God’s Gift of Science
Theological Presuppositions Underlying Exploration of the Natural World
- Science & Faith
- Publisher: Cascade Books (Wipf and Stock)
- Published: 2022
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Publisher's Description
Science is an aspect of modern culture that carries a huge weight of prestige. It operates on a foundation of supporting presuppositions, understandings of reality that people assimilate from infancy. Such presuppositions constitute our worldviews, but we are generally unaware of them. In this book, Graeme Finlay argues that many presuppositions that were essential for the development of science were imbibed from Judeo-Christian faith in the creator God, and they remain vital for the continued vitality of science. Furthermore, theology and science share a feature that points towards their common engagement with reality. New findings catch us by surprise--so much so, that we must conclude that we encounter previously unrecognized realities in genuine experiences of discovery. We don't invent those surprising phenomena. Both theology and science engage with an objective reality that is not of our construction. The subterranean connection between science and theology at the level of presuppositions and their openness to engage with reality indicate the potential for ongoing fruitful and mutually beneficial dialogue between the two disciplines. The author illustrates this potential through examples from the field of ecological economics.
Endorsements (4)
“This short book provides a fascinating introduction to the relationship between Christian faith and science, showing how pursuit of the latter is predicated on an understanding of the former, an understanding that is neglected by most practicing scientists today. Graeme Finlay demonstrates that science is a God-given pursuit, a gift, illuminating the truth about God’s world, but that God’s word is necessary to enable us live wisely in the world in light of scientific advances.”
“Graeme Finlay makes a lively, engaging, and accessible case for science as God’s gift to humanity. In doing so, he engages with an impressive range of recent scholarship not only in his own specialist fields of scientific pathology and cancer research but also in the history of science, theology, ecology, and the environmental sciences. I warmly recommend it!”
“Written by a working scientist with deep insights into both the scientific method and the Christian Scriptures, this is a fascinating tour through the ways science and the Christian faith have developed and work together as indispensable allies. It is an encouragement to scientists and others who seek to make their work part of their worship of God and who care about the future of this planet.”
“It is rare to find such a broad and comprehensible theological exposition on science. Graeme Finlay provides his strongest critique of disconnecting science from its source and lawgiver, warning us against misinformation that seeks to disconnect us from truth and the ecological disaster that is unfolding as a result. Readers will be encouraged to be continuously surprised by the discovery of truth in science and theology. What a gift!”
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