Worlds Apart
Worlds Apart: The Unholy War Between Religion and Science
Beacon Hill Press | August 2003
My first book, published in 1993 when I doubted I could actually become a “real” author, was Worlds Apart: The Unholy War between Religion and Science. Published by the denominational press of the Church of the Nazarene, it would have appeared sooner but powerful fundamentalists tried to block it, even though a contract had been signed, the manuscript had been delivered and the publisher had approved it. The Church of the Nazarene, despite sponsoring colleges and universities that employ many outstanding scholars, wrestles with strong anti-intellectual and fundamentalist constituencies, some of which have insisted—often with a total lack of charity—that I was too “liberal” to teach at Eastern Nazarene College. For years they have been demanding that my institution fire me. When news of my resignation became public there was great rejoicing.
I was encouraged to write Worlds Apart by Cecil Paul, a beloved president of Eastern Nazarene College who died tragically shortly into his administration. Paul was eager for the denominational publishing house to produce material that would counter the surging fundamentalist voices calling for wholesale rejection of scientific theories of origins. Worlds Apart, as the only publication with the imprimatur of the official publishing house was a de facto denominational statement on origins, which rankled fundamentalists, who couldn’t get their books published.
Although Worlds Apart played helped restrain the tide of denominational fundamentalism, in retrospect it seems flawed to me. In many places I can see where I was often “venting” and reacting against the fundamentalism I had embraced as a youth. But people I respected endorsed the book. Many used it as a text at their colleges. It helped establish me as a scholar whose belief in God did not require rejection of science. And this started many conversations…
Foreword: H. Ray Dunning
ASA Worlds Apart Review (1995)
Reviews & Endorsements
“The conflict between religion and science is, as Professor Giberson so aptly describes, ‘one of the tragedies of our time.’ In Worlds Apart, he provides a sound scientific and technological foundation for resolving that conflict and for coming to see religion and science not as mortal enemies but as ‘twin lights that mark the path of our modern world.’ In a style that is both scholarly and accessible, he makes a cogent, comprehensive, and biblically sound argument that believers and nonbelievers alike will find compelling.”
“Dr. Giberson leads the honest and alert reader to see anew the beauty and power of the Christian affirmation that the One who is our Redeemer is also the One who is Creator.”
“One of the best books I have seen that relates science and theology. I recommend it to all Christians who want a viable discussion on how they should relate their faith and science.”
“Dr. Giberson exposes the strident and combative polemics of both scientific naturalism and scientific creationism as misleading and mischievous. Christians who have become confused by conflicting claims regarding the theological implications of science will find this book extremely helpful. This book makes it clear that Christians need not choose between intellectual integrity and Christian belief - between science and faith.”
“Worlds Apart asserts, questions, and challenges with frankness and clarity. Even those who find it hard to like will also find it easy to read. Those who can suspend judgment until they have finished the book may re-brand some sacred cows.”
