Religion and science Books
Prometheus Books Decoding the Language of God: Can a Scientist
Book SynopsisIn his bestselling book, The Language of God, Francis Collins-the director of the National Institutes of Health and the scientist who led the Human Genome Project-attempted to harmonize the findings of scientific research with Christian belief. In this response to Collins's work, fellow geneticist George C. Cunningham presents a point-by-point rebuttal of The Language of God, arguing that there is no scientifically acceptable evidence to support belief in a personal God and much that discredits it. Written with admirable clarity for the nonscientist, Decoding the Language of God covers much of the same ground addressed by Collins in his book: the origins of moral behavior, the difficulty of reconciling belief in a good God with the existence of evil.and anthropic coincidences as evidence of God as creator. Cunningham also devotes chapters to the unreliability of the Bible as a basis for belief; the conflict between naturalistic explanations of reality, which are anchored in scientific research, and supernatural interpretations, which are not; and the many difficulties in conceptualizing the origins of the universe in terms of a personal God. Unlike recent hostile attacks on religious belief, Cunningham's respectful, well-reasoned discussion will appeal to open-minded people across the whole spectrum of belief and unbelief.
£13.29
Templeton Foundation Press,U.S. The Language of Genetics: An Introduction
Book SynopsisThe Language of Genetics: An Introduction is the seventh 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, Dr. Denis R. Alexander offers readers a basic toolkit of information, explanations, and ideas that can help us grasp something of the fascination and the challenge of the language of genetics.Alexander surveys the big picture, covering such topics as the birth of the field; DNA: what it is, how it works, and how it was discovered; our genetic history; the role of genes in diseases, epigenetics, and genetic engineering. The book assumes the reader has little scientific background, least of all in genetics, and approaches these issues in a very accessible way, free of specialized or overly technical jargon. In the last chapter, Dr. Alexander explores some of the big questions raised by genetics: what are its implications for notions of human value and uniqueness? Is evolution consistent with religious belief? If we believe in a God of love, then how come the evolutionary process, utterly dependent upon the language of genetics, is so wasteful and involves so much pain and suffering? How far should we go in manipulating the human genome? Does genetics subvert the idea that life has some ultimate meaning and purpose?Genetics is a rapidly advancing field; it seems new discoveries make headlines every other week. The Language of Genetics is intended to give the general reader the knowledge he or she needs to assess and understand the next big story in genetics.
£21.59
Little, Brown Book Group The Believing Brain: From Spiritual Faiths to
Book SynopsisSynthesizing thirty years of research, psychologist and science historian, Michael Shermer upends the traditional thinking about how humans form beliefs about the world. Simply put, beliefs come first and explanations for beliefs follow. The brain, Shermer argues, is a belief engine. Using sensory data that flow in through the senses, the brain naturally looks for and finds patterns - and then infuses those patterns with meaning, forming beliefs. Once beliefs are formed, our brains subconsciously seek out confirmatory evidence in support of those beliefs, which accelerates the process of reinforcing them, and round and round the process goes in a positive-feedback loop.In The Believing Brain, Shermer provides countless real-world examples of how this process operates, from politics, economics, and religion to conspiracy theories, the supernatural, and the paranormal. Ultimately, he demonstrates why science is the best tool ever devised to determine whether or not our belief matches reality.Trade Review'Michael Shermer has long been one of our most committed champions of scientific thinking in the face of popular delusion. In The Believing Brain, he has written a wonderfully lucid, accessible and wide-ranging account of the boundary between justified and unjustified belief' - Sam Harris, New York Times bestselling author'The Believing Brain is a fascinating account of the origins of all manner of beliefs, replete with cutting-edge evidence from the best scientific research, packed with nuggets of truths and then for good measure, studded with real world examples to deliver to the reader, a very personable, engaging and ultimately, convincing set of explanations for why we believe' - Professor Bruce Hood, Bristol University and author of Supersense'The Believing Brain is a tour de force integrating neuroscience and the social sciences to explain how irrational beliefs are formed and reinforced, while leaving us confident our ideas are valid. This is a must read for everyone who wonders why religious and political beliefs are so rigid and polarized - or why the other side is always wrong, but somehow doesn't see it' - Dr Leonard Mlodinow, author The Drunkard's Walk'Michael Shermer lucidly describes why and how we are hard wired to 'want to believe'. With a narrative that gently flows from the personal to the profound, Shermer shares what he has learned after spending a lifetime pondering the relationship between beliefs and reality, and how to be prepared to tell the difference between the two' - Lawrence M. Krauss, Foundation Professor and Director of the Origins Project at Arizona State University'Michael Shermer has long been one of the world's deepest thinkers when it comes to explaining where our beliefs come from, and he brings it all together in this important, engaging, and ambitious book. Shermer knows all the science, he tells great stories, he is funny, and he is fearless, delving into hot-button topics like 9-11 Truthers, life after death, capitalism, Barack Obama, Sarah Palin, and the existence of God. This is an entertaining and thoughtful exploration of the beliefs that shape our lives' - Paul Bloom author of How Pleasure Works 'Refreshingly sceptical' - Independent on Sunday
£12.34
Templeton Foundation Press,U.S. Human Nature: Reflections on the Integration of
Book Synopsis College and university professors have been demanding that this book, out of print for several years, be made available again, as it is unique in its field. This new edition, which includes a new preface and guidance to current literature, offers a balanced study of the implications of scientific developments in psychology and neuroscience for traditional Christian beliefs. Malcolm Jeeves, former editor-in-chief of Neuropsychologia, a leading international scientific journal in behavioral and cognitive neuroscience, explores the intersection of science and faith in defining what it means to be human. He reports on recent scientific research on consciousness and the link between mind, brain, and behavior. He examines issues such as determinism by indicating the possible relevance of chaos theory to enduring concerns about freedom and responsibility. He looks at similarities and differences between human nature and animal nature. He reexamines traditional dualist views of soul and body in the light of contemporary research on mind and brain and argues for a wholistic model. This leads to addressing questions such as: does spiritual awareness depend on the intactness of our brains or does spirituality stand apart from our biological substrate? Jeeves' insightful analysis of the ways recent findings in psychology relate to certain Christian beliefs about people expands the global science religion dialogue.
£21.59
Sayre Productions Hope...Even for Us
Book SynopsisWhat makes Time, Ignorance, and Death inevitable? Do they have something in common? A pioneer of reducing that deadly something leads a short tour of where it''s found and displaced. Sayre''s tour visits some unusual places. An immigrant neighborhood builds a microgrid. A remote radio telescope solves how to detect intelligence in the universe. A quantum mystery is resolved by our own incomplete view. All are related.The tour''s destination is a moral compass and hope in tragedy.
£7.55
Independently Published Ebós no Ritual do Candomblé: Vol. 3 - Ebós para
Book Synopsis
£7.73
Oxford University Press Richard Rufus of Cornwall
Book SynopsisThis is the first great commentary in the Western European tradition of expounding Aristotle's Metaphysics. Rufus addresses questions such as 'what is truth?' `what is matter?', 'what are numbers?', `how do corruptible and incorruptible substances differ?', and `how do sensible objects act on the soul?'.Table of ContentsAbbreviations Introduction Scriptum in Metaphysicam Aristotelis Proem Liber I Liber II Liber III Liber IV Liber V Liber VI Indices
£152.00
The University of Chicago Press Reading Darwin in Arabic 18601950
Book Synopsis
£24.00
The University of Chicago Press Huxleys Church and Maxwells Demon From Theistic
Book SynopsisDuring the Victorian period, the practice of science shifted from a religious context to a naturalistic one. It is generally assumed that this shift occurred because naturalistic science was distinct from and superior to theistic science. Yet as Huxley's Church and Maxwell's Demon reveals, most of the methodological values underlying scientific practice were virtually identical for the theists and the naturalists: each agreed on the importance of the uniformity of natural laws, the use of hypothesis and theory, the moral value of science, and intellectual freedom. But if scientific naturalism did not rise to dominance because of its methodological superiority, then how did it triumph? Matthew Stanley explores the overlap and shift between theistic and naturalistic science through a parallel study of two major scientific figures: James Clerk Maxwell, a devout Christian physicist, and Thomas Henry Huxley, the iconoclast biologist who coined the word agnostic. Both were deeply engaged in the methodological, institutional, and political issues that were crucial to the theistic-naturalistic transformation. What Stanley's analysis of these figures reveals is that the scientific naturalists executed a number of strategies over a generation to gain control of the institutions of scientific education and to reimagine the history of their discipline. Rather than a sudden revolution, the similarity between theistic and naturalistic science allowed for a relatively smooth transition in practice from the old guard to the new.
£24.00
Columbia University Press Critical Approaches to Science and Religion
Book SynopsisThis book offers a new direction for scholarship on science and religion that centers social, political, and ecological concerns. Featuring a diverse array of contributors, it draws on three vital schools of thought: critical race theory, feminist and queer theory, and postcolonial theory.Trade ReviewCritical Approaches to Science and Religion is a marvelous advance of interdisciplinary scholarship that charts foundational themes for interpreting the cultural dimensions of science and religion. The authors elucidate epistemological tensions and methodological resonances to inform future scholarship. This is essential reading for scholars across multiple disciplines. -- Sylvester A. Johnson, coeditor of Religion and US Empire: Critical New HistoriesI will return repeatedly to this volume to think with these diverse authors. Their disciplinary languages are not mine although they attentively converse with my discipline of Critical Indigenous Studies, among others. I am eager for vital conversations that I and others will have with these ideas that feed my radical hope for the implosion of the white and settler supremacist worldview. In order to live better with one another in this world, we need this conversation. -- Kim TallBear, author of Native American DNA: Tribal Belonging and the False Promise of Genetic ScienceWith its inclusion of vital perspectives from critical race theory, feminist and queer theory, and postcolonial and Indigenous studies, this volume transforms the conversation about religion and science by making issues of difference central to these discussions. These essays are invaluable. -- Randall Styers, author of Making Magic: Religion, Magic, and Science in the Modern WorldA joyful intellectual exercise. I highly recommend this book. You likely won’t agree with all of it—perhaps even none of it. But you will nevertheless be changed by the experience of reading it. * Reviews in Science, Religion, and Theology *Table of ContentsAcknowledgmentsIntroduction, by Myrna Perez Sheldon, Terence Keel, and Ahmed RagabPart I. ValuesIntroduction, by Terence Keel, Ahmed Ragab, and Myrna Perez Sheldon1. Scripture of False Smiles: Scholarship and Lying with Erving Goffman, by Kathryn Lofton2. Nihilism, Race, and the Critical Study of Science and Religion, by Terence Keel3. A Feminist Theology of Abortion, by Myrna Perez Sheldon4. Can Originalism Save Bioethics?, by Osagie K. ObasogiePart II. BoundariesIntroduction, by Myrna Perez Sheldon, Terence Keel, and Ahmed Ragab5. Spiriting the Johnstons: Producing Science and Religion Under Settler Colonial Rule, by Tisa Wenger6. Dark Gods in the Age of Light: The Lightbulb, the Japanese Deification of Thomas Edison, and the Entangled Constructions of Religion and Science, by Jason Ānanda Josephson Storm7. Questioning the Sacred Cow: Science, Religion, and Race in the United States and India, by Cassie Adcock8. “And God Knows Best”: Knowledge, Expertise, and Trust in the Postcolonial Web-Sphere, by Ahmed RagabPart III. NarrativesIntroduction, by Ahmed Ragab, Terence Keel, and Myrna Perez Sheldon9. Secular Grace in the Age of Environmentalism, by Erika Lorraine Milam10. Performing Polygenism: Science, Religion, and Race in the Enlightenment, by Suman Seth11. Out of Africa: Where Faith, Race, and Science Collide, by Joseph Graves Jr.Part IV. CoherenceIntroduction, by Ahmed Ragab, Terence Keel, and Myrna Perez Sheldon12. Kānaka Maoli Voyaging Technology and Geography Beyond Colonial Difference, by Eli Nelson13. Speculation Is Not a Metaphor: More than Varieties of Cryobiological Experience, by Joanna Radin14. Maroon Science: Knowledge, Secrecy, and Crime in Jamaica, by Katharine Gerbner15. Obeah Simplified? Scientism, Magic, and the Problem of Universals, by J. Brent CrossonConclusion, by Myrna Perez Sheldon, Terence Keel, and Ahmed RagabIndex
£93.60
Columbia University Press Critical Approaches to Science and Religion
