God's Book of Works: The Nature and Theology of Nature

R. J. Berry contends that the interplay of science and faith requires continual re-examination in the light of scientific developments, with the consequent need to review religious assumptions. To quote from his Preface: “Where science and faith meet, they must be congruent; if they are not, both the science and the religion ought to be examined. Religion cannot drive the content of science, nor can science properly determine the nature of religion.”

R. J. Berry’s treatment differs from traditional work in science and religion in that he intentionally and explicitly extends his exploration of the implications of religious faith for contemporary science to environmental conservation, or ‘Creation care’. Professor Berry’s expertise in this area is considerable—as an ecologist who has long been involved in developing environmental ethics both locally and internationally. He argues that the contribution of religious belief to environmental science is highly important. This is true not only in theoretical terms, but also in practice.