Books recommended by Christians in Science

The list given below gives details of books which CiS recommends, along with a brief description of each. They are listed in date order, most recent first, and when a book has been reviewed in the journal Science & Christian Belief the issue and page number are given. The approximate price is also mentioned, although publishers do change the price of books from time to time.

In recommending the following books, the CiS Committee of course do not wish to imply that they endorse everything that is in them. We have deliberately chosen a fairly eclectic collection of books which express a variety of opinions about the interactions between science and Christian faith. Although CiS as an organisation is a confessional body committed to the basic truths of the Christian faith, we recognise that there is a valid and healthy diversity of opinion concerning the myriad ways in which science and faith interact, and the list of books that follow reflects something of that diversity.

These books, along with a number of smaller publications, are available from: CiS Publications Secretary, 16 Walter Road, Wokingham, RG41 3JA. Postage is extra. For an order form and the full list, or to enquire about availability, please write, telephone 0118 978 2902, or send an email to

Our journal, www.scienceandchristianbelief.org also includes a large number of book reviews in every issue.

RECOMMENDED BOOKS

The Language of God: A scientist presents evidence for belief, Francis Collins , Simon And Schuster 2006, 295pp, £18. ISBN 0-7432-9639-1

This is an excellent introduction to the relationship between Christianity and science, interwoven with personal stories. Francis Collins, head of the human genome project describes how he started student life as an atheist, but discovered Christianity. He tells how his discoveries in genetics, and the human genome project have increased his view of the glory of God.

Coming to peace with science, Darrel Falk, IVP (USA) 2004, 235pp, £12. ISBN 0-8308-2742-0

Darrel Falk is a lecturer in biology at Point Loma Nazarene University, California. In this book he explains evolutionary biology very clearly, covering the fossil record, population genetics and molecular biology in detail. He sympathetically picks his way through the various theological arguments on all sides of the debate, and comes to the conclusion that Christianity is compatible with evolutionary biologist. He stresses that although Christians are bound to disagree on this issue, views on the mechanism of creation should not be used as a test for Christian orthodoxy.

Does evolution have any religious significance?, Denis R Alexander , Christians in Science 2006 (1998), price £1.00, ref. no. L9801, obtainable from the Publications Secretary, CiS, 16 Walter Road, Wokingham RG41 3JA

Some Christians think that accepting evolution is incompatible with their faith. Some atheists think that any religious faith is incompatible with evolution. This booklet, by a professional biologist suggests otherwise. After explaining the meaning of biological evolution, and related concepts such as natural selection, mutation and speciation, the author deals with the following issues: the claim that evolution is intrinsically atheistic; "evolution depends on chance"; the origin of Life; the origin of Species; the origin of Humankind; and the problem of Pain, Suffering, Death and the Fall.

Responsible dominion: a Christian approach to sustainable development, Ian Hore-Lacy, Regent College Publishing 2006, 170 pp, £15.00. ISBN 1 57383 342 8.

For a long time most Christians left concern for the environment to secular pressure groups. Now that environmental awareness is becoming more widespread among Christians, the question arises whether there is a specifically Christian approach. Ian Hore-Lacy argues that Christian stewardship of the earth differs from the secular programme because the latter does not put enough emphasis on the value of human life, which is stressed throughout the Bible. As a practitioner in the energy industry, he writes from experience on such aspects of sustainable development as energy transfer, food production, obtaining minerals and the use of land, always placing human values to the fore in caring for God¹s creation.

Can we believe Genesis today? The Bible and the questions of science, Ernest Lucas, IVP 3rd Edn 2005, 192 pp, £8, review S&CB 14 (1) p.96. ISBN 1 84474-120-6

This book has been written by a research scientist who is now a tutor in biblical studies at Bristol Baptist College. It provides a very readable exploration of the main interpretations of the early chapters of Genesis and suggests how a choice can be made between them. In addition to considering the literal, the concordist and the literary cultural approaches to understanding Genesis, the author addresses the general question of how to interpret the Bible in a scientific culture, and also deals with such issues as design and chaos in relation to creation, and various problems which have been perceived in these chapters. Highly recommended. Available from Christians in Science at the special price of £5.

