Science and Religion: A New Introduction

Science and Religion, 2 nd edition is the most up–to–date introduction to the study of religion and the natural sciences. Now thoroughly revised, this popular textbook introduces readers to the central questions in the field of science and religion. It examines the historical, theological, philosophical and scientific aspects of the interaction between these two areas, offering a uniquely comprehensive coverage. The second edition has been fully updated to reflect current, cutting–edge debates concerning scientific atheism and the limits of scientific method, and also incorporates discussion about the relationship between science and religion in major world faiths. The book is specifically designed for students with no prior knowledge of science or religion. A historical component enables readers to orientate themselves within the subject, and along with numerous illustrations, tables, maps, summaries and questions, creates a user–friendly and engaging approach to the field. Alister E. McGrath is ideally placed to write this book. He is a world–renowned theologian and author, praised for his clear and precise writing, and an acknowledged expert on the relationship between science and religion.

Preface vii How To Use This Book ix 1 Introducing the Dialogue Between Science and Religion 1 Part I History: Three Landmark Debates 7 2 Why Study History? 9 3 Debate 1: Copernicus, Galileo, and the Solar System 17 4 Debate 2: Newton, the Mechanical Universe, and Deism 26 5 Debate 3: Darwin and the Biological Origins of Humanity 33 Part II Science and Religion: General Themes 43 6 Models of Interaction Between Science and Religion 45 7 Science, Religion, and the Explanation of Things 51 8 Science, Religion, and Proofs for God’s Existence 59 9 Verifi cation and Falsifi cation in Science and Religion 67 10 Realism and its Alternatives in Science and Religion 76 11 The Doctrine of Creation and the Natural Sciences 84 12 How Does God Act in the World? 93 13 The Use of Models in Science and Religion 102 14 Natural Science and Natural Theology 110 15 Theoretical Anomalies in Science and Religion 120 16 The Development of Theory in Science and Religion 128 17 The Interaction of Science and Religion in Other Faiths 135 Part III Science and Religion: Contemporary Debates 143 18 Richard Dawkins and Scientifi c Atheism: Does Science Deny God? 145 19 Cosmology: Does the Anthropic Principle Mean Anything? 151 20 Quantum Theory: Complementarity in Science and Religion 157 21 Evolutionary Biology: Can One Speak of "Design" in Nature? 163 22 Evolutionary Psychology: The Origins of Religious Belief 169 23 The Psychology of Religion: Exploring Religious Experience 175 24 The Cognitive Science of Religion: Is Religion "Natural"? 184 Part IV Case Studies in Science and Religion 191 25 Pierre Teilhard de Chardin (1881–1955) 193 26 Thomas F. Torrance (1913–2007) 197 27 Charles A. Coulson (1910–74) 201 28 Ian G. Barbour (born 1923) 205 29 Arthur Peacocke (1924–2006) 209 30 Wolfhart Pannenberg (born 1928) 213 31 John Polkinghorne (born 1930) 217 32 Nancey Murphy (born 1951) 221 33 Alister E. McGrath (born 1953) 225 34 Philip Clayton (born 1956) 229 Conclusion 233 References 235 Index 240

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

Praise for the previous edition of Science and Religion: "A first rate introduction to the field." ( Network ) "McGrath discusses clearly and methodically the various issues related to the field … Fair and objective." ( Choice ) "A useful starting point for those entering the study of science and religion." ( Publishers Weekly )