Religion and Science: The Basics The Basics

Religion and science are arguably the two most powerful social forces in the world today. But where religion and science were once held to be compatible, many people now perceive them to be in conflict. This unique book provides the best available introduction to the burning debates in this controversial field. Examining the defining questions and controversies, renowned expert Philip Clayton presents the arguments from both sides, asking readers to decide for themselves where they stand: • science or religion, or science and religion? • history and philosophy of science • the role of scientific and religious ethics – modifying genes, extending life, and experimenting with human subjects • religion and the environmental crisis • the future of science vs. the future of religion. Thoroughly updated throughout, this second edition explores religious traditions from around the world and provides insights from across the sciences, making this book essential reading for all those wishing to come to their own understanding of some of the most important debates of our day.

Preface 1. The basic question: science or religion, or science and religion? The debate that no one can avoid A naturalist and a theist in debate Taking stock 2. Expanding the options Theism and naturalism at odds God, design, and delusion A broader (and more interesting) exchange Constructive skepticism: Michael Shermer Theistic evolution: Francis Collins Agnostic naturalism: Neil DeGrasse Tyson New vistas 3. Science and the world’s religions Christianity Judaism Islam Hinduism Buddhism Conclusions and further questions to explore 4. Physics Why the religious interest in cosmology? Fundamental physics Fine-tuning and the multiverse What physics does and doesn’t show 5. The biological sciences The origins of life Evolution and creation Are genes the fundamental units of evolution? Are humans unique? 6. The neurosciences Brains, minds, and consciousness Can thoughts and intentions do anything? Whatever happened to the soul? Challenging the boundaries between mind and brain Religious experience 7. Religion and science in historical and philosophical perspective The history of religion and science Are science and religion intrinsically at war? The philosophy of science Is science really objective? Separationists and Integrationists Change the names, solve the problem? 8. Science, technology, and ethics Stem cell research Modifying our genes Ethical issues at the end of life The rights of subjects in scientific experiments and medical care Warfare technologies 9. The future of science and religion Summarizing the options Making the case for partnerships They’re your questions now... Glossary Index

Philip Clayton is Ingraham Professor and Director of the Center for Spirituality and Sustainability at Claremont School of Theology, and affiliated faculty at Claremont Graduate University, USA. Author or editor of several dozen books, he is widely recognized internationally as a leading figure in the field of religion and science.