Karl Giberson and Mariano Artigas, Oracles of Science: Celebrity Scientists Versus God and Religion. Softcover, 274 pp., ISBN: 0-19-531072-6, 2007 Oxford University Press. (Amazon: $29.60) PSCF Review

The authors make a good case for how the misuse of science to advance philosophical and quasi-religious or antireligious ideas fails to reckon with the limitations of science. It is the polemics of these oracles and their chief antagonists, couched in what purports to be “scientific language” that obscure rather than illuminate the complex nature and meanings of human existence. The book is highly recommended.--PSCF Review

Giberson has been on the physics faculty of Eastern Nazarene College, director of the Forum on Faith and Science at Gordon College, and co-director of the Venice Summer School on Science & Religion. The late Mariano Artigas held doctorates in physics and philosophy.

___________________________________________

Mathematics/Statistics

Andrew M. Hartley,

Christian and Humanist Foundations for Statistical Inference: Religious Control of Statistical Paradigms, Paperback, 126 pages Dec 2007. ISBN-10: 1556355491 (Amazon $18.00) Full Review

 

"Andrew Hartley, in this important and pioneering book, poses the question 'Does the Christian faith have anything distinctive to say ... about the foundations or practice of statistics as a science?' His answer is a resounding `yes!' and in this book he shows us how. As he does so he exposes and refutes the dogma that statistics is religiously neutral. If such a claim seems intriguing or even outrageous, then this book is for you. He maintains that statistics has for the most part been controlled by non-Christian, humanist beliefs. His desire is to see the Christian faith integrated with statistics; hence the descriptive, if not snappy, title of the book. Hartley claims to write for a wide audience, yet the mathematical equations may put off many humanities and arts students. This a pity; they would benefit from this excellent introduction, as Hartley writes clearly and explains the difficult mathematics well. Though there were one or two places I had to read and re-read slowly!"--Steve Bishop UK

Preaching Give a copy to your pastor

Scott E. Hoezee, Proclaim the Wonder: Engaging Science on Sunday 238 pages, ISBN: 0801091640 Baker 2003 (List $16.99, CBD: $3.99)
"This is great for ministers as well as lay-people. The first half reads fairly quickly and provides interesting perspectives from both sides of the fence. It is apparent that the
author has both a theological and scientifically- aware background. At the end are some sample sermons which may be especially good for ministers."-- Randy Given

Rev. Scott E. Hoezee is currently Director, Calvin Seminary Center for
Excellence in Preaching (2005). An ordained pastor in the Christian Reformed Church in North America he served two congregations prior to his current appointment.

Technology

Jack Clayton Swearengen, Beyond Paradise: Technology and the Kingdom of God, 364 pp., ISBN: 1-59752-842-0, 2007, Wipf and Stock Publishers, Eugene OR 97401, (List $40.00, From author $28.00 postage paid: at jcswear@sbcglobal.net).

"Jack Swearengen provides us with a sacrifice of love and insight in this valuable work. It is a
labor of love in that he boldly ventures into areas to tell us that our best Biblical principles apply to
the evaluation of science and technology. A trained engineer boldly steps out of his comfort zone
into philosophy and cultural analysis to tell us our technological and scientific
idols are failing us. He does this with passion, insight, and depth, traits often
missing in today's get-it-down-now society. I highly recommend this
book." --Dr. Robert Wauzzinski, Professor of Philosophy and Religion, Ball
State University, President of Interfacing, and author of Discerning Prometheus.

"Jack Swearengen understands technology, and he cares about it passionately. A career in weapons technology and as a university professor of engineering gives him the background to discuss issues knowledgeably and skillfully. But it is his deeply Christian passion, together with his extensive thinking, dialoguing and reading, that make this a compelling challenge. Anyone concerned about the direction of our technological society will profit."-- Tim Stafford Senior Writer, Christianity Today, author of Surprised by Jesus

"Swearengen is a Jeremiah for our times, calling on Christians to stop the idolatrous worship of science and technology. Secular values are driving innovation, reshaping the world in ways neither
environmentally nor spiritually sustainable. To counteract this, he recognizes, Christians must limit and shape technology using Biblical guidelines. Church leaders and others concerned about global warming, exhaustion of fossil fuels, human cloning, surveillance, violence, and other technology-implicated problems will find this wise and learned book a tremendous resource."--Edward Woodhouse, Professor of Science and Technology Studies, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, author of Averting Catastrophe: Strategies for Regulating Risky Technologies.