Book SynopsisThis book offers a new direction for scholarship on science and religion that centers social, political, and ecological concerns. Featuring a diverse array of contributors, it draws on three vital schools of thought: critical race theory, feminist and queer theory, and postcolonial theory.Trade ReviewCritical Approaches to Science and Religion is a marvelous advance of interdisciplinary scholarship that charts foundational themes for interpreting the cultural dimensions of science and religion. The authors elucidate epistemological tensions and methodological resonances to inform future scholarship. This is essential reading for scholars across multiple disciplines. -- Sylvester A. Johnson, coeditor of Religion and US Empire: Critical New HistoriesI will return repeatedly to this volume to think with these diverse authors. Their disciplinary languages are not mine although they attentively converse with my discipline of Critical Indigenous Studies, among others. I am eager for vital conversations that I and others will have with these ideas that feed my radical hope for the implosion of the white and settler supremacist worldview. In order to live better with one another in this world, we need this conversation. -- Kim TallBear, author of Native American DNA: Tribal Belonging and the False Promise of Genetic ScienceWith its inclusion of vital perspectives from critical race theory, feminist and queer theory, and postcolonial and Indigenous studies, this volume transforms the conversation about religion and science by making issues of difference central to these discussions. These essays are invaluable. -- Randall Styers, author of Making Magic: Religion, Magic, and Science in the Modern WorldA joyful intellectual exercise. I highly recommend this book. You likely won’t agree with all of it—perhaps even none of it. But you will nevertheless be changed by the experience of reading it. * Reviews in Science, Religion, and Theology *Table of ContentsAcknowledgmentsIntroduction, by Myrna Perez Sheldon, Terence Keel, and Ahmed RagabPart I. ValuesIntroduction, by Terence Keel, Ahmed Ragab, and Myrna Perez Sheldon1. Scripture of False Smiles: Scholarship and Lying with Erving Goffman, by Kathryn Lofton2. Nihilism, Race, and the Critical Study of Science and Religion, by Terence Keel3. A Feminist Theology of Abortion, by Myrna Perez Sheldon4. Can Originalism Save Bioethics?, by Osagie K. ObasogiePart II. BoundariesIntroduction, by Myrna Perez Sheldon, Terence Keel, and Ahmed Ragab5. Spiriting the Johnstons: Producing Science and Religion Under Settler Colonial Rule, by Tisa Wenger6. Dark Gods in the Age of Light: The Lightbulb, the Japanese Deification of Thomas Edison, and the Entangled Constructions of Religion and Science, by Jason Ānanda Josephson Storm7. Questioning the Sacred Cow: Science, Religion, and Race in the United States and India, by Cassie Adcock8. “And God Knows Best”: Knowledge, Expertise, and Trust in the Postcolonial Web-Sphere, by Ahmed RagabPart III. NarrativesIntroduction, by Ahmed Ragab, Terence Keel, and Myrna Perez Sheldon9. Secular Grace in the Age of Environmentalism, by Erika Lorraine Milam10. Performing Polygenism: Science, Religion, and Race in the Enlightenment, by Suman Seth11. Out of Africa: Where Faith, Race, and Science Collide, by Joseph Graves Jr.Part IV. CoherenceIntroduction, by Ahmed Ragab, Terence Keel, and Myrna Perez Sheldon12. Kānaka Maoli Voyaging Technology and Geography Beyond Colonial Difference, by Eli Nelson13. Speculation Is Not a Metaphor: More than Varieties of Cryobiological Experience, by Joanna Radin14. Maroon Science: Knowledge, Secrecy, and Crime in Jamaica, by Katharine Gerbner15. Obeah Simplified? Scientism, Magic, and the Problem of Universals, by J. Brent CrossonConclusion, by Myrna Perez Sheldon, Terence Keel, and Ahmed RagabIndex
£27.00
Indiana University Press Extinction and Religion
Book SynopsisTrade Review"A wonderfully well-conceived and integrated collection that advances almost single handedly the discussion of religion and extinction. These rigorous essays by leading scholars are painful but vital reading as they direct our attention again and again to specific species, including our own. Certain to be of interest across the environmental humanities, this volume in its methodological variety and thematic diversity will shape the field."—Peter Manley Scott, University of Manchester"The solutions to the problems of climate change, loss of places, and mass extinction cannot be found in better science and greener technology alone. As the essays in this volume so clearly argue, we must also address our basic desires, dreams, hopes, and despairs, in order to stay connected to the earth and fellow earthlings, and in order to work toward healing our planetary ills."—Whitney Bauman, Florida International University
£59.50
Indiana University Press Extinction and Religion
Book SynopsisHuman-caused extinctions have never been so prominent in our political and cultural landscape. Extinction and Religion is a collection of wide-ranging chapters that explore the implications for religious faith and experience as it relates to a sixth mass extinction in Earth's history. Further it seeks to answer the question as to how religious and spiritual practices are shaping responses to the crisis?Edited by Jeremy H. Kidwell and Stefan Skrimshire, this collection aims to set a new postsecular agenda, articulating the questions, challenges, and ways forward for thinking about religion in an age of mass extinction rather than provide responses from world religions in isolation. It covers subjects such as the multitude of challenges posed by mass extinction to beliefs about the future of humanity, death and the afterlife, the integrity of creation, and the relationship between human and nonhuman life. Wide ranging and incisive, Extinction and Religion amply demonstrates the many waTrade Review"A wonderfully well-conceived and integrated collection that advances almost single handedly the discussion of religion and extinction. These rigorous essays by leading scholars are painful but vital reading as they direct our attention again and again to specific species, including our own. Certain to be of interest across the environmental humanities, this volume in its methodological variety and thematic diversity will shape the field."—Peter Manley Scott, University of Manchester"The solutions to the problems of climate change, loss of places, and mass extinction cannot be found in better science and greener technology alone. As the essays in this volume so clearly argue, we must also address our basic desires, dreams, hopes, and despairs, in order to stay connected to the earth and fellow earthlings, and in order to work toward healing our planetary ills."—Whitney Bauman, Florida International University
£31.50
Indiana University Press Science and the Spirit
Book SynopsisPentecostalism confronts the divide between science and religionTrade ReviewThis is a very interesting collection of articles that explore questions of spirituality in the light of contemporary science and technology. . . . Each of these papers is helpful in addressing crucial questions at the interface of science and Pentecostal spirituality. * Perspectives on Science and Christian Faith *These books represent a body of important work and an ecumenical challenge for theologians and religious leaders . . . We can be grateful to the scholars and editors for making these resources available in a readable but richly researched set of volumes. Vol. 46, No. 1 (Winter, 2011) * JOURNAL of ECUMENICAL STUDIES *Table of ContentsPrefaceIntroduction: Science and the Spirit—Questions and Possibilities in the Pentecostal Engagement with Science / James K. A. Smith and Amos YongPart 1. What Hath Azusa Street to Do with MIT? The Big Questions 1. What Have the Galapagos to Do with Jerusalem? Scientific Knowledge in Theological Context / Telford Work 2. Is There Room for Surprise in the Natural World? Naturalism, the Supernatural, and Pentecostal Spirituality / James K. A. Smith 3. How Does God Do What God Does? Pentecostal-Charismatic Perspectives on Divine Action in Dialogue with Modern Science / Amos YongPart 2. The Spirit of Matter: Questions and Possibilities in the Natural Sciences 4. Does God Have a Place in the Physical Universe? Physics and the Quest for the Holy Spirit / Wolfgang Vondey 5. Does the Spirit Create through Evolutionary Processes? Pentecostals and Biological Evolution / Steve Badger and Mike Tenneson 6. Can Religious Experience Be Reduced to Brain Activity? The Place and Significance of Pentecostal Narrative / Frederick L. Ware 7. Serotonin and Spirit: Can There Be a Holistic Pentecostal Approach to Mental Illness? / Donald F. CalbreathPart 3. The Human Spirit: Questions and Possibilities in the Social and Technological Sciences 8. Can Social Scientists Dance? Participating in Science, Spirit, and Social Reconstruction as an Anthropologist and Afropentecostal / Craig Scandrett-Leatherman 9. Is Integrating Spirit and Sociology Possible? A Postmodern Research Odyssey / Margaret M. Poloma 10. Is There Room for the Spirit in a World Dominated by Technology? Pentecostals and the Technological World / Dennis W. CheekList of ContributorsIndex
£18.04
SPCK Publishing Enriching our Vision of Reality
Book SynopsisA brilliant exploration of the relationship between Christian theology and the natural sciences by one of the world's foremost authorities.Trade ReviewEnriching our Vision of Reality is elegant, erudite and animated by a constant enthusiasm for its subject. There is everything here – science, theology, philosophy, biography, even some poetry – all enlisted to help us to see the world as it is, both more clearly and with greater delight. -- The Revd Dr Andrew Davison, Starbridge Lecturer in Theology and Natural Sciences, University of Cambridge, and Fellow in Theology at Corpus Christi CollegeAgain and again, Alister McGrath elegantly performs that central task of any teacher: to enable his students and readers, starting from the familiar ground of what they already know, to go on to explore new territory, and begin to see an expanded horizon. * Church Times *
£11.39
SPCK Publishing Has Science Killed God
Book SynopsisTwenty papers from the Faraday Institute, by some of the world's leading scientists, philosophers and theologians, on current and future issues surrounding science and faith. Professor Alister McGrath contributes an introductory essay.Trade ReviewThis excellent collection of Faraday Papers reflects the way that thinking has progressed over the past decade and fulfilled some of the aspirations of the Faraday Institute for which it was set up. * Sir Brian Heap, FRS, University of Cambridge *This volume is invaluable for anyone wishing to understand current science and faith debates. Its outstanding feature is its comprehensiveness. It gives historical and philosophical perspective as well as spelling out the wider implications of advances in evolutionary biology, quantum physics, neuroscience, genetics, and geology for Christian faith. I strongly recommend it. * Emeritus Professor Malcolm Jeeves, CBE, F. Med.Sci., FRSE, PPRSE, School of Psychology and Neuroscience, St. Andrews University *I envy the British for their rich resources in profound scholarship at the interface of science and the Christian faith. This book is a testimony to that. Look no further if you are searching for an accessible introduction to a broad spectrum of interesting subjects in this area, from philosophical ponderings about the nature of science, to Bible interpretation, to creation care, to the intriguing questions posed by neuroscience and genetics. Highly recommended! * Professor Cees Dekker, KNAW Royal Academy Professor and Distinguished University Professor at Delft University of Technology *
£17.09
Yale University Press Science and the Good The Tragic Quest for the
Book SynopsisTrade Review“Science and the Good is a closely argued, always accessible riposte to those who think scientific study can explain, improve or even supersede morality [. . .] A generous and thoughtful critique”—Simon Ings, The Daily Telegraph“Well worth reading”—Marcus Arvan, Metascience"Science and the Good is a compelling critique of half-baked ideas that have acquired pervasive and unwarranted influence in Anglophone public discourse today. One could not ask for a more timely and incisive contribution to contemporary cultural debate."—Jackson Lears, Board of Governors Distinguished Professor of History, Rutgers University"Science and the Good provides an incisive and timely analysis of the pressing question: can science demonstrate what morality is and how we should live? Hunter and Nedelisky carefully expose the inadequacies and dangers of ‘the new science of morality.’"—Peter Harrison, author of The Territories of Science and Religion
£16.99
Random House USA Inc The Shape of Wonder
£21.00
Harvard University Press Gods Planet
Book SynopsisMany scientists look at the universe and conclude we are here by chance. The astronomer and historian Owen Gingerich looks at the same evidence—and the fact that the universe is comprehensible to our minds—and sees it as proof for the intentions of a Creator-God. The more rigorous science becomes, the more clearly God’s handiwork can be understood.Trade Review[A] short, punchy, accessible, and thought-provoking book… What sets this book apart from others dealing with the science–religion debate is that rather than dealing in generalities, the author illustrates his viewpoint by focusing on three case studies related to the work of three scientists, Nicolaus Copernicus, Charles Darwin, and Fred Hoyle. The introduction of personal details concerning these thinkers makes what is already an easy read even more enjoyable and engaging. -- Russell Stannard * Christian Century *A rich volume you’ll want to keep in your library. -- John Farrell * Forbes.com *I thought I knew all I needed to know about these characters—Copernicus, Darwin, Hoyle—who shaped our modern view of the cosmos. Now Owen Gingerich provides new facts and deeper understanding of all three of them. -- Freeman DysonAstronomer-historian Owen Gingerich rebuts the claim made by Stephen Jay Gould that science and religion are ‘non-overlapping magisteria’ with no influence on each other. He does so by carefully analyzing three scientific discoveries whose full significance is only clarified through metascientific assessment. Gingerich’s argument is scholarly, yet the writing is so clear and lively that it is readily accessible. -- The Rev. Dr. John Polkinghorne, KBE, FRSEminent scholar Gingerich shows how religious perspectives have played significant roles in major scientific discoveries and frameworks…This enlightened Christian’s goal is to show that Steven J. Gould’s allegedly non-overtapping magisteria (NOMA), namely science and religion, are actually constantly overlapping…God’s Planet is fascinating in its wealth of information and insights. -- V. V. Raman * Choice *
