David Knight is a Professor at Durham University and former President of the British Society for the History of Science

'Knight raises issues that are not solely of historical interest ... he possesses a light literary touch, which makes the book such an enjoyable read. Moreover, his discussion is always informative and brimming with humane insights and historical perceptions.' - Geoffrey Cantor, Chemistry and Industry'This books should be required reading for all those who are concerned with contemporary religious understanding.''This book is an excellent account of the subtle and complex interactions between Christian faith and scientific investigations and discoveries in England from the late 18th century onwards.' - Church Times'Any authoritative reading of the relations between science and spirituality requires encyclopaedic learning in more than one discipline, and an eye for the significant detail. With 638 footnote references to the relevant literature, David Knight scores on both counts, and yet still remains enjoyably readable.' - The Christian Parapsychologist

• Acknowledgements Foreword 1. Christian materialism 2. Watchmaking 3. Wisdom and benevolence 4. Genesis and geology 5. High church science and higher pantheism 6. God working His purpose out 7. Lay sermonising 8. Knowledge and faith 9. Handling chance 10. Clergy and clerisy 11. Mastering nature 12. Meaning and purpose Notes Index

David Knight is a Professor at Durham University and former President of the British Society for the History of Science

'Knight raises issues that are not solely of historical interest ... he possesses a light literary touch, which makes the book such an enjoyable read. Moreover, his discussion is always informative and brimming with humane insights and historical perceptions.' - Geoffrey Cantor, Chemistry and Industry'This books should be required reading for all those who are concerned with contemporary religious understanding.''This book is an excellent account of the subtle and complex interactions between Christian faith and scientific investigations and discoveries in England from the late 18th century onwards.' - Church Times'Any authoritative reading of the relations between science and spirituality requires encyclopaedic learning in more than one discipline, and an eye for the significant detail. With 638 footnote references to the relevant literature, David Knight scores on both counts, and yet still remains enjoyably readable.' - The Christian Parapsychologist

• Acknowledgements Foreword 1. Christian materialism 2. Watchmaking 3. Wisdom and benevolence 4. Genesis and geology 5. High church science and higher pantheism 6. God working His purpose out 7. Lay sermonising 8. Knowledge and faith 9. Handling chance 10. Clergy and clerisy 11. Mastering nature 12. Meaning and purpose Notes Index

David Knight is a Professor at Durham University and former President of the British Society for the History of Science

'Knight raises issues that are not solely of historical interest ... he possesses a light literary touch, which makes the book such an enjoyable read. Moreover, his discussion is always informative and brimming with humane insights and historical perceptions.' - Geoffrey Cantor, Chemistry and Industry'This books should be required reading for all those who are concerned with contemporary religious understanding.''This book is an excellent account of the subtle and complex interactions between Christian faith and scientific investigations and discoveries in England from the late 18th century onwards.' - Church Times'Any authoritative reading of the relations between science and spirituality requires encyclopaedic learning in more than one discipline, and an eye for the significant detail. With 638 footnote references to the relevant literature, David Knight scores on both counts, and yet still remains enjoyably readable.' - The Christian Parapsychologist

• Acknowledgements Foreword 1. Christian materialism 2. Watchmaking 3. Wisdom and benevolence 4. Genesis and geology 5. High church science and higher pantheism 6. God working His purpose out 7. Lay sermonising 8. Knowledge and faith 9. Handling chance 10. Clergy and clerisy 11. Mastering nature 12. Meaning and purpose Notes Index