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The stimulating essays introduced here by Professor Das provide a welcome contrast to the plethora of works on science and
religion dominated by Western presuppositions. Gifted contributors, variously indebted to Asian and Eastern European spiritual traditions,
offer new ways of conceptualizing and addressing the deeper problems generated by modern science. Whether the puzzle is the nature of
consciousness, physical indeterminacy, or the potency of mathematics, whether the sure grounding of bioethical principles or the persuasive
articulation of a process philosophy, there is an engagement here that is enthusiastic and infectious. John Hedley Brooke, Andreas Idreos
Professor Emeritus of Science and Religion, Oxford University. Gathering thinkers from ten countries and from a variety of scientific and
spiritual backgrounds, Global Perspectives on Science and Spirituality leads readers on a fascinating tour of distinctly non-Western
approaches to topics in these two fields. These voices add fresh and invigorating input to a dialogue which has thus far been predominantly
guided by scholars from the United States or Western Europe. Scholars, students, researchers, and anyone seeking new ways of understanding
the interplay of spirituality and science will discover in these truly interdisciplinary essays a multitude of windows into previously
underexplored areas of research. Indeed, any one of these pieces could serve as the basis for entirely new programs of long-term study.
Pranab Das is chair and professor of physics at Elon University. Having focused his scientific research on chaos theory and nonlinear
dynamics, he is presently involved in the rich interdisciplinary dialogues that arise from the intersections of science and society. He is
executive editor of the International Society for Science and Religions Library Project and the leader of the Global Perspectives on Science
and Spirituality Program. During the past several years he has worked closely with scholars from around the world to bring their insights to a
Western audience and to foster excellent research through their unique approaches to some of the key questions of our times.
2. JOHN POLKINGHORNE KBE FRS, Theology in the Context of Science, Yale University
Press, 2009
SYNOPSIS:
Just as gendered, cultural, and geographical perspectives have illuminated and advanced theological thought, the contributions
of twentieth-century science have much to offer theology. In his latest book, physicist-theologian John Polkinghorne, renowned as one of the
worlds foremost thinkers on science and religion, offers a lucid argument for developing the intersection of the two fields as another form of
contextual theology.
Countering recent assertions by new atheists that religious belief is irrational and even dangerous, Polkinghorne explores ways that theology
can be open to and informed by science. He describes recent scientific discourse on such subjects as epistemology, objectivity, uncertainty, and
rationality and considers the religious importance of the evolution in these areas of scientific thought. Then, evaluating such topics as
relativity, space and time, and evolutionary theory, he uses a scientific style of inquiry as a foundation on which to build a model of Christian
belief structure. Science and theology share in the great human quest for truth and understanding, says Polkinghorne, and he illustrates how
their interaction can be fruitful for both.
5. JOHN POLKINGHORNE, Science and the Trinity: The Christian Encounter with Reality,
Yale University Press, United States, 2004.
Most often, the dialogue between religion and science is initiated by the discoveries of modern sciencebig bang cosmology, evolution, or
quantum theory, for example. In this book, scientist-theologian John Polkinghorne changes the discussion. He approaches the dialogue from a
little-explored perspective in which theology shapes the argument and sets the agenda of questions to be considered.The author begins with a
review of approaches to science and religion in which the classification focuses on theological content rather than on methodological
technique. He then proceeds with chapters discussing the role of Scripture, a theology of nature, the doctrine of God, sacramental theology,
and eschatology. Throughout, Polkinghorne takes the perspective of Trinitarian thinking while arguing in a style that reflects the influence of
his career as a theoretical physicist. In the final chapter, the author defends the appropriateness of addressing issues of science and religion
from the specific standpoint of his Christian belief. His book provides an important model for theologians and scientists alike, showing how
their two fields can inform one another in significant ways.
As a Cambridge physicist and Anglican priest, Polkinghorne is well qualified to address science-and-theology issues, but the depth and
originality of his work amounts to much more than the sum of his credentials. Polkinghorne's theme here is "particularity," a summons to
"bottom-up thinking" that engages theology, science and human experience in all their living detailor what Polkinghorne calls their
"thickness." Polkinghorne's love of thickness is reflected in his efforts to describe a Trinitarianand not merely theisticaccount of God's
relationship to the universe, as well as his attempt to temper theological preferences for the eternal and spiritual with a greater appreciation for
time and materiality. "The gift given by Love," Polkinghorne insists, "is that creatures should be allowed to be themselves" as reflected by the
fact that "Christian salvific symbols are never merely free-floating, but always anchored in actual occurrence." Polkinghorne writes
masterfully. He can be accurate without becoming technical, simple without becoming simplistic, orthodox without posturing as a defender of
the faith. He challenges future theologians and church leaders to be "realistically modest" about what thinking can achieve, "while, on the
other hand, we must not succumb to intellectual laziness." This volume provides a valuable introduction to Polkinghorne's interests and the
theology-science dialogue in general, with references to other works where readers can research topics in more detail.