£32.36
Lion Hudson Big Bang Big God
Book SynopsisIs the Universe specifically designed to make life possible?Trade Review“If you wish to rationally consider the possible relation of cosmology to philosophical and theological issues, Holder’s very careful analysis will provide a sound and historically well informed basis for that discussion.” -- George F. R. Ellis FRS, Professor Emeritus of Applied Mathematics, University of Cape Town “At last a highly accessible book for the general reader on origins.” -- Dr Denis Alexander, Emeritus Director of the Faraday Institute for Science and Religion, St Edmund’s College, Cambridge “With lucid rationality, this fine book guides the reader deftly through some of the most profound questions in contemporary science.” -- Roger Trigg, Emeritus Professor of Philosophy, Warwick University “Rodney Holder combines expertise in both science and theology to explore the exciting question of the origin of the universe; and he does so in a way that reflects the importance, complexity, and fun of these big questions.” -- Revd Professor David Wilkinson, Principal, St John’s College, Durham University “A fascinating blend of modern cosmology and serious theology, well rooted in the historical observations and theoriesthat led to the concept of the expanding universe” -- Owen Gingerich, Professor Emeritus of Astronomy and of the History of Science, Harvard University, and Senior Astronomer Emeritus, Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory “A fascinating journey through modern cosmology, showing how our beautifully `fine-tuned’ universe is wholly compatible with Christian ideas of creation and theism. It is a masterly, lucid, and very readable survey covering all the `big issues’ in the field, and placing them in historical context, by an author who is both a trained academic cosmologist and an Anglican priest.” -- Dr Allan Chapman, Faculty of Modern History, University of Oxford “An engaging introductory account of the history of Big Bang Cosmology, including a detailed discussion of the underlying physics and a Christian perspective on its theological and philosophical implications. I warmly commend this carefully argued monograph.” -- John Pilbrow, Emeritus Professor of Physics, Monash University, and former President of ISCAST (Institute for the Study of Christianity in an Age of Science and Technology) A combination of deep theoretical understanding and exquisitely precise astronomical observations. Rodney Holder tells a remarkable scientific story, which is of the highest interest in its own right, but its character is such that it almost inevitably raises metascientific questions of whether there is also meaning and purpose to be discerned in this subtle and fertile process. -- Sir John Polkinghorne
£9.49
SPCK Publishing All in the Mind Does Neuroscience Challenge Faith
Book SynopsisDoes neuroscience prove that all religious experience is just in the mind?Trade Review“In this impressive overview the author draws on decades of his own experience in brain research to tackle a wide range of questions concerning the relationship between the neurosciences and faith. Free-will and determinism; the question of the soul; religious experience; criminal responsibility; near-death experiences – all these topics and many more are tackled in a style accessible to the general reader, yet drawing on the latest research publications. This highly commended book is essential reading for anyone interested in the latest findings on brain and religion.” * Denis Alexander, Emeritus Director, The Faraday Institute for Science and Religion, St Edmund’s College, Cambridge *“Reports of exciting discoveries by neuroscientists are frequently followed by speculation about what these discoveries may mean for traditional beliefs about human nature, including our religious beliefs. The links between mind and brain seem to tighten with every new discovery so we wonder are we really nothing more than a machine without free will, and is there any longer room for the soul? And, given the discoveries of rudimentary aspects of religious behaviour in animals, what is special, if anything, about our religious belief and practices? This book, written by someone with a lifetime career in neuroscience, gives a concise, evenhanded, fair-minded, well-informed and balanced account of how some of our cherished religious beliefs look in light of what neuroscience tells us. Peter Clarke does not offer slick, dogmatic, simplistic answers to difficult problems but makes accessible to the nonspecialist the relevant evidence necessary to reach meaningful conclusions. He argues for an attitude of open but not empty-minded assessment. This excellent book is up-to-date, clearly written, helpful in thinking through pressing issues and is thoroughly permeated by a secure Christian faith solidly based on historical biblical foundations. I commend it most warmly.” * Malcolm Jeeves, Emeritus Professor, CBE, F.Med.Sci, FRSE, past President of the Royal Society of Edinburgh, past Editor-in-Chief of Neuropsychologia, School of Psychology and Neurosciences, St Andrews University *“Peter Clarke gives a wide-ranging critique of the view that there is a threat to human responsibility and dignity from modern neuroscience. He writes as an expert on how and why brain cells live and die, and a practising Christian. He urges us to take seriously the observations and experiments that show that wherever it has been possible to device a means of testing the issue, all our cognitive abilities, including making judgments and ethical decisions, depend on the integrity of brain circuits. On the other hand he shows that it does not follow that we are nothing but automata: you need your brain but you aren’t its slave. There is careful discussion of a number of the arguments often presented as knocking down one view or another, such as whether the Libet experiment undermines free will, and whether `near-death experiences’ prove that materialism is false. Contrary to the common view that modern neuroscience leaves no room for the soul, Clarke argues that it leaves plenty of room for an Aristotelean-Thomist view of the soul and there are the theological reasons for preferring this to the Platonic concept. He reviews the claim that modern neuroscience presents fundamental challenges to key notions of criminal responsibility and finds it wanting. A demanding but rewarding read.” * Dr Stuart Judge, neuroscientist, Emeritus Reader in Physiology, University of Oxford *“Peter Clarke has written a fascinating account of the workings of the human brain and a calm, measured and well-informed rebuttal of the many ways in which modern neuroscience has been hijacked to deny human free will and religious belief. Thoroughly to be recommended.” * Rodney Holder *“This is a well-argued and compelling defence of religious belief in the face of apparent challenges from neuroscience, psychology, and genetics.” * Russell Stannard, Professor of Physics, The Open University *“In this very original book Professor Clarke takes up the challenge of reconciling modern reductionist neuroscience with the central doctrines of religion and theology. The result is a stimulating and highly readable survey of the sweep of contemporary brain research and a successful demolition of the idea that neuroscience necessarily dethrones human values.” * VS Ramachandran, author of The Tell-Tale Brain *“The question of the veracity of the tenets of religious faith in the context of current advances in neuroscience is both fascinating to consider and critical to bring within a proper perspective. In this book, neurophysiologist Peter Clarke allows the reader to encounter the fascination of advances in neuroscience in a way that is clear and of sufficient depth to be authoritative. Clarke also leads the reader beyond fascination into consideration of what is implied, and not implied, by neuroscience for a philosophical and theological account of human nature. It is clear from Clarke’s exposition that a scientific account of the embodiment of human thought and action, when correctly understood, poses no threat to belief in human agency, the causal role of conscious thought, and the possibilities for genuine moral action and personal responsibility. What is more, Clarke’s exposition suggests that a more embodied view of humankind can fund a robust faith.” * Warren S. Brown, research neuropsychologist and author of several books on the relationship between neuroscience and faith, director, the Travis Research Institute, the Fuller Theological Seminary and Professor of Psychology, Graduate School of Psychology *“This book is a must read for those interested in the interface between faith and neuroscience. Throughout, Professor Clarke advocates an integrated, holistic approach to the major questions where neuroscience and faith impinge. He touches on our core beliefs about who we are, and deals with hotbed arguments around free will and responsibility. He gives a clear analysis of the arguments and indicates where he would draw the line. As a scientist he does not shy from engaging with other disciplines like philosophy and as a molecular neuroscientist he keeps a healthy balance between molecular and systems approaches. He shows how advances in neuroscience inform at all levels who we are. I highly commend this informative book. * Harvey T. McMahon *“’Modern neuroscience raises challenges for many of our most basic ethical and religious beliefs’ writes neuroscientist Peter Clarke in the introduction to All in the Mind. In this honest, clearly written, and wide-ranging book, he describes how the brain works and discusses the relationship between brain mechanisms, mind, consciousness, free/conscious will, morality, and a range of spiritual/religious beliefs and experiences. The breadth of scholarship is impressive, giving rise to a very informative text with a large amount of material packed economically into its pages. It is a much-needed and welcome addition to the Science-Religion literature.” * John Bryant, Emeritus Professor, University of Exeter *
£11.39
SPCK Publishing Let there be Science
Book SynopsisWhat if the Christian faith could actually help us to understand science better?Trade Review"An immensely enjoyable and readable account of some of the big questions raised by modern science. The authors provide a wealth of detail as they open up their exciting vision of the relationship of science and Christian faith. Highly recommended." -- Alister McGrath, Andreas Idreos Professor of Science and Religion, Oxford University * Alister McGrath, Andreas Idreos Professor of Science and Religion, Oxford University. *“At a time when one of the great fallacies of our age continues to suggest that science and theology are incompatible, Tom McLeish and David Hutchings bring a creative dialogue between the two disciplines in `Let There Be Science’. They present a compelling vision describing science as a gift from God in which science and theology interrelate and thrive in each other’s company. A timely book which shows Christian apologetics and the public understanding of science at its very best.” -- The Rt Revd Graham Usher, Bishop of Dudley “God has given us the gift of science, and the gift of faith to nurture it, so that we may actively engage the world, making it a better place not only for ourselves but also for those who come after us. This is part of what it means to be human; and science, along with and supported by faith, is right at the heart of it. I commend this book to all who would like to know better how faith is fertile ground for the growth of science.” -- The Archbishop of York, Dr John Sentamu"This is a brilliant book which uses fascinating human stories to demonstrate how science and religion have belonged together in the exploration of fundamental questions about life and the nature of reality. In an easy, approachable style the authors take us into the Big Ideas of science and shine on them the enriching light of biblical wisdom. It’s a thrilling journey and renews the reader’s hope for a mature partnership between the great world-views of science and religion, whereby each is a gift to the other and all of us are the beneficiaries. Read, mark and enjoy." -- The Rt Rev John Pritchard, former Bishop of Oxford"A fascinating and highly original contribution to the God and science discussion. David and Tom show that rather than science and Christianity being at war which other, there’s a powerful fit between science and faith. Far from Christianity only being for Dawkins’ “died in the wool faith heads”, Let There Be Science lays out a myriad ways that Christianity offers rich resources for science — including the most powerful motive for doing science in the first place." -- Dr. Andy Bannister, PhD * Director, Solas Centre for Public Christianity Adjunct Speaker, Ravi Zacharias International Ministries *“This is a book about the wonderfully human nature of science by two most wonderfully human of authors. A must read for those who fear or dismiss science and for those who make science into an idol. Here is the reality of science in all of its fun, its success, its complexity, its limitations, and its relationship to faith.” -- Revd Professor David Wilkinson, Principal of St John's College and Professor in the Department of Theology and Religion, Durham University“`Let There Be Science’ provides fascinating new insights into the worlds of science and faith. Full of engaging examples , this readable book entertains, informs and challenges, breathing new life into a discussion with deep historical roots.” -- Denis Alexander, Emeritus Director of The Faraday Institute for Science and Religion, St. Edmund’s College, Cambridge."This book is a highly thought-provoking and thoughtful exploration of the relationship between science and faith. The authors' arguments are clearly and elegantly presented, and supported with fascinating examples from the history of the exploration of science. Recommended for non-scientists and scientists alike, it is a surprising and unexpected page turner." -- Angie Edwards, Director of the Arthur C. Clarke Foundation"Whatever your personal stance on matters of religion and science it’s surely encouraging to see calm and considered conversation being fostered between them. Let There Be Science makes a compelling case that the ethos of science and the insights that it brings into the workings of the natural world can have much to offer to people of faith. With passion and humility David Hutchings and Tom McLeish seek out common ground and show that, despite our differences, we are all united in our curiosity and capacity for wonder." -- Dr Marek Kukula, Public Astronomer, Royal Observatory GreenwichTable of ContentsCONTENTSFOREWORD 6PREFACE 81. TURNING THE LIGHT ON 132. AN ANCIENT STORY 253. A GIFT AND AN INVITATION 474. REVOLUTIONS 615. PAIN, SUFFERING, AND HOPE 896. ORDER FROM CHAOS 1097. QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS 1278. LOVE 1419. RECONCILIATION 15510. CROSSING THE ROOM 175NOTES 191INDEX 201