Caring for creation, Sarah Tillett (ed.), Bible Reading Fellowship 2005 (Nov), £8.99. ISBN 1 84101 439 7

Compiled by the director of Tearfund UK and published in conjunction with the international Christian conservation organisation A Rocha, this book links the Bible and environmental issues. It includes a wide range of stories of environmental transformation around the world drawn from the work of A Rocha.

Can we be sure about anything? Science, faith and postmodernism, Denis Alexander (ed.), Apollos 2005, £12.99. ISBN 1 84474 076 5

Postmodernism suggests that truth is a personal, subjective matter: there are no objective universal truths, a view which is clearly inimical to Christianity. This book, derived from a CiS conference which addressed the issues, considers from a Christian stance such questions as: Can science really be objective? Has science anything to do with human values? What does quantum physics imply about the nature of reality? Who's telling the truth about BSE, the MMR vaccine and GM foods? How can belief in truth be maintained in a postmodern world? How do the media influence perceptions of truth claims in science, and in Christianity? Are Christianity and science inevitably in conflict? And (of course): Can we be sure about anything?

Designers of the future, D Gareth Jones, Monarch 2005, £8.99. ISBN 1 8542 4708 5

Playing God is a familiar phrase used about some scientists in the field. This book addresses the ethical issues surrounding such topics, including stem cell research, clones and cyborgs, designer babies, what is special about the human embryo, and the extent to which one should go in repairing and enhancing people. Professor Jones adopts a clear biblical viewpoint in this book, but does not fall into the trap of over-simplifying complex issues.

A seamless web: science and faith, Graeme Finlay (ed), Telos Publications (NZ) 2004, 59 pp, £4. ISBN 0 476 00816 6

Evolving Creation, Graeme Finlay, Telos Publications (NZ) 2004, 46 pp, £3. ISBN 0 476 00650 3

God's Books: Genetics and Genesis, Graeme Finlay, Telos Publications (NZ) 2004, 75 pp, £3. ISBN 0 476 00651 1

God created the Heavens and the Earth, Don Nield, Telos Publications (NZ) 2004, 36 pp, £3. ISBN 0 476 00817 4

These four little books were conceived as a project to put into the hands of students and others clear statements about the concord between orthodox science and the orthodox Christian faith, in the context of assaults on this position from both atheists and fundamentalist Christians.
A seamless web consists of 12 short pieces by Australasian authors, mostly practising scientists, who demonstrate the fact that science and faith go together. The backgrounds of the authors are varied, including physics, geology, environment, genetics, cell biology, conservation, history and psychology. The final two offerings relate theology to evolution, and the study of language to the interpretation of the Bible. There is also a short statement of the authors' shared Christian beliefs, which are orthodox in both science and theology. The strength of this booklet is the clear enthusiasm of the writers for both their science and their faith, which emerges in quite different ways. It would be very suitable for anyone who thinks that science and the Christian faith are at odds, and also for any who consider that the findings of science need to be pressed into a pre-determined biblical mould. Evolving creation "celebrates the essential compatibility of science and Christian theology", addressing the relationship between them in a number of ways, including complementarity, the effects of each on the other, and the views of Richard Dawkins and T H Huxley. It distinguishes science from scientism, evolution from evolutionism and creation from creationism. It also has chapters on natural theology and suffering, and would be suitable for both Christians and others.
God's books: genetics and Genesis is aimed at Christians, particularly those who argue that evolution is incompatible with the biblical idea of creation. It presents in some detail the evidence from molecular genetics for the "startling" claim that "we now know that humans have evolved". It also covers the compatibility of Genesis 1-3 and the theology of creation with the scientific understanding of the cosmos, living things and humans. Finally it addresses the compatibility of the nature of God with an evolutionary understanding of God¹s creative activity.
God created the Heavens and the Earth represents a brief introduction to Christian perspectives on creation and evolution. The author, an Associate Professor of Engineering Science at the University of Auckland, uses a broad brush to survey many topics, including the views of Richard Dawkins, the Intelligent Design movement, the Big Bang and biological evolution. The material is up-to-date and references are provided for those who wish to go deeper into a particular topic.

