Friend of Science, Friend of Faith: Listening to God in His Works and Word

A scientist explores the harmony between Christian faith and science

Though some Christians and many skeptics see science and Christianity as locked in a never-ending battle, geologist Gregg Davidson contends that there is tremendous harmony between Scripture and modern science. Many apparent conflicts arise when the Bible is interpreted apart from its literary and historical contexts, but when these are taken into account, most alleged clashes resolve.

Proceeding from a belief that Scripture is inspired and without error and that God's creation should inform how we interpret the Bible, Davidson shows that Scripture and science need not disagree on issues like the age of the earth, Adam and Eve, Noah's flood, the origin and development of life, and numerous related topics. Rather, Christians can rejoice at how God's glory is revealed in both the Bible and the natural world.

"Davidson is the best sort of friend to science and to faith. He explores the cosmos and the Scriptures with the rigorous curiosity of a scientist and the probing faith of a theologian. And as with the best of friends, Davidson challenges us to go deeper, think harder, and walk away with a fresher, fuller faith. The important questions of life and faith are always hard. Davidson makes the effort worthwhile. Here is a treasure chest of information about the world of the Bible and the world that the Bible describes." --Walter Kim, President Elect, National Association of Evangelicals

"Friend of Science, Friend of Faithis a highly engaging, step-by-step analysis not only of the compatibility, but also of the mutually-enriching interaction of mainstream science with the Bible. Brilliantly written to communicate significant biblical and scientific concepts to a general audience, I have not seen a more helpful book for those who seek clarification on how to reconcile belief in an inerrant Bible with scientific knowledge. Davidson’s gifted ability to put complex notions into simple, everyday language makes the book a joy to read and a downright fulfilling experience. If someone from a biblically conservative background with time to read only one book was to ask me for a single recommendation, this is the one I’d suggest."--Darrel R. Falk, Professor of Biology, emeritus, Point Loma Nazarene University

"Gregg Davidson has produced a remarkable book. While many writers argue that science and biblical faith are compatible, few have articulated with such clarity a method of resolving apparent conflicts between them. With the patience and sensitivity of a good teacher, Davidson begins with the Bible before debating the scientific merits of any particular claim, affirming its truth while also allowing fresh questions to add to our understanding. Finding no substantive conflict between scientific claims and Scripture, Davidson goes on to describe in accessible, engaging language what modern science has revealed concerning the origins of the universe and first life, the age of the Earth, and evolution. His love and respect for God’s Word are evidenced throughout, and his many examples drawn from history and the natural sciences reveal his love and respect for God's works. Davidson’s critiques of Creation Science and Intelligent Design are direct and insightful, intended not just to poke holes in opposing views, but always with a heart to help readers see the richness of God’s written Word and the beauty of his natural creation. This is a great book to hand to your pastor or a student."--Deborah Haarsma, President, BioLogos

"In this ambitious book, Professor Davidson aptly breaks down false dichotomies that exist between science and faith, taking the reader on a spirited expedition through history, Bible and theology, origins, and contemporary battles raging along the 'conflict thesis' fault lines. As a leader of a Christian study center at a large public university, I am grateful to have Gregg Davidson as an adept guide for this journey. Friend of Science, Friend of Faith is a greatly needed resource for the church today."--John R. Terrill, Executive Director, Upper House campus ministry

"As a campus minister at a large public university, I am all too familiar with the challenge Christian students like 'Riley' face [described in Davidson’s introduction] when confronted by apparent conflicts between Scripture and science. Other students may be hindered from embracing faith in Christ for these same reasons. Friend of Science, Friend of Faith provides a cogent and remarkably comprehensive guide seeking to resolve these conflicts. I highly recommend this book not only to students, but also to pastors, parents, educators, and others concerned about the perceived divide between faith and science. We can be friends of both. Indeed, in our complex and conflicted times, we need to be."--Ben Sanders, Director, Arizona Center for Christian Studies

"This is a book I will use to equip our congregation and educate our community. Gregg loves Christ and the church. He loves God's Word and the works of God's hand. Gregg's book testifies to his vocation: a follower of Jesus who is a scientist. "--Byron Townsend, Pastor, Grace Mid-City Church

"Does science prove or disprove the Christian faith? Neither, because the question is beyond what science can address. However, Davidson demonstrates that science and Scripture—when both are properly interpreted—display a remarkable congruence. Here is a book that takes both seriously, and it exhibits the confidence that the God who created the universe is the one who reveals himself in the Bible."--Ken Keathley, Senior Professor of Theology, Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary

" The title, Friend of Science, Friend of Faith, emphasizes the essential starting point: listening carefully to God's works and his Word. Davidson shows great sensitivity to readers who might have been taught that science and Christian faith are on a collision course. By leading readers through evidence from geoscience (Davidson's specialty), astrophysics, and biology, and a careful reading of Scripture, this book will be invaluable in helping people to see that science and Christian faith can be friends, and need never be foes."--Jeff Hardin, Chair, Department of Integrative Biology, University of Wisconsin