£11.39
SPCK Publishing Wonders of the Living World Illustrated Hardback
Book SynopsisBiological science is explored by leading scientists and apologists through awe-inspiring illustrationsTable of ContentsContents1. Exploring the Wonders of the Living World: an introduction 62. Inner Worlds: a tour of the inner workings of a cell 103. One in a Million? the chemisty of life in the universe 30featuring stephen freeland4. Artistic Molecules: how messy processes form ordered life 50featuring rhoda hawkins5. Dance of the Cells: embryonic development 70featuring jeff hardin6. The Map of Life: is evolution compatible with purpose? 90featuring simon conway morris7. The Snuggle for Existence: the power of cooperation 110featuring jeff schloss8. Living Cities: the complexity of coral reef ecosystems 130featuring margaret miller9. Surprised by Meaning: can the world say anything about God? 150featuring alister mcgrath10. Biology and Belief: a journey through science and faith 162featuring milary marlowAcknowledgments 186Further reading: how to stay informed 187Glossary 189
£18.89
SPCK Publishing Wonders of the Living World Text Only Version
Book SynopsisBiological science is explored by leading scientists and apologistsTable of ContentsContents1. Exploring the Wonders of the Living World: An introduction . . . . . 62. Inner Worlds: A tour of the inner workings of a cell . . . . . . . . . . . . . 93. One in a Million? The chemistry of life in the universe . . . . . . . . . . 18Featuring Stephen Freeland4. Artistic Molecules: How messy processes form ordered life . . . . . . 27Featuring Rhoda Hawkins5. Dance of the Cells: Embryonic development . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35Featuring Jeff Hardin6. The Map of Life: Is evolution compatible with purpose? . . . . . . . . . 45Featuring Simon Conway Morris7. The Snuggle for Existence: The power of cooperation . . . . . . . . . . . 54Featuring Jeff Schloss8. Living Cities: The value of coral reef ecosystems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 66Featuring Margaret Miller9. Surprised by Meaning: Can the world say anything about God? . . 76Featuring Alister McGrath10. Biology and Belief: A journey through science and faith . . . . . . . . 82Featuring Hilary MarlowAcknowledgements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 98Further Reading: how to stay informed . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 99Glossary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 102Selected diagrams . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 106
£10.44
Baker Publishing Group Cosmology in Theological Perspective
Book SynopsisA leading expert in science and theology introduces the topic of cosmology from a "state of the question" perspective, showing what the stakes are for religion and theology in the rise of modern science.Table of ContentsContentsIntroduction: Close Encounters1. Every Saga Has a Beginning: Philosophical Cosmologies in the Ancient World2. The Voyage Home: Cosmos in Early Christian Thought3. Resistance Is Futile: Galileo, Newton, and Darwin4. All These Worlds: On the Multiverse5. If It's Just Us, It Seems Like an Awful Waste of Space: On Human Uniqueness6. Infinite Space, Infinite Terror: Our Cosmic (In)Significance7. In Space No One Can Hear You Scream? God and Being8. There Is No Gene for the Human Spirit: Images of God9. Come with Me If You Want to Live: Incarnations10. To Boldly Go: Beings in Search of Greater UnderstandingIndexes
£17.99
Rutgers University Press Faith and the Pursuit of Health Cardiometabolic
Book SynopsisFaith and the Pursuit of Health explores how Pentecostal Christians manage chronic illness in ways that sheds light on health disparities and social suffering in Samoa, a place where rates of obesity and related cardiometabolic disorders have reached population-wide levels. Trade Review"Hardin’s gripping ethnography of food and faith offers a beautifully-composed analysis of the lived experience of obesity in a Pacific Island community. By connecting religious and metabolic conversions, Hardin shows us how health in Samoa becomes a 'matter of faith' as faith, in turn, comes to physically matter. The stories of how people grapple with cardio-metabolism in this moving account of living and dying in 21st century Samoa will work their way into your heart and stay there." -- Emily Yates-Doerr * author of The Weight of Obesity: Hunger and Global Health in Postwar Guatemala *“This superb ethnography of Samoa represents a landmark integration of medical anthropology and the anthropology of Christianity. In the light of Hardin’s original analysis, established topics in both fields having to do with individualism, the body and social relations, and with temporality and cultural change, appear in a strikingly new light. This book is a major contribution that deserves a wide readership.” -- Joel Robbins * author of Becoming Sinners: Christianity and Moral Torment in a Papua New Guinea Society *"This illuminating ethnography provides compelling evidence of Pentecostal Christianity’s appeal for women. A powerful synthesis of medical anthropology and the anthropology of Christianity, the analysis is written in a style that combines the subtleties of them both. The chapter on research methods is a gift to health practitioners and anthropologists undertaking their own studies." -- Shirley Lindenbaum * co-editor of Knowledge, Power and Practice: The Anthropology of Medicine and Everyday Life *"Hardin’s ethnography advances anthropology’s significant contribution to our understanding of the spirit, body and soul in health and illness, in a setting characterised by cardiometabolic ambivalence." * The Asia Pacific Journal of Anthropology *Table of ContentsTable of Contents Glossary Note on Pronunciation Map Foreword Chapter 1: Salvation and Metabolism Chapter 2: Ethnography between Clinic and Church Chapter 3: Discerning Ambiguous Risks Chapter 4: Freedom and Health Responsibility Chapter 5: Embodied Analytics Chapter 6: Well-being and Deferred Agency Chapter 7: Support Synergies Chapter 8: Integrating Faith into Healthcare Practice Acknowledgements Endnotes Bibliography Index
£29.70
Rutgers University Press Faith and the Pursuit of Health Cardiometabolic
Book SynopsisFaith and the Pursuit of Health explores how Pentecostal Christians manage chronic illness in ways that sheds light on health disparities and social suffering in Samoa, a place where rates of obesity and related cardiometabolic disorders have reached population-wide levels. Trade Review"Hardin’s gripping ethnography of food and faith offers a beautifully-composed analysis of the lived experience of obesity in a Pacific Island community. By connecting religious and metabolic conversions, Hardin shows us how health in Samoa becomes a 'matter of faith' as faith, in turn, comes to physically matter. The stories of how people grapple with cardio-metabolism in this moving account of living and dying in 21st century Samoa will work their way into your heart and stay there." -- Emily Yates-Doerr * author of The Weight of Obesity: Hunger and Global Health in Postwar Guatemala *“This superb ethnography of Samoa represents a landmark integration of medical anthropology and the anthropology of Christianity. In the light of Hardin’s original analysis, established topics in both fields having to do with individualism, the body and social relations, and with temporality and cultural change, appear in a strikingly new light. This book is a major contribution that deserves a wide readership.” -- Joel Robbins * author of Becoming Sinners: Christianity and Moral Torment in a Papua New Guinea Society *"This illuminating ethnography provides compelling evidence of Pentecostal Christianity’s appeal for women. A powerful synthesis of medical anthropology and the anthropology of Christianity, the analysis is written in a style that combines the subtleties of them both. The chapter on research methods is a gift to health practitioners and anthropologists undertaking their own studies." -- Shirley Lindenbaum * co-editor of Knowledge, Power and Practice: The Anthropology of Medicine and Everyday Life *"Hardin’s ethnography advances anthropology’s significant contribution to our understanding of the spirit, body and soul in health and illness, in a setting characterised by cardiometabolic ambivalence." * The Asia Pacific Journal of Anthropology *Table of ContentsTable of Contents Glossary Note on Pronunciation Map Foreword Chapter 1: Salvation and Metabolism Chapter 2: Ethnography between Clinic and Church Chapter 3: Discerning Ambiguous Risks Chapter 4: Freedom and Health Responsibility Chapter 5: Embodied Analytics Chapter 6: Well-being and Deferred Agency Chapter 7: Support Synergies Chapter 8: Integrating Faith into Healthcare Practice Acknowledgements Endnotes Bibliography Index
£105.40
Lion Hudson Christians and Evolution Christian Scholars
Book SynopsisScientists and theologians from a range of disciplines, all orthodox Christian believers, explain what changed their minds.Trade Review“As one who was raised a Quaker, and who therefore never felt any tension between science and religion, I found it deeply humbling to read the testimonies of these deeply committed Christians, raised more evangelical than I, who had to work so hard to reconcile their faith with their science. Truly do they show they are made in the image of their God as they use their talents to reason to what they now see as the truth.” -- Professor Michael Ruse, Lucyle T. Werkmeister Professor of Philosophy, Director of the Program in the History and Philosophy of Science, Florida State University"I found it profoundly inspiring to be guided through the seminal debate on God and evolution by these wonderful scholars and believers. This book will make you more capable and discerning in your discussions with others." -- Rev. Dr. Joel C. Hunter, Senior Pastor Northland - A Church Distributed“A most timely, much-needed book. I have seen too many confused young Christians wrestling with scientific facts. The varied experiences of the authors in this book will help many people to keep their faith and their scientific integrity.” -- Professor Sir Ghillean Prance, FRS, VMH"The Christian Church continues to benefit greatly from Berry’s scientific wisdom and godly faith." -- The Church TimesTable of ContentsContentsForeword 8Introduction: In the Beginning God– R. J. (Sam) Berry 101. He’s Still Working on Me– Nicholas Higgs 352. Nothing in Biology Makes Sense Except in the Light of Evolution– Emily Sturgess 493. From Belief in Creationism to Belief in Evolution– Colin Humphreys 644. Connecting Heart and Mind: A Journey Towards Wholeness– Darrel Falk 775. Fossils That Inform– Stephen Godfrey 906. Learning to Hear God’s Message– Scott and Grace Buchanan 1077. Reflections– Lisa Goddard 1278. Escaping from Creationism– John McKeown 1429. Living with Darwin’s Dangerous Idea– Karl Giberson 15310. Deluged– Philip Pattemore 17411. Evolutionary Metanoia– Wilson Poon 19712. Deliver Us – From Literalism– Paul Thomas 21513. How an Igneous Geologist Came to Terms With Evolution– Davis Young 23014. What Does Christ Have to Do with Chemistry?– David Vosburg 24515. Discovering Unexpected Dimensions of the ivine Plan– David Watts 26016. The Skeleton in the Cupboard: Why I ChangedMy Mind About Evolution– Bob Carling 27617. Struggling with Origins: A Personal Story– Denis Lamoureux 29318. Changing One’s Mind Over Evolution– Michael Reiss 318Epilogue– David Fergusson 331Going Further 338Index of Bible References 342Index 344
£10.44
Lion Hudson True Scientists True Faith
Book SynopsisTwenty of the world's leading scientists explain how their science enhances their faith and their faith undergirds their scienceTrade Review"The Christian Church continues to benefit greatly from Berry’s scientific wisdom and godly faith." -- The Church TimesTable of ContentsContentsForeword 91. Alister McGrath: Science, Faith, and Making Sense ofThings 122. John Houghton: A God Big Enough 283. Andrew Briggs: And Information Became Physical 394. Chris Done: From Spock to the Supernatural 545. Colin Humphreys: Can Science and Christianity oth Be True? 646. Simon Stuart: Reflections of a Christian Workingin Science and Conservation 867. Francis Collins: What Do You Believe, Doctor? 1048. Ghillean Prance: A Talent for Science 1369. Monty Barker: Man – Dust with a Destiny 14810. John Wood: From Nanotechnology toMacro-Organizations – Engineering Atoms and More 16211. Andy Gosler: Surprise and the Value of Life 17612. Jennifer Wiseman: Inspired by the Heavens 19613. Sam Berry: Genes, Genesis and Greens 21014. John Wyatt: No Easy Answers 22515. Bob White: Earthquakes, Volcanoes,and Other Catastrophes 23916. Simon Conway Morris: One Impossible Thing BeforeBreakfast: Evolution and Christianity 25517. David Raffaelli: Inconvenient Truths 27618. Denis Alexander: A Different Drum-beat 28819. Rosalind Picard: Building Technology with Emotion 30820. Donald MacKay: Science and Christian Faith Today 322Suggestions for Further Reading 344Index of Bible References 347Index of Bible References 348
£10.44
SPCK Publishing God in the Lab
Book SynopsisAn exploration of how Ruth's science, and that of scientists in different disciplines, has enhanced their faith.Trade Review“Ruth Bancewicz shows how creativity, beauty, wonder and awe are essential experiences in scientific investigation. She demonstrates that there is no great discontinuity between science and other human quests for truth, including religion.” -- Revd Dr John Polkinghorne, KBE, former President of Queens’ College, Cambridge“Highly readable … Peppered with interesting facts and anecdotes, this is for everyone interested in the conversation between science and faith.” -- Dr Denis Alexander, Emeritus Director, The Faraday Institute for Science and Religion “On a topic so often dominated by the culture wars, Dr Bancewicz brings a fresh and much-needed emphasis on wonder to conversations about science and Christian faith. She reminds us that the beauty, awe, and creativity of the natural world points to its Creator. This readable book would make a great gift for a pastor or student.” -- Dr Deborah B. Haarsma, Astronomer and President of BioLogos“Written with rigour, creativity and the day-to-day insight of a true scientist. [God in the Lab] has widened the horizons of the science and faith debate by bringing new and needed perspectives. I heartily recommend it.” -- Dr Sharon Dirckx, Tutor at the Oxford Centre for Christian Apologetics, author and former brain imaging scientist“[God in the Lab] is both well researched and contains a fresh and inspiring personal narrative. It should reignite in others a passion for the friendship between science and religious belief.” -- Revd David B Rowe, Warden of the Lee Abbey Community“Ruth Bancewicz's beautifully written book demonstrates how science enhances faith, with many examples from real scientists who are Christians, and many memorable quotations. This is a great book to give to those who believe there is a conflict between science and faith.” -- Professor Sir Colin Humphreys, Director of Research at Cambridge University and President of Christians in ScienceTable of ContentsContentsForeword 71 The Theologian and the Telescope 82 Life in the Lab 153 Christianity and Science 424 Creativity 595 Imagination 906 Beauty 1237 Wonder 1578 Awe 1919 Conversation 223Acknowledgments 228Bibliography 230Notes 235Index 253
