Religion and science Books

Book Synopsis In this critically acclaimed book, first published in 1988 and now reprinted in paperback, scientist and author Paul Davies explains how recent scientific advances are transforming our understanding of the emergence of complexity and organization in the universe. Melding a variety of ideas and disciplines from biology, fundamental physics, computer science, mathematics, genetics, and neurology, Davies presents his provocative theory on the source of the universe's creative potency. He explores the new paradigm (replacing the centuries-old Newtonian view of the universe) that recognizes the collective and holistic properties of physical systems and the power of self-organization. He casts the laws in physics in the role of a "blueprint," embodying a grand cosmic scheme that progressively unfolds as the universe develops. Challenging the viewpoint that the physical universe is a meaningless collection of particles, he finds overwhelming evidence for an underlying purpose: "Science may explain all the processes whereby the universe evolves its own destiny, but that still leaves room for there to be a meaning behind existence." Table of Contents Preface to the 2004 Edition / ix Preface to the First Edition / xv Chapter 1 Blueprint for a Universe / 3 Chapter 2 The Missing Arrow / 9 Chapter 3 Complexity / 21 Chapter 4 Chaos / 35 Chapter 5 Charting the Irregular / 57 Chapter 6 Self-Organization / 72 Chapter 7 Life: Its Nature / 93 Chapter 8 Life: Its Origin and Evolution / 107 Chapter 9 The Unfolding Universe / 121 Chapter 10 The Source of Creation / 138 Chapter 11 Organizing Principles / 152 Chapter 12 The Quantum Factor / 165 Chapter 13 Mind and Brain / 183 Chapter 14 Is There a Blueprint? / 197 References / 205 Further Reading / 211 Index / 215

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Book Synopsis “ In this beautifully and intelligently written book, Ferguson not only reports on some of the intellectual tremors jolting the world of thinking women and men, but also considers the basic questions with penetrating analysis, yet at a very readable level. . . . An excellent book.” —Choice Heralded for its readability and scholarship, The Fire in the Equations offers a fascinating discussion of scientific discoveries and their impact on our beliefs. The book’s title is derived from Dr. Stephen Hawking’s pondering, “What is it that breathes fire into the equations and makes a universe for them to describe?” Originally published in the U.S. in 1995, it provides an excursion through new theories of quantum physics and cosmology, ranging from the nature of time, the big bang, the “unreasonable effectiveness” of mathematics, laws of nature, and their possible relation to God, chaos theory, black holes, Heisenberg’s uncertainty principle, particle physics, Darwin's theory of evolution, and the role of God in all these equations. It even raises such questions as “how God might answer prayers” from the point of view of physics. While she gives no absolute answers, Kitty Ferguson takes the reader through a world of paradoxes and improbabilities, explaining how believing in a pre-determined universe and free will as a theory of human behavior is possible. She concludes that what we know about science doesn't necessarily make God inevitable, but does not rule God out either. Trade Review“ In this beautifully and intelligently written book, Ferguson not only reports on some of the intellectual tremors jolting the world of thinking women and men, but also considers the basic questions with penetrating analysis, yet at a very readable level. . . . An excellent book.” —Choice "Ferguson weaves science, philosophy, and theology together with verve and clarity." – John Polkinghorne, Queen’s, Cambridge "This is a clear account of the ultimate question." – Stephen W. Hawkings Table of ContentsPreface / xi A Word about Inclusive Language / xiv Acknowledgments / xv 1 ‘They Buried Him in Westminster Abbey’ / 1 2 Seeing Things / 4 Is the rational universe an illusion? / 12 ‘In Nature’s infinite book of mysteries . . .can we read very much at all? / 19 Is objective reality a mirage? / 25 Are we really free agents? / 30 Is the universe a uni-verse? / 33 3 Almost Objective / 35 Where is fancy bred? / 37 The spectacles-behind-the-eyes / 44 The muse of science: Is truth beautiful? / 59 Does truth surpass proof? / 63 The elite of science / 66 The spirit of the times / 69 The essential Godlessness of science / 73 At the limits of scientific truth / 78 First steps beyond the mind’s-eye view / 80 Is there anything else? / 81 The insidiousness of God / 86 The morality of science: Is truth good? / 87 4 Romancing the Creation / 89 The uncomfortable concept of a beginning / 90 The Gordian knot of singularity / 102 The magic of imaginary time / 108 The pulsing universe and the arrow of entropy / 117 The mysterious wobbling of nothingness / 123 ‘Reality (whatever that may be)’ / 126 Reality in the absence of apples / 129 What place for a creator? / 134 The third candidate / 137 The mother of all chicken-and-egg stories / 139 5 The Elusive Mind of God / 143 God as the embodiment of the laws of physics / 145 A presence behind the process 146 The leap to purpose: The God who wishes to drink tea / 147 The watchmaker / 149 The universe as a ‘put-up job’ / 163 Second Gordian knot: The anthropic principle / 164 Hacking at the second Gordian knot / 166 The inflationary universe / 167 Baby universes to the rescue! / 171 Not the ether again! 173 The longing of Johannes Kepler / 178 The fiddler on the roof / 184 6 The God of Abraham and Jesus / 185 The law-breaker / 189 The hard edge of legalism / 191 The soft underbelly of legalism / 195 The death of the God of the Gaps / 204 Chaos meets Control 205 ‘Top-down’ determinism? / 221 ‘I AM’ / 225 When truths collide / 228 The ultimate self-confirming hypothesis / 231 The masterful use of parallel perfect fifths / 234 Who is the ‘I’ in ‘I AM’? / 239 7 Inadmissible Evidence / 241 Public vs. private knowledge / 242 Admissible evidence? / 245 The spectacles-behind-the-eyes, revisited / 246 The cloud of witnesses / 247 A game of ‘I Doubt It’ / 251 The Lucy problem / 253 ‘I should not believe such a story were it told me by Cato!’ / 254 ‘The Invincible Ignorance of Science’ / 259 ‘For the Bible tells me so’—the evidence of scripture / 260 Is there proof in the pudding? The evidence of results / 263 Armchair truth: The argument from reason / 266 The argument from explanatory power / 270 The argument from nature / 274 The argument from availability / 277 8 Theory of Everything . . . Mind of God / 279 Notes / 284 Bibliography / 293 Index / 301 Back to Tabs

