Religion and science Books

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Book SynopsisEach world faith tradition has its own distinctive relationship with science, and the science-religion dialogue benefits from a greater awareness of what this relationship is. In this book, members of the International Society for Science and Religion (ISSR) offer international and multi-faith perspectives on how new discoveries in science are met with insights regarding spiritual realities.The essays reflect the conviction that “religion and science each proceed best when they’re pursued in dialogue with each other, and also that our fragmented and divided world would benefit more from a stronger dialogue between science and religion.”In Part One, George F. R. Ellis, John C. Polkinghorne, and Holmes Rolston III, each a Templeton Prize winner, discuss their views on why the science and religion dialogue matters. They are joined in Part Two by distinguished theologians Fraser Watts and Philip Clayton, who place the dialogue in an international context; John Polkinghorne’s inaugural address to the ISSR in 2002 is also included. In Part Three, five members of the ISSR look at the distinctive relationships of their faiths to science: •Carl Feit on Judaism •Munawar Anees on Islam •B.V. Subbarayappa on Hinduism •Trinh Xuan Thuan on Buddhism •Heup Young Kim on Asian ChristianityGeorge Ellis, the recently elected second president of ISSR, summarizes the contributions of his colleagues. Ronald Cole-Turner then concludes the book with a discussion of the future of the science and religion dialogue.Table of Contents Preface Fraser Watts Part 1: Why the Dialogue Matters 1. Why the Science and Religion Dialogue Matters George F. R. Ellis 2. Does “Science and Religion” Matter? John Polkinghorne 3. The Science and Religion Dialogue: Why It Matters Holmes Rolston III Part 2: The International Context 4. Science and Religion: Where Have We Come From and Where Are We Going? John Polkinghorne 5. Science, Religion, and Culture Fraser Watts 6. The State of the International Religion-Science Discussion Today Philip Clayton Part 3: Perspectives from World Faith Traditions 7. Judaism and Science: A Contemporary Appraisal Carl Feit 8. Is the Science and Religion Discourse Relevant to Islam? Munawar A. Anees 9. Science and Hinduism: Some Reflections B. V. Subbarayappa 10. Science and Buddhism: At the Crossroads Trinh Xuan Thuan 11. Asian Christianity: Toward a Trilogue of Humility: Sciences, Theologies, and Asian Religions Heup Young Kim Conclusion: Science, Religion, and the Future of Dialogue Ronald Cole-Turner Contributors Index