£9.49
SPCK Publishing Creation or Evolution
Book SynopsisTake hold of the most recent scientific and theological developments and respond convincingly to this key question of faithTrade Review`Surely the best informed, clearest and most judicious treatment of the question in its title that you can find anywhere today.’ -- J I Packer`In this brilliant and highly readable treatise, Denis Alexander the scientists-believer argues convincingly and lovingly that a committed Christian need not fear evolution, but can embrace it as God’s awesome means of creation.’ -- Dr Francis S Collins, Head of the Human Genome Project, USA"Regardless of what position one might hold, Alexander’s book will light the way to a more informed understanding of the terrain in one of today’s most volatile issues. Just as importantly, he models the graciousness that ought to characterize our conversations. His expertise in the pertinent sciences is undergirded with a nuanced understanding of the biblical and theological issues and a commitment to their importance. Those who sometimes struggle with the technical jargon that often characterizes this conversation will find a breath of fresh air in his ability to communicate clearly. Books like this are helping the church to move beyond the warfare mentality and to consider anew ways that we can think as Christians in a complicated world, and Alexander’s work has earned a spot at the top of the list." -- John Walton, Professor of Old Testament, Wheaton College [author of The Lost World of Genesis One]`Very timely, thoughtful, thorough and full of integrity. It speaks the languages of both science and faith in a remarkably clear and accessible way.’ -- Rt Revd John Pritchard, Bishop of Oxford, UK`A masterful and enlightening journey through both the relevant biblical text and the science underlying evolution.’ -- Andrew P. Halestrap, Professor of Biochemistry, University of Bristol, UK`A fresh and massive contribution to an important debate....no Christian interested in the questions of origins can ignore this book.’ -- Julian Hardyman, Senior Pastor, Eden Baptist Church, Cambridge, UK"Immensely valuable … a thoughtful and thought-provoking work." -- Professor Ernan McMullin * The Tablet *Table of ContentsContentsFigures 10Preface to the First Edition 11Preface to the Second Edition 151 What Do We Mean By Creation? 212 The Biblical Doctrine of Creation 353 What Do We Mean By Evolution? Dating, DNA and Genes 584 What Do We Mean By Evolution? Natural Selection, Reproductive Success and Cooperation 885 What Do We Mean By Evolution? Speciation, Fossils and the Question of Information 1126 Objections to Evolution 1547 What About Genesis? 1778 Evolutionary Creationism 1999 Who were Adam and Eve? The Background 22310 Who were Adam and Eve? Genesis and Science in Conversation 25211 Evolution and the Biblical Understanding of Death 30512 Evolution and the Fall 31613 Evolution, Natural Evil and the Theodicy Question 36614 Intelligent Design and Creation’s Order 38915 Evolution: Intelligent and Designed? 41416 The Origin of Life 435Postscript 461Notes 464Index 493
£14.39
SPCK Publishing Who Ordered this Universe Evidence for God in
Book SynopsisIf God exists and wants to be known, you will see his fingerprints all over the place.Table of ContentsCONTENTSAcknowledgments 8Foreword by Professor David Wilkinson 9Introduction 121. The Evidence of God in the Cosmos 182. The Evidence of God in Nature 463. The Evidence of God in Suffering 734. The Evidence of God in Mathematics 1025. The Evidence of God in Society 1336. The Evidence of God in Truth 1617. The Evidence of God in Death 205Notes 239Bibliography 249
£10.44
SPCK Publishing How I changed My Mind about Evolution
Book SynopsisStories from noteworthy evangelical Christians who honour the authority of the Bible, but who also agree with what science says about the cosmos, our planet and the life that so abundantly fills it.Trade Review"Atheists often cite religious opposition to evolution as a reason for their unbelief. This wonderful collection of essays by Bible-believing Christians demonstrates how unnecessary it is to oppose evolution in the name of faith. What is striking about the authors in this volume is the sheer range and diversity of their own spiritual journeys in coming to terms with science. It is my prayer that evolution might cease to be seen as a threat to faith on the part of some Christians rather than as an integral aspect of God's created order for which the Christian can rightly give praise." -- Denis R. Alexander, emeritus director, The Faraday Institute for Science and Religion"This collection of firsthand experiences is important for showing that firm belief in the truth-telling character of Scripture can support, rather than undermine, the best scientific investigations. It also provides more solid evidence for the good that BioLogos is doing to transform science and religion from a war zone to an instructive conversation." -- Mark Noll, Francis A. McAnaney Professor of History, University of Notre DameTable of ContentsContentsForeword by Denis Alexander 11Acknowledgments 13Introduction 15Kathryn Applegate and J. B. (Jim) Stump1. From Culture Wars to Common Witness:A Pilgrimage on Faith and Science 21James K. A. Smith2. Who’s Afraid of Science? 29Scot McKnight3. The Inevitable Conclusion 34Ken Fong4. Learning to Praise God for His Work in Evolution 40Deborah Haarsma5. An Old Testament Professor Celebrates Creation 48Tremper Longman III6. Embracing the Lord of Life 54Jeff Hardin7. Peace 62Stephen Ashley Blake8. Learning the Language of God 69Francis S. Collins9. Faith, Truth and Mystery 75Oliver D. Crisp10. Inspired by an Amazing Universe 82Jennifer Wiseman11. Boiling Kettles and Remodeled Apes 89John Ortberg12. From Intelligent Design to Evolutionary Creation 96Dennis R. Venema13. A Scientist’s Journey to Reflective Christian Faith 103Praveen Sethupathy14. A Fumbling Journey 109Dorothy Boorse15. A Biblically Fulfilled Evolutionary Creationist 116J. B. (Jim) Stump16. A True Read on Reality 124Daniel M. Harrell17. A British Reflection on the EvolutionControversy in America 131N. T. Wright18. Personal Evolution: Reconciling EvolutionaryScience and Christianity 138Justin L. Barrett19. The Evolution of an Evolutionary Creationist 143Denis O. Lamoureux20. Learning from the Stars 153Laura Truax21. So, Do You Believe in Evolution? 159Rodney J. Scott22. The Spirit of an Evolving Creation:Surmisings of a Pentecostal Theologian 167Amos Yong23. Two Books + Two Eyes = Four Necessities forChristian Witness 173Richard Dahlstrom24. Finding Rest in Christ, Not in Easy Answers 180Kathryn Applegate25. Safe Spaces 187Richard J. MouwNotes 195
£11.39
Master Books The New Answers Book PB 1 New Answers Master
Book Synopsis
£13.73
John Wiley and Sons Ltd Science and Christianity An Introduction to the
Book SynopsisScience and Christianity is an accessible, engaging introduction to topics at the intersection of science and Christian theology.Table of ContentsAcknowledgments v Introduction ix 1 Conflict and Independence 1 1. Ways that science and Christianity might be related 2 2. Conflict 3 3. Independence 8 4. Two Books 11 2 Christianity and the Origin of Modern Science 15 1. The handmaiden of theology 16 2. Christianity’s role in the rise of modern science: Twentieth-century views 19 3. Recent developments 24 3 Secularization 29 1. Scientists and religious belief 31 2. Broadening the definition 34 3. A secular age 36 4 Young Earth Creationism and Intelligent Design 42 1. Setting the stage for Young Earth Creationism 43 2. Today’s Young Earth Creationism 45 3. Intelligent Design 48 4. Irreducible complexity and information 50 5 The Bible 56 1. Two Books vs. sola scriptura 57 2. Interpretation 59 3. What kind of inspiration? 63 4. Science and the Bible 66 6 Methodological Naturalism 69 1. Defining methodological naturalism 70 2. Duhem and the aims of science 72 3. Methodological naturalism and the problem of demarcation 75 4. Reasons for abiding by methodological naturalism 77 7 Natural Theology 81 1. Classic arguments of natural theology 82 2. Objections to natural theology 86 3. Natural theology for the 21st century 90 8 Cosmology 94 1. Big Bang cosmology 94 2. Fine tuning 99 3. The multiverse 102 9 Evolution 108 1. Evolution and the Bible 109 2. Creation through randomness and death 112 3. The uniqueness of human beings 115 4. Consonance between evolution and Christianity 117 10 Divine Action 120 1. The development of deism 121 2. Miracles 122 3. Non-interventionist objective divine action 126 4. Alternatives for explaining divine action 129 11 Mind, Soul, and Brain 134 1. The Christian tradition of the soul 135 2. Descartes and dualism 137 3. Challenges to dualism 139 4. Cognitive dualism 142 12 The Problem of Natural Evil 147 1. Articulation of the problem 148 2. Some potential responses 150 3. A more robust theodicy 152 4. Eschatological fulfillment 155 Conclusion: The Last Things 159 Timeline of Historical Figures Discussed 164 Glossary 167 Index 174
£24.65
John Wiley and Sons Ltd Science and Christianity
Book SynopsisScience and Christianity is an accessible, engaging introduction to topics at the intersection of science and Christian theology. A philosophically orientated treatment that introduces the relationship of science to Christianity and explores to what extent the findings of science affect traditional Christian theology Addresses important theological topics in light of contemporary science, including divine action, the problem of natural evil, and eschatology Historically oriented chapters and chapters covering methodological principles for both science and theology provide the reader with a strong foundational understanding of the issues Includes feature boxes highlighting quotations, biographies of major scientists and theologians, key terms, and other helpful information Issues are presented as fairly and objectively as possible, with strengths and weaknesses of particular interpretations fully discussed Table of ContentsAcknowledgments vii Introduction xi 1 Conflict and Independence 1 1. Ways that science and Christianity might be related 2 2. Conflict 3 3. Independence 8 4. Two Books 11 2 Christianity and the Origin of Modern Science 15 1. The handmaiden of theology 16 2. Christianity’s role in the rise of modern science: Twentieth-century views 19 3. Recent developments 24 3 Secularization 29 1. Scientists and religious belief 31 2. Broadening the definition 34 3. A secular age 36 4 Young Earth Creationism and Intelligent Design 42 1. Setting the stage for Young Earth Creationism 43 2. Today’s Young Earth Creationism 45 3. Intelligent Design 48 4. Irreducible complexity and information 50 5 The Bible 56 1. Two Books vs. sola scriptura 57 2. Interpretation 59 3. What kind of inspiration? 63 4. Science and the Bible 66 6 Methodological Naturalism 69 1. Defining methodological naturalism 70 2. Duhem and the aims of science 72 3. Methodological naturalism and the problem of demarcation 75 4. Reasons for abiding by methodological naturalism 77 7 Natural Theology 81 1. Classic arguments of natural theology 82 2. Objections to natural theology 86 3. Natural theology for the 21st century 90 8 Cosmology 94 1. Big Bang cosmology 94 2. Fine tuning 99 3. The multiverse 102 9 Evolution 108 1. Evolution and the Bible 109 2. Creation through randomness and death 112 3. The uniqueness of human beings 115 4. Consonance between evolution and Christianity 117 10 Divine Action 120 1. The development of deism 121 2. Miracles 122 3. Non-interventionist objective divine action 126 4. Alternatives for explaining divine action 129 11 Mind, Soul, and Brain 134 1. The Christian tradition of the soul 135 2. Descartes and dualism 137 3. Challenges to dualism 139 4. Cognitive dualism 142 12 The Problem of Natural Evil 147 1. Articulation of the problem 148 2. Some potential responses 150 3. A more robust theodicy 152 4. Eschatological fulfillment 155 Conclusion: The Last Things 159 Timeline of Historical Figures Discussed 164 Glossary 167 Index 174
£73.76
John Wiley and Sons Ltd No God No Science
Book SynopsisNo God, No Science: Theology, Cosmology, Biology presents a work of philosophical theology that retrieves the Christian doctrine of creation from the distortions imposed upon it by positivist science and the Darwinian tradition of evolutionary biology. Argues that the doctrine of creation is integral to the intelligibility of the world Brings the metaphysics of the Christian doctrine of creation to bear on the nature of science Offers a provocative analysis of the theoretical and historical relationship between theology, metaphysics, and science Presents an original critique and interpretation of the philosophical meaning of Darwinian biology Table of ContentsPreface viii Acknowledgments xi Abbreviations xii Primary Sources and Translations xvi Introduction 1 Part I In the Beginning 7 1 Discourse on Method 9 2 A Brief History of the Cosmos 49 Part II The Eclipse of the Universe 105 3 The Scientific and Theological Revolution 107 4 Unnatural “Theology” 150 5 Darwin the Theologian 186 6 The Mystery of the Missing Organism 250 Part III Creation Without Creationism 297 7 Deus Creator Omnium 299 8 What the World Is 334 9 Saving the Appearances 375 Epilogue: Evolution of the Last Men 416 Index 422
£29.40
Crossway Books The Natural Sciences
Book SynopsisThis accessible student's guide explores how the Christian faith impacts our understanding of science, arguing that the Christian worldview stands as the best foundation for scientific investigation. Part of the Reclaiming the Christian Intellectual Tradition series.