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Book SynopsisThe biography of the "Wizard of Wall Street" who has dedicated his life to advancing the scientific study of spiritual realities has been revised and updated. Sir John Templeton was an inspiring and motivational force both through his personal example and through the foundation that bears his name and is dedicated to his mission. This volume reviews the life of this man of vision, from his childhood in rural Tennessee, to his education at Yale and Oxford, to his legendary years on Wall Street, the birth of his children, and the development and growth of "humility theology science." Interwoven with the stories and facts are the roots of his faith and the values that he credits for his financial success and are the catalyst for his lifelong mission. Sir John's biography updates the growth of the many and varied programs of the John Templeton Foundation that support this mission. It also introduces some of the scientists, theologians, philosophers, writers, and fellow investors who now serve as staff and advisors to the John Templeton Foundation, striving toward Sir John's goal of one-hundred-fold more spiritual information gained through the application of scientific methodology and analysis.Table of Contents Preface / ix Introduction / 3 Part I: THE BENEFITS OF INVESTING IN HUMILITY THEOLOGY SCIENCE CHAPTER 1: An Investment in Scientific Research for More Spiritual Knowledge / 15 The human evolutionary pilgrimage • Acceleration of spiritual research • Awe at the size and intricacy of the universe • The human ego • The humble approach to comprehending more about God • How little we know, how eager we are to learn • Benefits from a new field of science, humility theology science CHAPTER 2: Research on Spiritual Characteristics / 27 Testing the laws of the spirit • Universal principles of the spirit • Love hoarded dwindles, love given grows • It is better to give than to receive • Self-centeredness leads to loneliness • To be forgiven we must first forgive • Thanksgiving opens the door to spiritual growth CHAPTER 3: Research in the Sciences / 39 Applying rigorous methodology to investigate deeper reality • Research at the limits of science • Scientists testing theological and philosophical questions • Paul Davies on mysticism • Research on purpose in the universe • Research on human creativity CHAPTER 4: Research on the Role of Spirituality in Medicine / 49 Is religion the forgotten factor in medicine? • Contrasting religious attitudes of patients and health-care providers • Attitudes of medical scientists • Changing the attitudes of medical educators • New research opportunities CHAPTER 5: A Call to Humility / 61 Theology is often resistant to new ideas • Science is providing empirical and scholarly approaches to new ideas • Prizes for papers in humility theology • The Progress in Theology newsletter • Who’s Who in Theology and Science CHAPTER 6: Discovering the “Laws of Life” / 69 A high school essay program • Finding direction for life in rural Tennessee • How John Templeton’s parents influenced him • The Honor Roll for Character-Building Colleges • Future plans for academic courses emphasizing spiritual “Laws of Life” • Discovering the “Laws of Life” CHAPTER 7: Bringing Science and Religion Together on Campus / 81 The gap between science and religion • The openness of scientists • New scientific developments of significance for theology • The Science & Religion Course Program Part II: THE MAKING OF A WORLD-CLASS INVESTOR CHAPTER 8: The Winchester Years / 95 A trip through Winchester • John’s parents and grandparents • Reminiscing with John’s brother • A remarkable upbringing • Educational trips • Marriage to Irene Butler • Eight weeks in Europe in a Volkswagen bus • John’s mother’s spiritual influence CHAPTER 9: Reaching Out: Yale, Oxford, and Across the World / 109 Selling magazines to raise money for college • Studying economics at Yale • Attending Oxford as a Rhodes scholar • Founding Templeton College at Oxford years later • A post-graduation around-the-world tour • A brush with death in Palestine • Marriage to Judith Dudley Folk CHAPTER 10: The Growth Years / 123 The early investment years • The principles of thrift and bargain hunting • The typewriter principle • The birth of John’s three children • Church and community activities • Dudley’s accidental death • Board of Trustees of Princeton Theological Seminary • Young Presidents Organization • The Templeton Growth Fund CHAPTER 11: Investing with John Templeton / 135 The Templeton investment philosophy • The principle of maximum pessimism • The move to the Bahamas • John’s commitment to prayer and double tithing • The rise to international prominence • John Galbraith and Mark Holowesko • The sale to Franklin Resources, Inc. CHAPTER 12: John Templeton’s Spiritual Investment Program / 147 The Templeton Prize • The Templeton Foundation • The Humility Theology Information Center • Honors for Sir John Templeton CHAPTER 13: The Future of the Vision / 169 The staff of the John Templeton Foundation • The advisory board of the Humility Theology Information Center • Main objectives of the John Templeton Foundation • Researching creativity, purpose, the “Laws of Life,” and spiritual benefits to health and character building • Academic courses on science and religion • Science and Spiritual Quest programs • Humble Approach Initiative • Meaning of Freedom Program • Extending spirit of humility to all religions • Conclusion Appendixes A. Awards and Accomplishments of John Marks Templeton / 195 B. Board of Advisors of the John Templeton Foundation Humility Theology Information Center / 201 C. Trustees and Members of the John Templeton Foundation / 209 D. Recipients of the Templeton Prize for Progress in Religion / 211 E. Examples of Grants from the John Templeton Foundation / 214 F. 1999 Science & Religion Course Competition and Workshops / 222 G. 1999 Call for Exemplary Papers in Humility Theology / 223 H. Two Hundred Spiritual Principles from Worldwide Laws of Life / 224 I. Statement on Humility Theology / 233 J. Humility Theology Questions / 236 Notes / 239 Index / 243

