Navigating Faith and Science: The Life and Legacy of Bernard Ramm
For much of the twentieth century, the relationship between science and Christian faith was framed as an either/or choice. In this compelling intellectual biography, readers are invited to reconsider that assumption through the life and thought of neo-evangelical American Baptist theologian Bernard Ramm (1916-1992), one of the most significant yet underappreciated figures in modern evangelical history. Ramm argued that scientific inquiry and Christian belief need not stand in opposition; instead, he envisioned a constructive dialogue capable of strengthening both. Emerging from the turbulence of mid-century American Protestantism, Ramm became a leading voice in the neo-evangelical movement of the 1940s and beyond. At a time when militant and isolationist fundamentalism had withdrawn from broader cultural engagement, Ramm helped chart a new course--one that sought intellectual credibility, theological depth, and renewed participation in public life. His work contributed to shaping a distinctive neo-evangelical Baptist identity committed to both doctrinal seriousness and cultural responsibility. This volume situates Ramm within the larger history of the American Baptist denomination and the rise of American Protestant fundamentalism before tracing his personal and theological journey away from separatism and toward engagement. Here, particular attention is given to his pioneering efforts to foster rapprochement between Christianity and modern science, as expressed in his writings, institutional leadership, and professional relationships. By recovering Ramm's legacy, this book illuminates a decisive moment in evangelical self-definition and offers fresh insight into the ongoing conversation between faith and scientific thought.