When I began my studies in electrical engineering (EE) at SUNY Buffalo, I was a young believer in Christ who had seen several positive role models but had minimum knowledge of theology. To date, however, we have not seen a compiled book addressing the issues of engineering and faith. The intersection of faith and engineering practice, primarily from the point of view of education, is a common theme at this conference, and most of the proceedings are available. ,, Beginning in 1992 engineering faculty and professionals have met together every 2-3 years for the Christian Engineering Conference.
,, Also, a series of journal articles and book chapters by Christian faculty have been published on the topic. Since the 1980’s various engineering faculty have presented papers at national meetings where their contribution included aspects of their faith-based worldview. A strong foundation in Christian engineering has been established and is searchable. This is not to suggest that engineers have been silent about exploring the intersection of faith with their discipline.
Again, engineering was missing from the collection.
During the 1990’s Harper Collins issued a series of books with titles (Business, Biology, History…) Through the Eyes of Faith. Interestingly, both books addressed psychology, the humanities, mathematics, and natural sciences, but neither book touched at all on the field of engineering. In the 1970’s two books explored the intersection of Christian faith and various academic disciplines, Christianity and the World of Thought and The Christian Mind. In the chapters that follow Bill Graff and I will focus on three smaller questions that frame the issue: (1) How has engineering shaped my view of God? (2) How does engineering contribute to God’s plan of redemption and to human flourishing or fulfillment? (3) How can we love God and our neighbor through the practice of engineering? Why This Book? Their reaction is typically one of puzzlement: What does the ethereal world of faith have to do with the real-world nuts-and- bolts, equations and measurements, of engineering practice? As a high school student I would have raised the same question, but having been in this profession for four decades and learned from many who have wrestled with this issue I am convinced that an understanding of this intersection is vital for any believer who works in engineering. At various times I (Paul) have had occasion to explain to relatives and new acquaintances that I teach engineering at a Christian college where we stress the intersection of faith and the discipline taught.