Faith and the Marvelous Progress of Science
The contributors to this book write from a faith perspective but respectful of the place and role of science, both historically and today. Some write from direct scientific expertise while others draw on philosophical and theological perspectives to engage in reflection upon issues such as: how the division between faith and science arose; the nature of science; scientists and the phenomenon of atheism; the assumptions behind some contemporary debates; and the often-forgotten eschatological issues, the where-are-we-heading questions. It is hoped that readers will benefit from the many rich perspectives offered in these pages.
Many Christians today favor the approach of dialogue between faith and science. As Pope Francis writes, “all of society can be enriched thanks to this dialogue, which opens up new horizons for thought and expands the possibilities of reason.” After all, faith is not fearful of reason. It seeks and trusts reason. It values science for the simple reason that since there is only one Truth and since the light of reason and the light of faith both come from God, they cannot contradict each other. The Catholic Church’s position, therefore, is that she has no wish to hold back the marvelous progress of science. Indeed, the pathway of dialogue is needed, not least because it is linked to the promotion of peace and harmony in the world.
Table of Contents
- List of Contributors
- Introduction
Part 1 Learning from History
- Common Historical Roots; Common Practitioners
Brother Guy Consolmagno SJ
- Notes on the History of the Dialectic between Scientific and Humanistic Knowing
Sergio Rondinara
- Chenu’s Recovery of Theology as a Science
Patricia Kelly
Part 2 Topics in Contemporary Debate
- A ‘Cosmic Authority Problem’ Lawrence Krauss’s and Thomas Nagel’s approach to the question of God
Brendan Purcell
- Modern Physics, the Beginning, and Creation
Stephen M. Barr
- Science Is Not Scientific
David Walsh
- Can it be Reasonable for a Scientist to Believe in God?
William Reville
Part 3 Christian Perspectives on the Destiny of the Cosmos
- Striving Towards the “Omega Point” Henri De Lubac on Pierre Teilhard de Chardin
Noel O’Sullivan
- Do We Know Where We Are? Creation and the Trinity
Brendan Leahy
- From Beginning to End: The Scientific Relevance of Creation and New Creation
David Wilkinson
List of Contributors
Stephen Barr is a professor of Particle Physics in the Department of Physics and Astronomy at the University of Delaware, and a member of its Bartol Research Institute.
Brother Guy J. Consolmagno, SJ, is an American research astronomer and planetary scientist at the Vatican Observatory.
Patricia Kelly is Senior Lecturer in Catholic Studies at Leeds Trinity University, England.
Brendan Leahy, Bishop of Limerick, Ireland, and formerly Professor of Systematic Theology, St. Patrick’s College, Maynooth.
Noel O’Sullivan is a lecturer in Systematic Theology at St. Patrick’s College, Maynooth, Ireland.
Brendan Purcell is Adjunct Professor in Philosophy at Notre Dame University, Sydney, and assistant priest at St. Mary’s Cathedral.
William J. Reville is Professor of Biochemistry at University College, Cork, Ireland.
Sergio Rondinara, Professor of Epistemology and Cosmology at the Sophia University Institute, Loppiano, Florence, Italy.
David Walsh is Professor of Politics at the Catholic University of America in Washington, DC.
David Wilkinson is Principal of St John’s College and Professor in the Department of Theology and Religion, Durham University, England.
Reviews
“It is a surprise, almost a shock, to encounter a Christian book with a title such as this one, in which the progress of science is described as ‘marvelous.’ The contributors stem largely, but not entirely, from the Roman Catholic tradition, and their contributions fall into three sections: learning from history, topics in contemporary debate, and Christian perspectives on the destiny of the cosmos. For anyone wanting a good introduction to the relationship between science (particularly physics and related disciplines) and faith, there is much robust theology that will be of value, with some of the chapters providing detailed analyses and assessments well beyond the elementary.”
D Gareth Jones
Department of Anatomy,
University of Otago, New Zealand
Theological Book Review
Click here for full review
“For those of us who are called to be scientists, the exploration of God’s creation is a response to an invitation to spend time with the Creator. We get to play with Him, so to speak, uncovering the delightful puzzles He sets for us and marveling at the way the laws of the universe fit together with a logic that is both harmonious and elegant. Science does not replace God; rather, it reveals that God is more amazing than we could ever have realized.”
Brother Guy Consolmagno SJ
is a research astronomer and Planetary scientist at the Vatican Observatory
Recipient of the Carl Sagan Medal and Contributor of Chapter 1
“A book like Faith and the Marvelous Progress of Science may very well contribute to the dawn of a new era in our understanding of the natures of both science and theology, an era where justice is done to each of these disciplines as we appreciate that while their methods are different, they are not opposed to each other, an era in which we might react, as we look back at the history of popular attitudes towards these two disciplines, by asking: Science versus Religion? Aren't they both good guys?”
Robert Egan
The Furrow
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About the Author
Most Rev. Brendan Leahy is Bishop of Limerick, Ireland. Formerly professor of Systematic Theology at the Pontifical University of St Patrick’s College, Maynooth, he is a von Balthasar scholar and an ecumenist and has authored articles and books on interreligious dialogue, issues facing the Church in the 21st century, the life and teachings of Pope John Paul II, renewal in the Church, charisms, and the priesthood.
| Price | $15.95 |
|---|---|
| Language | English |
| Publication Date | Jan 5, 2015 |
| Author | Brendan Leahy (ed.) |
| Format | Paperback |
| Page Count | 190 |