'All scientists are atheists - hasn't science disproved religion?' It is this question that is addressed in God and the Scientists. Ten scientists of international renown write of their own experiences in the worlds of science and faith. They were chosen from a wide range of disciplines, from botany and ecology to astrophysics. The only health professionals are anatomist and ethicist Professor Gareth Jones, and respiratory physician Professor Margaret Hodson, incidentally the only woman among the ten. The linking factors are their faith in Christ, and their declaration that scientific knowledge strengthens their faith, rather than weakening it.
As Professor Colin Russell says: 'To portray Christian and scientific doctrines as persistently in conflict is not only historically inaccurate, but actually a caricature so grotesque that what needs to be explained is how it could possibly have achieved any degree of respectability. . .'
The booklet is well presented, co1ourful, and is written in a very accessible style, so you need be neither scientist nor Christian to enjoy it. There are also some short apologetic sections, dealing briefly with some of the more common objections to our faith. These are, however, quite concise, and not of much use for those wanting to go further into these issues.
In summary, this booklet is the testimony of ten leading scientists who refute the statement 'You can't be a Christian - you're a scientist'. It could be a great evangelistic tool.
Reviewed by
Phil Underwood
(Medical student, London)