Science and Christianity : an introduction to the issues / J.B. Stump.

Format:

Book

Author/Creator:

Stump, James, 1969- author.

Language:

English

Subjects (All):

Religion and science.

Christianity.

Theology.

Physical Description:

xiv, 180 pages ; 24 cm

Place of Publication:

Chicester, West Sussex : Wiley Blackwell, 2017.

Summary:

Science and Christianity is an introduction to topics at the intersection of science and Christian theology. In discussing the complex relationship between the two fields, Stump provides a distinctive approach by using historical episodes, with tangible examples, to illustrate the claim that there is no one way science and Christianity have been related to each other. Instead, he explores how there have been instances of conflict, times of independence, and points when there is evidence of science and Christian theology influencing each other. Opening with historically oriented chapters that illustrate how science and Christianity have intersected through time, Stump goes on to discuss methodological principles for both science and theology. Following this foundational coverage, further chapters examine the current interplay of contemporary science and key theological concepts, including cosmology, evolution, natural theology, divine action, the soul, the problem of natural evil, and eschatology. Throughout the text, arguments are presented fairly and objectively, with strengths and weaknesses of particular interpretations fully discussed. Student-friendly feature boxes are included throughout the text and highlight biographies of prominent scientists and theologians, define key terms and concepts, pose critical questions, and introduce the primary literature through extended quotations. A timeline of figures who have been discussed and a glossary provide the reader with further support. This book is essential reading for any student of science and christianity, philosophy of science or philosophy of religion Book jacket.

Contents:

Conflict and independence. Ways that science and Christianity might be related ; Conflict ; Independence ; Two books

Christianity and the origin of modern science. The handmaiden of theology ; Christianity's role in the rise of modern science : twentieth-century views ; Recent developments

Secularization. Scientists and religious belief ; Broadening the definition ; A secular age

Young earth creationism and intelligent design. Setting the stage for young earth creationism ; Today's young earth creationism ; Intelligent design ; Irreducible complexity and information

The Bible. Two books vs. sola scriptura ; Interpretation ; What kind of inspiration? ; Science and the Bible

Methodological naturalism. Defining methodological naturalism ; Duhem and the aims of science ; Methodological naturalism and the problem of demarcation ; Reasons for abiding by methodological naturalism

Natural theology. Classic arguments of natural theology ; Objections to natural theology ; Natural theology for the 21st century

Cosmology. Big bang cosmology ; Fine tuning ; The multiverse

Evolution. Evolution and the Bible ; Creation through randomness and death ; The uniqueness of human beings ; Consonance between evolution and Christianity

Divine action. The development of deism ; Miracles ; non-interventionist objective divine action ; Alternatives for explaining divine action

Mind, soul, and brain. The Christian tradition of the soul ; Descartes and dualism ; Challenges to dualism ; Cognitive dualism

The problem of natural evil. Articulation of the problem ; Some potential responses ; A more robust theodicy ; Eschatological fulfillment

Conclusion : the last things.

Notes:

Includes bibliographical references and index.

Other Format:

Online version: Stump, J.B., author. Science and Christianity.

ISBN:

9781118625279

1118625277

9781118625248

1118625242

OCLC:

961409478