Many Christians feel internal conflict rather than a sense of compatibility when it comes to the relationship between faith and science. Parents may feel unsure what to tell their children about creation and evolution or struggle to address climate change at the dinner table.

Sociologist Elaine Howard Ecklund has written a book to help Christians understand “The Common Values That Increase Trust Between Science and Faith.” Her new book, Why Science and Faith Need Each Other: Eight Shared Values That Move Us Beyond Fear, centers on virtues shared by faith and science—curiosity, doubt, humility, creativity, healing, awe, shalom, and gratitude.

“I have a new approach to discussing the relationship between science and faith,” says Ecklund. “I see science and faith not just as sets of ideas but as groups of people, and I am convinced that scientists and Christians share common virtues that if brought to light will lead to common ground.”

And on this common ground may our children walk and play and learn and teach, with faith and science as peaceful companions.