Must We Read Only Christian Authors for Science

I frequently receive the following question, or some form thereof. So I thought it might be time to answer it here.

I am wondering about the Christian content, or lack thereof, in your science guides and the books they accompany. Could you share a bit about your philosophy in this area and how that philosophy plays out in your science guides?

I guess the first thing you need to know is that I am a Christian. I proclaim those words with tears in my eyes because I know that it was only my Lord’s love for me that made my salvation possible, with precisely zero effort or warranting on my part.

The next thing you need to know is that while I am amazingly grateful for Christian authors and publishers that focus on the field of science, having “Christian” stamped on the cover does not tell me what I need to know about a book.

What I need to know is this:

Is it a living book? It is our children’s due to be provided material that is living. No sawdust should be provided, no matter who published it. What good is it to offer a Christian text that does not cooperate with the divine Spirit? Doesn’t that defeat the purpose? Charlotte Mason said it plainly,

The mind is capable of dealing with only one kind of food; it lives, grows and is nourished upon ideas only; mere information is to it as a meal of sawdust to the body; there are no organs for the assimilation of the one more than of the other.” (Mason, A Philosophy of Education, p. 105)

A textbook is a textbook is a textbook. And textbooks don’t inspire. Even if they are written by a young earth Christian publisher or a Christian publisher who doesn’t adhere to a “literalistic model of the earth.” Even if they claim to have one author or they claim to keep the textbook small and manageable. (I’ll have to write another blog about when a textbook is a living textbook. I’ll give you a hint: a textbook is always a textbook.)

Is it inspiring? This world we live in  with its butterflies and stem cells, its laws and slime, its hydrocarbons and wildflowers  is GOD’s world! If we required our kids to study the Bible using a format that left them uninspired or hating the subject, wouldn’t we stop and consider what we are doing wrong? How then can we propose to study the world God made without caring if our children are inspired. That doesn’t mean they must all become scientists, but as Miss. Mason said, “Where science does not teach a child to wonder and admire it has perhaps no educative value.” (Mason, A Philosophy of Education, p. 224)

Does the author mock Christianity in any way? There is absolutely NO need for that. There have been books I’ve come across that were antagonistic towards Christian beliefs. I have one in mind that I had high hopes for, but there is no question about this. I will never use a book like that. It’s one thing for the author to be blind to God’s truth, but it’s another for them to mock His followers.

Is the author promoting an agenda? There was a time in history, say the early to mid-1900s, when the authors of good living science books didn’t push an agenda. They simply told about the plants or animals or the laws of physics and chemistry without any added commentary. Even in the few chapters that recounted the formation of the universe, they just plainly said what they thought and moved on. It’s pleasant to read these books because a student can learn about the world God created without the author’s opinions, which is good. After all, the parents should be the only ones to inform these ideas in their early years.

Or are they simply telling a version of events? Earth science books are often seen as the most questionable because they always include a rendition of how the world was created. But do you know that there are not merely two ways of understanding creation: a seven-day material interpretation of Genesis 1 or a Darwinistic evolution after a big bang? It turns out that there are 5-6 Christian theories on the origin of the earth. While I am most comfortable skipping those chapters in a child’s early years, as they enter Form 3 (gr. 7-8), I think there is value in our children learning how much confusion there is on the topic. We are all speculating, believers and unbelievers alike. I hope that by exploring some of these ideas, your children may gather a more comprehensive understanding of the topic, which may give them more opportunities to share God’s love or relate to their fellow brothers and sisters.

I’ve found is that many seemingly secular science authors can’t wholly reject the idea that there is a Creator. For example, recently, I was reading a section of The Planets with a class of adult students. The author commented on the way the moon so perfectly fits in front of the Sun during an eclipse:

Is it an accident that the Solar System’s lone inhabited planet possesses the only satellite precisely sized to create the spectacle of a total solar eclipse? Or is this startling manifestation of the Sun’s hidden splendor part of a divine design?” (Sobel, The Planets, p. 27)

The students, a group of parents, recognized how awe-inspiring the short reading was, even though the author started the chapter by stating that light in the Sun may journey for a million years before breaking out and finding its way to earth.

