The Soul of Science: Christian Faith and Natural Philosophy (Volume 16) (Turning Point Christian Worldview Series, 16) - Softcover

Pearcey, Nancy; Thaxton, Charles

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0891077669 ISBN 13: 9780891077664

Publisher: Crossway, 1994

Synopsis

This Turning Point book surveys the development of science and its historic and current relationship to Christianity, and reintroduces believers to their rich intellectual heritage.

About this title

About the Authors

Nancy R. Pearcey (PhD, Philadelphia Biblical University) is the editor at large of the Pearcey Report as well as scholar in residence and professor at Houston Baptist University. She is also a fellow at the Discovery Institute. She was previously the Francis A. Schaeffer Scholar at the World Journalism Institute and has also served as professor of worldview studies at Philadelphia Biblical University.

Charles B. Thaxton (PhD, Iowa State University) is the cofounder of KONOS Academy and the academic editor of Of Pandas and People. He has lectured at universities around the US as well as internationally.

Marvin Olasky (PhD, University of Michigan) is a senior fellow of the Discovery Institute and an Acton Institute affiliate scholar. He is the author of twenty-eight books, including The Tragedy of American Compassion and Lament for a Father. From 1983 through 2021 he was a professor at the University of Texas at Austin and the editor in chief of WORLD. He and his wife, Susan, have four sons.

Reviews

The authors, both science writers, argue that science in the West has progressed because of, rather that in spite of, Christian faith, since belief in an ordered universe, governed by God-given laws, was essential for its advance. The authors show a good grasp of both science and theology, something rare these days, although, as the authors show, not quite so rare among the earlier scientists. This is a well-presented and much-needed contribution to the discussion about the so-called conflict between religion and science, although it is perplexing that Stanley Jaki's The Savior of Science (Regnery Gateway, 1988), which already made the same point, and at a more sophisticated level, is not mentioned. For lay readers and specialists alike.
Augustine J. Curley, Newark Abbey, N.J.
Copyright 1994 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Pearcey and Thaxton deliver what they call a more accurate portrayal of the progress of science by . . . recognizing the influence of Christianity on science. Refuting the popular impression that great discoveries were made despite or in refutation of Christian beliefs, rather than within the framework of religious and philosophical ideas, the authors show the influence of the medieval church upon scientific advancement, and demonstrate that Newton, Descartes, and others were working to prove or expand upon their religious principles. Moving from history to contemporary scientific thinking as it relates to or contests religious thinking, their story is interesting, but not as free of polemics as they assert. Denise Perry Donavin

Edition details

• Publisher: Crossway
• Publication date: 1994
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0891077669
• ISBN 13: 9780891077664
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 304