Peter Stoner

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Peter Stoner (June 16, 1888 – March 21, 1980) was a Christian writer and a college professor. He taught mathematics and astronomy at Pasadena City College until 1953, then led the science division at Westmont College from 1953 to 1957. He later held the title of Professor Emeritus of Science at Westmont College and Professor Emeritus of Mathematics and Astronomy at Pasadena City College.

Stoner studied at the University of California, Berkeley, where he earned a master’s degree with a major in mathematics and a minor in astronomy. He began doctoral work in astronomy, but when he was told the thesis would have to be written in mathematics, he declined to change fields.

He is best known for his book Science Speaks, which uses probability to discuss Bible prophecies. The book helped popularize his ideas in Christian apologetics, and it was cited by Josh McDowell in his book Evidence that Demands a Verdict.

Stoner was a co‑founder of the American Scientific Affiliation (ASA), a Christian group for scientists who seek to combine faith with scientific integrity. The foreword to Science Speaks, written with input from the ASA, praised the scientific material and the probability calculations about prophecy, but did not address biblical interpretation.

Within the ASA, Stoner was associated with old‑Earth creationist views. Critics have questioned his methods, noting biases in selecting evidence and challenging some of his claims about prophecy. Some readers dispute his Ezekiel prophecy about Tyre, arguing that history and geography do not match his predictions. Despite the debates, Stoner’s work remains a notable part of discussions in Christian apologetics.