I have never been more in awe of God’s Creation than I was while reading that book. This idea is the most critical point, in my opinion. Great authors tell with the most beautiful and inspiring language about the world God made, causing us to marvel at His handiwork even though the one pointing to the splendor (the author) may not even know to Whom he is pointing. It’s like beautiful art made by a self-proclaimed atheist or beautiful poetry written by someone who doesn’t know the Creator of all things beautiful. But, in the end, every knee will bow.

Suppose we carefully avoid those who unknowingly point to His revelation because they speculate incorrectly about what it all means or how it all came to be. In that case, we might cause our kids to miss the revelation being offered.

Is the book either separating the intellectual and spiritual life of children or artificially cramming them together? Charlotte Mason’s 20 principle says,

We allow no separation to grow up between the intellectual and ‘spiritual’ life of children, but teach them that the Divine Spirit has constant access to their spirits, and is their Continual Helper in all the interests, duties and joys of life.” (Mason, Towards A Philosophy of Education, p. xxix)

When we respond from a spirit of fear fear that our child will not form a personal relationship with his Lord or fear that he will be misled and brainwashed by an unbeliever we might make choices that overshoot that sweet spot, where we work in cooperation with the Holy Spirit to educate our children.

I recently read the first page of a Christian textbook, which explained that there are different kinds of knowledge: one kind of knowledge is truth, revealed to us by God, and another kind of knowledge is scientific law and theory. While this sounds reasonable enough, it’s not acceptable. All truth is God’s truth, and “scientific laws” are God’s laws. Of course, sometimes we think we have a scientific law figured out when, in fact, we have it wrong. That doesn’t make God’s laws any less His. Let a child read just one science biography, and he will have an idea of how often scientists have gotten things wrong. At the same time, let him read current events about a new “proven scientific fact,” and he will understand that discernment is in order.

Charlotte Mason says that the attitude of parents and teachers “towards the great idea, great lesson, set for his age to grasp, is a vital part of the parents preparation.” (School Education, p.159) She speaks in-depth about the great idea of her time, which was evolution, and how men responded to it. Either they were 1) triumphant that moral difficulties may be over, essentially eliminating the need for religion; or 2) they looked for a middle ground, a reconciliation between science and religion; or 3) they reputed evolution and nailed their colors to religion. (p.156) But Charlotte Mason clarified that we must, “first of all settle it with ourselves that science and religion cannot, to the believer in God, by any possibility be antagonistic.” (p.156)

In Conclusion

These are the things I consider. Is it a textbook or in any way mocking Christianity or pushing an agenda from either side? If so, it’s out. Is it inspiring and thought-provoking? Then I will consider it. That means you can count on the following from me:

  • I do not always use books written by Christians. They are not always good. (I do hope that some of your children become beautiful science writers, though. That would be wonderful.)
  • In Form 3 and up, I reference Bible verses and include articles from Christian authors in my guides when needed to balance an idea being presented. However, I try very hard never to tell students what to think. I just want them to know that there are multiple ideas on the subject, which they should think about, and then you can have a robust discussion with them.
  • Some public charter schools use my curriculum, so I offer a secular version in which I remove any Bible verses and links to articles included in the regular copy. I have every hope and expectation that the children in those schools will be exposed to God’s power and beauty without my spelling it out in so many words. “For what can be known about God is plain to them, because God has shown it to them. For his invisible attributes, namely, his eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly perceived, ever since the Creation of the world, in the things that have been made. So they are without excuse.” (Romans 1:19-20)
  • It doesn’t matter which of the 5-6 Christian theories on the origin of the earth I believe in. Either way, I won’t push my opinions onto your children. That is overstepping.

I hope this gives you an idea of where I’m coming from. Of course, you may not agree, and that is fine. There are other options available. But I would warn that if you intend to follow a Charlotte Mason education, textbooks of any kind are a deal-breaker.

