100 books like When Science and Christianity Meet

By David C. Lindberg (editor), Ronald L. Numbers (editor),

Here are 100 books that When Science and Christianity Meet fans have personally recommended if you like When Science and Christianity Meet. Shepherd is a community of 12,000+ authors and super readers sharing their favorite books with the world.

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Book cover of The Beginnings of Western Science: The European Scientific Tradition in Philosophical, Religious, and Institutional Context, Prehistory to A.D. 1450

James C. Ungureanu Author Of Science, Religion, and the Protestant Tradition: Retracing the Origins of Conflict

From my list on the Conflict Thesis.

Why am I passionate about this?

My first love was architecture. But while I was working as an architectural drafter in my early twenties, I began taking college courses in philosophy and religious studies. During that time, I also acquired a set of the Great Books of the Western World by Encyclopædia Britannica. I was hooked. I quit my job and became a full-time student of philosophy, religion, and history. Since then, I have seen Pascal’s maxim demonstrated in all my research. Namely, that humanity is a living oxymoron: he is like a “reed,” easily blown over. Nevertheless, the human is also a “thinking reed,” concerned with meaning, purpose, and transcendence. 

James' book list on the Conflict Thesis

James C. Ungureanu Why did James love this book?

This book holds a special place in my heart as one of the first books I encountered on the history of science and religion. Lindberg's masterful exploration of the European scientific tradition from 600 B.C. to A.D. 1450 served as my introduction to this captivating field of study. 

In many ways, I owe my journey as a historian of science to the insights gleaned from Lindberg's work. While I never had the privilege of meeting him before his passing, his scholarship continues to inspire and shape my understanding of the intricate relationship between science and religion.

For anyone embarking on their own exploration of this fascinating topic, Lindberg's book is an indispensable guide that will leave a lasting impression.

By David C. Lindberg,

Why should I read it?

2 authors picked The Beginnings of Western Science as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

When it was first published in 1992, "The Beginnings of Western Science" was lauded as the first successful attempt to present a unified account of both ancient and medieval science in a single volume. Chronicling the development of scientific ideas, practices, and institutions from pre-Socratic Greek philosophy to late-medieval scholasticism, David C. Lindberg surveyed the most important themes in the history of science, including developments in cosmology, astronomy, mechanics, optics, alchemy, natural history, and medicine. In addition, he offered an illuminating account of the transmission of Greek science to medieval Islam and subsequently to medieval Europe."The Beginnings of Western Science"…


Book cover of The Post-Darwinian Controversies: A Study of the Protestant Struggle to Come to Terms with Darwin in Great Britain and America, 1870-1900

James C. Ungureanu Author Of Science, Religion, and the Protestant Tradition: Retracing the Origins of Conflict

From my list on the Conflict Thesis.

Why am I passionate about this?

My first love was architecture. But while I was working as an architectural drafter in my early twenties, I began taking college courses in philosophy and religious studies. During that time, I also acquired a set of the Great Books of the Western World by Encyclopædia Britannica. I was hooked. I quit my job and became a full-time student of philosophy, religion, and history. Since then, I have seen Pascal’s maxim demonstrated in all my research. Namely, that humanity is a living oxymoron: he is like a “reed,” easily blown over. Nevertheless, the human is also a “thinking reed,” concerned with meaning, purpose, and transcendence. 

James' book list on the Conflict Thesis

James C. Ungureanu Why did James love this book?

When I first came across this book, I couldn't put it down. Moore examines in fine detail the fascinating world of Protestant reactions to Darwin’s theories in 19th-century Britain and America.

His exploration gripped me from the start, unraveling the complex interplay of religion, science, and society during this pivotal period. As someone intrigued by the intersection of faith and reason, this book illuminated how differing theological perspectives shaped responses to evolutionary theory.

Moore's meticulous research and engaging narrative style make this a must-read for anyone curious about the historical tensions between religion and science. Trust me, you won't want to miss this captivating journey through the post-Darwinian era.

