Description
Book SynopsisThis collection addresses current controversies about the relationship between science and religion, in which Augustine is appealed to by opposing sides, showing his continuing relevance, as well as the subtlety and complexity of his views. Questions on evolution are especially focused on, and from a variety of perspectives, often with quite different conclusions between the essays. This is truly a conversation about Augustine, science, and religion.
Trade ReviewAugustine and Science offers a valuable historical lesson about the reception of Augustine in the longue durée. * Isis *
This highly readable collection of essays covers a vast range of topics, as distinguished scholars from various fields bring Augustine's prescient and sometimes surprising views on nature into a dialogue with modern ideas in evolutionary biology, geography, astronomy, cosmogony, field theory, and more. The essays pay close attention to the relevant texts and succeed admirably in showing the enduring importance of Augustine's thought for modern science and for the debate regarding faith and reason. Reading this book deepened my admiration for Augustine's breadth and originality. -- Peter Kalkavage, St. John's College
Augustine and Science not only addresses challenging questions regarding Augustine’s views on issues in science or natural philosophy, but also shows how Augustinian ideas and principles are central to some of the key current debates of science and religion. This volume in the series is another testament to Augustine’s lasting legacy. -- Seung-Kee Lee, Drew University
Table of ContentsPart 1: General Observations on Scientific Method and Biblical Interpretation Chapter 1: Augustine and the Systematic Theology of Origins Paul L. Allen Chapter 2: Augustine’s View of Creation and Its Modern Reception Andrew Brown Chapter 3: The Doctrine of Creation and Modern Science Wolfhart Pannenberg Chapter 4: The Contemporary Relevance of Augustine’s View of Creation Davis A. Young Chapter 5: The Franciscans and Natural Philosophy in the Thirteenth Century Lawrence Osborn Part 2: Astronomy Chapter 6: Augustine and Astronomy Nicholas Campion Chapter 7: Augustine and the Shape of the Earth C. P. E. Nothaft Part 3: Evolution Chapter 8: Augustine on Evolution, Time and Memory John Caizza Chapter 9: An Augustinian Perspective on Creation and Evolution Rodney D. Holder Chapter 10: Science: Augustinian or Duhemian? Alvin Plantinga Chapter 11: Modern Science and Augustine’s Account of Evil and Suffering Patrick Richmond Chapter 12: Augustine, Evolution, and Scientific Methodology James S. Spiegel
