A fascinating exploration of the connection between science and theology.
In the early 17th century, the Galileo affair created a significant rift between science and religion. In time, this gap slowly filled in as religious views conceded to mounting scientific evidence. The chasm, however, was torn wide open once again upon Charles Darwin’s publication of On the Origin of Species in 1859. James Martin seeks to bridge the divide between science and religion by means of the thoroughly researched and thought-provoking book Revelation Through Science. Who better than an accomplished PhD chemist, well-respected politician, and long-time believer in God to tackle such a weighty subject? Through deep dives into various disciplines of science, James G. Martin rationally presents his beliefs that true science and real faith correlate harmoniously. Various images and relatable comparisons are interspersed throughout the thoroughly researched and highly detailed text, making it approachable for a wide audience. For example, most everyone has seen a screw’s threading, so likening the obvious design of the pattern of a screw to the complex helical structure of DNA makes a powerful yet lucid point.
There is a relevant verse in the Bible that says God is “understood by the things that are made.” Martin speaks with a voice of conviction and authority as he presents reasonable deductions from scientific evidence, attesting that scientific discoveries actually help believers to better understand their faith rather than pose a threat to it. Though complex aspects of astronomy, biology, chemistry, geology and physics are simplified from a technical viewpoint, even well-educated readers will need to maintain focus to fully comprehend all of the detailed facets of these topics that the author shares. While you may not agree with every argument that Martin makes, the depth of his understanding and his logical conclusions will certainly cause you to pause for thought, perhaps even leading you to reconsider long-held beliefs. Showing profound regard for both science and religion, and maintaining respect for readers’ beliefs, Revelation Through Science is a fascinating exploration of the connection between science and theology from a reasonable and fact-based position.
