While described as soft-spoken, humble, and a quiet spirit, Davis Young leaves a legacy for his significant impact on the study of Christianity and geology.

The longtime Calvin geology professor died on August 20, 2024, He was 83. 

After earning degrees from Princeton University, Penn State, and Brown University, Young came to Calvin in 1978 to help design a curriculum, develop materials, and build a geology department from the ground up. 

A Generational Influence

During his career, Young authored several influential papers on science and faith, as well as eight books on that topic. Two of his early books, Creation and the Flood ���Ի���Christianity and the Age of the Earth, were groundbreaking in addressing the history of geology and the relationships between historical science and Christian faith.

“These books were an enormous encouragement to me and to an entire generation of younger evangelical scientists in the 1980s,” said Ralph Stearley, Calvin geology professor and a former colleague of Young’s. ‘It’s hard to overstate what these books meant for a generation of young Christian geologists.”

In fact, Stearley was so inspired by Christianity and the Age of the Earth, he collaborated with Young to update and rewrite the book as The Bible, Rocks and Time, which was published in 2008, and continues to influence a younger generation of Christian scientists.

Young also authored three technical books on the history of geology including Mind over Magna, which earned him the Geological Society of America’s primary award, the Mary Rabbit Award in 2009.

An Inspirational Teacher

While his research and writing was influential among scholars, Young also appreciated the opportunity to teach and inspire young minds. Upon his retirement in 2004, Young said, “Calvin is a treasure for Christians who want to learn about the world.”

Throughout his time at Calvin, Young and colleague Clarence Menninga created a series of post-commencement field trips, bringing hundreds of students to study in the Adirondacks, the Rocky Mountains, and the Colorado Plateau.

“Dave’s faith informed his classroom teaching on a daily basis, as well as his collegial relationships and his guidance of our department during his time as chair,” said Stearley. “He was a warm colleague and close personal friend.”

Young’s personal interests also included classical music and birding,with a life list of more than 1,000 species.

Young is survived by his wife, Dorothy; children Daniel Young (Teresa TerHaar), Timothy Young (Mary Ann Ferris-Young), Tracy Young (Scott Blasco); and six grandchildren.