Additional Resources

In addition to the myriad free resources available through Scientists in Congregations, the following is a list of book and website resources to assist in your church’s conversations about science and theology:

Important Books in Theology and Science

Laying Down Arms to Heal the Creation-Evolution Divide Gary N. FugleBattles over creation or evolution have been perpetuated for years by vocal Christians and scientists alike. But conflict has never been the only choice. Laying Down Arms to Heal the Creation-Evolution Divide presents a comprehensive, uplifting alternative that brings together an orthodox, biblical view of a sovereign Creator-God and the meaningful discoveries of modern evolutionary biology.

The Language of Science and Faith: Straight Answers to Genuine Questions Karl Giberson and Francis CollinsAn introductory overview of the major concerns for churches in approaching science. Giberson and Collins give accessible responses and strong suggestions for further inquiry. Great for churches beginning the dialogue, especially if a concern is evolution.

Creation and Last Things: At the Intersection of Theology and Science Gregory S. CootsonaAn introductory text designed for small groups in churches, Cootsona’s short book provides a survey of major themes in science and the theological implications they have for Christian life. The book covers developments in cosmology, the theory of biological evolution, and scientific perspectives on the end of the universe. Perfect for churches who want to work through an introductory text written by a pastor with church education in mind.

Surprised by Meaning: Science, Faith, and How We Make Sense of Things Alister McGrathAn introductory overview to the human impulse to make sense of the world, and how it forms the foundation for both science and faith. Excellent for churches wanting to better understand how science works and how to best approach the overall topic.

Belief in God in an Age of Science John PolkinghorneAn intermediate overview of the science and faith intersection, with discussion of cosmology, physics and other topics which relate to theological questions. The book primarily describes Polkinghorne’s strategy for developing harmony between science and faith, and the kinds of research questions that need exploration. Great for churches who want to be introduced to how an advanced thinker approaches this topic.

Quantum Leap: How John Polkinghorne Found God in Science and Religion Dean Nelson and Karl GibersonA biographical look at Polkinghorne’s life and work, Nelson and Giberson use his story as a lesson on how to discover and celebrate both science and faith in Christian life. More personal than most science and faith books, this is a great text exploring the intimate details of those who have found the greatest harmony between these subjects. Extremely useful for churches wanting a more personal look at the science and faith conversation.

The Luminous Web: Essays on Science and Religion Barbara Brown TaylorWritten by an Episcopal priest and professor at Columbia Theological Seminary, Taylor has written a very short book that provides a personal journey of her own attempt to come to terms with science. Each short essay has her providing an accessible overview of a topic and then drawing theological insights. Excellent for more mainline churches interested in devotional reflections on the discoveries of science.

Cosmos as Creation: Theology and Science in Consonance Ed. Ted PetersAn early collection of essays from the original leaders in the science and theology research program, this text provides very accessible essays that show how different scholars approach looking at the cosmos as both an object of scientific study and God’s creation. Each topic is different, but they work together to show the harmony of science and theology studying God and God’s creation together. Perfect for churches looking to study science and theology mutually-informing each other.

The Big Questions in Science and Religion Keith WardKeith Ward provides a major discussion of many of the leading science and faith questions. He presents each topic in the form of both a scientific question and a theological question. His discussion of each question attempts to give a historical overview of the topic, a description of the various positions, and the arguments in favor of them. The discussion is an intermediate-level analysis. Great for churches that are comfortable with academic discussion of topics and are ready for a mid-level introduction to the science and religion conversation.

Science and the Spiritual Quest: New Essays by Leading Scientists Eds. W. Mark Richardson, Robert J. Russell, Philip Clayton and Kirk Wegter-McNellyAn advanced-level collection of various topics by leading scholars in the science and religion field. Very useful for churches that want to branch out into advanced study on more uncommon science and religion topics, including Islam, computer science and Jewish mysticism.

The Spirit in Creation and New Creation: Science and Theology in Western and Orthodox Realms Michael WelkerEasily the most diverse collection of essays on science and theology, this advanced-level set of readings explores many scientific topics from several different Christian faith traditions, including Russian Orthodox, Roman Catholic, Greek Orthodox, and Pentecostal. The authors are from around the world, and provide rich discussions on physics, biology, psychology, sociology, theology, and mathematics. Perfect for churches looking for advanced discussion from the whole spectrum of Christian denominations and traditions.

