author: Janet Kellogg Ray
date: 2023
publisher: Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing Co.
Janet Kellogg Ray's book "The God of Monkey Science" examines the history of science denial and anti-intellectualism in USA Evangelical churches beginning with the Scopes Monkey Trial of 1925 through its contribution to modern-day denial of evolution, climate science, vaccines and masks, and stem cell research.
Ray covers a lot of ground. I think she does an excellent job connecting the history of science denial in USA white evangelicals over the past 100 years, beginning with the Scopes Monkey Trial to the rejection of evolution, climate science, vaccines, masking, and other evidence-based COVID-19 treatment and prevention measures.
Since this is the same demographic that largely aligns with patriarchy, Christian Nationalism, and far-right-wing politics, it would be interesting to explore these associations, which cannot be explained merely by the science denial initiated by the Scopes Monkey Trial.
This is an important book to read, even if the ones who most need to examine these issues will probably not read it. "The God of Monkey Science" is easy to read. Ray communicates well.
The bigger issue that is in the background throughout the book is the perceived (by some) conflict between science and faith, which is often a reason given for leaving the church.
What is refreshing is her emphasis that this isn’t simply a battle of facts; it is a question of trust.
- Who do we believe when science shifts or evolves?
- Whose story gets centred?
- Who mediates reality—pastor or professor?
Politician or peer-reviewed journal?
Ray understands that this is as much about formation as information. The North American evangelical mind has been shaped by decades of messaging around the threat of evolution. It's not as simple as saying “just follow the science.” Ray reminds us that even saying that phrase has become politicised.
So Ray, she offers not just critique, but tools: discussion prompts, condensed and understandable explanations of core scientific principles, and gentle questions meant to spark real conversation.
Ray closes not with certainty, but with invitation:
As disparate as world religions are, people of all religious faiths agree on this one point: science doesn’t have all the answers. What are followers of Jesus contributing to the conversation?
As Christians, we are called to truth. Speaking it. Defending it. Living it. Why be afraid of science? If God is truth, all truth is God’s truth, including scientific truth.
Christians are called to have the mind of Christ. Noll describes this as a mind for Christ, thinking like a Christian across the spectrum of modern learning, from economics to history to the arts. What does it mean to have a mind for Christ, specifically in a world of modern science? What, besides denial, are we adding to the conversation? Are there things that the Bible simply does not speak to? How can we approach these things with a mind for Christ?
Science and faith are not enemies. Science does not have all the answers. With a mind for Christ, may we live as people of faith in a modern scientific world. [emphasis mine]
I recommend this book.
The church needs to do better in this area, and reading this book is a great place to begin.
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