This course will attempt to provide an overview of the history of Western natural science, with particular attention to the relationships between the practices of science as we think of it, and the faith perspectives of persons who moved the disciplines. “Science” as we conceive it has flourished in a culture informed by Christian perspectives and Christian worldview assumptions. This Fall 2025 course will begin with scientific practice in the ancient world and bring that narrative up to approximately 1700-1750.  A following Spring 2026 course will carry that narrative forward to today, with special attention to a contrived “war” between science and faith.

Required book: Lawrence Principe, The Scientific Revolution: A Very Short Introduction (Oxford University Press, 2011), ISBN: 978-0-19-956741-6, is available at the Calvin University Campus Store or online.

Subject: science

Ralph Stearley taught geology and paleontology for Calvin from 1992 until 2019, as well as collaborating in teaching the history of science; he still teaches part-time today. He also serves the DeVries Institute for Global Faculty Development in the area of science and faith. He has authored multiple articles and co-authored The Bible, Rocks and Time (IVP, 2008).