Dawkins' God: genes, memes and the meaning of life, Alister McGrath, Blackwell 2004, pb £10. ISBN 1 405 12538 1

This is the best book on the market specifically providing a critique of Richard Dawkins' view that science in general, and evolutionary biology in particular, can be used to support atheism. McGrath was himself a committed atheist when he came up to Oxford as a student, before then becoming a Christian. McGrath did a PhD in molecular biophysics before later turning to theology, and is therefore in a strong position to analyse Dawkins' views, which he does carefully and objectively. The philosopher Michael Ruse writes that this is "A wonderful book...This is scholarship as it should be - informed, feisty, and terrific fun. I cannot wait to see Dawkins' review of Alister McGrath's critique". Francis Collins, Director of the Human Genome Project, writes: "Wielding evolutionary arguments and carefully chosen metaphors like sharp swords, Richard Dawkins has emerged over three decades as this generation's most aggressive promoter of atheism. In his view, science, and science alone, provides the only rock worth standing on. In this remarkable book, Alister McGrath challenges Dawkins on the very ground he holds most sacred -- rational argument -- and McGrath disarms the master. It becomes readily apparent that Dawkins has aimed his attack at a naive version of faith that most serious believers would not recognize. After reading this carefully constructed and eloquently written book, Dawkins' choice of atheism emerges as the most irrational of the available choices about God's existence.v

The Science of God: An Introduction to Scientific Theology, Alister E. McGrath, Continuum 2004, xiv+271 pp, £13. ISBN 0 567 08353 5

In this unusual book, based on his more academic trilogy A Scientific Theology, the author discusses in some detail how systematic theology should be conducted in the light of an understanding of the natural sciences. While "resolutely evangelical in orientation", his approach has been commended by a variety of both Protestant and Roman Catholic theologians.

Life in our hands: A Christian perspective on genetics and cloning, John Bryant and John Searle, IVP 2004, 192 pp, £10. ISBN 0 85111 795 3

An academic biologist and a doctor/pastor suggest ways for Christians to make decisions in this thorny area which are informed by good science and good biblical exegesis, and which are valid in the present cultural climate.

Beyond Belief: Science, faith and ethical challenges, Denis Alexander & Bob White, Lion 2004, 219 pp, £9. ISBN 0 7459 5141 4

This book provides a useful introduction to the science faith debate. The first part maps out the key points of interaction, as well as the key differences, between scientific and religious beliefs. The second part tackles some of the "hot topics" that continue to be on going subjects for debate, including creation and evolution, Intelligent Design, new reproductive technologies and environmental issues. Robert White FRS is Professor of Geophysics at Cambridge University and Denis Alexander is Editor of Science & Christian Belief.

Letter to an influential atheist, Roger Steer, Authentic Lifestyle (Paternoster) 2003, 150 pp, £8. ISBN 1 85078 478 7.

This book is written in the form of an open letter to Professor Richard Dawkins and critiques not the evolutionary biology of Dawkins but the way in which he attempts to extract an atheistic world view from the theory. It covers a broad range of issues, including reductionism, genetic determinism, chance, and the specific objections to religious belief posed by Dawkins. The author also addresses the particular contributions made by Alfred Russel Wallace.

God's book of works ­ the nature and theology of nature, R J Berry, T&T Clark 2003, xviii+286 pp, £20, review S&CB 16 (2). ISBN 0 567 08915 0

This is an examination of God's relationship to the world and our opportunities, responsibilities and failures as its carers. It is based on a London Lectures in Contemporary Christianity series and Gifford Lectures given at the University of Glasgow, and the author takes the model of God as author of a Book of Words (the Bible) and also a Book of Works (Creation).

The miracles of Exodus, Colin Humphreys, Continuum 2003, 362 pp, pb £10, review S&CB 16 (2). ISBN 0 8264 7429 2 (pb)

In the style of a detective solving a mystery, the author considers the unusual events surrounding the exodus of Israel from Egypt to the promised land, using scientific, historical and literary techniques. He elucidates various scientific descriptions of the miracles, but suggests that this does not detract from their miraculous status, which lies in their providential timing. He also finds that the biblical account is remarkably accurate in a number of ways.

Responding to the challenge of evolution, Kevin Logan, Kingsway Publications 2003, 224 pp, £9. ISBN 1 84291 110 4

In a readable, even racy, style the author surveys the different views held by Christians and others on creation, the age of the earth and evolution in the context of the biblical account. Both the conventional scientific view and that of "creationists" are fairly presented, along with various problems which each faces.