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Book Synopsis What motivates altruism? How essential is the phenomenon of altruism to the human experience? Is altruism readily accessible to the ordinary person? In The Altruistic Species, Andrew Michael Flescher and Daniel L. Worthen explore these questions through the lenses of four disciplinary perspectives—biology, psychology, philosophy, and religion. In their investigation, they make an extended argument for the existence of altruism against competing theories that construe all ostensible cases of benevolence as self-interest in disguise. The authors consider theories of egoism; the role of genetics and evolutionary biology; the psychological that induce altruistic behavior; philosophical theories of altruism in normative ethics such as Kantian, utilitarian, and Aristotelian models of moral action; and accounts of love of the neighbor in Christianity and Buddhism. Additionally, they offer a new, comprehensive definition of altruism that includes the insights of each of these perspectives. The Altruistic Species reinvigorates the debate over the prevalence of selfless motivation in human behavior—whether it is a rare or ubiquitous phenomenon—something considered exceptional or a capacity that members of any community could potentially develop. This noteworthy interdisciplinary examination of altruism balances science, virtue theory, and theology. It is ideal for ethics, human behavior, and evolutionary biology courses as an educational resource for other multidisciplinary studies and interested lay readers. Trade ReviewThe Altruistic Species is an ambitious attempt to explain altruism through the lenses of psychology, religion, and evolutionary biology . . . The Altruistic Species includes some interesting stories about people who have expressed remarkable acts of caring for others, which the authors explore in a thorough and sometimes pr0vocative manner. . . . Flescher and Worthen do not shy away from explicating difficult discussions, and they diligently follow the implications of difficult human decisions. —Shift: the Frontier of Consciousness—No. 17 Though the book delves into biological kinship systems and Immanuel Kant’s categorical imperative, the writing is clear and accessible. In its calm way of demolishing objections to the author's contention that most all of us have the capacity—and moral obligation—to become more altruistic in our character (as part of what Aristotle called human flourishing), the book is also revolutionary. . . . It’s a matter, the authors say, of "practicing . . . moral skills" which become part of the "stable character" of altruism. It is a measure of a genuinely happy life. —Dan Barnett, Butte College Flescher and Worthenpresent a superbly organized book that aims to assign altruism a more central role in both descriptive and normative accounts of human nature. This work is interdisciplinary in approach and rich in examples from philosophy, history, literature, and everyday experience. According to the authors, the title refers to "a central part of our identity as a species, a part that can become even more central than it currently is." To make the case for this, Flescher and Worthen note that standard definitions of altruism are too restrictive. Next, they integrate biology, psychology, philosophy, and religious insights to reveal how these often conflicting disciplines "can be synthesized to contribute to a coherent, comprehensive, and truly interdisciplinary account" of altruism. The authors end by providing a new definition of altruism. This volume is a great addition to the growing literature on altruism and a good companion to Stephen Post’s Unlimited Love: Altruism, Compassion, and Service (CH, Jan’04, 41-2761) and Altruism and Altruistic Love (CH, Jan’03, 40-2711), ed. by Post et al. Summing Up: Highly recommended. Lower-level undergraduates and above; general readers. —H. Storl, CHOICE, Vol. 45, No. 9 This book results from an interdisciplinary and team-taught course by a psychologist and an ethicist. Psychology is interested in the practical implications of altruism. Ethics is interested in the existence and nature of altruism. . . . Templeton Foundation Press promotes studies on the relation of science to spiritual realities. This book is a remarkable contribution to such a project. —Lucian J. Richard, OMI, Catholic Library World—Vol. 78, No. 3 Table of Contents Preface / vii Introduction: Selfishness and Selflessness / 3 Part I: What Is Altruism? 1: Altruism Defined / 23 Part II: What Motivates Altruism? 2: The Perspective of Psychological Egoism: A Sheep in Wolf ’s Clothing / 57 3: The Perspective of Evolutionary Biology: The Genetic Dynamics of Caring and Cooperation / 91 4: Psychological Perspectives: Nurturing Our Nature / 125 5: Philosophical Perspectives: Altruism and the Role of Reason / 165 6: Religious Perspectives: Altruism, Saints, and Believers / 201 Part III: How Does Altruism Work? 7: Cultivating Our Altruistic Identity / 233

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Book SynopsisDivine Action, written by philosopher, theologian, and scholar Keith Ward was briefly available in 1990 before a publishing consolidation took it out of circulation. In this edition, the author has added a new preface reflecting the argument in light of the recent resurgence of naturalism in philosophy. In an intellectual counterpoint to antispirituality arguments, Ward explores what is involved in the idea of creation and particular divine actions in a world of scientific law and intelligibility. He presents his argument for the presence of divine action in the natural world and offers a rationale for divine operation as a continuous spiritual-natural conversation. Dr.Ward defends the Christian doctrine of Incarnation but is also more concerned with discussing the “big questions” in science and religion—those concerning existence, purpose, and inner process. His study embraces an analysis of freedom and necessity, the origins of suffering, constraints of creation, prayer as participation in divine action, miracles as epiphanies of the spirit, divine nature and human nature, and redemption. For scholars in philosophy, theology, and fields that engage in the dialogue of science and religion, this book presents rigorous scientific research and scholarship that significantly contribute to the ongoing debates over the divine operation and divine providence. Table of ContentsPreface to the 2007 Edition / vii 1. The Abyss of Reason / 1 2. Divine Freedom and Necessity / 18 3. The Origins of Suffering / 38 4. The Integral Web / 57 5. The Death of the Closed Universe / 74 6. The Enfolding Spirit / 103 7. The Constraints of Creation / 119 8. The Particularity of Providence / 134 9. Prayer as Participation in Divine Action / 154 10. Miracles as Epiphanies of the Spirit / 170 11. Pictures of the Divine / 190 12. Divine Nature and Human Nature / 211 13. The Witness of the Past / 231 14. The Redemption of Time / 253 Reference Bibliography / 271 Further Reading / 275 Index / 279

