Faith Seeking Understanding : Approaching God Through Science

by Shackleford, John M.

• ISBN13: 9780809144518
• ISBN10: 0809144514
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 2007-05-14
• Publisher: Paulist Pr

Summary

In Faith Seeking Understanding anatomist and theologian John Shackleford explores the scientific evidence for a personal, loving God. He demonstrates that religious faith and scientific inquiry should not be seen as competitors, diametrically opposed to each other, but rather as complementary ways to assist the human quest for knowledge and deeper meaning of existence. And he promotes the idea that the study of science can actually enhance our understanding of God. Rather than seeking to reconcile science and religion as do some works of this genre, the author demonstrates the necessity of science in God's overall strategy for our salvation. The author presents his view of creation as a work of art in progress. Human participation in God's work of art, and the struggle towards its final completion, is necessary if we are to survive as a species. One conclusion of this viewpoint is that a spiritual message lies hidden in the laws of physics and chemistry, and that creation itself is a sacrament of God. Faith Seeking Understanding is a timely work for the debate on the validity of evolutionary theory, intelligent design, and creationism.

Author Biography

John M. Shackleford is retired Professor and Chairman of Anatomy and Assistant Dean of Admissions at the University of South Alabama College of Medicine.

Table of Contents

Reason and the reasonable	p. 7
The order of the universe	p. 21
A beautiful act of creation	p. 30
Convergence and unity	p. 45
The glorification of science through art	p. 55
Medicine, magic, and the hidden God	p. 63
The psychology of belief	p. 74
Science and the question of reality	p. 83
The demons of religion	p. 90
The demons of science	p. 105
Science, religion, and doubt	p. 117
Science, religion, and law	p. 124
Human creation as a work in progress	p. 135
The wisdom of the body	p. 147
Science, religion, and the crucible of time	p. 157
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