Understanding scientific theories of origins : cosmology, geology, and biology in Christian perspective / Robert C. Bishop, Larry L. Funck, Raymond J. Lewis, Stephen O. Moshier, John H. Walton.
Scripture Index. List of Tables -- List of Sidebars -- Abbreviations -- Introduction -- Biblical and Theological Perspectives on the New Creastion, Creation Care, and Science Education -- 1 Principles and Methods of Biblical Interpretation -- 2 A Comprehensive Doctrine of Creation and Implications for Scientific Study -- 3 Knowledge and Faith in Pursuing Origin Questions -- 4 Creation Through the Lenses of Science and Theology -- COSMIC ORIGINS -- 5 Cosmic Origins: Genesis 1:1 - 2:4 -- 6 Electromagnetic Radiation and the Scale of the Universe -- 7 The Expanding Universe -- 8 The Big Bang Model and Contemporary Cosmology -- 9 Lives and Deaths of Stars and Fine-Tuning -- 10 Biblical and Theological Perspectives on the Origins of the Universe -- ORIGIN AND GEOLOGIC HISTORY OF EARTH -- 11 Origin of the Earth and Solar System -- 12 Historical Roots of Geology: Catastrophism and Uniformitarianism -- 13 The Genesis Flood -- 14 The Rock Cycle and Timescales of Geologic Processes -- 15 Rocks of Ages: Measuring Geologic Time -- 16 Plate Tectonics: A Theory for How the Earth Works -- 17 Reading Earth's History in Rocks and Fossils -- 18 Biblical and Theological Perspectives on Earth History -- ORIGIN OF LIFE ON EARTH -- 19 From Spontaneous Generation to Abiogenesis -- 20 Prebiotic Chemistry: Preparing the Primordial Soup -- 21 Biological Information: Proteins and Nucleic Acids -- 22 Alternative Scenarios for Life's Origin -- 23 Biblical and Theological Perspectives on the Origin of Life -- ORIGIN OF SPECIES AND DIVERSITY IN LIFE -- 24 Development of the Theory of Evolution -- 25 The Modern Synthesis of Evolution -- 26 Exploring the Evidence about Evolution: Phylogeny and Fossils -- 27 Development of an Extended Synthesis of Evolution -- 28 Biblical and Theological Perspectives on the Image of God -- CONCLUDING POSTCRIPT -- 33 Biblical and Theological Perspectives on the New Creastion, Creation Care, and Science Education -- Glossary -- Image Credits -- General Index -- Scripture Index.
Summary:
The question of origins remains a stumbling block for many. But just as the Psalmist gained insight into God's character through the observation of nature, modern scientific study can deepen and enrich our vision of the Creator and our place in his creation. In this often contentious field Bishop, Funck, Lewis, Moshier, and Walton serve as our able guides. Based on over two decades of teaching origins together in the classroom, the authors present a textbook exploring mainstream scientific theories of origins in astronomy, cosmology, chemistry, geology, biology, physical anthropology, and genetics. While many authors engage origins from a Christian perspective, this is the first work offering a full-fledged discussion of the scientific narrative of origins from the Big Bang through humankind, from biblical and theological perspectives accessible to a lay audience. Topics include Principles of biblical interpretation ; Close readings of relevant Genesis texts ; A comprehensive Trinitarian doctrine of creation ; Cosmic origins ; The geologic history of Earth ; The origin of life on Earth ; The origin of species and diversity of life ; Human origins ; New creation and creation care ; and Science education. Rather than the familiar scenario where science and faith compete, this book seeks to diffuse tensions by taking the inspiration and authority of the Bible seriously while respecting and honoring God's revelation through creation. Understanding Scientific Theories of Origins gives the reader a detailed picture of the sciences of origins along with how they fit into the story of God's creative and redemptive action. -- back cover
This resource is supported by the Institute of Museum and Library Services under the provisions of the Library Services and Technology Act as administered by State Library of Iowa.