# God and the Cosmos

> With its grand title and even grander subtitle, this book has a lot to live up to and remarkably it acquits itself quite well.

By Geoffrey Sykes · 14 April 2013 · Reviews / Books

Canonical: https://insights1.uca.org.au/articles/god-and-the-cosmos/

## **Divine Activity in Space, Time and History**

## **Harry Lee Poe and Jimmy H. Davis,** **IVP Academic**

With its grand title and even grander subtitle, this book has a lot to live up to and remarkably it acquits itself quite well.

It claims not to be a Christian apologetic, or very systematic, in its interdisciplinary account of science and religion, in particular the role (intervening or otherwise) of God in creation.

It claims to be based on a conversation between the two authors, one a chemist and the other a theologian; and when it discusses cultural evolution and modern art, and even non-Christian religions, the limitations of the authors becomes evident.

Chapter 4 does a fine job of a scientific approach to the Trinity and Holy Spirit — yet why not address the incarnational philosophy of Hinduism?

The dismissal of 20th century art and poetry was painful and the account of pre-modern and medieval science and philosophy thin.

The commentary can be superficial in places (including the study of other faiths), a fault evident in other IVP apologetic literature. Yet this volume is on firm ground with modern science and Protestant thought, and in topics like process theology it adopts a sustained, articulate, inquiring, informed and generous approach to very contemporary and essential scientifically informed perspectives on a theology of God.

The book claims to ask questions and it actually does so, always with a peculiar certainty in the co-joint and enduring efficacy of science and faith.

One can want more, and can quibble in places, but this seems part of the colloquia that the book aims to achieve.

**Geoffrey Sykes**