Science and Religion: A Historical Introduction

Features

• Cover Type: Paperback with 416 pages
• Published by: The Johns Hopkins University Press August 1, 2002
• Written in: English
• ISBN 10 Number: 0801870380
• ISBN 13 Number: 978-0801870385
• Book Dimensions: 9.3 x 6.2 x 1.1 inches
• Weighs: 1.3 pounds

From Library Journal
This volume consists of thirty articles, all taken from the 103-article The History of Science and Religion: An Encyclopedia (Garland, LJ 8/15/00). While exploding a number of myths that make up the popular image of the warfare between science and religion, the writers show that there was actually a complex relationship operating in both directions. Part 1 introduces the topic with two articles on the history of the relationship. The next three parts consider historical topics, some biographical (e.g., Galileo Galilei, Charles Darwin), some religious (e.g., Islam, early modern Protestantism), and some topical (e.g., causation, evolution). Part 5 considers the response of religious traditions, Part 6 treats the theological implications of modern science, and the last part considers current historiographical issues, such as gender and postmodernism. Almost all of the articles are by authors who have written substantial works in their field, and each is accompanied by a bibliography. An essential purchase for any library that does not have the greater volume.
Augustine J. Curley, Newark Abbey, NJ
Copyright 2002 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Product Review


"An essential purchase for any library that does not have the greater volume." -- Library Journal



"This work is both accessible and authoritative. Editors have taken pains to make sure the writing is consistently approachable and the scholarly depth of the individual contributors in certainly more than adequate to label this volume authoritative." -- Research News and Opportunities in Science and Technology



"Ferngren is to be commended for conveying the vitality and influence of science and religion through this series of great contributions from leading authors in the field." -- Fraser F. Fleming, Perspectives on Science and Christian Faith



"Ferngren offers us a selection of essays by leading specialists on the most important issues in the history of science and religion. I know of no other book that so gracefully introduces the reader to this burgeoning field." -- Ann Blair, Harvard University

Reader Reviews
What struck me about this book was its clear departure from the Science vs. Religion stereotype that one encounters in some older histories. Most of the work contained in this volume comes from historical studies performed during the last thirty years. Most of the scholars who have contributed to this anthology adopt a Complexity Thesis to account for the historical relation between science and religion - as opposed to a Warfare model or other military metaphors which were popular in late Victorian anti-clerical literature. It's refreshing reading for anyone whose understanding of science and religion has been influenced by, say, Prometheus Press.