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Book SynopsisTibetan Buddhism and Modern Physics: Toward a Union of Love and Knowledge addresses the complex issues of dialogue and collaboration between Buddhism and science, revealing connections and differences between the two. While assuming no technical background in Buddhism or physics, this book strongly responds to the Dalai Lama’s “heartfelt plea” for genuine collaboration between science and Buddhism. The Dalai Lama has written a foreword to the book and the Office of His Holiness will translate it into both Chinese and Tibetan. In a clear and engaging way, this book shows how the principle of emptiness, the philosophic heart of Tibetan Buddhism, connects intimately to quantum nonlocality and other foundational features of quantum mechanics. Detailed connections between emptiness, modern relativity, and the nature of time are also explored. For Tibetan Buddhists, the profound interconnectedness implied by emptiness demands the practice of universal compassion. Because of the powerful connections between emptiness and modern physics, the book argues that the interconnected worldview of modern physics also encourages universal compassion. Along with these harmonies, the book explores a significant conflict between quantum mechanics and Tibetan Buddhism concerning the role of causality. The book concludes with a response to the question: "How does this expedition through the heart of modern physics and Tibetan Buddhism—from quantum mechanics, relativity, and cosmology, to emptiness, compassion, and disintegratedness—apply to today's painfully polarized world?" Despite differences and questions raised, the book's central message is that there is a solid basis for uniting these worldviews. From this basis, the message of universal compassion can accompany the spread of the scientific worldview, stimulating compassionate action in the light of deep understanding—a true union of love and knowledge. Tibetan Buddhism and Modern Physics will appeal to a broad audience that includes general readers and undergraduate and graduate students in science and religion courses.

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Book Synopsis During the Middle Ages, philosophers and theologians argued over the extramental reality of universal forms or essences. In the early modern period, the relation between subjectivity and objectivity, the individual self and knowledge of the outside world, was a rich subject of debate. Today, there is considerable argument about the relation between spontaneity and determinism within the evolutionary process, whether a principle of spontaneous self-organization as well as natural selection is at work in the aggregation of molecules into cells and the development of primitive forms of life into complex organisms. In Subjectivity, Objectivity and Intersubjectivity, Joseph A. Bracken proposes that what is ultimately at stake here is the age-old problem of the relationship between the One and the Many, universality and particularity on different levels of existence and activity within nature. Bracken rejects traditional models of this relationship, wherein either the One or the Many is presupposed to have priority over the other. He instead suggests that a new social ontology—one that is grounded in a theory of universal intersubjectivity—protects both the concrete particularity of individual entities in their specific relations to one another and their enduring corporate reality as a stable community or environment within Nature. What emerges is a bold reimagining of the sometimes strained relationship between religion and science. Bracken's clear writing, sophisticated philosophical analysis, and exemplary scholarship will lend this new work an enthusiastic appreciation by readers with deep interests in philosophy and philosophical theology.

