The Harmony of Science and the Bible
Air, Earth, Fire, and Water: A Glimpse of the Created Earth celebrates distinctive attributes of Creation – its orderly structure, measurable processes – using an elementary analysis of the precision of Earth’s systems. Scriptural principle and scientific knowledge are compared at an uncomplicated level to guide the learner to greater knowledge of the Creator.
The character of God is seen in the Air (the heavens and atmosphere), the Earth (the geosphere), Fire (energy), and Water (the hydrosphere). A fifth element, Ether, proclaims the grace of nature, evidence of God’s providence and Earth’s resilience. The five elements, borrowed from Greek philosophy, track the divinely ordered Creation account. These spheres work in tandem to collectively sustain life on Earth, converging at the soil, from which God made living beings (the biosphere), notably humans.
We survey these domains, review man’s connection and their interdependence, and guide the reader to see that the visible Creation was placed before us to help us perceive the invisible Kingdom of God; we call this the Romans 1:20 Principle. His truth, seen in its order, and His grace, seen in its providence and resilience, make Creation a suitable home for us.
About the Author
Dr. David Elliott has taught the Bible for over 35 years. With training in science and math, plus a career studying the orderliness of the created realm, he studies Scripture with a scientist’s eye – connecting scientific principle with Scripture flows out of his training and interests.
Dr. Elliott is Professor of Chemistry and Chair, Department of Natural Sciences / Mathematics at Louisiana Christian University in Pineville, Louisiana. He holds degrees in Biology (LCU) and Polymer Science (University of Southern Mississippi). He holds the Kirby Professorship of Chemistry at LCU.
Before joining LCU, he had a career in product research at Unilever Research, Calgon Corporation, and The Gillette Company. He has been named inventor on 18 US patents.
While the earth remains, seedtime and harvest, cold and heat, summer and winter, day and night, shall not cease. Genesis 8:22
I would like to invite readers on a remarkable journey through the natural world-viewed through the dual lenses of Earth science and Biblical truth.
Blending scientific insight with Scriptural wisdom, we explore the systems that sustain life – air, land, water, energy, and the living world – revealing how each reflects the precision, order, and beauty of God’s design. Drawing from the Creation account in Genesis and the “Romans 1:20 principle”, we demonstrate that the heavens and the Earth not only testify to the Creator’s glory but also call humanity to responsible stewardship.
Challenging the cultural tension between environmentalism and Biblical stewardship, we offer a balanced, thought-provoking perspective that honors both scientific discovery and divine authorship. Whether you are a student, a teacher, or simply a seeker of truth, this book will deepen your understanding of the world you inhabit and inspire you to see more than a marvel of nature – it is the theater of God’s glory.