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

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.


About the Author
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.