Synopsis
Do we ever wonder who we are? Is there something obvious that we all simply assume? Doesn’t being human make us authorities on what it means to be human? It turns out that answers to such questions are not so certain, for difficulties abound. Tough ones. This volume takes on the stubborn problems from biblical, theological, philosophical and scientific angles and uncovers that the issues are perennial and advancements modest. If we are going to make any headway, then we need to ask these questions afresh with each passing generation. That is, if we do not hamper progress ourselves or first run out of generations. Endorsements "I know of very few individuals who have the requisite expertise in evolutionary theory, metaphysics and the philosophy of science, and the history of religious thought and particularly biblical scholarship, to bring all of these viewpoints together and even begin considering the implications for theories of human nature in that interdisciplinary context. To accomplish this in a way that makes the reader feel educated rather than intimidated is quite simply a most impressive achievement." --Kevin Krumrei "I love Gruning’s humorous, engaging style and his ability to take seriously and integrate religious traditions, philosophy, and a wide variety of scientific research in his quest to understand reality, without letting any ideas go unchallenged." Paul van Arragon, computer scientist “This book puts into question one’s own habits of thinking regarding our ‘human’ nature. ‘We never grow too old to construct a different us.’” Maurice Boutin, John W. McConnell Emeritus Professor of Philosophy of Religion, McGill University, Montreal, Canada "The question of the ages: Who Do We Think We Are? Before the Enlightenment this question, at least for European civilization, was literally immaterial. Since the 18th century, however, the approach has been one of engineering the perfect human being, and thereby the perfect human society. In his fourth book, Dr Gruning examines this vexing problem from historical, biblical and personal perspectives for an intriguing and unique assessment that gauges the heights of the human spirit, while casting a pessimistic note on our prospects." Keith Sudds, retired industrial worker and student of the human condition. "Like his earlier works, Dr Herb Gruning’s latest book examining what it means to be human covers subject matter of keen personal interest . The subject is far from my areas of technical expertise, and I greatly appreciate his clear and succinct identification of different theorists and schools of thought, without the excess detail that would make this highly readable book into an exhausting tome. Written in relaxed style, this conversation with a friend has challenged and informed, prompting arresting inner dialogue between my mind and soul or mind and spirit, as well as external conversation with the divine." Ian Moore, PhD, PEng, Professor of Civil Engineering, Queen's University at Kingston
About the Author
Herb Gruning, Ph.D.Author of: God and the New Metaphysics God Only Knows Who Do We Think We Are? Herb Gruning, Ph.D., has taught a variety of courses in Religious Studies at a number of universities in both Canada and the United States, including McMaster University in Hamilton, Ontario, Canada. He most recently taught at Canisius College, a Jesuit institution in Buffalo, New York. His courses include Religion and Science, and Christian Concepts of God. His main area of research is the thought of the philosopher-physicists Alfred North Whitehead and David Bohm.Dr. Gruning completed his Ph.D. from McGill University in Montreal, Quebec, Canada, in the area of Philosophy of Religion. He graduated from the program with honors (cum laude), and his dissertation was published by the University Press of America under the title, How in the World Does God Act? (2000).Born in Toronto, Ontario, Canada, Dr. Gruning, and his wife Alice, now live in London,Ontario.
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