By James R. Moore,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked The Post-Darwinian Controversies as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

The Post-Darwinian Controversies offers an original interpretation of Protestant responses to Darwin after 1870, viewing them in a transatlantic perspective and as a constitutive part of the history of post-Darwinian evolutionary thought. The impact of evolutionary theory on the religious consciousness of the nineteenth century has commonly been seen in terms of a 'conflict' or 'warfare' between science and theology. Dr. Moore's account begins by discussing the polemical origins and baneful effects of the 'military metaphor', and this leads to a revised view of the controversies based on an analysis of the underlying intellectual struggle to come to terms with…


Book cover of The Origins of Agnosticism: Victorian Unbelief and the Limits of Knowledge

James C. Ungureanu Author Of Science, Religion, and the Protestant Tradition: Retracing the Origins of Conflict

From my list on the Conflict Thesis.

Why am I passionate about this?

My first love was architecture. But while I was working as an architectural drafter in my early twenties, I began taking college courses in philosophy and religious studies. During that time, I also acquired a set of the Great Books of the Western World by Encyclopædia Britannica. I was hooked. I quit my job and became a full-time student of philosophy, religion, and history. Since then, I have seen Pascal’s maxim demonstrated in all my research. Namely, that humanity is a living oxymoron: he is like a “reed,” easily blown over. Nevertheless, the human is also a “thinking reed,” concerned with meaning, purpose, and transcendence. 

James' book list on the Conflict Thesis

James C. Ungureanu Why did James love this book?

This book resonated with me deeply.

Lightman explores the intellectual landscape of Victorian unbelief. He sheds light on the complexities of doubt and skepticism in an era marked by scientific and religious upheaval. His research and compelling analysis offer profound insights into the minds of Victorian thinkers grappling with questions of faith and reason.

As someone drawn to the intersections of philosophy and history, this book left me contemplating the nature of belief and the pursuit of truth. Whether you're an academic seeking a deeper understanding of Victorian thought or simply intrigued by the intersection of religion and philosophy, this book provides a valuable and thought-provoking exploration of a pivotal moment in intellectual history.

By Bernard Lightman,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked The Origins of Agnosticism as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

Originally published in 1987. The Origins of Agnosticism provides a reinterpretation of agnosticism and its relationship to science. Professor Lightman examines the epistemological basis of agnostics' learned ignorance, studying their core claim that "God is unknowable." To address this question, he reconstructs the theory of knowledge posited by Thomas Henry Huxley and his network of agnostics. In doing so, Lightman argues that agnosticism was constructed on an epistemological foundation laid by Christian thought. In addition to undermining the continuity in the intellectual history of religious thought, Lightman exposes the religious origins of agnosticism.


Book cover of Modern Christian Thought: The Enlightenment and the Nineteenth Century, Volume 1

James C. Ungureanu Author Of Science, Religion, and the Protestant Tradition: Retracing the Origins of Conflict

From my list on the Conflict Thesis.

Why am I passionate about this?

My first love was architecture. But while I was working as an architectural drafter in my early twenties, I began taking college courses in philosophy and religious studies. During that time, I also acquired a set of the Great Books of the Western World by Encyclopædia Britannica. I was hooked. I quit my job and became a full-time student of philosophy, religion, and history. Since then, I have seen Pascal’s maxim demonstrated in all my research. Namely, that humanity is a living oxymoron: he is like a “reed,” easily blown over. Nevertheless, the human is also a “thinking reed,” concerned with meaning, purpose, and transcendence. 

James' book list on the Conflict Thesis

James C. Ungureanu Why did James love this book?

This book offers a vital perspective on the contending theological traditions that underpin the backdrop of the "conflict thesis."

I found Livingston’s insights to be invaluable. By investigating the Enlightenment and the subsequent developments in the 19th century, Livingston provides crucial context for understanding the origins of the perceived conflict between science and religion. His meticulous analysis illuminates the divergent theological currents that shaped intellectual discourse during this period.

