Top 5: Science and Religion Resources

What is the relationship between science and religion, and how do we deal with some of the difficult questions raised when making sense of scientific results in light of the Christian faith? Here are some resources rooted in a posture of humble curiosity and based upon the view that science and religion need not be in conflict, but can interact in complementary and meaningful ways. 

1. 1. Science & Religion: A New Introduction, by Alister McGrath. Printed as textbook, Science & Religion provides a thorough yet accessible introduction to the topic, exploring key historical developments and figures along with contemporary ideas and questions that shape science-religion dialog. I consider it one of the single best resources for anyone interested in understanding the current science and religion landscape.
2. 2. Origins, by Deborah Haarsma and Loren Haarsma. This remains a go-to book for me when teaching through scientific results and the difficult questions they might raise for students. The book is informative and gracious, and helpfully explores different ways Christians might engage the natural world. It also includes questions for reflection and discussion, making it a good choice for group study.
3. 3. BioLogos, founded by Francis Collins (former director of the Human Genome Project and of the NIH, and author of The Language of God) explores the relationship between faith and science by building on three core values: a commitment to the historical Christian faith, acceptance of the results of modern science, and a desire for gracious dialogue. BioLogos provides numerous resources, including essays, testimonies, and answers to specific questions that often arise where science and faith interact.
4. 4. FASTly provides resources for schools, churches, or parents, including a wide range of learning activities that “honor both faith and science while exploring their rich and varied interactions.” These activities demonstrate an approach of wonder and humility when delving into the relationship between science and religion, and the topical modules are designed to allow deeper study as desired.
5. 5. The natural world itself! Following the belief that creation serves as a witness¹, intentional encounters with the world make all of nature a resource for understanding, wonder, and worship. This might include a visit to a local stream or hiking path, a national park or natural history museum, or involve something as close as the birds in the backyard, or as distant as the stars and galaxies above.

This summer In All Things is light-heartedly including recommendations, tips, and joys that we would love to share with you, readers, in the format of Top Five Fridays, switching up our themes each week.

1. Psalm 19  ↩