Science and its Limits - the Natural Sciences in Christian Perspective

SCIENCE AND ITS LIMITS: The natural sciences in Christian perspective
By Del Ratzsch
IVP. 189 pages. £9.90
ISBN 0 85111 466 0

Although this is a revised and expanded second edition of The Philosophy of Science (IVP, 1986), it is much more useful than the old edition.

The first part contains chapters on: What is science? - what it can and cannot tell us, and where science seems to challenge Christian beliefs. Then there is a lucid and critical run-down of the philosophy of science since the 1960s - probably the clearest in short summary that is in print anywhere.

The biggest improvement is in two new chapters. Firstly a long one on design arguments that is right up to date with discussion of Phillip Johnson, Behe and Dembski. The other is headed: Speaking the Truth in Love. It includes a critical but constructive appraisal of Creationist arguments, particularly in America. Ratsch is always fair and tries to help rather than merely find fault. He gives a similar treatment to Donald Mackay and 'complementary' arguments in an earlier section.

Altogether it is a very useful book for the whole Science and Faith discussion, eminently readable and concise.

Oliver Barclay

© Evangelicals Now - September 2000
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• Science and its Limits - the Natural Sciences in Christian Perspective
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