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Christianity and Science: Fresh Perspectives
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Christianity and Science: Fresh Perspectives

A special issue of Religions (ISSN 2077-1444).

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (31 January 2021) | Viewed by 44136

Special Issue Editor

Prof. Dr. John A. Bloom

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Department of Chemistry, Physics and Engineering, Biola University, La Mirada, CA 90639, USA
Interests: Christianity and science; biophysics; archaeology
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Christianity and Science have long-standing and mutually enriching interactions, much deeper and more profound than what contemporary stereotypes portray. Historians of science have shown that the common assumptions of the conflict between science and religion in general, and between Christianity and science in particular, are overly simplistic and incorrect. Indeed, a largely collegial dialogue between theologians and scientists has been ongoing for centuries. The goal of this Special Issue is to expand upon these findings and to further establish the intellectual basis of such dialogue.

Moreover, scientific advances within the past fifty years have radically changed our view of the universe—and of our place in it—from the cosmic to atomic levels. For example, astrophysics has opened up the immensity of space and revealed striking fine-tuning of its features. Biochemistry has unlocked the incredible complexity of the simplest life, and we have gained deep knowledge of the striking similarities among living creatures. Do these scientific breakthroughs, though, require Christian theology to be subservient to science, or do they reveal core problems with scientific naturalism, or both? Before answering such questions, one must begin with a careful examination of the limits of science and theology. This Special Issue will probe these interface questions and their implications in light of the latest data.

For most people today, science establishes the facts to live by, while theology is limited to subjective, personal values. As a result, science strongly influences our culture in areas that traditionally were guided by theology. Given the limits of what science can know reliably, however, we need to carefully re-examine the nature of its role in human intellectual and ethical pursuits. This Special Issue will explore a proper cultural balance for science and theology.

This Special Issue will promote the conversation between Christianity and science by seeking contributions dealing with: (1) The influence of Christianity and theism on the history and philosophy of science (including the influence on specific scientists and their scientific discoveries); (2) competing conceptions of science, nature, and technology in Christian thought; (3) the theological and metaphysical implications of scientific discoveries; (4) the impact of Christianity on social–cultural conflicts involving science and technology; and (5) depiction of Christianity in coverage of science issues in mass media and popular culture.

By August 2020, the editor solicits 500-word proposals for articles on these themes or on related topics that will advance the dialogue between Christianity and science. If the proposal is accepted, a full manuscript will be requested from authors by November 2020.

Prof. Dr. John A. Bloom
Guest Editor

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a double-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Religions is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 1800 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • Christianity
  • Religion
  • Science
  • Ethics
  • Philosophy of Science
  • Evolution
  • Fine Tuning

Published Papers (9 papers)

