The Language of Science and Faith: Straight Answers to Genuine Questions

I ordered this book along with Collins’ other book – The Language of God. I did not realize they were related but luckily read them in the correct order, meaning this book second. This book’s format was different as it could be the written record of a Q&A session that took place after the reading of The Language of God. As the introduction states, Collins became consumed by additional scientific opportunities so though he laid the format for this book, Giberson created most of the content.This causes the book to have a (slightly) different tone as Giberson seems a little more open to the possibility of positions that are not his own and he often represents all positions well. He is also clear, however, on where he stands – which is often in the territory of beliefs that would make most Christians holding traditional opinions very uncomfortable. He is a staunch supporter of evolution, but while making his argument he pokes holes in several of the misconceptions Christians claim about evolution when they argue against it (such as humans not coming from monkeys, but humans and monkeys descending from a common ancestor). As part of this, Giberson proposes non-literal interpretations of the Genesis creation account he says do not conflict with Biblical inspiration.Traditional Christian thought would claim that if Giberson’s arguments are true, it removes God from the picture and if God is not seen as necessary for creation, He may not exist. The author argues against this, claiming evolution may simply be the means God used to create. The author(s) continually claim that science and religion, by definition, do not overlap and that a proper handling of science will never speculate on the existence of God. I do think many Christians assume improper application of scientific explanations. I found the arguments compelling and would recommend the book simply because I feel many believers lack exposure to differing thought on this topic. This seems to be an issue where the mindset is that any credit given to an opposing position is a slippery slope to atheism. As a result, many Christians cannot dialogue on this topic intelligently.One weakness I observed was that early on the author tries to downplay the work of Charles Darwin. He argues that Darwin is almost a straw man used by those opposing evolution and that because Darwin’s work is so old, many scientific advances since his time have led to a science community that does not rely on or accept much of Darwin’s work with the loyalty critics claim. At the time I felt that was a convincing point that was only weakened as Giberson then went on to refer to and site Darwin many times throughout the book, seemingly discrediting his own claim.All that said, the book was insightful and thought provoking. My mind does not work in a way that leads me to easily grasp scientific thought and I do not read biology books for fun. But I do feel this is a serious enough topic that refusing to expose ourselves to a variety of information is harmful. That’s why I would recommend the book for every Christian. Not to become convinced, but simply to consider.

The Language of Science and Faith is another valuable addition to the Science/Faith conversation. It is written in a cordial fashion and identifies most of the major issues/questions that arise among Christians who seek to reconcile scientific understanding with their faith. The book does a good job of explaining the science and how this understanding might be reconciled with faith - allowing the reader to determine for themselves which explanation(s) might best fit their own views of the faith and the world. I was pleasantly surprised by the gentleness of the tone.Evolution is often pitted as the anti-thesis to Christianity. This book would serve as a great starting point for young people and also for Christian pastors to help them understand the major issues and point them in directions that actually affirm God's existence. As a trained biologist, I found the evolution conversation, while accurate, rather surface. However, I recognize that a broadly accessible book of this nature must be this way. I liked the discussion regarding the "finely tuned universe" very much. It was one the most readable descriptions I had ever encountered regarding the origin of the fundamental forces of nature, and the pivotal role of these forces and the unique chemical elements in the origin and development of life. I also liked that the authors readily acknowledge that while the fundamental evidence/mechanisms of evolution are no longer in doubt, that in no way eliminates the element of the mystery and wonder of life. For example, how/where did the first life originate on earth? The truth is that science has no clear understanding regarding this question, but as the authors plainly point out, this is a completely different question the question of how existing life develops through the process of evolution.The book offers scant theological discussion regarding how evolution might be reconciled with the most conservative, literal, or traditional theological interpretations the Bible, but I suppose that is reasonable since neither author is a theologian. Perhaps someday, some well-known and respected theological scholars will have the courage to tackle these questions. Until that day arrives when Christian theologians are willing to partner with Christian scientists, engage the realities of evolution, and articulate a theology consistent with God's entire created order, the confusion and hostility between science and faith will likely continue unabated. Will the theologians rise to the challenge? To date, such courage appears virtually non-existent. But we can always hope...

For a geneticist as renowned as Francis Collins to write a book as accessible to the non-scientist as this one is a great achievement in itself. But the particular advantage of this book over many others of the genre, is the seriousness with with it treats the biblical considerations and concerns of Christians who are keen to understand the scientific explanations of life - but not at the cost of compromising their faith. This is particularly delicate in the US, where young-earth, old-earth, and other types of creationists still vie with evolution (both theistic and atheistic) in an ongoing battle for cultural dominance. In the UK, the battle is mainly over, but the casualties are the many who have lost their faith or turned their back on science because of a perception of irreconcilability. This book, in a respectful, careful, yet lucid way, works over well-worn ground with fresh insights, and gives evidence and hope that the Bible and science can (and perhaps must) be reconciled after all. It is often a matter of interpretation - both biblically and scientifically - rather than core content, that lies at the root of much disagreement. Giberson and Collins understand and elucidate this brilliantly.

What an awesome, informative book. I have now ordered all of Francis Collin's other books. Easy to read and understand.

Straight talking. Informed and rational

I had been asked to read a book, Before the Dawn, concerning the evolution of mankind and the spread of homo sapiens out of Africa into the rest of the world. It was a fascinating read but it caused me to ask myself some difficult questions regarding my understanding of God's role in creation and His relationship with mankind. It also prompted me to delve a little deeper. Of course there are many books on this subject but for the most part they tend to adopt extreme positions. Then I found this book co-authored by Francis S Collins who was the leader of the Human Genome Project. This is a book written by an eminent scientist who has a strong Christian faith. As you might expect it is a well-reasoned explanation of the relationship between the scientific understanding of human evolution and the Christian standpoint. I would recommend it to any Christian who finds him- or herself having to confront the difficult questions of science and faith.

This is an excellent book written by world class scientists who are also Christians but who have presented their thesis in language accessible to the average layman.It will be welcomed by all but die hard Biblical literalists and gives grounds to embrace the findings of science and the Biblical accounts of (particularly) Genesis.It is a timely book, amongst others, which touches the challenge of keeping authentic faith in harmony with good science.