I have just begun reading Vern Poythress’ new book Redeeming Science: A God-Centered Approach and have thoroughly enjoyed it thus far. Dr.² Poythress has a unique background (having PhDs in both theology and mathematics) which provides an interesting perspective on the subject matter. What is perhaps the most attractive aspect of this book is the Van Tillian approach Poythress takes. We would not have to strain ourselves to find a dearth of books discussing the relationship of Christianity to science, however it would be substantially more difficult to find many exploring the same relationship using a transcendental/presuppositional framework.

Poythress employs the transcendental method by listing several divine attributes that are found in scientific laws. His intent is to show the unbelieving scientist their presupposing of the Christian God of the Bible. Poythress moves from the more obvious attributes of omnipresence and eternity to more objectionable (at least to unbelievers) attributes such as personality and goodness. Poythress successfully demonstrates (in albeit abbreviated form) the necessity of the Christian God of the Bible for conducting scientific inquiry.¹

Portions of the book can be read at Google Books. Poythress’ subheadings for this particular section are as follows:

• The Power of Law
• The Personal Character of Law
• The Incomprehensibility of Law
• Are We Divinizing Nature?
• The Goodness of Law
• The Beauty of Law
• The Rectitude of Law
• Laws as Trinitarian

1. Or as Van Til would say: “By the impossibility of the contrary.”↩