Review: Chemistry by Daniel R. Zuidema

Daniel R. Zuidema. Chemistry.  Phillipsburg, NJ: Presbyterian and Reformed Publishing, May 31^st, 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

Advertisements