The Singing Heart of the World: Creation, Evolution, and Faith

A recent outpouring of books has argued that the only belief consonant with the scientific worldview is denial of God. The problem with this argument, according to John Feehan, is that it is not scientific enough. While human reason occupies the pivotal position which sciences claims for it, Feehan argues that the scientific endeavor itself penetrates insufficiently deeply into the human encounter with reality, and is on this account inadequately rational.

The Singing Heart of the World begins with a fascinating celebration of the scientific method, from Eratosthenes, in third century BCE, who measured the earth's circumference with nothing more than a ruler (and his brain), and through such luminaries as Aristotle, Galileo, and Isaac Newton. He proceeds to an overview of the universe that science has unfolded for our contemplation and response. Whether on the macro scale of cosmology or the micro level of subatomic particles, the diversity of living creatures, or the mysteries of the human mind, Feehan evokes a sense of religious wonder. From such wonder comes a sense of purpose and meaning, which implies responsibility and virtue. Ultimately, he argues, future humanity can thrive only through the unfettered exercise of reason allied with virtue and grounded in faith in a God who is now seen to be utterly greater than the smaller gods of a more restricted view of reality.

John Feehan is a senior lecturer in environmental science at the School of Agriculture, Food Science and Veterinary medicine, University College, Dublin, and also delivers modules on science and religion and encounter with the natural world in the Masters program in Ecology and Religion at the Ecological Institute at Dalgan Park. He has written several definitive textbooks on Ireland s environmental heritage.