8. JEFF ASTLEY, DAVID BROWN and ANN LOADES (edit.), Problems in Theology. Creation
A Reader, T&T Clark Ltd, 2003.
This reader brings together modern material from a wide range of Christian theologians on the meaning and status of the doctrine of creation;
its relation to scientific theories, our understanding of God and the theology of redemption; and its implications for our proper attitude to
the world of nature. Process theology, the Gaia hypothesis, New Age spirituality and pantheism are among the range of topics that are
introduced and critiqued. Contributors include Carol Adams, Karl Barth, Teilhard de Chardin, Celia Deane-Drummond, Colin Gunton,
Jurgen Moltmann, Schubert Ogden and John Polkinghorne.
10. NANCY MORVILLO, Science and Religion: Understanding the Issues, Wiley-Blackwell,
2010.
Addressing the complex issues at the interface of science and religion, this introductory textbook examines a range of basic scientific topics
and their theological responses, including methodology, cosmology, evolution, and contemporary bioethical and environmental concerns.
Examples and careful explanations of scientific concepts are included throughout. To shed light on the various issues at the crossroads of
religion and science, the text also delves into the past to examine ideas from early scientists and theologians that have helped shape current
thinking. While diverse viewpoints are considered, the focus of the text is on theological responses to science from a Christian perspective,
and emphasizes areas where science and religion merge, rather than where they conflict.
Taking a balanced approach to the main debates, each chapter is accompanied by discussion questions and a list of biblical passages and
relevant primary readings by a wide range of scientists and theologians. Timely, and without engaging in advocacy, Science and Religion:
Understanding the Issues is an accessible introduction to the fascinating interface of science and theology.
11. PETER E. HODGSON, Theology And Modern Physics, Ashgate Science and Religion
Series, Corpus Christi College, Oxford, UK, Ashgate Publishing Limited, 2005.
The new discoveries in physics during the 20th century have stimulated intense debate about their relevance to age-old theological questions.
Views range from those holding that modern physics provides a surer road to God than traditional religions, to those who say that physics and
theology are incommensurable and so do not relate. At the very least, physics has stimulated renewed theological discussions. In this critical
introduction to the science-theology debate, Peter E. Hodgson draws on his experience as a physicist to present the results of modern physics
and the theological implications. Written for those with little or no scientific background, Hodgson describes connections between physics,
philosophy and theology and then explains Newtonian physics and Victorian physics, the theories of relativity, astronomy and quantum
mechanics, and distinguishes the actual results of modern physics from speculations. The connections with theology are explored throughout.
The concluding section draws discussions together and makes an important new contribution to the debate.
12. J. WENTZEL VREDE VAN HUYSSTEEN (editor in chief), Encyclopedia of Science and
Religion, Macmillan Reference USA, 2003.
This encyclopedia, intended for "a wide readership from high-school students to independent researchers and academics," deals with all
aspects of the conflict and dialogue between science and religion. The list of scholars who have contributed is impressive, and the project had
as a consultant and contributor Ian Barbour, physicist, theologian, and well-known author on the interplay of science and religion. The
editorial point of view is that the formal consideration of the relationship between science and religion has become a new academic field of
study. The troublesome potential of new technologies has brought questions into the public arena as well.
The 400-plus alphabetically arranged entries range from broad essays on topics such as Biotechnology, Causation, and Sociobiology to shorter
pieces on terms such as Cybernetics, Eco-feminism, and entropy. There are also 20 biographies of important figures in the dialogue between
science and religion, from Aristotle to Stephen Jay Gould. The fore matter includes an alphabetical list of all articles as well as a synoptic
outline, which enables one to see all of the articles related to, for example, physical sciences or Chinese religions. The historical and
contemporary relationships between the realm of science and the major religious groups--Judaism, Islam, Christian traditions, Chinese
religions, Buddhism, and Hinduism--are treated individually. Major scientific and academic fields are examined in the context of the
encyclopedia's focus. Close to 70 articles on the physical sciences, for example, include entries on all the major arenas of the field: chemistry,
particle physics, quantum physics, etc., each providing an overview of early research, contemporary developments and lessons, or applications
to religious thought. All of the articles are signed and have bibliographies, some extensive. In addition, a nine-page annotated bibliography
serves as a guide for further reading (and collection development) in various topics such as the human sciences and religion. A detailed index
makes the wealth of material even more accessible.