For anyone seeking a comprehensive understanding of the complex interplay between faith and reason, this book is essential reading. It not only enriches our understanding of the past but also sheds light on contemporary discussions surrounding science, religion, and society.

By James C. Livingston,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Modern Christian Thought as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

This widely acclaimed introduction to modern Christian thought, formerly published by Prentice Hall, provides full, scholarly accounts of the major movements and thinkers, theologians and philosophers in the Christian tradition since the eighteenth-century Enlightenment, together with solid historical background and critical assessments.


Book cover of Where the Conflict Really Lies: Science, Religion, and Naturalism

Tom Rudelius Author Of Chasing Proof, Finding Faith: A Young Scientist’s Search for Truth in a World of Uncertainty

From my list on why a scientifically-minded person can believe in God.

Why am I passionate about this?

I am a theoretical physicist and a practicing Christian. I was raised in a very loving but nonreligious household, and I didn’t seriously consider the possibility of God’s existence until I was a college student, when my twin brother came to faith and started to talk with me about it. In my subsequent journey to faith and the years thereafter, I read a number of books that changed my perspective on religion and convinced me that I could believe in God without compromising on my scientific view of the world. Chasing Proof, Finding Faith is the story of the journey I took, and the strange new world of faith I found on the other side.

Tom's book list on why a scientifically-minded person can believe in God

Tom Rudelius Why did Tom love this book?

I read this book when I was a grad student in physics at Harvard and a recent convert to Christianity.

The book was instrumental in shaping the way that I thought about the relationship between science and faith. In it, Plantinga lays out a compelling argument that despite their superficial concord, atheism, and science are actually in conflict with one another, and despite their superficial conflict, theism and science actually share a deep harmony with one another.

By Alvin Plantinga,

Why should I read it?

2 authors picked Where the Conflict Really Lies as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

This book is a long-awaited major statement by a pre-eminent analytic philosopher, Alvin Plantinga, on one of our biggest debates - the compatibility of science and religion. The last twenty years has seen a cottage industry of books on this divide, but with little consensus emerging. Plantinga, as a top philosopher but also a proponent of the rationality of religious belief, has a unique contribution to make. His theme in this short book is that the conflict
between science and theistic religion is actually superficial, and that at a deeper level they are in concord.

Plantinga examines where this conflict…


Book cover of Scientists of Faith: Forty-Eight Biographies of Historic Scientists and Their Christian Faith

Peter Bussey Author Of Signposts to God: How Modern Physics and Astronomy Point the Way to Belief

From my list on science and religion with mutual support.

Why am I passionate about this?

I have been intrigued by science since childhood, especially astronomy, and I became a university academic, teaching physics to students and researching in experiments with elementary particles. I was raised in a Christian family and have maintained my faith. I don’t find any real issues with science–it shows how clever God was in creating the universe! At the same time, I know many people have difficulties in this area. My book was written to help them, and I think the recommended books will help them, too.

Peter's book list on science and religion with mutual support

Peter Bussey Why did Peter love this book?

I always feel that personal stories are the best recommendation for what people believe. Dan Graves gives us many prominent scientists who were at the same time sincere Christian believers.

They lived over many centuries and worked in various scientific fields, making some of the most important discoveries. Some were Catholics; some were protestants. I think this is a very readable book, and if anyone ever tries to say that a good scientist can’t be a Christian or the other way around, it provides complete proof that this is untrue.

By Dan Graves,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Scientists of Faith as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

Scientists Of Faith


Book cover of God Speaks Science: What Neurons, Giant Squid, and Supernovae Reveal About Our Creator

Lowell W Busenitz Author Of Soul Work: Finding God in Your Entrepreneurial Pursuits

From my list on growing your faith at work.

Why am I passionate about this?

