The Frontiers of Science & Faith: Examining Questions from the Big Bang to the End of the Universe - Softcover

Davis, John Jefferson

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0830826645 ISBN 13: 9780830826643

Publisher: Intervarsity Pr, 2002

Synopsis

What happens when new scientific research meets traditional Christian doctrines? How does the big bang theory fit with Genesis 1:1? What does quantum mechanics have to do with the doctrines of predestination and the omniscience of God? How does the anthropic principle square with a biblical notion of a designed and purposeful universe? What are the implications of the doctrine of redemption in Jesus Christ for the search for extraterrestrial intelligence?Addressing these and other complex and fascinating questions, John Jefferson Davis brings together a well-informed understanding of current scientific issues with Christian teaching. He demonstrates that the meeting between the frontiers of science and the frontiers of faith calls for a proper relationship with the God of the universe and a humility that acknowledges the fundamental limits of human knowledge.

About this title

From Publishers Weekly:

Davis, who teaches theology-and-science courses at Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary, covers mostly familiar ground in this essay collection, reviewing several standard topics in the field from a moderate evangelical perspective. Although the essays (most previously unpublished) may be read independently, many follow a common theme of outlining revisions to theological categories in light of scientific concepts. They then light upon a fairly conservative response that generally lies closer to classical theism (often with reference to Reformed theological formulations) than to the more revisionist stance associated with Arthur Peacocke and other figures in theology-and-science dialogue. Most of the essays include a notably thorough and well-researched review of background literature, reflecting a perceptive and judicious reading of both scientific and theological sources. Davis appears less confident when advancing from review and critique to constructive theory; he tends to abbreviate his arguments precisely where more explanation would be helpful, and his own position often remains unclear. This tendency is especially marked when Davis takes on more technically demanding topics, as in the chapter on "Quantum Indeterminacy and the Omniscience of God." Here he attempts to integrate a Molinist model of divine foreknowledge with quantum probability functions each an exquisitely challenging theoretical construct in its own right using a proposed schema of "transcendence-immanence complementarity" that will befuddle most readers. Much of this volume manifests solid, reasonable work, even if its intended audience is difficult to gauge. Too abrupt for use as an introductory text or for the casual reader, it is nevertheless somewhat lightweight for seminar treatment.
Copyright 2002 Cahners Business Information, Inc.

About this edition

• Publisher: Intervarsity Pr
• Publication date: 2002
• ISBN 10: 0830826645
• ISBN 13: 9780830826643
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 199