Dr. Jack Swearengen's career has included equipment design, research in materials science, and the application of science and technology to arms control and weapons dismantlement. He served as staff member, supervisor, and manager at Sandia National Laboratories, Scientific Advisor for the Secretary of Defense, and Professor and Founding Director of Engineering Programs at Washington State University in Vancouver. He was science advisor for the US delegation at the Strategic Arms Reduction Talks in Geneva, Switzerland.

hermeneutics, commentaries

James McKeown, Genesis The Two Horizons Old Testament Commentary,398 pp., ISBN-10: 0802827055, 2008, Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing
Company, (List $25.00, CBD $17.99).

"In this commentary James McKeown treats Genesis as a book of
beginnings and a foundational sourcebook for biblical theology.
He begins with exegesis of the Hebrew text, highlighting the
recurrence of key words, phrases, and themes throughout the
book. He also draws attention to passages particularly pertinent
to earlier readers either facing or returning from exile, offering
a historical context outside a solely Christian perspective.

The second half of the book unpacks the numerous theological horizons of Genesis — main unifying themes (descendants, blessing, land); key theological teachings of Genesis (creation, fall, character and image of God, life of faith); and the contribution of Genesis to theology today, including its impact on science, ecology, and feminist theology.

McKeown’s Genesis provides a solid examination of a scriptural book that reflects the struggles and
hopes of its readers — ancient and modern — and offers encouragement for their walk with God".--Eerdmans

“The world of Genesis scholarship is currently embroiled in swirling change. This book offers a
solidly evangelical rock in the midst of the turbulent flow.”--Antony F. Campbell,
Jesuit Theological College

C. John Collins, Genesis 1-4: A Linguistic, Literary, And Theological Commentary 318 pp., ISBN: 0875526195, 2006, P & R Publishing, Paperback, (List $17.99, CBD $ 14.99).

"I was privileged to read this book in manuscript form. In this commentary, Collins follows up on
his intriguing insights developed briefly in his previous book, Science and Faith: Friends of Foes?
For anyone searching for a thoughtful, informed, orthodox, and persuasive explanation of the first
four chapters of the Bible, this book is simply the best there is." --Jay W. Richards

"Collins has produced a truly scholarly and masterful exegesis of the opening chapters of
Genesis. With careful attention to the language and conventions of the text, and with an
eye towards historic Reformed theology, he argues that the narrative is an "exalted prose
narrative" that is at once historically grounded in and analogical to the ordinary human
experiences of the text's original readers. This is a useful corrective to those who insist, for example,
that the "days" of creation are "ordinary" days, as well as to those who hold that the text is merely
mythopoetic. He does this while addressing other views critically but respectfully. Whatever
position you hold on the meaning of the Biblical creation narrative, you should admire Collins' work
for both its substance and spirit."--David W. Opderbeck.

"From every standpoint—methodological and theological, structural and syntactical, linguistic and
literary, apologetic and worldview—this expository survey is a model of ‘good reading’ of the text.
Here you have a landmark treatment of Genesis 1-4 as canonical communication from God, a work of
detailed scholarship that no serious student or honest teacher will henceforth be able to ignore.”--J. I. Packer

C. John Collins (Ph.D., University of Liverpool) is professor of Old Testament at Covenant Theological Seminary. He is the author of The God of Miracles and Science and Faith.

Temper Longman III, How to Read Genesis, 192 pages, paperback, ISBN-10: 0877849439, 2005, InterVarsity Press (List: $13.00, CBD $9.99)

"Longman identifies key factors in understanding how to read the first
book of the Bible. First, he identifies its Christological goal, that "in
Genesis . . . we get the first intimations of our Redeemer" (p. 9).
Second, he sees the importance of reading Genesis in terms of the
end, or eschatology: "It is of great significance that the last two
chapters of Revelation (Rev 21-22) use language reminiscent of the
Garden of Eden to describe the time of final reunion with God. The
end brings us back to the beginning" (p. 15). And, third, he recognizes
the importance of accounting for both the human and the divine
authorship of Genesis: "While we ground our interpretation in what
we propose is the meaning of the human author, we also believe that
the divine intention can transcend that of the human author"
(p. 18; cf. 1 Pet. 1:10-11). Longman uses these interpretive goals in his
efforts to teach the reader how to read Genesis."--Rev. John Fesco.

Tremper Longman III is Robert H. Gundry Professor of Biblical Studies at Westmont College in Santa Barbara, California.