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Book SynopsisEcology and the Environment: The Mechanisms, Marring, and Maintenance of Nature is the ninth title published in the Templeton Science and Religion Series, in which scientists from a wide range of fields distill their experience and knowledge into brief tours of their respective specialties. In this volume, R. J. Berry, a well-known leader in the field of ecology, describes the basic concepts of ecology and seeks to put them into a general context for a reader who lacks any scientific background. Berry explores the implications of these basic concepts and how they affect human life and the decisions we have to make, both as individuals and as members of a species that has colonized and influenced every part of the globe. He points out that we are a part of the animal world, but at the same time, we are apart from it, and he makes it clear that how we relate to our environment affects the quality of our life—indeed, it may affect our very survival. Going beyond a simple introduction of concepts, the book explores wider questions about the nature of humanity and how human ecology relates to humanness. Berry proposes that we are more than machines or even advanced apes—we are Homo divinus, transformed from an organism descended from the same stock as the apes but qualitatively different and able to relate to a creator God. The book argues that those who conclude otherwise are neglecting relevant data. Berry offers the perfect introduction to these philosophical and theological issues, but his work never loses sight of the practical issues either—the kind that is increasingly being addressed by national and international environmental agencies. In order to grasp the full scope of these issues and to more fully understand the ubiquitous news headlines concerning environmental matters, a reader would do well to start with Ecology and the Environment.Table of ContentsPreface / vii Chapter 1: Ecology—The Study of Place / 3 Chapter 2: A Green Machine / 26 Chapter 3: From Deluge to Biogeography / 69 Chapter 4: Stewardship and Ecological Services / 99 Chapter 5: Environmental Literacy / 117 Chapter 6: The Proper Study of Mankind / 132 Chapter 7: The Most Dangerous Species / 150 Chapter 8: God’s Two Books / 184 Acknowledgments / 211 Notes / 213 Further Reading / 217 Index / 221

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Book Synopsis Technology is changing all the time, but does it also have the ability to change us and the way we approach religion and spirituality? In Technology and Religion: Remaining Human in a Co-created World, Noreen Herzfeld examines this and other provocative questions as she provides an accessible and fascinating overview of the relationship between religion and the ever-broadening world of technology. In order to consider fully a topic as wide as technology, Herzfeld approaches the field from three different angles: technologies of the human body—such as genetic engineering, stem cells, cloning, pharmaceutical technologies, mechanical enhancement and cyborgs; technologies of the human mind—like human and artificial intelligence, virtual reality and cyberspace; and technologies of the external environment—such as nanotechnology, genetically modified crops and new agricultural technologies, and energy technology. She takes a similarly broad approach to the field of religion, focusing on how these issues interface with the three Abrahamic traditions of Christianity, Islam, and Judaism. Throughout, readers will find nuanced examinations of the moral and ethical issues surrounding new technologies from the perspectives of these faith traditions. The result is a multifaceted look at the ongoing dialogue between these two subjects that are not commonly associated with one another. This volume is the third title published in the new Templeton Science and Religion Series.

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Book Synopsis Contemporary scholarship has given rise to several modes of understanding biophysical and human nature, each entangled with related notions of science and religion. Envisioning Nature, Science, and Religion represents the culmination of three years of collaboration by an international group of fourteen natural scientists, social scientists, humanists, and theologians. The result is an intellectually stimulating volume that explores how the ideas of nature pertain to science and religion. Editor James D. Proctor has gathered sixteen in-depth essays, each examining and comparing five central metaphors or "visions" of biophysical and human nature. These visions are evolutionary nature, emergent nature, malleable nature, nature as sacred, and nature as culture. The book's diverse contributors offer a wide variety of unique perspectives on these five visions, spanning the intellectual spectrum and proposing important and often startling implications for religion and science alike. Throughout the essays, the authors do a great deal of cross-referencing and engaging each other's ideas, creating a cohesive dialogue on the visions of nature.Envisioning Nature, Science, and Religion offers a blend of scholarly rigor and readable prose that will be appreciated by anyone engaged in the fields of religion, philosophy, and the natural sciences. Table of ContentsAcknowledgments / vii Introduction: Visions of Nature, Science, and Religion / 3 James D. Proctor 1. The Nature of Visions of Nature: Packages to Be Unpacked / 36 Willem B. Drees 2. Visions of Nature through Mathematical Lenses / 59 Douglas E. Norton 3. Between Apes and Angels: At the Borders of Human Nature / 83 Johannes M.M.H. Thijssen 4. Locating New Visions / 103 David N. Livingstone 5. Enduring Metaphysical Impatience? / 131 Robert E. Ulanowicz 6. God from Nature: Evolution or Emergence? / 149 Barbara J. King 7. Who Needs Emergence? / 166 Gregory Peterson 8. Creativity through Emergence: A Vision of Nature and God / 180 Antje Jackelén 9. Rereading a Landscape of Atonement on an Aegean Island / 205 Martha L. Henderson 10. The Vision of Malleable Nature: A Complex Conversation / 227 Andrew Lustig 11. Visions of a Source of Wonder / 245 Fred D. Ledley 12. Nature as Culture: The Example of Animal / Behavior and Human Morality / 271 Nicolaas A. Rupke 13. Environment after Nature: Time for a / New Vision / 293 James D. Proctor 14. Should the Word Nature Be Eliminated? / 312 John Hedley Brooke Afterword: Visualizing Visions and Visioners / 337 James D. Proctor Contributors / 353 Index / 357

