Why Science and Faith Need Each Other: Eight Shared Values That Move Us Beyond Fear - Paperback

by Elaine Howard Ecklund (Author)

Science and faith are often seen as being in opposition. In this book, award-winning sociologist Elaine Howard Ecklund questions this assumption based on research she has conducted over the past fifteen years. She highlights the ways these two spheres point to universal human values, showing readers they don't have to choose between science and Christianity.

Breathing fresh air into debates that have consisted of more opinions than data, Ecklund offers insights uncovered by her research and shares her own story of personal challenges and lessons. In the areas most rife with conflict--the origins of the universe, evolution, climate change, and genetic technology--readers will find fascinating points of convergence in eight virtues of human existence: curiosity, doubt, humility, creativity, healing, awe, shalom, and gratitude. The book includes discussion questions for group use and to help pastors, small group leaders, and congregants broach controversial topics and bridge the science-faith divide.

Back Jacket

Why You Don't Have to Choose between Science and Faith

"Ecklund's world-class research sheds light on the views of scientists and people of faith. Now this handy book brings together her scholarly insights and personal stories, showing how science and Christianity intersect in constructive, even beautiful ways. Perfect for pastors, campus ministers, scientists who are Christians, and small group discussion."
--Deborah Haarsma, astronomer; president of BioLogos

"As a leader of a faith community, I wish every one of my parishioners would read this book and take it to heart. I highly recommend it!"
--Tom Nelson, senior pastor, Christ Community Church; president, Made to Flourish; author of Work Matters and The Economics of Neighborly Love

"Ecklund has written a thoughtful and spirited treatise. She just might be the Brené Brown of the science and faith world."
--Juanita Rasmus, senior pastor of St. John's Church, Houston, Texas; author of Learning to Be

"Ecklund, a world-class scholar in the sociology of science and religion, has given a gift to those who see science and Christian faith as mutually enhancing. Ecklund shows us how to live out key virtues for effectively integrating faith and science. I highly recommend this thoughtful and beautiful book!"
--Greg Cootsona, Chico State University; co-director of Science for the Church; author of Mere Science and Christian Faith

"What a timely and excellent book! The science-faith conversation is not new, but Ecklund's perspective on it is fresh, important, and a must-read. This book goes well beyond the data of the science-faith conversation and offers an image of thoughtful and reflective Christian faith."
--Praveen Sethupathy, Center for Vertebrate Genomics, Cornell University

"Ecklund's passion for the 'ministry of science' is palpable throughout. She helps us see how faith and science are not opposing forces. A timely book--one for which I am deeply grateful."
--Korie Edwards, Ohio State University

Author Biography

Elaine Howard Ecklund (PhD, Cornell University) is professor of sociology at Rice University in Houston, Texas, where she founded the Religion and Public Life Program and holds the Herbert S. Autrey Chair in Social Sciences. Ecklund has written five books, including Science vs. Religion: What Scientists Really Think (named "Book of the Year" on religion in 2010 by HuffPost). She speaks regularly at churches about the intersection of science and spirituality, and her research is frequently cited by US and international media. Ecklund was named as one of "50 Women to Watch" by Christianity Today and has been featured in venues such as NPR, the Washington Post, USA Today, the National Association of Evangelicals, Wall Street Journal, Publishers Weekly, BioLogos, Religion News Service, and HuffPost.