The message of creation, David Wilkinson, IVP 2003, 304 pp, £10, review S&CB 16 (2). ISBN 0 85111 269 2

This book consists of a series of expositions of biblical passages dealing with different aspects of the theme of "creation". It is a very helpful resource for both personal and group study.

The Re enchantment of Nature: Science, religion and the human sense of wonder, Alistair McGrath, Hodder & Stoughton 2002, £13. ISBN 0 340 86146 0

The author provides a general introduction to the debate about the environment, and helpfully contrasts the various Christian perspectives on the debate with the Enlightenment world view that has led to the domination of nature. The impact of the notion of the mechanical universe and the various strategies used to "resacralise" nature are critically reviewed. This book is an important contribution to the burgeoning Christian literature on the environment and is recommended.

Philosophy matters: An introduction to philosophy, Roger Trigg, Blackwell 2002, viii+157 pp, £13. ISBN 0 631 22546 3

This book is intended for those with no backgound in philosophy, and concentrates on addressing the nature of the world, and how we obtain knowledge of it, particularly through science. It includes chapters on modernity, relativism, Darwinism, determinism, materialism and the brain/mind question.

Rebuilding the matrix: Science and faith in the twenty first century, Denis Alexander, Lion 2001, 510 pp, pb £13, review S&CB 14 (2) p.187. ISBN 0 7459 5116 3

This book provides a broad overview of the science faith debate written for the general reader. The first part discusses the basic question of why we hold to certain beliefs, looks at the role of science in secularisation and provides an introduction to the historical interactions between science and religion. The second part covers the main issues in the contemporary debate, including scientific and religious knowledge, evolution, miracles and the anthropic principle. The book tackles the question of which matrix or world view provides the best underpinning for the validity of scientific knowledge and for tackling ethical issues in the applications of science. The author is Editor of the journal Science & Christian Belief.

God, Time and Stephen Hawking, David Wilkinson, Monarch 2001, 224 pp, £8, review S&CB 7 (1) p.77 (1993 edition). ISBN 1 85424 544 9

This book describes in some detail the current cosmological understanding of how the universe arose from the Big Bang. It also explores the biblical teaching that the universe owes its origin and continued existence to God. The relationship between these two accounts is examined.

Thinking clearly about God and science, David Wilkinson & Rob Frost, Monarch Books 2000 (1996), 224 pp, pb £8, review S&CB 13 (2) p.187. ISBN 1 85424 485 X

The authors have written alternate chapters addressing in a clear and straightforward way most of the issues arising in the interaction between science and the Christian faith. It is a good introduction for the general reader.

Babel's shadow: Genetic technologies in a fracturing society, Pete Moore, Lion 2000, 256 pp, pb £9, review S&CB 14 (1) p.83. ISBN 0 7459 4424 8

How will society use the new genetic technologies, such as cloning? This is the complex question addressed in an understandable way by an author with expertise in the field. He describes the science and technology clearly, and brings a careful biblical and ethical approach to the task of evaluating the possibilities.

The care of creation: Focussing concern and action, R J Berry (ed.), IVP 2000, 213 pp, £10, review S&CB 13 (2) p.185. ISBN 0 85111 657 4

Twenty authors contribute to this volume. Many of them are responding to "An Evangelical Declaration on the Care of Creation", which was formally issued in 1994. They differ from one another in several respects but agree that there is an ecological crisis, that scientific and political solutions are inadequate, and that we human beings have a responsibility to worship and obey the Creator as we discharge our stewardship of the world in which he has placed us.

Science and theology, John Polkinghorne, SPCK 2000, vi+144 pp, £11, review S&CB 12 (1) p.67. ISBN 0 281 05176 3

Written by a distinguished scientist who transferred his attention to theology ("driven by the need to take both science and religion seriously"), this textbook for courses on science and religion gives a condensed treatment of modern science (including quantum theory, cosmology, chaos, complexity, and the nature of time) and of Christian belief (including the Bible, Jesus, the Trinity, and eschatology).

God, humanity and the cosmos: A textbook in science and religion, Christopher Southgate (ed.), T&T Clark 1999, xxviii+449 pp, £25, review S&CB 12 (1) p.93. ISBN 0 567 08679 8

This is a readable undergraduate textbook covering a wide field with a considerable emphasis on theological and philosophical questions, addressing inter alia origins, models and the human mind. Islam is considered as well as Christianity, and the ethical aspects of technology and biotechnology are included, as well as ecology.