I have long been passionate about helping people connect with God through their work. After graduating from college, I worked in full-time minister for six years and then became an entrepreneur. Was I dropping off a spiritual cliff by leaving full-time ministry? I later pursued my PhD and became a professor. At the University of Oklahoma, I became a top researcher and co-founded the Center for Entrepreneurship. The impact of work on my faith has long been an important issue for me. I ultimately gained valuable insights from God that enhanced my spiritual journey. In my book, I explain the profound significance of work for knowing God. 

Lowell's book list on growing your faith at work

Lowell W Busenitz Why did Lowell love this book?

This is the most important book I have read in five years. Van Sloten helped me see that God reveals himself to me (and you) in “two books”: the Bible and the Creation. I now see that I have not taken this second book seriously enough.

Van Sloten uses the lens of science to probe more deeply into understanding our God. Through a deeper understanding of radiation therapy, our knee joints, exploring a giant squid, and seeing God’s beauty in DNA repair mechanisms, among other topics, we can learn and experience so much more about our God.

Knowing God is at the top of my list, and this book shows me how to advance up this pathway. 

By John Van Sloten,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked God Speaks Science as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

A joy-filled expedition into experiencing God’s majestic, everywhere presence.

DNA, the Danube River, and deep-sea life. Knees and trees. The Swiss Alps, songbirds, and supernovas. God speaks though His creation. And you don’t have to be naturally gifted at biology, chemistry, or physics to be awakened to His wisdom and majesty. Pastor, teacher, and non-scientist John Van Sloten invites us to know God more deeply as we marvel at the complexities of His amazing creation.

Knowing God through His written Word enables us to know Him more clearly through His creational Words. How does God speak through His creation, and…


Book cover of Indescribable: 100 Devotions About God and Science

Amy Houts Author Of God's Earth Is Something to Fight for

From my list on Christian Earth Day books for kids.

Why am I passionate about this?

As the author of 100+ children’s books, I work mainly on assignment for educational and faith-based publishers. But when I’m freelancing, I want the topic to be something I’m passionate about. Being married to a science teacher, we often discuss science issues. After having grandchildren, I wondered, what type of planet are we going to leave them? Our grandchildren are aware and concerned about severe weather patterns. I asked myself, what can I do? Plus, I wanted to write through the lens of my faith. I wrote my picture book, God’s Earth is Something to Fight For, to instill hope and give practical ways for children to help save Earth.

Amy's book list on Christian Earth Day books for kids

Amy Houts Why did Amy love this book?

The devotional book, Indescribable, is engaging way to show kids how our world (science) and God are connected in the most wonderful way.

Including a Bible verse, nonfiction information, a closing prayer and a “Be Amazed” sidebar, topics include space, earth, and animals. For example, after quoting Isaiah, “He calls the stars by name,” the author gives facts about the stars. Then Mr. Giglio says “But do you know what’s even more astonishing and wonderful?

That same God who knows the stars’ names also knows your name.” What a great introduction to God’s world from a Biblical perspective for 6-10-year-olds.

By Louie Giglio, Nicola Anderson (illustrator),

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Indescribable as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it. This book is for kids age 6, 7, 8, and 9.

What is this book about?

Discover the wonders of the universe with the Creator. Based on Louie Giglio's popular messages "Indescribable" and "How Great Is Our God," Indescribable: 100 Devotions About God and Science will help kids discover the incredible creation of our indescribable God.

Indescribable displays the majesty of creation with scientific findings, photography, and original illustrations. Children who are fascinated with the world around them, nature, and the earth will deepen their faith as they explore God's Word. These 100 devotions encourage awe and appreciation for God's creativity with an in-depth look at these categories:

space, galaxies, planets, and stars Earth, geology, oceans,…


Book cover of Inventing the Universe: Why we can't stop talking about science, faith and God

Peter Bussey Author Of Signposts to God: How Modern Physics and Astronomy Point the Way to Belief

From my list on science and religion with mutual support.

Why am I passionate about this?