The ends of the earth stand in awe at the sight of your wonders.
(Psalm 65)

20 thoughts on “Must We Read Only Christian Authors for Science

  1. Toni

    I used a creationist type text book for my two oldest children when they were in high school. Both were turned off by the constant referencing to God. “I don’t need to be convinced of God and His power”, my daughter would say. For these children, at least, it was overkill. Therein lies the beauty of a Charlotte Mason education. God whispers in all subjects and our children learn to listen – and think – for themselves with parents helping them along the way.
    Thank you, Nicole, for the time and effort you put into science for us!

    Reply
    1. Nicole Post author

      I agree with you completely, Toni. I sometimes reflect that we wouldn’t allow that kind of overkill in any other subject, yet our God is part of each and every one of them. It’s like going on a nature walk and pointing out every little thing. Eventually, our kids would tune out. God says He reveals Himself through the Word and through Creation. We need to trust Him to do just that and stop pointing and naming every last thing. Thank you for your comment.
      ~Nicole

      Reply
  2. Jennifer

    Thank you for the clarification. Your refreshing stand is exactly what we have been looking for for years in science studies. Thank you for allowing the Holy Spirit to guide you!

    Reply
    1. Nicole Post author

      I’m glad it was helpful, Jennifer. The Holy Spirit truly does guide me as I create these guides. I sometimes find myself completely stumped on how to proceed and then He will perfectly intercede. I know it’s on behalf of the children but it still makes me feel so content to know He participates in this effort.
      ~Nicole

      Reply
  3. Nicole Post author

    While cotton did not provide the first covering for the nakedness of man, it is known to have been used in India and Egypt a thousand years before the beginning of the Christian era and fabrics were undoubtedly woven of it long, long before that time, and it is the most important fiber that we now have.” (Collins, Frederick A. Wonders of Chemistry. Thomas Y. Crowell Company, 1922, p. 128.)

    This is the book I’m using for high school chemistry. Almost halfway through the book and we finally receive the first glimmer of the author’s worldview. 🙂

    ~Nicole

    Reply
  4. Anna Hatke

    I love this. I agree. God’s glory is present in the universe without us having to SPELL IT OUT. And so many non-christians with that same openess and awe can inspire our children. I feel strongly that coercive ideologies (by both people who identify as christians and those who don’t) are what signal a red flag for me) This can make it such a chore though as I often feel like I am fighting a battle on two fronts!
    But we must have faith and trust.
    God gave us our reason and the Holy Spirit. He hopes that we avail ourselves.

    Reply
    1. Nicole Post author

      Thank you for your comment, Anna. As you say, we must have faith and trust – in both our Lord and our children’s ability to recognize His revelation.
      ~Nicole

      Reply
  5. Leah

    Hi Nicole!

    I recently came across a (catholic) homeschool blog that suggested the book “The Fairlyland of Science”. I read the sample passage online, and thought it sounded wonderful. Then I did some research, and read that evolution and spiritualism are pushed in the book. I am a Christian, and so this is a real bummer. However, I agree with you, that if the author is not being antagonistic toward God, or pushing an agenda, then a book can be wonderful and inspirational. Have you read this book? What are your thoughts?

    Reply
    1. Nicole Post author

      Hello, Leah. I’m so glad that you brought this up because I don’t feel like I covered this idea well in my article. In my opinion, it is fine to have a chapter or a comment here or there that implies a world view different from mine, or that outright states it as “fact”, but I’m not comfortable with a book for which the entire premise is outside our own worldview. I did look into The Fairyland of Science because it was used by Miss. Mason for years and years and because Arabella Buckley was her go-to science favorite. (And that because of her worldview I have come to find!) But that book is a sign of their times – Buckley was trying to reconcile religion with the scientific evidence of the day. But Charlotte Mason said in volume 3 that we don’t have to find a reconciliation between science and religion. She said we must, “first of all, settled it with ourselves that science and religion cannot, to the believer in God, by any possibility be antagonistic.” (3/156) So, all of this is a very round about way to say, I don’t use that book. It is what Miss. Mason called “nature lore” and we have an entire time period devoted to that, so I’ve tried to consider what made that book “nature lore” (its literature and some fancy,) and what science subject it covered (biology,) and replace it accordingly. Hence, I suggest Men, Microscopes, and Living Things. Thank you again for the thoughtful question and for giving me an opportunity to explain myself more thoroughly.
      ~Nicole

