Science, Faith, and Ethics: Grid or Gridlock?

Molecular biologist Alexander and geophysicist White are comfortably committed to both their Christian faith and their scientific fields, so this book is not so much a work of standard Christian apologetics as a defense of both science and "robust theism," with a plea for mutual understanding on both sides. The authors argue that Christianity and the natural sciences share many intellectual perspectives, and that accounts of controversy between science and faith have been overblown. At the same time, the Cambridge University scientists resist most attempts to read deep religious significance into scientific issues. They decry "the ways in which scientific theories, particularly the 'grand theories' of science, have been used for ideological purposes," instead encouraging readers to engage science on its own terms. On the ethical front, the authors address issues like human cloning, global climate change and creation/evolution controversies. There is a British flavor to some of their observations; American readers especially may question their assurance that "there is really no need for evolution to be a hot issue for Christians, or for anyone else for that matter, in the twenty-first century" even as the issue heats up in the States. Overall, the book achieves an impressive balance between thorough research and readability, and should find a ready audience among students of science. (Feb.)