mutual interaction and contributions of Christians in different vocations provide a good antidote to the individualistic thinking of our culture-even of much church culture. A good church environment helps the scientist to be mindful not only of natural revelation as seen in creation, but also of the importance of special revelation, the Bible, in one’s thinking and presuppositions.

Although Christian thinking is essential in scientific endeavors, this does not mean that God cannot use the work of non-Christians for scientific advance. The authors devote several pages to how Christians are to work profitably, yet without compromise, with non-Christians in the scientific community. Here the authors draw from personal experience and provide good insights that can be useful for Christians in many vocations.

Throughout this work, these Calvinists manage to keep their writing Christ-centric.  They have been influenced by many Christian thinkers including Kuyper and Schaeffer. Time and again, they bring this thinking and influence into the text in a very positive manner. They write within a framework that the world was created, fallen, redeemed, and is progressing toward the Day of Consummation when Christ will return. Scientists are to labor with an eye toward that Day by taking godly dominion within the sphere to which God has placed them.

This is a very well-written book and one that is an encouragement to read whether or not one is a scientist. Because the authors write with clarity, it can be read with understanding and profit by nonscientists. Hopefully it will provide good motivation for all readers to take their work seriously and to rededicate themselves to seeing the importance of Christian presuppositions in the way they approach and labor in their calling.

This is a good volume to give to those in scientific fields, those desiring such labor, or students who will be taking one or more science courses in the future.

Review ©2007 Byron Snapp, Hampton, Virginia