£9.49
University of Toronto Press The Trial of Galileo 16121633
Book SynopsisThis unique reader allows students to examine Galileo's trial as a legal event and, in so doing, to learn about seventeenth-century European religion, politics, diplomacy, bureaucracy, culture, and science.Trade ReviewMayer provides a sourcebook that is an ideal tool for any instructor introducing students to Galileo's trial and an excellent accompaniment to the insightful analysis found in the secondary literature. -- Renaissance Quarterly Mayer widens our understanding of what affected investigations of Galileo's conflicts with Scripture and authority. -- English Historical ReviewTable of ContentsAcknowledgments A Note on Language and Translation List of Abbreviations Chronology Sites in Rome of Importance to Galileo's Trial Introduction Cast of Characters DOCUMENTS I. Sunspot Letters: The Cause of Most of the Trouble II. Formal Proceedings Begin III. The Inquisition and the Index Take Action IV. Publication of Dialogue on the Two Chief World Systems and the Beginning of the Trial's Second Phase V. Summons to Rome and Galileo's Resistance VI. Galileo Arrives in Rome VII. Formal Proceedings Resume VIII. Sentence and Abjuration Index
£22.49
John Wiley and Sons Ltd Darwinism and the Divine
Book SynopsisDarwinism and the Divine examines the implications of evolutionary thought for natural theology, from the time of publication of Darwin''s On the Origin of Species to current debates on creationism and intelligent design. Questions whether Darwin''s theory of natural selection really shook our fundamental beliefs, or whether they served to transform and illuminate our views on the origins and meaning of life Identifies the forms of natural theology that emerged in 19th-century England and how they were affected by Darwinism The most detailed study yet of the intellectual background to William Paley''s famous and influential approach to natural theology, set out in 1802 Brings together material from a variety of disciplines, including the history of ideas, historical and systematic theology, evolutionary biology, anthropology, sociology, and the cognitive science of religion Considers how Christian belief has adapted to Trade Review“McGrath is a masterful teacher and this volume is as brimming with knowledge and insight as his many others.” (Modern Believing, 1 January 2014) “The writing in Darwinism and the Divine is clear, elegant, and well informed throughout, is distinguished by a balanced and nonpolemical style, and is a pleasure to read. Every chapter in this rich volume includes extensive endnotes guiding the reader to further study." (Journal of the American Academy of Religion, 16 January 2014) “These criticisms notwithstanding, McGrath’s Darwinism and the Divineis a well-written, lucid work that will occupy a prominent place as an apologetic for Christian theism in its dialogue with the larger scientific community.” (International Journal of Public Theology, 1 May 2013) “Furthermore, this work is a rare pleasure to read for its clarity and remarkable level of scholarship across multiple disciplines. Consequently, I have no hesitation in recommending this book to anyone interested in how the debates over Darwinism relate to the ongoing and evolving goals and methods of natural theology.” (The Way, 1 October 2012) “These features, together with the author’s accessible writing style, mean that this book can not only be read cover-to-cover in a straightforward and engaging way, but can also be used as a text book to enable more detailed study of the various aspects of this important and relevant subject.” (Evangelical Quarterly, 4 October 2012) “Whether these arguments are effective is a matter for more philosophic minds, but if this book brings new ideas into a science–religion conversation that often consists of repetition of the same essential themes, then all scholars of science–religion are beneficiaries.” (Journal of the History of Biology, 2011) "But I think that the chief merit of both of these books lies in their parallel analyses of natural theology, specifically the significance of scientific knowledge for resolving theological issues." (The Quarterly Review of Biology, 1 December 2011) "McGrath (King's College London) offers an excellent examination of Darwin's theory of evolution vs. Creationism/intelligent design within the context of natural theology. . . The writing is clear and readable with a wealth of documentation. Recommended. Upper-level undergraduates and above; interested general readers." (Choice, 1 October 2011) "While readers familiar with the subject will find few new ideas in these sections, the material is presented in McGrath's usual readable style and so will be helpful in providing an introduction to the reader new to the subject and in providing a helpfully focused summary for the person who has already begun to explore these ideas. " (Methodist Recorder, 22 September 2011) "But if one had to choose between them, I would recommend the book under review. It presents a synthesis of much of his thinking, supported by richly informative documentation that, in range and volume, is little short of astonishing." (Science & Education, 2011) "The prolific theologian argues that Darwin's own faith and worldview allowed for complexities and intricacies in the intersection of faith and science." (Publishers Weekly, 8 March 2011) Table of ContentsList of Figures x Preface xii Acknowledgments xv Introduction 1 Part I Conceptual Clarifications: On the meaning of terms 9 1 Natural Theology: A Deeper Structure to the Natural World 11 Natural Theology in the Classical Tradition 13 The Conceptual Fluidity of Natural Theology 15 The Eternal Return of Natural Theology 18 2 Darwinism: A Narrative of Evolution 27 Darwinism: A Defensible Term? 28 Darwinism as an Ideology 32 The Metaphysical Inflation of Evolutionary Thought 36 Conclusion to Part I 40 Part II Historical Exposition: Darwin and the English natural theology tradition 47 3 English Natural Theology of the Augustan Age, 1690–1745 49 The Emergence of English Natural Theology 50 Newtonian Physics and Natural Theology 53 The Protestant Assumptions of English Natural Theology 56 A Foundation for Consensus: The Doctrine of Creation 61 Physico-theology: The Appeal to Contrivance 63 Natural Theology and the Beauty of Nature 72 The Problem of Development within Nature 74 Assessing Evidence: Changing Public Perceptions 75 4 A Popular Classic: William Paley’s Natural Theology (1802) 85 Introducing Paley's Natural Theology 85 Paley's Source: Bernard Nieuwentyt's Religious Philosopher (1718) 88 The Watch Analogy: The Concept of Contrivance 91 Paley on Intermediary Causes within Nature 97 The Vulnerability of Paley's Approach 99 5 Beyond Paley: Shifts in English Natural Theology, 1802–52 108 The Impact of Geology upon Paley's Natural Theology 110 Henry Brougham: A Natural Theology of the Mind 112 Evidence, Testimony, and Proof: A Shifting Context 115 A New Approach: The Bridgewater Treatises 119 John Henry Newman: The Theological Deficiencies of Paley 127 Robert Browning’s "Caliban Upon Setebos": A Literary Critique of Paley 130 English Natural Theology on the Eve of the Darwinian Revolution 133 6 Charles Darwin, Natural Selection, and Natural Theology 143 The Development of Darwin's Views on Natural Selection 146 Problems, Prediction, and Proof: The Challenge of Natural Selection 150 Natural Selection and Natural Theology: An Assessment of Darwin’s Impact 155 Conclusion to Part II 171 Part III Contemporary Discussion: Darwinism and natural theology 183 7 A Wider Teleology: Design, Evolution, and Natural Theology 185 Directionality within the Natural World 187 Teleology: Introducing an Idea 188 Chance, Contingency, and Evolutionary Goals 191 The “Wider Teleology” of Evolution 194 The Inference of Design and Natural Theology 197 Suffering, Evolution, and Natural Theology 202 8 The Concept of Creation: Reflections and Reconsiderations 217 The Seventeenth Century: The Regnant Theology of Creation 218 Creation as Event and Process: Augustine of Hippo 222 Evolution and an Emergent Creation 230 God's Action within the Evolutionary Process 233 9 Universal Darwinism: Natural Theology as an Evolutionary Outcome? 247 The Darwinian Paradigm and Cultural Development 249 The God-Meme: Natural Theology and Cultural Replicators 254 Religion: Evolutionary Adaptation or Spandrel? 262 Natural Theology and Evolutionary Theories of the Origins of Religion 265 Conclusion to Part III 267 Part IV Conclusion 277 10 The Prospects for Natural Theology 279 Natural Theology and the Human Evolutionary Past 281 Natural Theology, Observational Traction, and the Best Explanation 283 A Community of Discernment: The Church and Natural Theology 285 In Quest of Meaning 288 Index 294
£28.45
John Wiley and Sons Ltd The Blackwell Companion to Science and
Book SynopsisThis book provides a cutting-edge survey of the central ideas at play at the intersection of science and Christianity through 54 original articles by world-leading scholars and rising stars in the discipline.Trade Review“The Blackwell Companions are a well-known and prestigious series that always form an up-to-date and high-quality entry to a certain academic domain ... My appreciation prevails and I believe this book really offers a most worthy introduction to the issue of science-Christianity relations. Congratulations to Stump and Padgett for putting together this valuable collection of well-written essays.” (Philosophia Reformata, 1 November 2015) “As I said at the outset, this Blackwell Companion has proved itself to be an indispensable companion to me as I try to set out the current shape of the field for the third generation, but I cannot help but wonder how different such a volume will look in their time.” (Modern Believing, 1 January 2014) “The result is a fascinating, rich collection of fifty-four essays grouped into eleven major sections . . . To sum up, this volume nicely complements other recent works in the ongoing interaction between science and religion. Students and teachers in the field will find this volume an accessible, reliable, and up-to-date resource for the contemporary discourse between science and Christianity.” (Themelios, 1 April 2013) “For those who have such a background, this book will be a valuable asset for orienting themselves in the broader conversation.” (Perspectives on Science and Christian Faith, 1 March 2013) “Summing Up: Recommended. Upper-division undergraduates through researchers/faculty.” (Choice, 1 December 2012)Table of ContentsAcknowledgments ix Notes on Contributors x Introduction xviiiJ. B. Stump and Alan G. Padgett Part I Historical Episodes 1 1 Early Christian Belief in Creation and the Beliefs Sustaining the Modern Scientific Endeavor 3Christopher B. Kaiser 2 The Copernican Revolution and the Galileo Affair 14Maurice A. Finocchiaro 3 Women, Mechanical Science, and God in the Early Modern Period 26Jacqueline Broad 4 Christian Responses to Darwinism in the Late Nineteenth Century 37Peter J. Bowler 5 Science Falsely So Called: Fundamentalism and Science 48Edward B. Davis Part II Methodology 61 6 How to Relate Christian Faith and Science 63Mikael Stenmark 7 Authority 74Nicholas Rescher 8 Feminist Philosophies of Science: Towards a Prophetic Epistemology 82Lisa L. Stenmark 9 Practical Objectivity: Keeping Natural Science Natural 93Alan G. Padgett 10 The Evolutionary Argument against Naturalism 103Alvin Plantinga Part III Natural Theology 117 11 Arguments to God from the Observable Universe 119Richard Swinburne 12 “God of the Gaps” Arguments 130Gregory E. Ganssle 13 Natural Theology after Modernism 140J. B. Stump 14 Religious Epistemology Personified: God without Natural Theology 151Paul K. Moser 15 Problems for Christian Natural Theology 162Alexander R. Pruss and Richard M. Gale Part IV Cosmology and Physics 173 16 Modern Cosmology and Christian Theology 175Stephen M. Barr 17 Does the Universe Need God? 185Sean Carroll 18 Does God Love the Multiverse? 198Don N. Page 19 The Fine-Tuning of the Cosmos: A Fresh Look at its Implications 207Robin Collins 20 Quantum Theory and Theology 220Rodney D. Holder Part V Evolution 231 21 Creation and Evolution 233Denis R. Alexander 22 Darwinism and Atheism: A Marriage Made in Heaven? 246Michael Ruse 23 Creation and Evolutionary Convergence 258Simon Conway Morris 24 Signature in the Cell: Intelligent Design and the DNA Enigma 270Stephen C. Meyer 25 Darwin and Intelligent Design 283Francisco J. Ayala 26 Christianity and Human Evolution 295John F. Haught 27 Christian Theism and Life on Earth 306Paul Draper Part VI The Human Sciences 317 28 Toward a Cognitive Science of Christianity 319Justin L. Barrett 29 The Third Wound: Has Psychology Banished the Ghost from the Machine? 335Dylan Evans 30 Sociology and Christianity 344John H. Evans and Michael S. Evans 31 Economics and Christian Faith 356Robin J. Klay Part VII Christian Bioethics 369 32 Shaping Human Life at the Molecular Level 371James C. Peterson 33 An Inclusive Framework for Stem Cell Research 381John F. Kilner 34 The Problem of Transhumanism in the Light of Philosophy and Theology 393Philippe Gagnon 35 Ecology and the Environment 406Lisa H. Sideris Part VIII Metaphysical Implications 419 36 Free Will and Rational Choice 421E. J. Lowe 37 Science, Religion, and Infinity 430Graham Oppy 38 God and Abstract Objects 441William Lane Craig 39 Laws of Nature 453Lydia Jaeger Part IX The Mind 465 40 Christianity, Neuroscience, and Dualism 467J. P. Moreland 41 The Emergence of Persons 480William Hasker 42 Christianity and the Extended-Mind Thesis 491Lynne Rudder Baker 43 In Whose Image? Artificial Intelligence and the Imago Dei 500Noreen Herzfeld 44 How Science Lost its Soul, and Religion Handed it Back 510Julian Baggini Part X Theology 521 45 The Trinity and Scientific Reality 523John Polkinghorne 46 God and Miracle in an Age of Science 533Alan G. Padgett 47 Eschatology in Science and Theology 543Robert John Russell 48 The Quest for Transcendence in Theology and Cosmology 554Alexei V. Nesteruk Part XI Significant Figures of the Twentieth Century in Science and Christianity 565 49 Pierre Teilhard de Chardin 567James F. Salmon 50 Thomas F. Torrance 578Tapio Luoma 51 Arthur Peacocke 589Taede A. Smedes 52 Ian G. Barbour 600Nathan J. Hallanger 53 Wolfhart Pannenberg 611Hans Schwarz 54 John Polkinghorne 622Christopher C. Knight Index 632
£35.10
Edinburgh University Press The Edinburgh Critical History of
Book SynopsisFrom the shadow of the Kantian critique it to the Oxford debates over Darwinism that shook the discipline to the core, and from the death of God to the rise of new Evangelical movements, 19th-century theology was fundamentally reshaped by both internal struggles and external developments.
