By Dan Graves
Kregel Resources
http://kregel.gospelcom.net/
PO Box 2607
Grand Rapids, Michigan 49501
Scientists of Faith by Dan Graves is a 192-page book with 48 chapters, a six-page bibliography, a twelve-page glossary, and a five-page index. The chapters are divided into three sections titled "A New Look at the Universe: Philosophical Science Before 1500," "The Picture Turns Modern: Descriptive Science, 1500-1830," and "Science Without Limits: Effectual Science After 1830." The book contains stories about 48 scientists with an overview of the contribution each made in his particular field. From a historical standpoint, the book covers advancements and discoveries from the late sixth century through 1944, all listed in chronological order by the name of each scientist. A few of the scientists included are Dietrich von Frieberg, Johannes Kepler, Blaise Pascal, Niels Steno, Michael Faraday, Gregor Mendel, and George Washington Carver. They are presented as individuals, faults and all, in an effort to portray the real person behind the science. Each account includes lifespan dates for the scientist and a Scripture verse. Most include suggestions for further reading.
This book could be read from cover to cover or used as reference material. In our home school, it will be utilized both ways. It is a wonderful resource for tying in science and history. And reading about each scientist's faith in God is a real blessing.
The book is written about the scientists themselves. It is not intended to be a science course. You will need other resources to flesh out scientific theories, etc. My daughter enjoyed this book as it gave a much more human side to these individuals. I enjoyed it because it motivated me to learn about these scientists who began their work with a belief in God, even if some fell away later in life. I suggest keeping a typed up list of the 48 scientists in your teacher's notebook (or whatever you use to keep curriculum subject matter organized) so that you may refer to it and incorporate notable scientists throughout your teaching. The information is suitable for older students, but a parent could adapt it for younger students as well.
I recommend this book. If you have a student with little interest in science, this book might just entice him or her by offering the personal side of those curious individuals who have gone before us. The chronological setup makes the information easy to access, and each scientist's section is fairly concise and to the point, usually at only two to four pages each. Scientists of Faith is a wonderful resource book.
Product review by Donna Campos, The Old Schoolhouse Magazine, LLC, March 2007
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