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Book SynopsisHorizons of Cosmology: Exploring Worlds Seen and Unseen is the fourth title published in the Templeton Science and Religion Series, in which scientists from a wide range of fields distill their experience and knowledge into brief tours of their respective specialties. In this volume, highly esteemed astrophysicist Joseph Silk explores the vast mysteries and speculations of the field of cosmology in a way that balances an accessible style for the general reader and enough technical detail for advanced students and professionals. Indeed, while the physical laws and origins of the universe can be endlessly complex, even Einstein once mused that they could be explained simply enough to be grasped by nonspecialists. To that end Silk begins by introducing the basic story of the major discoveries in cosmology over the past century—wherein we learned that we live in an expanding universe populated with galaxies and stars. The middle chapters examine a number of contemporary puzzles such as dark matter and dark energy. The last third of the book looks at the human side of cosmology and moves to the more philosophical frontiers of the field, such as concepts of multiverses and time travel—areas of exploration where some crossover into speculative territory becomes unavoidable. In the past century alone, our understanding of the universe has expanded exponentially, and it will be fascinating to see what discoveries the next hundred years hold. Few books will provide such a thorough understanding of where we have been and what might lie ahead as Horizons of Cosmology.

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Book SynopsisIs it possible to integrate scientific psychology with a Christian understanding of human nature? Are science and religion locked in an inevitable conflict, or is there an underlying harmony between these two sources of knowledge about humans? This book goes to the heart of the past and present dialogue between Christianity and psychology, comparing three models that have been used to describe the relationship between them. Because Christianity and psychology deal with different levels of truth and speak vastly different languages, efforts to unify them often create more problems than they solve. What is needed is a better way to think about the relationship—an approach that does justice to the emerging insights from psychological science and biblical scholarship and that can enrich our understanding of both. In this volume, two accomplished psychologists show how this complementary dialogue can unfold, giving us a broader, deeper understanding of ourselves, our relationships, and our place in the cosmos. .Trade Review"A refreshing, balanced presentation of what is often a difficult intersection: science and religion. . . . Going beyond the conflict motif that places science and religion at odds, Jeeves and Ludwig explore various avenues of perception and relationship, including concordism, integrative approaches, complementary perspectives, and mutual insight and enrichment between psychology and theology. One important chapter on social psychology and faith is contributed by the prominent social psychologist David Myers, who argues that collaboration between advances in scientific research and biblical scholarship can mutually enrich our understanding of spirituality. This text is clearly written, well researched, and documented with a valuable list of references. The text is suitable for collections in Christianity and also psychology of religion collections. Summing Up: Recommended. Advanced undergraduates through faculty and professionals." —Choice “A stimulating analysis of the relationship between psychological science and theology. The authors advocate a complementary relationship in which each discipline can provide insights and enrichments for the other, and they illustrate this with forays into neuropsychology, cognitive psychology, evolutionary psychology, and the psychology of emotion and morality. I’ve been a clinical practitioner and researcher for 45 years, and tried to live consistently a life of faith and a professional identity. I learned a lot from this read! My bet is that you will, too.” —Everett L. Worthington, Jr., PhD, author of Coming to Peace with Psychology (InterVaristy Press) “A scintillating engagement with one of the most important dialogues of our time. Highly recommended.” —Alister McGrath, DPhil, Andreas Idreos Professor of Science and Religion, University of Oxford “This spirited and clearly written book argues that scientific psychology and Christian theology can provide complementary accounts of the human person. The authors are distinguished scientists who show how our understanding of humans is greatly enriched by seeing them as physically embodied creatures, but they reject reductionist accounts that see us only as products of mechanistic ‘bottom-up’ processes.” —C. Stephen Evans, PhD, professor of philosophy and humanities, Baylor University “A comprehensive and very welcome exploration of the relationship between faith and psychology. Based on a lifetime's experience and up-to-date research, the book offers a map for mutually enriching interdisciplinary conversations between science and Christian theology.” —Joanna Collicutt, PhD, Karl Jaspers Lecturer in Psychology and Spirituality, Ripon College Cuddesdon

