Daniel R. Zuidema. Chemistry. Phillipsburg, NJ: Presbyterian and Reformed Publishing, May 31st, 2016. 48 pp.
This is a booklet on a Christian worldview of the academic discipline of Chemistry that is part of the Faithful Learning Series published by Presbyterian and Reformed that provides an introductory look at various academic discipline from the perspective of the Christian worldview. This is the third book I’m reading in this series and I’m really enjoying this series.
In this particular book the author looks at the field of Chemistry theologically by utilizing the paradigm of Creation, Fall and Redemption. Beginning with creation, the author argues that Chemistry is one way we mirror the glory of God, in coming to understand and utilizing God created chemical processes. I appreciate how under the section of “Creation” the author argues that chemicals are not in of itself evil, but it is the use of it that can be used for evil. He gives us examples of things that we might thing as bad can at times have functions that are not evil. It is a good reminder that we must not be dualists who are against what is physical as Christians. Since I do not have a degree in Chemistry I appreciated the author breaking down for us the various courses in Chemistry such as organic, physical, analytical, biological, etc.
More than the other booklets in this series that I have read thus far this particular work discusses Christian sanctification in the area of studying and working in a career field involving chemistry. For example the author approaches stresses the importance of one’s identity in Christ which liberates one from feeling one has to cheat or falsifying data in order to have an identity of being successful by the world’s standard, etc. This booklet’s discussion questions makes it also a discipleship resource.
If there is one constructive criticism I would have of this book is that I wished he could have drawn more examples from the study of Chemistry. After reading an example from astronomy concerning the problem of scientism (as opposed to science) one might ask why we couldn’t have been offered an example from Chemistry given that the booklet is focused on Chemistry.
NOTE: This book was provided to me free by P&R Publishing and Net Galley without any obligation for a positive review. All opinions offered above are mine unless otherwise stated or implied.
Purchase: Amazon | P&R Publishing
Good review. I’m a biologist, so I’m interested in efforts to unite science and religion. Sometimes they’re good, and sometimes…
Robert I’m glad you’re a biologist. Great to hear Christians being a light in the academic and science field.
Reblogged this on Wings of the Wind and commented:
I have come to respect Pastor Jim’s selection of blog post. He is a welcome addition to my blog roll. Doesn’t it only make sense that as God created it all that all of the “sciences” would eventually line up with God’s Word?
Thanks Chris for reblogging this post!
You’re welcome. Your content is great. I will definitely be keeping an eye on your blog. God’s blessings…:)
Reblogged this on Talmidimblogging.
Thank you for reblogging this!
If you haven’t already, it is time to seek God with all your heart. Jesus loves you more than you could imagine. He wants to have a relationship with you and redeem you from your sins. Turn to Him and repent while there is still hope! This is forever…God bless!
Jesus came to pay a debt that we could not; to be our legal justifier to reconcile us back to a Holy God; only if we are willing to receive Him: “For the wages of sin is death…” (Romans 6:23).
God so loved the world that He gave us His only begotten son, so that whoever believes in Him, through faith, shall not perish, but have everlasting life. Jesus says if we wish to enter into life to keep the commands! The two greatest commands are to love God with all your heart, soul, strength, and mind; and your neighbor as yourself. All the law hang on these commands. We must be born of and lead by the Holy Spirit, to be called children of God, to inherit the kingdom. If we are willing to humble ourselves in prayer to Jesus, to confess and forsake our sins, He is willing to give the Holy Spirit to those who keep asking of Him; giving us a new heart, leading us into all truth!
Jesus came to free us from the bondage of sin. The everlasting fire was prepared for the devil and his angels due to disobedience to God’s law. If we do the same, what makes us any different than the devil? Jesus says unless we repent, we shall perish. For sin is the transgression of the law. We must walk in the Spirit so we may not fulfill the lusts of the flesh, being hatred, fornication, drunkenness and the like. Whoever practices such things will not inherit the kingdom (Galatians 5:16-26). If we sin, we may come before Jesus to ask for forgiveness (1 John 2:1-2). Evil thoughts are not sins, but rather temptations. It is not until these thoughts conceive and give birth by our own desires that they become sin (James 1:12-15). When we sin, we become in the likeness of the devil’s image, for he who sins is of the devil (1 John 3:8); but if we obey Jesus, in the image of God. For without holiness, we shall not see the Lord (Hebrews 12:14).
The oldest religion in the world is holiness through faith (James 1:27). What religion did Adam and Eve follow before the fall? Jesus, Who became the last Adam, what religion does He follow? Is He not holy? He never told us to follow the rituals and traditions of man but to take up our cross and follow Him (Luke 9:23). There are many false doctrines being taught leading people astray. This is why we need the Holy Spirit for discernment. Unlike religion, holiness cannot be created. It is given to us from above by the baptism of the Spirit. Jesus is more than a religion; He is about having a personal relationship with the Father. Start by reading the Gospel of Matthew, to hear the words of God, to know His character and commandments. Follow and obey Jesus, for He is the way, the truth, and the life!
Jesus came to pay a debt that we could not; to be our legal justifier to reconcile us back to a Holy God; only if we are willing to receive Him: “For the wages of sin is death…” (Romans 6:23).
God so loved the world that He gave us His only begotten son, so that whoever believes in Him, through faith, shall not perish, but have everlasting life. Jesus says if we wish to enter into life to keep the commands! The two greatest commands are to love God with all your heart, soul, strength, and mind; and your neighbor as yourself. All the law hang on these commands. We must be born of and lead by the Holy Spirit, to be called children of God, to inherit the kingdom. If we are willing to humble ourselves in prayer to Jesus, to confess and forsake our sins, He is willing to give the Holy Spirit to those who keep asking of Him; giving us a new heart, leading us into all truth!
Jesus came to free us from the bondage of sin. The everlasting fire was prepared for the devil and his angels due to disobedience to God’s law. If we do the same, what makes us any different than the devil? Jesus says unless we repent, we shall perish. For sin is the transgression of the law. We must walk in the Spirit so we may not fulfill the lusts of the flesh, being hatred, fornication, drunkenness and the like. Whoever practices such things will not inherit the kingdom (Galatians 5:16-26). If we sin, we may come before Jesus to ask for forgiveness (1 John 2:1-2). Evil thoughts are not sins, but rather temptations. It is not until these thoughts conceive and give birth by our own desires that they become sin (James 1:12-15). When we sin, we become in the likeness of the devil’s image, for he who sins is of the devil (1 John 3:8); but if we obey Jesus, in the image of God. For without holiness, we shall not see the Lord (Hebrews 12:14).
The oldest religion in the world is holiness through faith (James 1:27). What religion did Adam and Eve follow before the fall? Jesus, Who became the last Adam, what religion does He follow? Is He not holy? He never told us to follow the rituals and traditions of man but to take up our cross and follow Him (Luke 9:23). There are many false doctrines being taught leading people astray. This is why we need the Holy Spirit for discernment. Unlike religion, holiness cannot be created. It is given to us from above by the baptism of the Spirit. Jesus is more than a religion; He is about having a personal relationship with the Father. Start by reading the Gospel of Matthew, to hear the words of God, to know His character and commandments. Follow and obey Jesus, for He is the way, the truth, and the life!
[…] In this particular book the author looks at the field of Chemistry theologically by utilizing the paradigm of Creation, Fall and Redemption. Check out the review here. […]
Wonderful!I’m a Christian high school student and want to major in Chemistry!
One day I want to major in Chemistry in a Christian college.
Before I go off to college to be a Chem major I’m going to read this as my summer reading!