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Book Synopsis We all know the saying, "Love can change the world." When science looks at love, it considers cosmology, sociobiology, evolutionary psychology, neurology, sex and romance, and the role of emotions as each relates to love. It also explores religious, ethical, and philosophical issues, such as virtue, creation ex nihilo, progress, divine action, agape, values, religious practices, pacifism, sexuality, friendship, freedom, and marriage. All affect the ways in which people understand each other and interact with one another. In this book, Oord explores these varied dimensions of love, illuminating the love-science symbiosis for both scholars and general readers. His definition of love is "to act intentionally, in sympathetic response to others (including God), to promote overall well-being. Love acts are influenced by previous actions and executed in the hope of attaining a high degree of good for all." He begins his study with an exploration of the role love plays in all major world religions: Hinduism, Buddhism, Confucianism, Judaism, Islam, and Christianity. He explains how divine love in action can be viewed as consonant with the big bang theory and the continual creation of the universe. He looks at pacifism and concludes that nonviolence is not always the most loving thing (sometimes violence must be used to rescue victims or prevent holocausts). He explores the animal kingdom to see how creatures work together with the Creator to make the world a better place. And he analyzes the fundamentals of love, the basic characteristics of existence that must be present for love to be expressed. He concludes with the important argument that progress can best be made when religion and science work together to both understand and promote love. Table of Contents Preface / ix 1. Love in Any Language / 1 2. Love Makes the Cosmos Go ’Round / 13 3. Love on the (Triune) Brain / 23 4. The Altruism of Terrorism, the Egoism of War / 35 5. Why Can’t We Be Friends? / 47 6. The Fundamentals of Love / 57 7. The Science of Sex and Love / 69 8. Can Love Make Progress? / 79 Notes / 91 Recommended Reading / 103 Index / 113