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Book SynopsisIn 2017, the year marking the 105th anniversary of the birth of Sir John Templeton, a group of scientists, scholars, and advisors who knew him personally gathered in Lyford Cay in the Bahamas. Their purpose: to discuss how the Foundation that bears his name could best extend his philanthropic vision into the twenty-first century. This volume is a result of that meeting—a collection of thirteen essays written by experts in fields that most fascinated Sir John. The contributors assess the Foundation’s fidelity to its founder’s intent, chart promising avenues for future grantmaking, and champion Sir John’s contrarian mission of unlocking life’s deepest mysteries. The members of the John Templeton Foundation are the custodians of Sir John’s vision—bold in its aspiration; humble in its approach—charged with using the tools of science to advance the frontiers of the spirit. May the essays collected here serve as inspiration as we carry that vision forward.Table of Contents Foreword / vii Introduction / xiii section one 1. Extending Sir John’s Vision into the Twenty-First Century / 3 Paul C. W. Davies 2. From Cosmology to Life and Ethics / 11 George F. R. Ellis 3. Future Research in a Diversity of Domains in Science, Theology and Spirituality / 27 Robert John Russell 4. John Marks Templeton: The Man Who Said No / 51 Owen Gingerich Section Two 5. Psychological Science and Christian Faith: Insights and Enrichments from Sustained Dialogue / 61 Malcolm Jeeves 6. Frontiers in Psychological Science / 83 David G. Myers 7. Religion, Spirituality and Health: What We Know, What We Need to Know 97 Harold G. Koenig 8. The Search for God in the Human Mind 111 Russell Stannard 9. The Evolving Process of Man’s Consciousness from a Scientific and Spiritual Perspective / 122 Rebekah A. Dunlap 10. Can We Investigate Sir John’s Core Metaphysical Idea? An Infinite Mind of Creative Love Manifest in the Ordered Universe and as a Source of Our Nonmaterial Souls / 129 Stephen G. Post Section Three 11. Has There Been Progress in Theological Understanding in the Modern World? / 153 Keith Ward 12. From Spiritual Information to Communication and Transformation / 164 Niels Henrik Gregersen 13. The Philanthropic Vision of a Contrarian / 174 Philip Clayton About the Contributors / 186