I have been intrigued by science since childhood, especially astronomy, and I became a university academic, teaching physics to students and researching in experiments with elementary particles. I was raised in a Christian family and have maintained my faith. I don’t find any real issues with science–it shows how clever God was in creating the universe! At the same time, I know many people have difficulties in this area. My book was written to help them, and I think the recommended books will help them, too.

Peter's book list on science and religion with mutual support

Peter Bussey Why did Peter love this book?

Alister McGrath is one of the most readable authors on difficult areas. Here, he deals with some very general issues of religious faith in a scientific age and addresses the personal side of the equation.

Religion won’t go away, and McGrath tells us how and why this is so, bringing in some important philosophical questions that he explains in a very down-to-earth way. Whether we realize it or not, we all have a personal philosophy, and science and faith can help each other. I found it hard to put this book down.

By Alister McGrath,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Inventing the Universe as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

We just can't stop talking about the big questions around science and faith. They haven't gone away, as some predicted they might; in fact, we seem to talk about them more than ever. Far from being a spent force, religion continues to grow around the world. Meanwhile, Richard Dawkins and the New Atheists argue that religion is at war with science - and that we have to choose between them.

It's time to consider a different way of looking at these two great cultural forces. What if science and faith might enrich each other? What if they can together give…


Book cover of Oracles of Science: Celebrity Scientists Versus God and Religion

Brendan Sweetman Author Of Evolution, Chance, and God: Understanding the Relationship Between Evolution and Religion

From my list on religion, evolution, and chance.

Why am I passionate about this?

I'm a teacher, philosopher, writer, Professor of Philosophy, and holder of the Sullivan Chair in Philosophy at Rockhurst University, Kansas City, Missouri, USA. I'm the author/editor of sixteen books on such topics as religion and science, religion and politics, contemporary European philosophy, and political philosophy. I'm particularly interested in how religion and science, especially evolution, can be shown to be compatible with each other, as well as in developing an argument that there is no chance operating in nature (including in biology). My book and the books below explore these fascinating topics from almost every possible angle, and should whet readers’ appetites for further thinking about these intriguing matters!

Brendan's book list on religion, evolution, and chance

Brendan Sweetman Why did Brendan love this book?

There are a group of leading thinkers in science and religion who simultaneously provoke fertile thought in their readers and irritate them at the same time! This group includes biologists Stephen Jay Gould, Richard Dawkins, and Edward O. Wilson, and physicists Carl Sagan, Stephen Hawking, and Steven Weinberg, who have become public intellectuals, articulating a much larger vision for science and what role it should play in the modern worldview. The scientific prestige and literary eloquence of each of these thinkers combines to transform them into what can only be called oracles of science. Curiously, these thinkers create a very misleading and culturally damaging impression that science as a whole is incompatible with religion. Giberson and Artigas offer an informed analysis of their views, carefully distinguishing science from philosophy and religion in the writings of the oracles. Overall, the book is a great introduction to many of the fascinating questions…

By Karl Giberson, Mariano Artigas,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Oracles of Science as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

Oracles of Science examines the popular writings of the six scientists who have been the most influential in shaping our perception of science, how it works, and how it relates to other fields of human endeavor, especially religion. Biologists Stephen Jay Gould, Richard Dawkins, and Edward O. Wilson, and physicists Carl Sagan, Stephen Hawking, and Steven Weinberg, have become public intellectuals, articulating a much larger vision for science and what role
it should play in the modern worldview. The scientific prestige and literary eloquence of each of these great thinkers combine to transform them into what can only be called…


Book cover of The Beginnings of Western Science: The European Scientific Tradition in Philosophical, Religious, and Institutional Context, Prehistory to A.D. 1450
Book cover of The Post-Darwinian Controversies: A Study of the Protestant Struggle to Come to Terms with Darwin in Great Britain and America, 1870-1900
Book cover of The Origins of Agnosticism: Victorian Unbelief and the Limits of Knowledge

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