Biology Through the Eyes of Faith: Christian College Coalition Series

for Christians studying biology and struggling with conflict between what they believe and what they are asked to learn. I have a dog-eared and valuable (to me) pre-publication copy of the first edition of this book that Dr. Wright himself gave me. I was one of his students many years ago when he taught Ecology and Evolution. That book helped me immensely, although I don't think I ever properly thanked him at the time. We used it in a discussion class my senior year, and it was wonderful to be able to talk with the author, even though I eventually came to my own conclusions on the matter of creation/evolution. It's greatest strength isn't in giving you the answers, because thinking for yourself was always paramount at the Christian college where I met Dr. Wright, but the book makes it clear that these difficulties make it even more important that Christians understand the issues in order to be good stewards. I teach at a secular college now, but I'm still going to recommend this book to my students that are struggling with this issue.

Unlike someone else from Abilene, TX, I found this book to be excellent, and so did all the other people I talked with who read this book for a discussion class. Bias to me is only presenting one view and igoring all the others, which is not what Wright has done. Having investigated thoroughly, he has an opinion, which he presents calmly and respectfully. Wright's intended audience is Christians who have an interest in biology. Writing from that perspective, he goes to great links to connect with his audience and show that the current animosity between Christians and scientists, which is currently at frenzied levels in our culture, need not be. He thoroughly discusses the idea of worldviews, and how they shape our understanding of the world we live in. One of the things he does best is calmly tackle issues like evolution, allowing Christians to consider the topic from the reasoned voice of a fellow believer who understands the science well. The book's not just about evolution though. Wright also examines medical, ethical, and environmental issues, all of which involve biology and beg for well reasoned Christian perspectives in our culture. More than anything else, I suspect Wright's book has enabled hundreds (thousands?) of Christians, whether biology students or simply those interested in the subject, to develop a much stronger and more integrated faith, enjoying God's works in our world. As a parting shot... For the reviewer that talked of Wright's bias and suggested that Wright's view is that God can be found nowhere else but rural nature, I highly beg to differ. Wright was simply pointing out one place where we've stopped seeing God because we never visit anymore. Romans 1:20 certainly gives a good perspective on this. And speaking of bias, isn't your perspective that we need not be concerned with God's creation in these rural places just that -- biased?

Biology through the Eyes of Faith [BEoF] attempts to make the reader aware of the struggles that occur with someone who professes a Christian faith (primarily evangelical or fundamental [EC]) with the current understandings of biological sciences and the impact that these science have had in our world. While Wight attempts to be neutral in his approach, as with most people who are passionate with their field of expertise, his biases break through. The reader can sense how his striving for practicing of both good science and being honest to his faith can be accomplished. BEoF first introduces the reader to passion that someone in biology has for his/her profession. Wright then addresses how this person integrates his/her EC faith structure into biology and where conflicts occur. He addresses the varied EC faith/science integration approaches and attempts to identify the strengths and weakness of each. BEoF discusses many of the areas in biology that the EC community struggles; such as origins, genetic engineering, stem-cell research and the environment to name a few. BEoF attempts to be fair yet truthful to both science and faith, but Wright's own struggles and biases show through. However, this honest approach to the struggles of faith/science integration help the reader to understand the complexity of the issues and makes them aware that there is not one view accepted within EC communities. Wright's attempt to address where these conflict occur is factual and brief. Here the book turns more philosophical that science oriented. But this is it's purpose; not to be the book on "Truth" or on "Biology", but to show that strongly faith-based individuals must and can address the issues of biology and faith. If you want a book to support only one viewpoint, this is not the book. If you want a book that gives you the answers to all your questions, you will need to look elsewhere. If you want to read a book that describes the struggle in the EC community and helps to show why they must be a participant in biology, this will be a good read.

This book was balm to my soul. If you are caught between the Christian and scientific communities, you will find solace in this book. Dr Wright does an incredible job explaining different Christian perspectives on Scripture and origins. Somehow, he manages to explain each Christian viewpoint with respect even when he makes his personal view evident. More importantly, he shares the joy he finds in delighting in God's creation and seeing the qualities of God in the study of life. He extends this into how we as Christians should respond. We should of course praise God and be good stewards of creation.