
Preface
Introduction
Chapter 1: Reason and Revelation: Bridging Philosophy, Science, and Theology
The Interaction between Philosophy and Theology
The Enlightenment period and the rise of rationalism
Conceptual Conflicts Between Theology and Philosophy
Interferences and Contrasts Between Philosophy and Theology
Examining How Philosophy and Theology Intersect
Chapter 2: Science and Theology – Navigating the Dialogue
Scientific and Theological Approach
Science and Scripture: Understanding the Ongoing Debate
Chapter Conclusion: Preparing for a New Convergence
Chapter 3: Understanding Concordism and Its Critiques
Concordism Harmonizing Scripture and Science
Defining Concordism
Historical Development
Main Forms of Concordism
Theological Critique of Concordism
Scientific Critique of Concordism
Philosophical Critique of Concordism
Chapter 4: Navigating Concordism in Practice
The Fine Line Between Exegesis and Evidence
Purpose: Interpretation vs. Persuasion
Methodology: Theological Integration vs. Philosophical Reasoning
The Risk of Conflating Concordism and Apologetics
The Importance of Humility in Theological Engagement with Science
Best Practice: Integrative, Not Collapsing
Chapter 5: Anachronism and the Temptation of Science in Scripture
Defining Anachronism in Biblical Context
Why It Happens: The Desire for Concord
Disentangling Anachronism and Concordism
Examples of Scientific Anachronism in Scripture
The Dangers of Scientific Anachronism
A Better Approach: Letting Scripture Speak in Its Register
Guarding Against Anachronism
Chapter 6: Scientism – An Analysis of Its Philosophical Foundations
Defining Scientism: The Creed of Exclusive Empiricism
The Historical Development of Scientism
The Core Assumptions of Scientism
Critiques of Scientism
Chapter 7: Scientism and Its Cultural Implications
The Need for Epistemological Pluralism
Reclaiming the Fullness of Knowledge
Science and Its Shifting Theories
Chapter 8: Apologetic Engagement with Scripture Beyond Concordism
Hermeneutics of Genesis, Job, and Psalms
Theological Depth without Scientific Overlay
Apologetics Grounded in Literary and Theological Insights
Chapter 9: Avoiding the Burden of Scientific Detail in Ancient Texts
Understanding the Distinction: Theology, Cosmology, and Science
Historical and Cultural Context: The Right Lens for Ancient Texts
The Role of Scientific Data: Clarifying and Complementing, Not Dictating
Apologetics in Conversation with Science
The Integrity of Biblical Theology
Cited or Recommended Literature
“This beautifully written book gives the reader a deep philosophical dive into the interactions between theology and science. The author presents thorough discussions of the complex ways that these disciplines have influenced, conflicted with and reinforced each other over history and in the present. He presents a comprehensive and enlightening view of concordism, anachronism, and scientism as dangers to be avoided, and describes worldviews that treat philosophy, theology and science as valid and valuable contributions to human knowledge and the understanding of realty. A valuable resource for anyone interested in the details of the philosophical dynamics between science and faith.”
– Sy Garte, Ph.D., Biochemist, Author of The Works of His Hands: A Scientist’s Journey from Atheism to Faith
“A significant portion of the modern intellectual world rests on the unsupported foundation of scientism, the typically self-serving notion that knowledge is gained only through science. Yet what laboratory experiment demonstrated that? In fact, scientism is a parasite that feeds off the prestige of real working science. It is a terrible philosophy with no answers for the most profound questions that tug on the human heart. In his latest book, Dr. Octavian Caius Obeada takes the measure of scientism — and shows the way to a balanced, fruitful understanding of the relationship between faith and reason.”
– Michael J. Behe, author of Darwin’s Black Box
“Martin Luther reportedly compared human nature to a drunken man on horseback, who, if he doesn’t fall off on one side, he’ll fall off the other; what he lacks is balance. Balance is also hard to find in much contemporary thinking about theology, philosophy, science, and how they are related to each other. This fine volume by Dr. Octavian Caius Obeada provides an important counterexample to this tendency: a thorough, fair, historically informed and carefully argued account of faith, reason, and science that does justice to each and relates them in a balanced and fruitful way. This will be a helpful resource for anyone hoping to “stay on the saddle” in this important but contested area. I recommend it highly.”
– David A. Horner, D.Phil. (Oxford), Professor of Theology and Philosophy, Talbot School of Theology, Biola University
“In Bridging Faith and Reason”, Dr. Caius Obeada offers a rigorous and balanced exploration of how Scripture and science can be engaged without distortion or reduction. With intellectual clarity and deep conviction, he challenges both concordist shortcuts and scientistic reductionism, pointing instead to a more faithful apologetic of our faith, grounded in humility and truth. Having read this work, I am encouraged by the way Dr. Obeada equips believers, pastors, and even theologians to think critically, to honor God’s Word, and to engage our culture with confidence and grace. This book is an important contribution to the ongoing dialogue between faith, theology, and the sciences.”
– Sergiu M. Brădean, Pastor, First Romanian Baptist Church, Windsor, Ontario
“This book offers a fresh and important perspective on the relationship between faith and science. The author emphasizes that this relationship is not a battleground, but rather a place of rich dialogue and shared wonder. Throughout this book, the central argument is that apologetics is not about transforming theology into science or vice versa. Rather, it is about building bridges, finding how the revelations of modern science can coexist with the timeless truths of the Bible. It is about holding together the human inquiry and the mystery of divine revelation. In doing so, the author is inviting both believers and skeptics into a deeper conversation about faith and science.”
– Rector Conf. Univ. Dr. Daniel Maris, Institutul Teologic Baptist Bucuresti
“I very much welcome author’s call to broaden our standards of rationality and to cultivate virtues of provisionality and interpretive care in our apologetic work. Honoring multiple modes of knowing (scientific, philosophical, theological) is not only desirable but necessary. I also welcome Caius’ underlying assumption that such conversation is not merely about methods of knowing, but about knowing before the One who calls us to truth.”
– George Ille, PhD, an Affiliate Professor of Theology and Philosophy at Asbury Theological Seminary.