£157.50
Duke University Press Wild Experiment
Book SynopsisExamining the reception of evolutionary biology, the 1925 Scopes Trial, and the New Atheist movement of the 2000s, Donovan O. Schaefer theorizes the relationship between thinking and feeling by challenging the conventional wisdom that they are separate.Trade Review"Inaugurate[s] a project of secular theorization that adds a distinctive and needed methodological angle to studies of the secular in North America. . . . A must-read for scholars of American religions. . . ." -- Valeria Vergani * American Religion *"Wild Experiment is an indispensable addition to any course syllabus on race, religion, affect theory, and any interdisciplinary topic on the intersections between feeling and thinking." -- Abdulrahman Bindamnan * Material Religion *"Through Schaefer’s endeavor to expand the conversation between secularism studies and STS, the field of STS has an illuminating new vantage from which to look at knowledge, feeling, and belief. And it feels right." * Society for the Social Studies of Science Ludwik Fleck Prize Committee *"This fascinating book is a valuable contribution to the field of affect studies and secularism studies, as it starts a first conversation between these previously somewhat unconnected fields." -- Nur Yasemin Ural * Politics, Religion & Ideology *"Perhaps humanities scholars such as Schaefer can be useful in the climate crisis. They can help scientists pay attention to how knowledge feels—and thus how to be more effective in communicating it." -- Amy Frykholm * Christian Century *Table of ContentsIntroduction. Cogency Theory: An Essay on Our Intellectual Affects 1 Part I. Cogency Theory 1. The Longing to Believe: Philosophers on Conspiracy Theory and the Sense of Science 33 2. Sensualized Epistemology: Affect Theory on How Reason Gets Racialized 57 3. Science as an Intoxication: Secularism Studies on Enchantment and Critique 80 4. Feeling is Believing: The Triune Brain, Mere Exposure, and Cogency 107 Part II. Feeling Science and Secularism 5. Only Better Beasts: Darwin, Huxley, and the Sense of Science 137 6. The Secular Circus: Science and Racialized Reason in the Scopes Trial 169 7. The Four Horsemen: New Atheism as Secular Conspiracy Theory 200 Epilogue. From Creationism to Climate Denialism 230 Acknowledgments 239 Notes 243 Bibliography 281 Index
£75.65
New York University Press Religion and Progressive Activism
Book SynopsisNew stories about religiously motivated progressive activism challenge common understandings of the American political landscape.To many mainstream-media saturated Americans, the terms progressive and religious may not seem to go hand-in-hand. As religion is usually tied to conservatism, an important way in which religion and politics intersect is being overlooked. Religion and Progressive Activism focuses on this significant intersection, revealing that progressive religious activists are a driving force in American public life, involved in almost every political issue or area of public concern. This volume brings together leading experts who dissect and analyze the inner worlds and public strategies of progressive religious activists from the local to the transnational level. It provides insight into documented trends, reviews overlooked case studies, and assesses the varied ways in which progressive religion forces us to deconstruct common political binaries suTrade ReviewConsisted of helpful introductory and concluding essays as well as 15 wide-ranging and engagingly written contributions from knowledgeable scholars, this volume greatly enhances our understanding of progressive religion’s role in American politics today… I know of no book—in terms of topic, breath, and acuity of analysis—quite like this one. At seemingly every turn, I learned something new. -- Journal for the Scientific Study of ReligionOn its main premise, the book is successful: readers will be convinced of the existence of a religious Left. Pockets of progressive religion and its carriers sit in churches, on the border, in suburbia, on buses, in campaigns, and more. But the books longest-lasting success may resound even more so from contributors efforts to expose the undergirdingstructuresof modern religion in action. * Sociology of Religion *In this edited volume, the authors do a great service to scholars of religion and social change by bringing needed attention to the often invisible religious underpinnings of progressive civic and political engagement. In response to the media’s commonplace portrayal of religious politics as that of the Religious Right, which is often shown in contrast to the secular Left, these authors showcase various examples of religiously influenced progressive activism. They map out key contours of this often unrecognized field, showing how progressive religious activism is influenced both by the secular Left and religious Right, yet distinctive from each of these groups in pursuing change through religiously inspired activism to address stratification and inequality in American society. -- Review of Religious ResearchAn edited volume by two rising stars in the sociology of religion, Ruth Braunstein and Todd Fuist, and an eminent scholar in the same field, Rhys Williams, Religion and Progressive Activism does not disappoint with its exploration of the role progressive religion has played in past and contemporary social movements. Many of its contributors are among the top scholars in the sub-discipline. As a whole, the volume assesses the political and intellectual conditions under which progressive religious activism has abated as a socio-political force. It attempts to come to terms with what exactly is progressive religious activism. It identifies the causal factors behind progressive religious mobilization. The book also explores a variety of contemporary cases in an effort to understand the factors that potentially facilitate and impede its political constancy and expression. -- Critical Research on ReligionThis commendable collection, centered on sociological analyses of left-liberal Christians, makes a timely intervention into debates about religion in the United States. Its strongest takeaway arguments are: (1) to remind anyone who may need reminding that left-of-center Christian activism has not lost its salience and potential, however much it is discounted by the media or scholarly fashions; (2) to critique culture war analyses in which religion is mainly on the right and progressives are mainly non-religious—and by extension to revise sociological frames that approach religious activism in ways that make more sense for the right than the left; and (3) to document activism, especially in the two forms most valorized here: Faith Based Community Organizations (FBCOs) in Saul Alinsky’s tradition, and work related to immigrant rights. -- Reading ReligionMuch of our current understanding of religion and politics is based on studies of the activism of conservative, even extremist forms of religious practice. But historically that is not necessarily the most important connection. In the 19th Century progressive religious groups were instrumental to abolitionist and woman's suffrage movements. And in the current context religious groups have a leading role in many struggles for justice. Braunstein, Fuist, and Williams' volume brings together some leading scholars of religion to look at some of the most important cases and theorize what they mean for our understanding of religion and social activism. -- David Smilde,Charles A and Leo M Favrot Professor of Social Relations, Tulane UniversitySocial scientists have invested a great deal of energy in trying to understand the religious right, but not nearly enough time and effort has been devoted to the crucial role, in our past and present, of the religious left. This book is thus an enormous contribution and a groundbreaking work. This timely volume shatters the myth of the religious rights monopoly on faith-based political activism. While acknowledging the difficulties confronted by religious liberals in organizing for social justice, the authors provide a wealth of new evidence-based insights about how to strengthen the progressive religious movement at a time when its witness is badly needed. -- E.J. Dionne Jr.,Author of Why the Right Went Wrong
£23.74
New York University Press Paranoid Science
Book SynopsisExplores the Christian Right's fierce opposition to science, explaining how and why its leaders came to see scientific truths as their enemyFor decades, the Christian Right's high-profile clashes with science have made national headlines. From attempts to insert intelligent design creationism into public schools to climate change denial, efforts to cure gay people through conversion therapy, and opposition to stem cell research, the Christian Right has battled against science. How did this hostility begin and, more importantly, why has it endured?Antony Alumkal provides a comprehensive background on the war on sciencehow it developed and why it will continue to endure. Drawing upon Richard Hofstadter's influential 1965 essay The Paranoid Style in American Politics, Antony Alumkal argues that the Christian Right adopts a similar paranoid style in their approach to science. Alumkal demonstrates that Christian Right leaders see conspiracies within the scientific establishment, with scientTrade Review"This is a volume for those who seek a better understanding of the USs contemporary cultural conflict." * Choice *"Particularly in today's America, where science, religion, and politics seem so inflammatory, Alumkal's calm voice of reason has much to offer." * Catholic Library World *"Particularly in todays America, where science, religion, and politics seem so inflammatory, Alumkals calm voice of reason has much to offer. Recommended for all libraries." * Catholic Library World *"Alumkals book is troubling and eye-opening." * Church & State *"Paranoid Science is a reliable and insightful guide to the fever swamps of evangelical science denial. A gripping, disturbing, and important contribution." -- Glenn Branch, Deputy Director, National Center for Science Education""A small but highly organized network of conservative Christians maintains a successful pseudo-scientific campaign to challenge established scientific topics including evolution, sexual orientation, bioethics, and climatology that they find threatening to their worldview. Alumkals unflinching critical analysis of their popular writings and educational media provides an excellent window into the political culture and theological motivations, mindsets and machinations within this movement. Fit for the times, Paranoid Science is engaging reading that elucidates the extent to which religious motivations can distort scientific inquiry for political ends. " -- Jerry Z. Park, Associate Professor of Sociology, Baylor University"Alumkal shows that hostility toward science -- including a kind of fearful contempt toward scientists -- is fairly palpable." * Inside Higher Ed *"Through extensive research, Alumkal provides a rich, nuanced, and detailed view of mid-20th-century American evangelicalisms right-wing political expression and its often dangerous impact on science in the service of the common good. His conclusions indicate that when such a powerful paranoia cannot be deescalated, it must be contained. Education and persuasion are the tools for change, and Alumkals book succeeds in both respects." * Publishers Weekly *"Paranoid Scienceoffers valuable insights about the ability of religious and scientific interests to rally public support and potentially influence public policy. It will be of interestto sociologist who study religion, science, social movements and to those interested in any of the four historical episodes that organize the books empirical chapters." * Sociology of Religion *"Alumkal pulls no punches here… Alumkal’s book deserves a place in the book collections of scholars of the Christian Right... There is much here that furthers our knowledge of a complicated and controversial political movement" -- American Journal of Sociology"An important and timely book." * Nova Religio *"Alumkal’s text is about the beliefs, politics, and propaganda of the Evangelical Right in American Christianity [...] Paranoia is the leitmotif that links the 4 chapters of this book." * IEEE Technology and Society Magazine *
£23.74
New York University Press Faithful Measures
Book SynopsisA venture into the art and science of measuring religion in everyday life In an era of rapid technological advances, the measures and methods used to generate data about religion have undergone remarkably little change. Faithful Measures pushes the study of religion into the 21st century by evaluating new and existing measures of religion and introducing new methods for tapping into religious behaviors and beliefs. This book offers a global and innovative approach, with chapters on the intersection of religion and new technology, such as smart phone apps, Google Ngrams, crowdsourcing data, and Amazon buying networks. It also shows how old methods can be improved by using new technology to create online surveys with experimental designs and by developing new ways of mining data from existing information. Chapter contributors thoroughly explain how to employ these new techniques, and offer fresh insights into understanding the complex topic of religion in modern life. Beyond its quantitaTrade ReviewThis volume stands by itself as a unique social scientists guide to researching religion. An additional virtue of this volume is it provides many examples of how creativity can be deployed new methods for studying religion. Perhaps the most valuable thing readers may take from this volume is inspiration for the new and creative methods they might develop in their own areas of inquiry. * Sociology of Religion *The editors have brought together a useful collection of original chapters addressing various methodological matters that prompt its readers to think more carefully and innovatively about the measures we use to study religion and the means by which we do so. -- Review of Religious ResearchWhile seeming simple at first glance, measuring religion well in social science is exceedingly difficult, especially when comparing different societies and religious traditions. Serious efforts to improve and diversify measures of religion have, with few exceptions, been woefully lacking. Faithful Measures offers a decisive intervention in that situation, which both contributes and points the way to further advances. It is well worth the read for all scholars in the field. -- Christian Smith,Wm. R. Kenan, Jr. Professor of Sociology, University of Notre DameFew scholars have done more than Finke and Bader to teach us how to measure religion. In Faithful Measures they and their collaborators show readers the best surveys on religion have to offer as well as the newest innovations for understanding religion. Their book should be read by anyone concerned about how religion is changing across the globe and how we might better measure those changes. -- Elaine Howard Ecklund,Herbert S. Autrey Chair in Social Sciences, Rice UniversityWith contributions from established and emerging scholars and practitioners across the social sciences as well as data and computer scientists, Faithful Measures aims to bring the study of religion into step with the technological advances of the twenty-first century. * Religious Studies Review *