      Reply
  6. Ashley

    This is such a helpful, thoughtful manifesto on the matter. I am a literal, six-day, young earth creationism believer, but not because I got that stuff jammed down my throat in school (well, sort of, but hear me out). It WAS shoved down my throat! But I always, always, always (this was from eight years old and up) wished they would leave it alone already and actually let us taste and see the actual matters of science already, and not just keep beating that blasted dead horse! I do see it as the easiest reading of the Scriptural narrative ~ BUT!

    I absolutely adore that quotation of Charlotte’s. It is such sound hermeneutic! And I also confess that I am rather ignorant of other ideas of origins science because I was taught from such a narrow perspective driven by fear. That is no way to build a solid apology! I guess I will be surprised if I change my perspective, but yes, we are all rather speculating, so if we begin with the foundation that God’s Word is God’s Word, God-breathed, infallible, and in everything instructive, what have we to fear? The heavens are telling the glory of God! There is no speech nor language where their voice is not heard! God’s truth will not, cannot, contradict. But it is not a puny, crumbling thing that cannot stand our handling, as we wrestle to understand how what men see and discover fits with the Word of our Creator. The Word must stand, and our interpretation of His creation surely must submit to the inspired facts, but what have we to fear?

    Meanwhile, to attain said sound apology, I now need to go back and read other opinions, so I can actually take part in conversation, even just the conversation of theories in my own mind. Sheesh. I doubt they were trying to set me up for that, but there you have it.

    But I know, even that is not the point, nor your point here. Much of origins theory is incidental (though foundational to every author’s [and reader’s] worldview). The point is, is it a living book, and then we let the True Teacher instruct us in all things. Even the Godhead is clearly seen in nature?! That I can’t quite wrap my head around, but He says He wrote it there, and His fingerprints are undeniably everywhere!

    Anyway, thanks! I have much to learn in this realm.

    Reply
    1. Nicole Post author

      I have chill-bumps all over! It happens to me everytime someone writes me and they clearly “get it.” They see that all around them is GOD’S CREATION! When we act like we know it all, while at the same time we treat the beauty around us like so much wallpaper, it must be such an affront to the Creator.

      On another note, we just recorded an ADE podcast episode on “opinions,” including how we can help children to grow up and form their own as an adult. Charlotte Mason points out that we have no right to force feed our children our own opinions, but she assures us that if we don’t, they are far more likely to agree with us when they can make that decision for themselves.

      ~Nicole

      Reply
  7. Ashley

    Oh, I mean to say, I look forward to having a 4th grader, so we can use use your studies! Meanwhile my 4yo and 2yo’s mother (see, I have a while) is slurping up everything I’ve missed thus far! 🙂 Thanks for the truly delightful, living book recommendations! Oh, how I wish I’d been taught like this all along!

    Reply
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  10. LeAnne

    Thank you for this! My oldest is a year away from “middle school” and science curriculum was a concern for me. No longer is that a fear! My father was a scientist- physicist and astronomer. He always shared that his knowledge of science, specifically of outer space, only increased his faith in God. I love the approach that I see in your samples and willingness to learn from those who may think differently than we do. We can still learn from them and take it as an opportunity to reinforce and teach our beliefs to our children. Thank you!

    Reply
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    1. Nicole Post author

      Then The Planets by Dave Sobel and For the Love of Physics by Walter Lewin are going to make you feel right at home! Two of my favorites and two that made me see the mightiness of God even more than before. He is indeed awesome and worthy of our worship.

      Reply

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