Other Theology and Science Website Resources

The Biologos Forum: I Have a Friend Who Believes Science Disproves Faith Is Christianity anti-science? Can Christians be good scientists? Is science the only source of true knowledge? Pastor Dave Gustavsen of Jacksonville Chapel addresses these questions and more in this post adapted from a sermon originally delivered at Jacksonville Chapel on January 18, 2015.

The BioLogos Pastor Resource Center Videos, sermons, blog posts, and scholarly articles are grouped by topic. You’ll find sermons and articles from John Ortberg and Tim Keller, videos of NT Wright and of John Walton discussing the interpretation of Scripture, blog posts on the historical Adam and original sin, and a host of other materials on evolutionary creation. Pastors who are new to the topics will find introductory overviews, and those who are familiar with the basics will find more in-depth resources.

The BioLogos Foundation BioLogos was founded by Francis Collins before he became the Director of the National Institutes for Health. BioLogos is a community of evangelical Christians committed to exploring and celebrating the compatibility of evolutionary creation and biblical faith, guided by the truth that “all things hold together in Christ.” [Colossians 1:17] On this site you will find a wealth of resources (including grant programs) for congregational life and learning.

Elaine Howard Ecklund Elaine Howard Ecklund is the Herbert S. Autrey Chair Professor of Sociology, director of The Religion and Public Life Program, and director of The Boniuk Institute for the Study and Advancement of Religious Tolerance at Rice University, where she is also a Rice Scholar at the Baker Institute for Public Policy. Over the next several years, Elaine’s research will explore how scientists in several national and regional contexts understand religion, ethics, and gender.

Author of Life Author of Life’s team of a biology instructor, a school chaplain, and a scientist in conjunction with 9th AVENUE Studios will produce a multimedia curricula for Christian high school students. This series will encourage students to think about the relationship between their faith in the God of the Bible and the process of Evolution Through short films and written curricula, we hope to facilitate discussion on this important topic.

James Gregory’s Public Lectures Here are all of the videos that James Gregory public lectures has uploaded to Vimeo. Appearances are videos that James Gregory public lectures has been credited in by others.

Old Earth Ministries Welcome to Old Earth Ministries (formerly Answers In Creation). We keep a watchful eye on young earth creation ministries, and provide answers to their bad scientific claims. Many people have rejected Christianity because of young earth creationism. A proper understanding of the Bible and science shows that you can be a Christian and believe in an old earth.

The International Society for Science and Religion Library Project Here you will find one of the most extensive annotated bibliographies on religion and science available online. Titles are organized by topic and tradition with helpful introductory essays to each volume listed.

Big Questions Online This site is sponsored by the John Templeton Foundation and aims to explore Big Questions of human purpose and ultimate reality and to foster thoughtful discussion of those topics. It feature essays by leading thinkers and writers and invites the readers to join in an author-led discussion. After the discussion closes, authors post follow-up remarks to address insights or new questions raised by the conversation. You will find the range of topics discussed to be directly relevant to congregational life.

Test of Faith: Introductory Resources from the Faraday Institute for Science and Religion This site contains a treasure trove of introductory resources. Along with the introductory video series Test of Faith, you will find a wide range of supplemental resources from the Faraday Institute for use in congregations.

Science and Religion Today A wonderful collection of current articles, blogs, essays, and media on a wide variety of topics relevant to making the connections between science and religion.

The American Scientific Affiliation: A Network of Christians in the Sciences This web site provides access to religion and science resources for all ages on topics across the scientific disciplines.

The Center for Theology and the Natural Sciences Robert Russell, Founder and Director of CTNS, claims that we cannot “allow science and religion to be seen as adversaries, for they will be locked in a conflict of mutual conquest, such as ‘creation science’ which costs religion its credibility or ‘scientific materialism’ which costs science its innocence…it is time to begin a new and creative interaction between theology and science.” While more academically oriented, this site contains a valuable collection of resources for congregations.

Counterbalance Counterbalance is a non-profit educational organization working to promote the public understanding of science, and how the sciences relate to ethical and religious concerns. The site seek to provide resources that will enable individuals, the academic community, and society as a whole to benefit from a struggle toward integrated and counterbalanced responses to the complex questions that arise where these areas overlap.

Closer to Truth: Cosmos, Counciousness, God On this site you will find a library of media on a wide range of topics, themes, and questions in religion and science. Closer To Truth explores fundamental issues of universe, brain/mind, religion, meaning and purpose through intimate, candid conversations with leading scientists, philosophers, scholars, theologians and creative thinkers of all kinds.

Fuller Theology, News, and Notes: Spring 2013 This edition of Fuller Seminary’s newsletter features articles relating to “Thinking Science and Christian Faith Together.”