By its own admission, Nature’s Witness: How Evolution Can Inspire Faith by Daniel M. Harrell, is a book that may raise more questions than it answers. Such is often the case when one discusses theology. Nature’s Witness is part of the “Living Theology” series, a cooperative effort between Emergent Village and Abingdon Press. The goal of the series is to make theology approachable and to encourage conversation.
At times Nature’s Witness reads like a biblical commentary, and at other times like a science lesson. Harrell succeeds in making both of these genres accessible, partly by relating anecdotes about his attempts to convey his ideas about God and evolution to his Aunt Bernice and his friend, Dave. In addition to adding a bit of comic relief, Aunt Bernice and Dave keep the language from getting too scholarly.
Harrell explores faith and science and makes a convincing argument that the two are not only compatible, but complementary. It is not necessary to believe in either God or science. “The Lord may work in mysterious ways, but he also works in ways that science describes, ways that make perfect sense.” I would have preferred that the author avoid always referring to God as masculine, but I was willing to overlook that to enjoy the book’s offerings.
Although I admit that before I read the book I already agreed with Harrell’s conclusion that faith and science are compatible, (as a scientist by training who is now writing in the realm of Christian Education…) I still enjoyed reading his thoughts on the subject. Suitable for personal reading or group discussion, Nature’s Witness is sure to raise questions and spark conversation, thereby achieving its goal.
~Sally Hoelscher