Thinking Clearly about God and Science
By David Wilkinson and Rob Frost
Monarch. 224 pages. £5.99
ISBN 1 85424 333 0
God, the Big Bang and Stephen Hawking
By David Wilkinson
Monarch. 176 pages. £5.99
ISBN 1 85424 342 X
There is a widespread opinion that a conflict between science and biblical Christianity is inevitable. These two books are an attempt to refute such an opinion. While acknowledging that our interpretation of scripture is fallible, they demonstrate that a conflict often arises from misunderstandings about the nature of science.
The first book discusses the basic relationship between science and Christianity. In simple language, it explains the provisional nature of scientific theories, the role of observations, and how one theory is succeeded by another. It thus explains how the scientific method provides ever more accurate models of the real world, while being totally unable to answer questions that are outside its scope. It includes a helpful analysis of evidence for the existence of God and the need for faith. Some problems raised by the big bang theory are described, as are some of the complex, moral questions that arise in certain areas of modern research. Simplistic solutions are avoided, as are controversial topics, such as theories of evolution and the science of consciousness. Disappointingly, the chapter of the scientific analysis of miracles is weak, as is the final chapter which includes an appeal to trust in Christ. However, the book succeeds in fulfilling most of its objectives, and may be recommended enthusiastically.
The second book is an updated edition of David Wilkinson's excellent assessment of modern cosmology. In well-written, easy to understand language, the possible origins of the universe are examined from the viewpoints of both science and the Bible. In fact, this is one of the best introductions to the big bang theory that is currently on the market. It is as thorough but far more comprehensible that Hawking's famous best-seller. Personally, I was not convinced by the author's preferred 'literary' interpretation of the biblical account of creation, but I respect the honest attempt to be faithful to the authority of Scripture in this very difficult area. Issues arising from recent developments in this rapidly advancing field of modern science are discussed in an additional chapter which has been included.
Together, these books explain what the scientific method is all about. They should encourage every one of us to acknowledge the wonder of God's creation as it is further revealed through the advances and apparatus of modern science.
