Book by Calvin Profs Sheds Light on Origins

A new book written by two Calvin professors strives to bring more light and less heat to Christian discussions about the history of the universe.

Origins: A Reformed Look at Creation, Design, and Evolution is written by Deborah and Loren Haarsma, professors in the physics & astronomy department.

It is published by Grand Rapids based Faith Alive Christian Resources, the publishing house of the Christian Reformed Church in North America, the denomination with which Calvin is affiliated.

The Haarsmas hope their new book will help Christians who want to better understand the often controversial issues connected with life’s origins and development.

The Haarsmas say issues related to origins run close to some of life’s deepest questions: does God exist, how does God relate to this universe, how did we get here, and who are we? But, they say, the culture wars often frame the argument as a false choice: believe in God or believe in science.

“If we only have two sides to choose from,” says Deborah Haarsma, “then believing in God means rejecting science, and believing what science says means rejecting God. So which do you choose: God or science? As scientists and Christians, we don’t accept this simplistic choice. In the book, we argue that God and science are not at war-rather, science is the study of God’s creation.”

Although the Haarsmas describe an array of opinions on origins, they emphasize a foundation of common Christian beliefs. They are resolute in their faith in a God who created and governs the universe, a God who reveals himself to humanity, a God who is a Redeemer, and a God who inspired the Bible-making it authoritative and sufficient for teaching what humans need to be saved.

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Origins: A Reformed Look at Creation, Design, and Evolution is now available from Faith Alive Christian Resources. Each chapter includes starter questions for small group discussions. For more information, visit www.FaithAliveResources.org or call 1-800-333-8300.

Faith Alive Christian Resources publishes resources for children’s and youth ministries, small groups and Bible studies, church leadership, evangelism, and worship.