God's Own Scientists

God's Own Scientists examines the creationist movement in North Carolina through anthropological fieldwork conducted in the 1980s. Through interviews and participant observation, author Christopher P. Toumey documents the beliefs, practices and social dynamics of creationists who reject evolutionary theory. The research centers on a group of scientists and professionals who maintain Christian fundamentalist views while working in technical and scientific fields. Toumey explores how these individuals reconcile their religious convictions with their scientific training and careers, investigating their interpretations of both biblical and scientific evidence. Toumey follows key figures in the movement as they organize conferences, publish materials, and work to promote creationist perspectives in education and public discourse. The narrative provides direct access to the worldview and reasoning of creationists through extended quotes and detailed accounts of their activities. The book contributes to broader discussions about the relationship between science and religion in American culture, raising questions about authority, evidence, and competing ways of understanding the natural world. It offers insights into how beliefs shape interpretation of scientific information and how social movements work to advance alternative frameworks of knowledge.

Readers describe this anthropological study of creationist scientists as a balanced and respectful examination of the community, rather than a critique of creationist beliefs. Positive reviews highlight: - The author's immersive fieldwork and detailed observations - Neutral tone that avoids mocking or dismissing subjects - Clear explanations of how creationists reconcile faith and science Common criticisms: - Limited scope (focuses on one small group in North Carolina) - Academic writing style can be dense - Some readers wanted more direct analysis of creationist claims Ratings: Goodreads: 3.7/5 (14 ratings) Amazon: 4.2/5 (6 reviews) From reader reviews: "Provides real insight into how creationists think rather than just arguing against them" - Amazon reviewer "Too much focus on methodology and not enough on conclusions" - Goodreads user "First study that treats creationists as real people rather than caricatures" - Academia.edu review

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🔬 Christopher P. Toumey conducted extensive ethnographic research by immersing himself in the creationist community in North Carolina for over two years to write this book, attending lectures, workshops, and building personal relationships with the scientists. 🎓 The book challenges the common assumption that creationists reject science altogether, showing instead that many hold advanced degrees and work in scientific fields while maintaining specific objections to evolutionary theory. 📚 Published in 1994, this work was one of the first anthropological studies to examine the cultural beliefs and social dynamics of the creation science movement from an insider's perspective. 🔍 Toumey reveals how many creation scientists view their work as a moral crusade, believing that evolutionary theory leads to moral decay and that scientific creationism can help restore traditional values. 🌟 The title "God's Own Scientists" comes from the creationists' belief that their scientific work is divinely inspired and represents a more authentic form of science than mainstream evolutionary biology.