If the Ocean Has a Soul, Rachel G. Jordan. Tyndale Refresh (ISBN: 9798400505843) 2025.

Summary: Meshes marine biology and biblical insights, exploring the integration of science and faith.

From childhood, Rachael Jordan loved the ocean. It began with sea urchins that poke and crabs that pinch. But far from turning her off, she found herself wondering what else lurked in the ocean. Only later did she discover that the deeps she explored as a marine biologist could deepen her faith She also discovered her faith could speak to realities not quantifiable by her science. Each enhanced the other.

Jordan went on from shoreside explorations to graduate training. From there, her research led to a position as a coral biologist and lead of the Coral Response Team for the Dry Tortugas National Park. Later, she worked at Australia’s Marine Aquaculture Research Facility. In this book she recounts her experiences from her training for professional certification as a scuba diver to her exploration of and efforts to save dying coral reefs. She describes the impact of the die-off of these reefs and the impact this would have on the array of beautiful creatures who make these reefs their home.

Each chapter mixes scientific observations from her work and reflections upon her faith. For example, as she writes about coral die-off in a chapter titled “Valley of the Shadow,” she goes on to a biblical reflection on the significance of death in a fallen creation and the renewal of creation through the risen Lord.

I found a chapter on “Buddy Breathing” equally compelling. Humans can’t live in the depths she explores, and only the equipment she dons sustains her life. But things go wrong from getting lost to equipment failure to injury. Therefore, dive buddies and advance procedures relentlessly trained mean the difference between life and death. She draws lessons on everything from scripture’s instructions to our dependence on the Lord from these experiences.

She fills her accounts with with wonder. Descriptions of coral. Colorful fish. Snuggling with seahorses. And the symphony of voices of the coral, pods of dolphins and more distant resonant soundings of whales. This is mixed with reflections on the Psalms and considerations of the wonders of God’s purposes and workings in a beautiful and broken world.

Instead of a polemic on science and faith, Jordan seamlessly weaves rigorous science and a life of faith. Not only did I find this a delight, but the interest of team members in her faith reflected that there is the savor of Christ in her work. Rather than warfare between science and faith, there is wonder. And for me, that makes for a better story.

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Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher for review.