Questions of science: Exploring the interactions between science and faith, Andrew Barton, Kingsway Publications 1999, 319 pp, £9, review S&CB 13 (2) p.177. ISBN 0 85476 779 7

Fifty questions grouped into seven sections provide an unusual format for this book. Many of the questions consist of a short statement followed by the kind of provocative comment that might occur to a cynical non Christian. The author's answers assess these statements and then respond to the comments. He makes some unusual suggestions that stimulate new thoughts about old questions.

Science & Religion: an Introduction, Alistair McGrath, Blackwell 1999, 250 pp, £18, review S&CB 12 (1) p. 92. ISBN 0 631 20842 9

A well presented survey of the field, covering the history, philosophy and interactions of the two areas, and dealing with all the important issues in a way which brings the debate up to date.

Reason, science and faith, Roger Forster and Paul Marston, Wipf and Stock 1998, 479 pp, £16, review S&CB 14 (2) p.184. ISBN 1 57910 661 7

This long book ranges very widely, from a harmonisation of the gospel accounts of the resurrection of Jesus, to a critique of Augustinian theology! There is a helpful analysis of Young Earth Creationism, which is shown to be a departure from orthodox understandings of Genesis 1.

Science, life and Christian belief: A survey and assessment, Malcolm A Jeeves and R J Berry, Apollos 1998, 305 pp, £17, review S&CB 11 (2) p.171. ISBN 0 85111 459 8

This book covers most of the topics which have been addressed in CiS conferences and publications to date and gives the well considered views of two working scientists who have been active in CiS (and in the Research Scientists' Christian Fellowship before it) during the past fifty years and more. There is a steady emphasis on the need for us to understand the activity of God as continuous, rather than as occurring only at points when we may be disposed to notice it. The bibliography lists more than 400 publications, most of them books.

Rationality and religion: does faith need reason?, Roger Trigg, Blackwell 1998, vi+226 pp, £17. ISBN 0 631 19748 6

Should religion be seen as a purely private matter, or can it be the subject of rational public discussion? Can it make claims that demand universal attention? These questions and others are addressed in this book based on the 1997 Stanton Lectures in the University of Cambridge.

Reading the mind of God: Interpretation in Science and Theology, Philip Duce, Apollos 1998, xi+158 pp, £15, review S&CB 11 (2) p.181. ISBN 0-85111-462-8

This book is concerned with the way science and theology relate to each other, not mainly in their detailed content, but in their methods and philosophy. From an evangelical stance, the author considers the hermeneutics and methodology of both subjects, and suggests that they have much in common as well as significant differences. He argues that both should be considered within a "common epistemological framework", and that practitioners of each should consider their assumptions, presuppositions, worldview and methodology. Applying his ideas to particular instances he concludes that scientists should reconsider the bases for their acceptance of an old earth and macro-evolution.

Unnatural Enemies: An introduction to science and Christianity, Kirsten Birkett, Matthias Media 1997, 143 pp, £5, review S&CB 11 (1) p.96. ISBN 1 876326 10 8

This clearly written book examines the notion that science and Christian belief are inevitably at war with one another and shows how mistaken that is. The history of science shows that myths and misunderstandings have arisen; the same is true of Christianity. Dr Burkitt tries to remove some of the confusion.

Alone in the universe? The X Files, aliens and God, David Wilkinson, Monarch 1997, 160 pp, £8. ISBN 1 85424 373 X

Would the discovery of extraterrestrial life pose major problems for Christianity? This book answers that question in a way that draws out the reasonable nature of Christian faith but also challenges some common misinterpretations of the Bible.

Science and the New Age challenge, Ernest Lucas, IVP 1996, 190 pp, £13. ISBN 0 85111 440 7

The author gives balanced accounts of New Age teaching, both scientific and theological, outlining the ideas of writers such as Pierre Teilhard de Chardin, Fritjof Capra, Rupert Sheldrake and James Lovelock. He shows the relevance of orthodox trinitarian theology to the arguments.

