Description
Book SynopsisTrade ReviewA thorough analysis of John Calvin's thinking about the natural world is long overdue. Dave Young has done the scholarly world an immense service by his painstaking inquiry into Calvin's views about nature and our knowledge of it. Our understanding of science and theology during the period of the Reformation has been dramatically deepened and widened. A wonderful achievement. -- David N. Livingstone, Professor of Geography & Intellectual History, Queen's University, Belfast
Young effectively challenges pastors to overcome their being intimidated by science, and challenges seminaries to provide instructional tools that make that more feasible. -- Christopher B. Kaiser, Professor of Historical and Systematic Theology, Western Theological Seminary
This book is comprehensive in terms of Calvin's thinking about creation, nature, and the world. It is indeed a groundbreaking contribution. * American Scientific Affiliation *
This book on Calvin's view of the role of science is relevant for today's ongoing debates between science and Christianity. . . . Young's discussion on the principle of accomodation is a very helpful way to hold both the claims of Scripture and the current conclusions of science. * Christian Scholar's Review, Spring 2009 *
Young gives a thorough analysis of Calvin's views about nature and its phenomena in relation to his theological thinking. . . . Young deserves full marks to the work he did in order to get a clear understanding of Calvin's view of the natural world. I hope this well written book will definitely wipe out all 'pseudo-scientific nonsense' about the French Reformer and the sciences. * Journal of Reformed Theology *
A book-length study of John Calvin's views on nature and scripture is long overdue. Davis Young's meticulous, comprehensive research on this important topic is most welcome. Young rightly emphasizes Calvin's heavy use of sources such as Pliny and Aristotle, and his suggestion that Calvin may have supplemented these with various later bestiaries is reasonable. His conclusions about biblical hermeneutics and the principle of accommodation—which Calvin wielded deftly and frequently—will be very helpful to readers interested in modern issues related to the Bible and science. -- Edward B. Davis, Professor of the History of Science, Messiah College
Table of ContentsPart 1 Preface Chapter 2 Calvin on Science, the Arts, and Learning Chapter 3 Calvin on the Heavens Chapter 4 Calvin on Physics and the Atmosphere Chapter 5 Calvin on the Earth Chapter 6 Calvin on Living Things Chapter 7 Calvin on the Human Body, Medicine, and Origins Chapter 8 Calvin, the Natural World, and Scripture Chapter 9 Calvin and Contemporary Science Part 10 Index of Names and Subjects Part 11 Index of Scripture Text Commented on by Calvin
