This book is a collection of essays written by Lutheran scientists that seek to explain the balance between science and faith. In all ten Lutheran scientists have an essay featured in this book.
Disclaimer: One essayist is Professor Paul Boelke, a fellow member at my church and someone who has over the years tempered my views of science and faith and shown me the two don't necessarily have to be in conflict.
The essayists reflect on the history of faith and religion. Some point to famous Lutheran scientists in the past, such as Johannes Kepler. Kepler originally wanted to be a theologian, but that didn't work out so he became an astronomer and saw he was a "priest of the Most High God" in this vocation as well. Several point out that a faith-based society that believes in a God who creates in an orderly fashion only could become scientific and learn the laws of the natural world, since laws are the regulation of order. Societies that believe things happen at the whims of gods won't seek out laws or scientific principles.
Of course, I had heard this several times in the past, but also realized the Egyptians and other highly educated civilizations also believed in the "whims of gods" and even the early Islamic culture contributed greatly to civilization. Henry F. Schaefer III goes on to clarify this with sustained scientific discovery. There was once a great observatory for astronomers in Istanbul, but was razed by order of Islamic clerics.
At heart in the book is the sense that science is a vocation, meaning a calling. It also looks at the Scriptural account of creation and realizes, as Luther did and monasticism denied, that God created "things" and that this creation was "very good." The essays also reflect the traditionally Lutheran position of the "priesthood of all believers," that we serve God in whatever vocation we may be employed in, even science. Being a Lutheran book, one shouldn't be surprised at the Luther quotes or references to Lutheran scientists.
Overall the book is aimed at those studying for or considering a career in science. Some essays, such as Professor Boelke's seek to balance faith with science and how one can be a positive testimony to faith without being confrontational. Surveys indicate that a vast majority of scientists believe in a god and in the creation (or Intelligent Design).
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