God and the biologist: Faith at the frontiers of science, R J Berry, Apollos 1996, x+143 pp, £13, review S&CB 10 (1) p.91. ISBN 0 85111 446 6

This is an account of how a Professor of Genetics (who was for many years the chairman of the Research Scientists' Christian Fellowship committee) has dealt with problems of science and belief in his own life. Three particular issues are addressed in some detail: evolution, genetic manipulation, and environmental ethics.

Cross currents: Interactions between science and faith, Colin A Russell, Christian Impact 1995 reissue of IVP 1985, 272 pp, £4. ISBN 0 903452 22 7

This scholarly book (originally published in 1985 at £10 but now available from CiS for £4) examines how science has developed over the last four centuries. It makes particular reference to the growth of technology, the biological theory of evolution, and the alleged conflict between science and religion. It has proved to be very useful as a textbook for courses on science and faith.

Real science, real faith: 16 scientists discuss their work and faith, R J Berry (ed.), Monarch 1991, reprinted 1995, 224 pp, £4, review S&CB 6 (1) p.69. ISBN 1 85424 125 7

Now available only from CiS, at the discounted price of £4, this book provides a good introduction to science/faith issues. Sixteen successful professional scientists discuss their science and their personal faith, and how the two interact. The book shows that there is no dull uniformity in either faith or science, and also makes clear that the notion of an inherent conflict between science and the Bible is false.

Beliefs and values in science education, Michael Poole, Open University Press 1995, 146 pp, £16, review S&CB 8 (2) p.181. ISBN 0 335 15645 2

No longer can consideration of beliefs and values be excluded from science education, and the author gives a lucid and wide ranging review of the field including: the bases for making decisions; views about science; language, concepts and models; environmental beliefs and values; cosmology and creation; Galileo; and Darwin.

Science and Christian belief, John Polkinghorne, SPCK 1994, x+211 pp, £10, essay review by Paul Helm S&CB 7 (1) p.59. ISBN 0 281 04714 6

Based on the Gifford Lectures 1993 94 and structured round the Apostles' Creed, this book looks at the Christian faith in a scientific spirit, using scientific methods, considering the data and what others have made of them. Its conclusion is largely orthodox, and defends the classical truth statements of the church and the importance of human free will.

Reason and reality: The relationship betwen science and theology, John Polkinghorne, SPCK 1991, 1994, 119 pp, £10, review article by Oliver Barclay and author's response S&CB 4 (2) p.127. ISBN 0 281 04487 2

This volume of essays by the author of a number of acclaimed books dealing with science and theology provides detailed discussion of several key issues, including the use of models in science and in theology, the nature of God¹s action in the physical world, the right use of scripture, the strange world of quantum theory, and the understanding of "the fall" of mankind.

Mind Fields: Reflections on the science of mind and brain, Malcolm Jeeves, Apollos 1994, xii+141 pp, £15, review S&CB 7 (2) p.178. ISBN 0 85111 434 2

This book was derived from a series of lectures under the title of "Man under his own microscope". It explores the link between brain and mind, the nature of human consciousness, questions of free will and determinism, and the spiritual nature of humankind.

Rationality and science: can science explain everything?, Roger Trigg, Blackwell 1993, viii+248 pp, £17, review S&CB 7 (1) p.83. ISBN 0 631 19037 6

The author deals clearly and precisely with questions about the status of scientific knowledge. He criticises effectively many of the philosophical stances of the twentieth century including those of Wittgenstein, pragmatists, post modernists, scientific naturalists and sociologists of science. He points out that science needs a metaphysical basis outside itself, and that Christian theology has commonly provided this.

Miracles: science, the Bible and experience, Mike Poole, Scripture Union 1992, 128 pp, £5, review S&CB 6 (1) p.66. ISBN 0 86201 662 2

Starting with the experience of a friend who was healed of multiple sclerosis, the author considers the evidence for miracles happening today, looks at what the Bible says, and shows that accepting the possibility of miracles does not involve rejecting science.

Creation or evolution: a false antithesis?, M W Poole and G J Wenham, Latimer House 1987, 84 pp, £3.50. ISBN 0 846307 22 9

The authors argue that much harm has been done by the mistaken strategy of setting the biblical teaching on creation in opposition to the results of scientific investigation of the natural world. A balanced interpretation of Genesis 1 3 is followed by consideration of fourteen points that trouble some Christians.