“The heavens declare the glory of God;
And the firmament shows His handiwork.” (Psalm 19:1)

“You established the earth, and it abides.” (Psalm 119:90)

“Beware lest anyone cheat you through philosophy and empty deceit, according to the tradition of men, according to the basic principles of the world, and not according to Christ.” (Colossians 2:8)

The fields of science and theology have often been fields of battle. This is particularly so in the arena of creation, where the camps have at times been entrenched. Perhaps, though, some amount of progress towards a mutual understanding of views and perspectives can be had by an examination of what has been learned in science, and how particular areas of scientific knowledge relate to theology, Scripture and to creation. I hold to a high view of science, that it is a tremendously important enterprise carried out by sincere and dedicated people who have a passion for their work. Historically, a number of prominent scientists have also been men who had faith in the God of the Bible. Among this number are Galileo, Kepler, Newton, Boyle, Faraday, Maxwell, and Lord Kelvin, to name just a few, and the list could be expanded and extended to present-day working scientists. Clearly these founders of modern science saw no fundamental conflict between their faith-based worldviews and their scientific endeavors.
Since our topic revolves (perhaps elliptically) around the dual foci of both theology and science, I have tried in this book’s various chapters to relate different aspects of Biblical revelation and theology to their discovery and outworking in different areas of mainstream science. There has been a remarkable set of developments in astronomy and cosmology that have occurred in the past hundred years or so, wherein areas of creation-related theology and science are both relevant. These areas of theology and science interact and intersect, and each makes specific statements about the physical world. One implication of taking Scripture as a source of truth is that Biblical revelation is not limited to morals and beliefs as some would like to confine it. Scripture really does speak about the created realm, and in doing so touches on areas that also fall within the domain of interest to science. A review of the progress in astronomy, cosmology and other scientific disciplines shows a remarkable unity between Biblical truth and scientific discovery—so much so that it is truly amazing. My hope is that in reading these chapters, scientists and those with an interest in science may discover a new perspective on Scripture and faith, and that fellow Christians may find that science is not necessarily hostile to their deeply held beliefs.
One definition of character is a thing’s “main or essential nature” (1). If designed for a purpose, the object’s character will reflect such purpose, and also may allow inferences as to the nature of its designer. For example, one might discern how knowledgeable, wise, well intentioned, clever, innovative, economical, thoughtful, resourceful, or good the designer is. This book touches with a broad brush on a number of possible such inferences. For instance, the aspect of the creation regarding physical law points to the Creator’s faithfulness and eternal power. There is a vast and grand scale to this universe, signifying an even more extraordinary and grand Creator. The creation’s highly organized original state is discussed with respect to both the forward direction of time and the inadequacy of chance-based explanations for existence (both the entire universe’s and ours), and points to the fact that the world was formed by an all-wise God. The limited duration of observable creation, that it had a definite beginning, is now acknowledged by mainstream cosmology. This is also a Biblical perspective. The creation has traits of both goodness and severity, as does the Creator (Romans 11:22). The act of science itself is driven by the character of creation. Without a fundamental rationality to the laws of nature, the practice of science as we comprehend it would not be possible. In fact, the universe appears designed, from the smallest to the broadest scales, for those who wish to be challenged, to observe and to understand its physical order. Remarkably, the creation seems to have a language, that of essential, deep and even beautiful mathematics, woven into its very fiber. There is also a glory associated with the natural creation that is above our ability to comprehend, inspiring artists throughout the generations and causing us to look beyond the cosmos for a Helper and True Author of salvation. Each of these themes, and others, contributes to the character of creation.
The book’s Scriptural perspective is Christian. The Biblical book of Proverbs states: “The Lord by wisdom founded the earth; By understanding He established the heavens; By His knowledge the depths were broken up; And clouds drop down the dew” (Proverbs 3:19-20). Psalm 107:8 implores “Oh that men would praise the Lord for his goodness, and for his wonderful works to the children of men” (KJV). Thus, it is profitable to apply study to the Earth and the heavens so that we may in some small way come to appreciate the glorious wisdom and understanding that was necessary for their creation. One of the founders of modern science, Johann Kepler, wrote of a psalm “I implore my reader not to forget the divine goodness conferred on mankind, and which the psalmist urges him especially to consider”(2). In his research and writings, Kepler seems to have been struck by the grandeur and extent of the Creator’s providence in the creation.