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Book Synopsis Originally published in Great Britain and now updated and available for the first time in a U.S. edition, this book is a critically acclaimed work by a renowned theologian-scientist. Russell Stannard is known for cutting through highly technical data and presenting it clearly and simply. In Science and the Renewal of Belief he sheds light on ways in which science and religion influence each other and can help each other. Science and logic cannot establish belief, he says, but belief can be confirmed and renewed with the changed perspective of modern science. The many reviews of the U.K. edition of his book cite his lucid presentation of relativity and quantum theory, and the way he uses relativity to explore time and eternity, and indeterminacy to comment on free will. He is also praised for offering fresh insight into original sin, the trials experienced by Galileo, the problem of pain, the possibility of miracles, the evidence for the resurrection, the credibility of incarnation, and the power of steadfast prayer. By introducing simple analogies, Stannard clears up misunderstandings that have muddied the connections between science and religion, and suggests contributions that the pursuit of physical science can make to theology. Table of Contents Preface / ix 1. Introduction / 3 2. In the Beginning / 7 3. On How to Interpret the Bible / 13 4. The Message of the Myths / 21 5. Adam and Eve in a New Light / 25 6. The Emergence of the Human Spirit / 34 7. Superhuman Life-Forms? / 38 8. Miracles under Scrutiny / 47 9. The Touchstone of Christian Belief / 68 10. Scientists at Work / 81 11. Taking on Trust / 85 12. An Experiment with Prayer / 88 13. Attempts to Demonstrate God’s Existence / 97 14. The Whole Is More Than the Sum of Its Parts / 108 15. The Galileo Scandal / 117 16. The Significance of the Individual / 129 17. God in and beyond Space and Time / 143 18. The Place of Paradox in Science and Belief / 161 19. Why Does God Permit Evil? / 182 20. Destiny, Chance, and Choice / 189 21. Only Wholeness … / 200 22. In Conclusion / 211 References / 219 Index / 223

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Book SynopsisContends that in light of the fact that we can now alter human nature we must find a transnatural standpoint from which to make moral judgments—that is, a theological standpoint. Current and future advances in genetic and biological science require a bold theological response, argues Sherlock, not a response based on pragmatism or arguments from nature, including natural-law arguments.

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Book SynopsisThis unique devotional contains 365 pages of evidences for the reality of a biblical creation from over 20 different areas of science and education. The primary purpose of this book is to help people understand what makes Christianity so trustworthy. Many books are available on the scientific evidence for creation, but most are difficult to share due to the technical nature of the subject matter. This book is written to be enjoyed as a daily devotional, but can also serve as an easy-to-read resource on the physical evidence that our Creator exists.God's desire is that the knowledge of what He has done through both the cross and creation is for everyone. We must not keep this knowledge to ourselves. The evidence that He is our Creator is so overwhelming and encouraging that it desperately needs to be shared in the world today. A Closer Look at the Evidence is designed to be an affordable resource to both reinforce our individual faith and facilitate sharing the reasons for this faith.Each page summarizes interesting facts about God and/or creation. The reader is encouraged to find more extensive and detailed information through the sources listed at the bottom of each page. Occasionally the source is quoted directly, but more often the material is summarized. The book is a great resource for both individuals and classrooms, suitable for elementary through adult.

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Book Synopsis

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