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Greg Cootsona (PhD, Graduate Theological Union) directs Science and Theology for Emerging Adult Ministries (STEAM) at Fuller Theological Seminary and teaches religious studies and humanities at Chico State University. He previously served as a pastor for eighteen years in Chico, California, and New show more York City. show less

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An exploration regarding faith, science, and "emerging adults."

The author draws from his life experience working with young people trying to reconcile faith and science. He attempts to demonstrate that the "war" between faith and science is overblown, and does well at showing that there are things each has to say. He speaks of faith formation and development and how many young people wish to find ways to balance faith and science commitments.

The author is associated with BioLogos and seems to maintain a theistic evolutionist position. He is willing to accept those who disagree with his scientific views as fellow Christians although misinformed (how nice of him). He attempts to allegorize the narrative of Adam and Eve; he points out their importance in Paul's narrative, but as with most theistic evolutionists, does not address the fundamental disconnect between the conception of a creation without death into which sin and death enters through the fall of man and death as a major driver of evolutionary processes.

The author is at his best in discussing the benefits and challenges of technology in life.

The good in the work is the recognition that one can maintain faith commitments and explore the sciences, and that one can have a proper view of wonder through the faith commitment when exploring the sciences. I can appreciate that the author wishes to maintain balance between faith commitments and science, and seeks to harmonize, although I personally put far less confidence in science and more in the faith commitment.

If nothing else, the work helps to open up the thought process about how to work with young people as they navigate their faith commitment with their understanding of science.

**--originally galley received as part of early review program; final work, which I purchased, is reviewed
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deusvitae | 1 other review | Sep 9, 2019 |
Summary: Many emerging adults think that science and faith should complement each other and are put off by church contexts that force a choice between faith and science. The book contends that it is possible to bring science and faith into fruitful conversation, and provides examples of how this is possible.

Emerging adults (18-30 year-olds) are leaving the church in record numbers. "Nones" or those who identify as "spiritual but not religious" are on the rise. There are a number of causes for this but one is that emerging adults encounter congregations where science is the enemy and the relationship between faith and science is defined as a conflict. Many of these emerging adults see beauty in creation that is enhanced by their study of science and don't see science and faith as opposed. But if forced to choose, many choose science. Science and technology play a huge role in their lives, whether it is in their concern for their environment, their understanding of human sexuality, or the smartphones that are a ubiquitous presence and have changed their ways of relating to each other and the world.

Greg Cootsona writes about these trends and how Christians might foster a better conversation that aspires to intersection and integration rather than conflict and warfare. After profiling emerging adults, he discusses our engagement with the new atheism, often alienated by anti-science attitudes in Christian communities, principles for interpreting the Bible, recognizing both the good in technology, and where we may need to take a break from it.

These chapters are interspersed with "case studies" of engaging various contemporary developments--cognitive science, the Big Bang and fine-tuning arguments, Intelligent Design, climate change, and sexuality. Can cognitive science explain belief? How can we take fine-tuning arguments too far? What does Intelligent Design's focus on irreducible compexity miss? How can we have a fruitful conversation about the highly politicized subject of climate change? How do we engage genetic understandings of orientation and gender?

The concluding chapter is titled "Moving Forward." Cootsona articulates a compelling vision of telling better, true and beautiful stories that bring faith and science together. He writes:

"I do know, however, that these true, better stories are also beautiful. They will bring together the goodness and truth of the good news with the beauty of God. There truth becomes beautiful. And it should not be overlooked that rhetoric--as an engagement with beauty--should be used in concert with philosophy--as the pursuit of truth. Truth is only worth engaging if it's beautiful, and beauty is that which allures us." (p. 162)

This is a short, pithy book that is written conversationally rather than didactically. Quotes from emerging adults illustrative of chapter themes are sprinkled throughout the text. Pithy however does not mean light weight. Current scientists like Katherine Hayhoe and Elaine Ecklund are cited, writers on the philosophy of science like Ian Barbour, and theologians like Arthur Peacocke. Both text and footnotes point readers to further resources in both print and online form. This is an ideal introduction for those working with emerging adults as well as for emerging adults themselves who are wondering if it is possible for there to be a better conversation between science and faith. If Greg Cootsona is right, there are indeed many better conversations we might have.

____________________________

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a complimentary review copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.
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BobonBooks | 1 other review | Mar 8, 2018 |
Greg Cootsona (http://www.gregcootsona.com) is not only Pastor of Adult Discipleship at Bidwell Presbyterian Church in Chico, CA; he's also a drummer and jazz aficionado. "Jazz improvisation," he writes, "illustrates some keys to a successful life. First of all, say no to chaos: By mastering your instrument and knowing the changes. Say no to overplanning: Life is not fixed. You cannot predict every detail. Relax, stay loose, and take in what life gives. Finally, say yes to improvising a life of spontaneity, creativity, and beauty." One's highest calling is to say yes to God.

That means removing the obstacles, such as submersion in technology or work, that hinder our flourishing. You'll find no better guide than "Say Yes To No: Using the Power of NO to Create the Best in Life, Work, and Love." The book is addressed especially to those who may not have a religious identification but who are spiritually open. It's for those caught up in the quest for wealth, fame, position but who long for a life of integrity.

As a young pastor at Fifth Avenue Presbyterian Church in New York City, the pressure of work and a series of family challenges began to affect his health. The chest pains, "a racing heart and shortness of breath, my head spinning with unfinished tasks at home and at work," led him, at age 38, into a doctor's care. That was in March 2001. Not many months later the church became a haven in the aftermath of 9/11. He realized the higher priorities in life required a series of nos to lesser ones.

Saying no, with grace and conviction, doesn't make one a negative person, but one who has the freedom to be "on the right road." That road includes Sabbath, the goal of which "is not idleness but a proper rhythm of work and rest." It's about finding the greatest yes of all.

"In Jesus," Cootsona writes, "I found the big yes to God. And that great yes now defines all my nos."

"Say Yes To No" is a practical companion to a vibrant, jazz improvisational life.

Copyright 2009 Chico Enterprise-Record. Used by permission
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dbarnett99 | Apr 8, 2009 |

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