14. IAN G. BARBOUR, Cnd tiina ntlnete religia. Adversare, strine sau partenere?,
Colecia: tiin i Religie, trad. de Victor Godeanu, Editura Curtea Veche, Bucureti, 2006
Autorul, Ian G. Barbour, considerat de critic decanul contemporan al scriitorilor care abordeaz tema raporturilor dintre tiin i religie,
un pionier n domeniu, sau cea mai sigur i mai priceput cluz prin literatura din ce n ce mai bogat pe aceast tem, definete patru
modaliti prin care tiina i religia sunt puse n relaie una cu cealalt n ziua de astzi:
1.
Conflictul. Adepii fiecreia dintre cele dou concepii despre lume cred c teoria evoluiei i credina religioas se afl n conflict.
2.
Independena. O alt premis este aceea c tiina i religia pot coexista, strine una de cealalt, cu condiia s pstreze mereu o distan
sigur ntre ele.
3.
Dialogul. Acesta ar consta ntr-o comparaie ntre metodele celor dou domenii, care ar demonstra c exist similitudini, recunoscnd, n
acelai timp, diferenele inerente dintre ele.
4.
Integrarea. Exist i adepi ai celor domenii concomitent, care cred c ele pot forma un parteneriat constructiv, pe baza ndelungatei
tradiii a teologiei naturale, care descoper n realitatea naturii proba (sau, cel puin, o dovad peremptorie) a existenei lui Dumnezeu.
Aceste patru modaliti de inter-relaionare sunt analizate pe rnd n cazul a cinci ntrebri fundamentale care preocup omul credincios
contemporan:
1.
La nceputul nceputurilor: De ce a avut loc marea explozie iniial numit Big Bang?
2.
Pune oare fizica cuantic sub semnul ntrebrii modul nostru de a percepe realitatea?
3.
Darwin i Geneza: Este oare evoluia felul lui Dumnezeu de a crea?
4.
Natura i omul: Suntem oare determinai de genele pe care le purtm n noi?
5.
Dumnezeu i Natura: Se mai poate manifesta Dumnezeu ntr-o lume supus legilor?
level has been a source of inspiration and emotional satisfaction for the spiritual believer. The spiritual enhancement reinforced the human
mind to achieve greater goodness in the conduct of life. All religions have contributed significantly in shaping humanity, and they continue to
do so. World religions have a common spiritual heritage to guide us on the path of a purposeful life of kindness, peace, and harmony in spite of
differences in languages, cultures, and historical origins.
Science has demystified the awe of natural phenomenon like earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, and violent storms. It has eradicated many
ailments and created amenities to facilitate life in numerous ways. It has helped in the religious mission of a happier life. Benefits of science
and technology are available to everybody. The geographic barriers have been shrunk for our global township of diverse cultures and faiths.
However, science has also produced the menace of thermonuclear and biological weapons capable of global devastations.
In this new era of science, religion has a greater role to play for education in universal awakening to purge prejudice and antagonism that
trigger conflicts and wars. Religion and science have a new paradigm for humanity: Live and help to live.
Vezi: http://www.scribd.com/doc/36282061/World-Religions-and-the-New-Era-of-Science
17. OWEN GINGERICH, Universul lui Dumnezeu, Colecia: tiin, Spiritualitate, Societate,
trad. de Viorel Zaicu, Editura Curtea Veche, Bucureti, 2010.
18. CLAYTON, Philip (edit.), SIMPSON, Zachary R. (associate director), The Oxford
Handbook of Religion And Science, Oxford University Press, 2006.
http://books.google.ro/books/about/The_Oxford_Handbook_of_Religion_And_Scie.html?
id=-WhGyYy0SIoC&redir_esc=y
19. SINGH, Janak, PhD., World Religions and the New Era of Science...
20. LEWIS WHITE, Michael, Of Science and God,
21. NICHOLAS, Dima, Culture, Religion and Geopolitics, Publisher: Xlibris, Corp, 2010.