This guide is meant to be an instrument for faith communities to become places where scientific engagement is welcome rather than ignored or feared.
This study is divided into 5 sessions, each featuring Bible verses that can be used to provide insight into modern scientific topics and background information on the topics from scientists, theologians, and philosophers that includes numerous references and footnotes if individuals desire more in-depth study. Questions for discussion are provided at the end of each chapter to foster collective learning. Whereas there are no quick or easy answers for topics raised in these sessions, it is hoped that the scientific information provided and scriptures to consider will provide insight.
Drew Crain is Professor of Biology at Maryville College in East Tennessee. Passionate about his undergraduate students, Drew has won the "Teacher of the Year" award several times and can often be found teaching and leading hikes in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Dr. Crain's main area of research is focused on environmental health, but recently his scholarly activities have turned to the compatibility of science and Christianity. Drew is active in his local church, where he has served as elder, pastoral council member, and Bible study teacher for the past 20 years.
Praise for Science & Christianity: Past, Present, and Future
"This stimulating study is premised upon an important but neglected insight: Christianity and the sciences are not representative of two different, opposing ways of knowing. Rather, Christianity combines both a rational, empirical mode of knowing with a personal, mythical one. Consequently, a scientifically-informed Christianity is a robust and strong Christianity that can motivate rich and deep science." -Justin L. Barrett, Chief Project Developer, Office for Science, Theology, and Religion Initiatives, Fuller Theological Seminary
"In this technical, yet completely readable, little volume, Drew Crain invites us to engage both our hearts and our minds at the intersection of faith and science. Drawing extensively from Scripture, biblical scholarship, and his own considerable scientific expertise, he has written an outstanding devotional to help guide the rest of us through these critical issues. Very satisfying." -Vernon W. Bauer, Professor and Chair of Biology, Francis Marion University"Dr. Crain's study guide gets to the heart of a much-needed discussion within our culture and churches. The scope and breadth of this material shows that the "perceived" divide between science and Christianity both can and should be bridged. In these increasingly complex days, the time for dialogue is now and this guide helps point the way." -Bill Booth, Senior Pastor, First Baptist Church, Maryville, Tennessee
