Why Science and Faith Need Each Other

 “We’ve all heard the stereotypes—that all scientists are hardcore atheists or that all Christians reject science. But what do people actually think and feel about science and faith? Ecklund’s world-class research in this area sheds light on the views of scientists and people of faith. Now this handy book brings together her scholarly insights and personal stories, showing how science and Christianity intersect in constructive, even beautiful ways. Perfect for pastors, campus ministers, scientists who are Christians, and small group discussion.”—Deborah Haarsma, astronomer and president of BioLogos  
“In her excellent and insightful book, Elaine Howard Ecklund brings a desperately needed breath of grace-filled air to the suffocating and suspicious atmosphere polluting many faith communities and many science communities. In an increasingly polarized culture, few things are more important than building epistemic bridges of humility, respect, and curiosity. As a leader of a faith community, I wish every one of my parishioners would read this book and take it to heart. I highly recommend it!”—Tom Nelson, senior pastor, Christ Community Church; president, Made to Flourish; author of Work Matters and The Economics of Neighborly Love  
“What a timely and excellent book! The science/faith conversation is not new, but Elaine’s perspective on it is fresh, important, and a must-read. Through the lens of sociological data and personal experience, Elaine paints a thought-provoking and compelling picture of how both science and Christian faith, properly understood, help drive out fear of the unknown and cultivate shared virtues including humility, intellectual curiosity, and even doubt. Elaine’s voice is refreshingly honest and at times even vulnerable. This book goes well beyond the data of the science/faith conversation and offers an image of thoughtful and reflective Christian faith.”—Praveen Sethupathy, associate professor of biomedical sciences and director of the Center for Vertebrate Genomics, Cornell University  
“Elaine Howard Ecklund, a world-class scholar in the sociology of science and religion, has given a gift to those who see science and Christian faith as mutually enhancing. Don’t miss the book’s subtitle: ‘Eight Shared Values That Move Us beyond Fear.’ With her winsome illustrations and insights, Ecklund shows us how to live out key virtues for effectively integrating faith and science. I highly recommend this thoughtful and beautiful book!”—Greg Cootsona, lecturer in comparative religion and humanities, Chico State University; co-director of Science for the Church; author of Mere Science and Christian Faith  
“The contemporary Christian church is fighting against so much today and in the process we are losing one of the most profound gifts the church uniquely offers the world: community. In chapter 4, the character Jill had been left to believe that her own unique gifts of wonder and curiosity were not valued. In reality they are desperately needed; without these gifts the Christian world struggles to grasp the transformational beauty that is the mystery of the kingdom of God. Ecklund has written a thoughtful and spirited treatise. She just might be the Brené Brown of the science and faith world.”—Juanita Rasmus, senior pastor of St. John’s Church, Houston, Texas; author of Learning to Be