W. Robert Godfrey, God's Pattern for Creation: A Covenantal Reading of Genesis 1. 144 pages. ISBN: 087552799, 2003, P & R Publishing, Paperback. (List:$10.99, CBD: $8.99) PSCF Review

"Evangelicals often read the opening chapter of Genesis in a literal, chronological fashion
regardless of external scientific evidence which suggests otherwise. This has led to a variety
of concordistic models which satisfy only their author or a “Bible only” reading which ignores
revelation in nature. With God’s Pattern for Creation, ... offers “a fresh look at Genesis 1” based
on a covenantal approach and the literary form this covenant takes in Genesis 1.... readers
would benefit by working through his exegetical argument leading to the
conclusion that “the days of creation are figurative descriptions of the actions
of God” (p. 93). This pattern is followed in other historical sections of Scripture,
e.g., Exod. 12:42; Gen. 11:4,5; Ps. 113:5-6; Heb. 8:2, and so forth. "Godfrey views
Genesis 1 as foundational: “detailing the grand story of creation and the meaning
of creation before the entrance of sin into the world” (p. 20). He works, verse by
verse, through the text, drawing out the implications for a covenantal people—
then and now. Using internal biblical evidence alone, he brings the reader to see the value of a
topical arrangement of “days” instead of the traditional chronology. The meaning is seen in the
form as well as the scriptural text. In this the message is more fully portrayed. The freshness of
Godfrey’s writing is an antidote to the tired polemics abroad today. This well-honed work should
be read—and re-read."--PSCF

Dr. Godfrey is President of Westminster Theological Seminary California and a
church historian

"There are loads of books on all sides of the Bible/science controversy, but I can say without
exaggeration that Beyond the Firmament ought to be at the top of the required reading list. It
is down to earth and easy to grasp, giving a good summary of the scientific evidences for the
antiquity of the universe and biological evolution, and why Christians ought to care about
these things, while maintaining a faith-affirming interpretation of the Bible. Whether you agree
or disagree with the author's approach or with the evidences, there are still critical questions
that are often left un-asked, which the author does a good job of conveying to a primarily
non-technical audience. The book is particularly styled toward conservative Christians, who
tend to be the ones demanding scientific precision from ancient Biblical texts. The author, who
once held this view, has been where many Christians fear to tread -- honestly investigating the
scientific evidence of "the other side." He has returned, bringing an honest and forthright
testimony that believers don't have to choose between accepting faith or the scientific evidence
of the natural world. He holds that the Bible can be literally true (according to its intended
message), while not necessarily being scientifically accurate according to science's limited
knowledge in any given generation. ..." --Jon Tandy

Glover studied Mechanical Engineering at the University of Texas and Ocean
Engineering at Texas A&M University. He also served 10 years in the U.S. Navy
as a Deep Sea Diver and Ocean Engineer

George Murphy, The Cosmos in the Light of the Cross, 217 pages, Hardcover
Trinity Press International, Hardcover (List: $49.95, Amazon: $37.50).

"...have come to believe that theological issues are more important than scientific ones in today’s
science/faith controversies. Discussions tend to focus on scientific questions (or on biblical interpretation, which at least gets closer to the root problems) while underlying theological issues are ignored. Murphy’s The Cosmos in the Light of the Cross is therefore a welcome contribution. Murphy, a physicist, Lutheran pastor and ASA fellow, offers a theological understanding of God’s work in the world that science describes. His framework is the “theology of the cross” that was advocated by Luther (and, one could argue, by the Apostle Paul). Rather than starting with human ideas of how we think God should be (which results in idolatry), the theology of the cross looks to God’s self-revelation in Jesus Christ, especially the humiliation in which God, in Bonhoeffer’s words, “lets himself be pushed out of the world on to the cross.” As Paul pointed out, this is scandalous to human preconceptions about God, but it is consistent with the humble, self-sacrificing love revealed in Christ. ...The book is well written, with thoughtful, biblically based theology and scientific insight. Sometimes these are cleverly combined, as when Lamarckian evolution is described as “a kind of biological works righteousness.” While the book does not require advanced scientific or theological expertise of the reader, it does require a willingness to give mature and careful thought to the issues and arguments. Those looking for a more introductory book (perhaps for a college student first considering science/faith issues) could turn to Murphy’s earlier Toward a Christian View of a Scientific World...The Cosmos in the Light of the Cross offers a promising framework for viewing God’s work in nature. Its arguments deserve consideration even by those who disagree with Murphy, and I highly recommend the book to anyone who desires to think more deeply and clearly about these issues..".--Allan H. Harvey

Dr. Murphy holds a Ph.D. in theoretical physics from Johns Hopkins and M.Div. from Wartburg Seminary. He has been a Lutheran pastor and college physics teacher.