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Book SynopsisIs it possible to integrate scientific psychology with a Christian understanding of human nature? Are science and religion locked in an inevitable conflict, or is there an underlying harmony between these two sources of knowledge about humans? This book goes to the heart of the past and present dialogue between Christianity and psychology, comparing three models that have been used to describe the relationship between them. Because Christianity and psychology deal with different levels of truth and speak vastly different languages, efforts to unify them often create more problems than they solve. What is needed is a better way to think about the relationship—an approach that does justice to the emerging insights from psychological science and biblical scholarship and that can enrich our understanding of both. In this volume, two accomplished psychologists show how this complementary dialogue can unfold, giving us a broader, deeper understanding of ourselves, our relationships, and our place in the cosmos. .Trade Review"A refreshing, balanced presentation of what is often a difficult intersection: science and religion. . . . Going beyond the conflict motif that places science and religion at odds, Jeeves and Ludwig explore various avenues of perception and relationship, including concordism, integrative approaches, complementary perspectives, and mutual insight and enrichment between psychology and theology. One important chapter on social psychology and faith is contributed by the prominent social psychologist David Myers, who argues that collaboration between advances in scientific research and biblical scholarship can mutually enrich our understanding of spirituality. This text is clearly written, well researched, and documented with a valuable list of references. The text is suitable for collections in Christianity and also psychology of religion collections. Summing Up: Recommended. Advanced undergraduates through faculty and professionals." —Choice “A stimulating analysis of the relationship between psychological science and theology. The authors advocate a complementary relationship in which each discipline can provide insights and enrichments for the other, and they illustrate this with forays into neuropsychology, cognitive psychology, evolutionary psychology, and the psychology of emotion and morality. I’ve been a clinical practitioner and researcher for 45 years, and tried to live consistently a life of faith and a professional identity. I learned a lot from this read! My bet is that you will, too.” —Everett L. Worthington, Jr., PhD, author of Coming to Peace with Psychology (InterVaristy Press) “A scintillating engagement with one of the most important dialogues of our time. Highly recommended.” —Alister McGrath, DPhil, Andreas Idreos Professor of Science and Religion, University of Oxford “This spirited and clearly written book argues that scientific psychology and Christian theology can provide complementary accounts of the human person. The authors are distinguished scientists who show how our understanding of humans is greatly enriched by seeing them as physically embodied creatures, but they reject reductionist accounts that see us only as products of mechanistic ‘bottom-up’ processes.” —C. Stephen Evans, PhD, professor of philosophy and humanities, Baylor University “A comprehensive and very welcome exploration of the relationship between faith and psychology. Based on a lifetime's experience and up-to-date research, the book offers a map for mutually enriching interdisciplinary conversations between science and Christian theology.” —Joanna Collicutt, PhD, Karl Jaspers Lecturer in Psychology and Spirituality, Ripon College Cuddesdon

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Book Synopsis

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Book Synopsis This book is a thought-provoking view of the progress of humankind in the last century. In spite of the pessimism that prevails in the media, people are better fed, better clothed, better housed, and better educated than at any previous time. The facts within the book provide documentation for a positive outlook toward our nutrition and health, living standards and working conditions, political and economic freedoms, educational facilities, ability to communicate, ease of movement, increasing leisure, and, most important, our ability to get along with one another and with our Creator. The statistics, charts, and photographs that illustrate this book enhance the reassuring and uplifting view of the state of the world and where it is going. “His analysis gives us a refreshing balance to the negative, sometimes cynical, views in the media that tend to portray the worst rather than the best in human civilization.” —Jimmy Carter “After reading Sir John Templeton's latest book, I believe more than ever that we are living in the most exciting time in history. Despite the challenges we face, his demonstration of mankind's progress gives all of us great hopes and high expectations for our next century and the new millennium.” —Jack Kemp, former HUD secretary, director of Empower America Table of Contents Introduction / 1 1. A Short History of Saving and Investment / 10 2. American Political Realignment and the Origins of Welfare / 35 3. Wall Street and the Second Economic Revolution / 54 4. Depression and the New Deal / 86 5. The Great Social Security Debate / 110 6. The New Health-Care Imperative / 142 7. Houses, Highways, and Physical Capital 8. Education, Training, and Human Capital / 217 9. The Savings Strategy for Shrinking the Welfare State / 258 Conclusion / 277 Notes / 285 Index / 303

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Book SynopsisUntil recently, science’s ability to describe and define our universe threatened to make religion obsolete. But the well-received hardcover edition of this book demonstrated that, increasingly, God is being revealed through science.Now available in paperback, this positive work is for all who ponder the mystery and wonder of our universe—and the God who plans and oversees it. Probing the philosophical and theological impact of scientific discoveries, the authors urge us to adopt an analytical and open posture toward both science and religion. In the spirit of Sir Francis Bacon, this fascinating exploration shows us how “the book of God’s works” (natural science) can tell us a great deal about “the book of God’s words” (Scripture).“We began this book with the idea that the God who has made this awesome and wonderful universe is utterly beyond our capacity to measure and yet is also the God who would be known. He has placed remarkable signs in the heavens, on Earth, and in ourselves: signals of transcendence. We conclude that this universe is here by divine plan, and that science itself, for decades a bastion of unbelief, has once again become the source of humankind’s assurance of intimate divine concern in its affairs.”—from the authors

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