Problems in Theology 4: Science and Religion
Overview
This work collects carefully selected material from an array of authors on the relationships between science, religion and theology. It samples the recent literature on the challenges to religion posed by both modern physics and evolutionary biology as well as exploring the relationship between scientific and theological approaches. Topics include models of interaction between science and religion, historical reflections on the “conflict thesis”, scientific and theological methods, creation and modern cosmology, uncertainty and chaos, creationism and evolutionary theory, the anthropic principle and design, and the challenge of reductionism. Contributors include Ian Barbour, Michael Behe, Richard Dawkins, John Habgood, Mary Hesse, T. H. Huxley, Alister McGrath, Arthur Peacocke, John Polkinghorne, Michael Ruse, Keith Ward and Fraser Watts.
Top Highlights
“White’s picture of religious scruples and shattered towers symbolizes the popular notion of an intrinsic and perennial conflict. An ounce of scientific knowledge could be more effective in controlling the forces of nature than any amount of supplication.” (Pages 4–5)
“Historical analysis is often invoked to support this case for separation because it can always be argued that the conflicts of the past were the result of misunderstanding. If only the clergy had not pontificated about the workings of nature, and if only the scientists had not been so arrogant as to imagine that scientific information could meet the deepest human needs, all would have been sweetness and light.” (Page 6)
“Mainstream theology, however, interprets evolution as a process that is intended, created and sustained by God.” (Page 3)
- Title: Problems in Theology 4: Science and Religion
- Editors: Jeff Astley, Ann Loades, and David Brown
- Publisher: Continuum
- Publication Date: 2004
- Pages: 126
Jeff Astley is director of the North of England Institute for Christian Education and and an Honorary Professorial Fellow in the University of Durham.
Ann Loades is Emeritus Professor of Divinity in the University of Durham.
David Brown is Van Mildert Professor of Divinity at the University of Durham and a canon of Durham Cathedral. His books include Choices, Invitation to Theology, The Divine Trinity, and, most recently, a collection of sermons, The Word to Set You Free.