Alister E. McGrath, The Science of God: An Introduction to Scientific Theology, 271 pages. ISBN 0-8028-2815-9, 2004. Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing Company, paperback. (List: $25.00, CBD: $17.99 ). PSCF Review

"..an introductory guide to the author's groundbreaking and highly acclaimed three-volume work
A Scientific Theology, which Religious Studies Review called "one of the best systematic
theologies to appear in some time." The Science of God aims to achieve a high degree
of explanatory clarity in a shorter introduction that is still faithful to the ideas and approach
of the original volumes, making it accessible to a wide readership. McGrath outlines the
distinctive themes of his scientific theology, explains how he developed the approach over
a period of twenty years, and describes the theological potential of the natural sciences as dialogue
partners for Christian thought. He explores the legitimacy of a scientific theology, the purpose and
place of natural theology, the foundations of theological realism, the failure of classic foundationalism, the nature of revelation, and the place of metaphysics in theology." -- Books of Distinction.

Dr McGrath is Professor of Historical Theology at Oxford University

theology, worldview

Tim Morris & Don Petcher, Science and Grace: God's Reign in the Natural Sciences, Paperback, 368 pp., ISBN: 1581345496, 2006, Crossway Books. (List: $17.99, CBD: $12.99)

"What might loving God in our scientific life look like? How is it related to being and knowing? Is it
simply being a conscientious worker—a kind and fair laboratory director? Is it related to how many
mistakes one makes in the lab? Is it witnessing at the lab bench or discussing spiritual things over coffee at scientific conferences? Is it developing arguments from science to defend the faith, encourage the church, and convince the world of God’s existence? Is it just showing that people who are good at
science can be Christians—that there is nothing about modern scientific skills that works against
heartfelt religion? Or is it just a way to earn a living? Labor well done is in general a noble thing,
and if one gives faithfully to the church, it does move the kingdom ahead. Will God welcome a believe
r who spends a lifetime in the sciences into the kingdom saying, “Well done, good and faithful
servant—who happened to be a scientist”? Or will He say, “Well done, good and faithful scientific
servant”? --Excerpted from Science and Grace

“Morris and Petcher have written an original, interesting, and well-researched book that should be
helpful to many readers, especially those who want to deepen their understanding of science and the
Reformed tradition.” --Dr. Edward B Davis, Distinguished Professor of the History of Science, Messiah
College

Tim Morris is a Professor of Biology and Dean of Science at Covenant College.
Don Petcher is a Professor of Physics and Department Chair at Covenant College.
Together Morris and Petcher teach a course at Covenant College called Science in
Perspective, which won an award in the John Templeton Foundation Science and
Religion Course Program.

ethics

Charles W. Colson and Nigel M. de S. Cameron, eds., Human Dignity in the Biotech Century: A Christian Vision for Public Policy, 252 pages. ISBN: 0830827838, 2004. InterVarsity Press, Paperback. (List $16.00, CBD $11.99), PSCF Review

"While the essays cover a wide range of issues in the development of
biotechnology, two essays caught this reviewer’s special interest: “The Biotech Revolution: Major Issues in the Biosciences” (David Prentice), and “TechnoSapiens” (Christopher Hook). Prentice’s essay provided a description of “stem cells” that was very informative. Stem cells are pluripotent in that it is possible for them to form all the tissues of the adult human body. While they are among the first cells that form in the embryo, stem cells can also be obtained from fetuses, umbilical cord blood, placenta, and virtually all adult tissues as well as from certain adult tumors. At present, it is difficult to culture these cells in the laboratory apart from their source and only a small percentage of laboratory animals into which they have been inserted have survived. Matching the stem cells with the tissue of the recipient is also a problem and at present it is anticipated that many will have to take medication to resist rejection. Prentice suggests that, while continued research is valuable, sources other than embryos would be highly preferred since they do not involve the taking of life."

"Christian reflection on these biotech developments must take into account the degree to which such
conclusions depends on natural law, legal positivism, utilitarianism, or hedonism. While these authors
could be said to take a conservative position on the issues, they raise profound and literate concerns
that should be considered. I predict that the book will become a seminal resource for scientists, individual Christians, church bodies, and politicians alike. Among graduate students in ethics, the sciences, philosophy, and theology, it would be a valuable resource for dialogue."--H. Newton Malony

Colson is founder and chairman of Prison Fellowship and the Wilberforce Forum. He also chairs the Council for Biotechnology Policy. Cameron is research professor of bioethics at Chicago-Kent College of Law and president of the Institute on Biotechnology and the Human Future. He founded the journal Ethics and Medicine in 1983, directs the Council for Biotechnology Policy (Washington, D.C

Biography