Science and Religion A New Introduction

by McGrath, Alister E.

• ISBN13: 9781405187909
• ISBN10: 1405187905
• Edition: 2nd
• Format: Hardcover
• Copyright: 2009-12-07
• Publisher: Wiley-Blackwell

Summary

Now thoroughly updated to reflect the latest debates, this popular textbook introduces readers to the central questions in the field of science and religion. Ideally suited to those who have little or no prior knowledge in either area, it incorporates numerous student-friendly features, including maps, summaries, and historical references, resulting in the most up-to-date introduction to the study of religion and the natural sciences available. Examines the historical, theological, philosophical and scientific aspects of the interaction between religion and science Fully updated to reflect current, cutting-edge debates on scientific atheism and the limits of scientific method, and discussions about the relationship between science and religion in major world faiths Includes a historical component to enable readers to orientate themselves within the subject Takes a topic based approach which fits into the existing structure of most courses, and includes explanatory material not found in other works of this kind, making it highly accessible for those with little scientific or religious background knowledge Incorporates illustrations, tables, maps, summaries and questions for a lively and engaging approach to the subject Written by world-renowned theologian, Alister McGrath; author of bestselling books such as Dawkins' God, and an acknowledged expert in the field of science and religion

Author Biography

Alister E. McGrath is Professor of Theology, Ministry and Education, and Head of the Centre for Theology, Religion and Culture at King’s College, London. He is the author of numerous bestselling titles, including Dawkins’ God (2004), Theology: The Basics (2004), Christianity: An Introduction, 2nd edition (2006), Christian Theology, 4^th edition (2007) and The Christian Theology Reader, 3^rd edition (2007), all published by Wiley-Blackwell.

Table of Contents

Preface

How to use this book

Introducing the dialogue between science and religion

History: Three Landmark Debates

Why does history matter?

Debate 1: Copernicus, Galileo and the Solar System

Debate 2: Newton, the mechanical universe, and Deism

Debate 3: Darwin and the biological origins of humanity

Science and religion: general themes

Models of interaction between science and religion

Science, religion, and the explanation of things

Science, religion, and proofs for God's existence

Verification and falsification in science and religion

Realism and its alternatives in science and religion

The doctrine of creation and the natural sciences

How does God act in the world?

The use of models in science and religion

Natural science and natural theology

Theoretical anomalies in science and religion

The development of theory in science and religion

The interaction of science and religion in other faiths

Science and religion: contemporary debates

Richard Dawkins and scientific atheism: does science deny God?

Cosmology: does the anthropic principle mean anything?

Quantum theory: complementarily in science and religion

Evolutionary biology: can one speak of "design" in nature?

Evolutionary psychology: The origins of religious belief

The psychology of religion: exploring religious experience

The cognitive science of religion: is religion "natural"?

Case studies in science and religion

Pierre Teilhard de Chardin (1881-1955)

Thomas F. Torrance (1913-2007)

Charles A. Coulson (1910-74)

Ian R. Barbour (born 1923)

Arthur Peacocke (1924-2006)

Wolfhart Pannenberg (born 1928)

John Polkinghorne (born 1930)

Nancey Murphy (born 1951)

Alister E. McGrath (born 1953)

Philip Clayton (born 1956)

Conclusion

References

Index

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