God, chance, and purpose : can God have it both ways? / David J. Bartholomew.

Format:

Book

Author/Creator:

Bartholomew, David J.

Language:

English

Subjects (All):

Chance.

Intelligent design (Teleology).

Providence and government of God.

Physical Description:

xii, 259 pages : illustrations ; 22 cm

Place of Publication:

Cambridge, UK ; New York : Cambridge University Press, 2008.

Summary:

Scientific accounts of existence give chance a central role. At the smallest level, quantum theory involves uncertainty and evolution is driven by chance and necessity. These ideas do not fit easily with theology in which chance has been seen as the enemy of purpose. One option is to argue, as proponents of Intelligent Design do, that chance is not real and can be replaced by the work of a Designer. Others adhere to a deterministic theology in which God is in total control. Neither of these views, it is argued, does justice to the complexity of nature or the greatness of God. The thesis of this book is that chance is neither unreal nor non-existent but an integral part of God's creation. This view is expounded, illustrated and defended by drawing on the resources of probability theory and numerous examples from the natural and social worlds.

Contents:

What is the problem?

What is chance?

Order out of chaos

Chaos out of order

What is probability?

What can very small probabilities tell us?

Can intelligent design be established scientifically?

Statistical laws

God's action in the quantum world

The human use of chance

God's chance

The challenge to chance.

Notes:

Includes bibliographical references (pages 243-249) and index.

ISBN:

9780521880855

0521880858

9780521707084

0521707080

OCLC:

170955032