£27.54
Archway Publishing Modern Science Proves Intelligent Design
Book Synopsis
£15.19
Stanford University Press Divine Variations: How Christian Thought Became
Book SynopsisDivine Variations offers a new account of the development of scientific ideas about race. Focusing on the production of scientific knowledge over the last three centuries, Terence Keel uncovers the persistent links between pre-modern Christian thought and contemporary scientific perceptions of human difference. He argues that, instead of a rupture between religion and modern biology on the question of human origins, modern scientific theories of race are, in fact, an extension of Christian intellectual history. Keel's study draws on ancient and early modern theological texts and biblical commentaries, works in Christian natural philosophy, seminal studies in ethnology and early social science, debates within twentieth-century public health research, and recent genetic analysis of population differences and ancient human DNA. From these sources, Keel demonstrates that Christian ideas about creation, ancestry, and universalism helped form the basis of modern scientific accounts of human diversity—despite the ostensible shift in modern biology towards scientific naturalism, objectivity, and value neutrality. By showing the connections between Christian thought and scientific racial thinking, this book calls into question the notion that science and religion are mutually exclusive intellectual domains and proposes that the advance of modern science did not follow a linear process of secularization. Trade Review"Divine Variations brilliantly traces the roots of modern racial science to Christian intellectual history and ideology. Despite the efforts of genomic researchers to portray current biological concepts of race as purely scientific, Keel shows that these scientists are secular creationists retelling religious folklore about the origins of human life. This book is a crucial contribution to the history of racial science." -- Dorothy Roberts * author of Fatal Invention: How Science, Politics, and Big Business Re-create Race in the Twenty-first Century *"At a moment when some evolutionary theorists have become quasi-theologians, offering universal stories of existence that are as imperialistic as their eighteenth- and nineteenth- century versions, and when popular DNA speculations about racial heritage and legacy have brought us back to the door of eugenics, Keel's book reminds us of the theological trajectories from which these concepts arise. This is not an anti-science text, but one that shows us the interrelationship of theology and science and tacit assumptions behind the scientific will to universalize. We will never be able to defeat racial reasoning so long as it is concealed and nurtured in certain kinds of scientific reasoning. Keel's book greatly aids us in separating the two." -- Willie James Jennings * author of The Christian Imagination: Theology and the Origins of Race *"The brilliance of Terence Keel's book is to show that when it comes to race, there was no war between science and religion. Instead, this engaging and penetrating study shows how Christian ideas helped create scientific approaches to and explanations of race. Divine Variations is a must-read for all scholars of race, religion, and science." -- Edward J. Blum * co-author of The Color of Christ: The Son of God and the Saga of Race in America *"In this brilliantly argued and fascinating account of the development of scientific racial theory, Keel convincingly demonstrates that the modern biological sciences still bear the deep imprint of their religious origins. Divine Variations offers us insightful new ways of thinking about the historical relations between science and religion." -- Peter Harrison * author of The Territories of Science and Religion *"Terence Keel's book brings needed nuance to the cultural and scientific history of the study of human diversity. He explores the connections between the theology and science of what eventually became human microevolution, and follows the various threads down to the present day. This is an important body of scholarship, with which anyone interested in the scientific origins of human racial theory must engage." -- Jonathan Marks * author of What it Means to be 98% Chimpanzee: Apes, People and Their Genes *"Terence Keel's Divine Variations points us to the materials, the old patterns and the stitches that built our modern notion of race.... Keel's work offers us a warning that there is no panacea, no easy ideology or system that is free from the colonial theologies or so called "enlightened" philosophies. But in the face of this, and in the midst of a world where we are confronted by ever more differences and unknowns, perhaps our hope is best oriented towards theologies and scientific modes of thought that do not try to avoid the mystery, that do not wash out or totalize exceptions. Perhaps we no longer need "theories of everything" but rather theologies and science that help us to see variation, difference, and change as possibilities rather than as dangers. Keel's work is a vital step toward this endeavor." -- Brian Bantum * Reading Religion *"This volume is a critical contribution to study of the concept of race and a formidable challenge to many commonplace assumptions. Equally important, it compels the reader to reevaluate the extent to which science and religion are clearly distinct realms of thought, and offers new ways of thinking about their relationship....Summing up: Essential." -- S.C. Peterson * CHOICE *"Our longing to know where we came from and what lies ahead is fierce. But what if neither science nor religion can offer those comforts?...What I find most gripping about Keel's argument is that he does not denigrate either discipline so much as he goads us to acknowledge their shared problematic epistemological impulse." -- Michelle Wolff * The Journal of Religion *"[Divine Variations] offers an original and ambitious interpretation of science and religion, one that largely avoids framing these interactions in terms of conflict or compatibility, to address a very timely subject: race." -- Ernie Hamm * Zygon *"It is widely appreciated that current struggles over race and racism are crucially shaped by the history of racism....Terence Keel masterfully demonstrates how this is true not only with respect to the legacy of historical racism on ongoing racialized inequality; it is also manifest in how modern scientific approaches to race have been informed by religious conceptions." -- Bruce Baum * American Historical Review *"[Keel] overturns assumptions of an inherent conflict between religion and science by showing that modern Western science borrows ideas and questions from Christianity." -- Sabrina Danielsen * Sociology of Religion *"[It] is de rigueur to speak of the modern concept of 'race' as solely a product of enlightenment-era scientific thought....It is here that Terence Keel enters the fray and forcefully disrupts the narrative....While the cult of racial essentialism continues to attract new acolytes, Keel's apocrypha certainly threatens its newfound articles of faith." -- Matthew W. Hughey * Ethnic and Racial Studies *"Divine Variations shows that Christianity represents a dominant paradigm for many ways of knowing, and thus its presence in racial science is not unusual but actually expected." -- Ayah Nuriddin * Journal of the History of Medicine and Allied Sciences *"Keel's framework opens up a new way of looking at the problem of race, and a way to account for the role of both Western science and Christian supremacy in the global work of enslavement, the creation of plantation economies, and the violence of settler colonialism....Divine Variations is a pioneering effort in the historical study of race and racism, as well as science and religion." -- Myrna Perez Sheldon * Religious Studies Review *"Keel provides strong historical evidence for the view that science and religion are to be seen as two cultural efforts that need to be related in much more diverse and complicated ways than is usually accepted....Divine Variations is a book that must be considered by historians, philosophers and scientists alike." -- Juan Manuel Rodriguez-Caso * Philosophy, Theology and the Sciences *Table of ContentsContents and AbstractsIntroduction chapter abstractThe Introduction lays out the theoretical stakes of the work as a whole. It opens with a critical evaluation of the work of acclaimed geneticist Spencer Wells, whose 2002 publication The Journey of Man has helped frame the now-standard interpretation of human evolution and migration from a single set of ancestors out of Africa. Wells's account of human evolution reveals the epistemic authority that modern genetics has obtained on the question of race and human beginnings. It is argued that contemporary biologists inherited this authority, however, from their Christian intellectual ancestors, who provided modern scientists with a cache of interpretive tools and assumptions that proved useful for narrating the development of human life and constructing theories of racial difference believed to supersede all previous accounts of human origins. After laying out the theoretical ground to be covered, this introductory chapter provides an overview of the chapters that follow. 1Impure Thoughts: Johann Blumenbach and the Birth of Racial Science chapter abstractChapter 1 examines the thought of the eighteenth-century ethnologist Johann F. Blumenbach, whose 1775 work On the Natural Variety of Mankind is often represented as precipitating the secular turn in the modern study of race. The chapter offers an alternative account of the intellectual ancestry alive in Blumenbach's racial theories by recovering the Christian sources of his thinking. Political and philosophical anti-Judaism prevalent in late eighteenth-century Germany, the transformation of the Protestant Reformer Martin Luther into a pioneer of German national identity, and the anti-Jewish writings of Johann David Michaelis in the emergent field of biblical geography at Göttingen University were all crucial political, religious, and intellectual influences during the time Blumenbach developed his racial theories. Drawing on the notion that the epistemological origins of racial science are fundamentally mongrel, this chapter argues that Blumenbach's racial theories were not an expression of pure, untainted, secular rationality. 2Superseding Christian Truth: The Quiet Revolution of Nineteenth-Century American Science of Race chapter abstractChapter 2 analyzes scientific criticism leveled against the theory of common human descent beginning in the 1830s. It focuses on the thought of Josiah C. Nott, a southern physician, early epidemiologist, and major figure of the so-called American School of Ethnology. Nott claimed that humanity's common origin, or monogenesis, was an unscientific belief and a mere carryover from when natural historians were indebted to Christian ideas about nature and human life. Thus, he attempted to establish an account of the history of human racial groups that moved beyond the constraints of the narrative recorded by Moses in the Bible. Despite these secular aspirations Nott ultimately failed to offer an account of race that stood independent of Christian thought. The case of American polygenism illustrates the degree to which modern racial science is indebted to a religious intellectual history it has attempted to deny and supersede. 3The Ghost of Christian Creationism: Racial Dispositions and Progressive Era Public Health Research chapter abstractChapter 3 explores how polygenist carryovers emerged in early twentieth-century medical and public health studies on the links between race and disease. This persistence further embedded ideas about race derived from Christian intellectual history into the methods and reasoning of modern scientists and public health researchers. In the early twentieth century, the concept of biological determinism—the idea that the fixed biological makeup of a racial group determines its members' health, behavior, and intelligence—reoccupies the epistemic space once filled explicitly by a theological view of nature. This chapter also introduces the work of the African American physician, ethicist, and social hygienist Charles V. Roman, who departed from the racial logic of his time. Roman stressed instead that the idea of common human ancestry should push public health researchers to think more critically about the social and environmental factors shaping health outcomes and black susceptibility to disease. 4Noah's Mongrel Children: Ancient DNA and the Persistence of Christian Forms in Modern Biology chapter abstractChapter 4 examines how concepts about racial ancestry and the ontological uniqueness of human life from Christian intellectual history have historically informed scientific research on the Neanderthal. These Christian forms are at play in the sequencing of the Neanderthal genome and the unanticipated discovery that mating occurred between this hominid group and modern humans around forty thousand years ago. Geneticists claim that evidence of this encounter is found almost exclusively in the genomes of Europeans and Asians. This chapter also shows how scientists in both the nineteenth and twenty-first centuries deployed notions of distinct continental groups and fixed racial traits to draw conclusions about human-Neanderthal relatedness. In both centuries, concepts and reasoning strategies implicitly divinize nature while also framing human ancestry into three original groups that represent the reoccupation of the story of Noah's three sons, Shem, Ham, and Japheth, into contemporary algorithmic representations of human genetic ancestry. 5Beyond the Religious Pursuit of Race chapter abstractChapter 5 provides a summary of the major claims of the book. It also explains how the conflict thesis for representing the relationship between science and religion fails to capture how Christian intellectual history has been key to the formation of the race concept in modern science. Citing recent data from a 2015 Pew Research Survey, this chapter argues that the conflict thesis remains a fixture in the minds of Americans, which has consequences for shifting public perceptions about the assumed secularity of the scientific study of race. It closes with a call for recognizing that the scientific study of race is involved in providing a solution to the existential dilemma of defining what it means to be human. This solution is neither value-free nor detached from the cultural and religious inheritance that has fastened itself to the work of Euro-American scientists who study race.
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