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2 pages, 133 KiB  
Editorial
Introduction to Christianity and Science: Fresh Perspectives Special Issue
by John A. Bloom
Religions 2021, 12(5), 345; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/rel12050345 - 13 May 2021
Viewed by 1702
Abstract
In opening, I wish to express my great appreciation to the editors of the Religions journal for inviting me to serve as guest editor for this Special Issue on Christianity and Science [...] Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Christianity and Science: Fresh Perspectives)
13 pages, 275 KiB  
Article
Evaluating Warfare Myths about Science and Christianity and How These Myths Promote Scientism
by Michael N. Keas
Religions 2021, 12(2), 132; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/rel12020132 - 20 Feb 2021
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 3509
Abstract
Many people assume that there has been ceaseless conflict between science and Christianity. I argue that the real conflict has been between scientism and religion. Scientism is the view that only the sciences generate knowledge or rational belief. Scientism, as typically articulated, entails [...] Read more.
Many people assume that there has been ceaseless conflict between science and Christianity. I argue that the real conflict has been between scientism and religion. Scientism is the view that only the sciences generate knowledge or rational belief. Scientism, as typically articulated, entails the opinion that reliable belief about divinity (theological realism) is impossible. I debunk four historic science–Christianity conflict myths and show how they have promoted scientism. These four science–religion myths function as part of a larger warfare narrative about science and Christianity. This misleading warfare thesis often comes packaged with an alternative anti-theistic “myth” in the anthropological sense—in this case, a worldview-shaping narrative that awakens the imagination to interpret the world in scientistic and non-theistic ways. I call this the scientistic warfare myth and explore its major flaws. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Christianity and Science: Fresh Perspectives)
18 pages, 887 KiB  
Essay
Christianity and Darwinism: The Journey Is More Important Than the Destination
by Michael Ruse
Religions 2021, 12(2), 124; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/rel12020124 - 16 Feb 2021
Viewed by 3103
Abstract
Does God exist? If he does, what is the evidence for this? Can one arrive at God through reason (natural theology), or is it faith or nothing (revealed theology)? I write of my lifetime of wrestling with this question. Raised a Quaker, I [...] Read more.
Does God exist? If he does, what is the evidence for this? Can one arrive at God through reason (natural theology), or is it faith or nothing (revealed theology)? I write of my lifetime of wrestling with this question. Raised a Quaker, I lost my faith at the age of 20. As an academic, I became an expert on Charles Darwin and his theory of evolution through natural selection. How can I make sense of—and how can I reconcile—these two hugely important things in my life? At the age of 80, I find myself a long-standing agnostic. This is not, as Francis Collins claims, a “cop out.” Showing my debt to my Quaker heritage, I am theologically apophatic. I can say only what I do not know. I find this quite-out-of-character modesty hugely exciting. It gives my life great meaning. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Christianity and Science: Fresh Perspectives)
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18 pages, 304 KiB  
Article
Alfred Russel Wallace’s Intelligent Evolution and Natural Theology
by Michael A. Flannery
Religions 2020, 11(6), 316; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/rel11060316 - 26 Jun 2020
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 5870
Abstract
Alfred Russel Wallace’s conception of evolution and its relation to natural theology is examined. That conception is described as intelligent evolution—directed, detectably designed, and purposeful common descent. This essay extends discussion of the forces and influences behind Wallace’s journey from the acknowledged [...] Read more.
Alfred Russel Wallace’s conception of evolution and its relation to natural theology is examined. That conception is described as intelligent evolution—directed, detectably designed, and purposeful common descent. This essay extends discussion of the forces and influences behind Wallace’s journey from the acknowledged co-discoverer of natural selection, to include his much lesser known position within the larger history of natural theology. It will do so by contextualizing it with an analysis of Darwin’s metaphysical commitments identified as undogmatic atheism. In this sense, David Kohn’s thesis that Darwin was the “last of the natural theologians” is revised to suggest that Wallace deserves to be included within the larger context of the British natural theologians in a surprisingly Paleyan tradition. As such, an important object of this essay is to clear away the historical fog that has surrounded this aspect of Wallace. That “fog” is composed of various formal historical fallacies that will be outlined in the penultimate section. Once described, explained, and corrected, Wallace becomes an enduring figure in carrying the British tradition of natural theology into the twentieth century and beyond. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Christianity and Science: Fresh Perspectives)
22 pages, 368 KiB  
Article
Strong and Weak Teleology in the Life Sciences Post-Darwin
by Michael A. Flannery
Religions 2020, 11(6), 298; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/rel11060298 - 18 Jun 2020
Viewed by 3536
Abstract
It is often assumed that direction and purpose in nature—teleology—is a dead relic of the past, a result of Charles Darwin’s Origin of Species (1859) and Descent of Man (1871). But teleology has had a long and complex relationship with science. This paper [...] Read more.
It is often assumed that direction and purpose in nature—teleology—is a dead relic of the past, a result of Charles Darwin’s Origin of Species (1859) and Descent of Man (1871). But teleology has had a long and complex relationship with science. This paper will trace its general history with an emphasis upon the life sciences, especially biology. Particularly important is the fact that all teleology is not equal; strong (transcendent) teleology (designated Ts) should be distinguished from weak (purely descriptive and utilitarian) teleology (designated Tw). A working definition of teleology in its most meaningful aspects is then given. The challenges that Darwinism faced in dealing with purpose in nature are discussed, as is their proposed solution in the evolutionary synthesis, and the persistence of Ts following that synthesis is outlined and critiqued. Evidence of Ts persistence in the life sciences is presented with several relevant examples, and strong teleology is further differentiated by specific (Ts+) and nonspecific (Ts−) varieties. This essay concludes that Ts remains an ongoing and integral part of the life sciences and will likely remain so, even though it may be true but not verifiable empirically. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Christianity and Science: Fresh Perspectives)
13 pages, 238 KiB  
Article
The Role of Non-Adaptive Design Doctrine in Evolutionary Thought
by Cornelius Hunter
Religions 2021, 12(4), 282; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/rel12040282 - 19 Apr 2021
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2093
Abstract
Charles Darwin’s theory of evolution was, to a certain extent, influenced and shaped by external factors, including the milieu of ideas in the early-nineteenth century, regarding how the natural world should be understood. Therefore, these ideas and their influences have received considerable attention. [...] Read more.
Charles Darwin’s theory of evolution was, to a certain extent, influenced and shaped by external factors, including the milieu of ideas in the early-nineteenth century, regarding how the natural world should be understood. Therefore, these ideas and their influences have received considerable attention. The role of non-adaptive design ideas, however, has not been fully explored. In particular, Darwin’s requirement and rejection of the religious doctrines of adaptive and non-adaptive design, respectively, are important and often unappreciated. Here, I analyze these ideas and how they influenced Darwin’s theory of evolution. I find they played an important role in both his theory development and justification, revealing a core theological belief in Darwin’s theory; namely, that the creator would not create non-adaptive designs. This paper explores this belief and its context. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Christianity and Science: Fresh Perspectives)
10 pages, 213 KiB  
Article
On the Influence of Religious Assumptions in Statistical Methods Used in Science
by Cornelius Hunter
Religions 2020, 11(12), 656; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/rel11120656 - 07 Dec 2020
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2192
Abstract
For several centuries, statistical testing has been used to support evolutionary theories. Given the diverse origins and applications of these tests, it is remarkable how consistent they are. One common theme among these tests is that they appear to be founded on the [...] Read more.
For several centuries, statistical testing has been used to support evolutionary theories. Given the diverse origins and applications of these tests, it is remarkable how consistent they are. One common theme among these tests is that they appear to be founded on the logical fallacy of a false dichotomy. Is this true? It would be somewhat surprising if such diverse and historically important works are all guilty of the same naïve fallacy. Here, I explore these works and their historical context. I demonstrate that they are not logically fallacious, but instead incorporate and require a religious assumption about how a Creator would act. I conclude that this religious assumption and its influence on science should be considered in models of the interaction between science and religion. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Christianity and Science: Fresh Perspectives)
10 pages, 888 KiB  
Article
The Categories of Jonathan Edwards’ Natural Philosophy Applied to Organic Chemistry: An Integrative Example
by Dana E. Johnson
Religions 2021, 12(3), 151; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/rel12030151 - 26 Feb 2021
Viewed by 1491
Abstract
In addition to Jonathan Edwards’ extensive bibliography in philosophy and theology, there exists much writing devoted to natural philosophy where he makes reference to man’s ability to recognize God’s order, beauty, and goodness in Creation. The following demonstrates these categories specifically with regard [...] Read more.
In addition to Jonathan Edwards’ extensive bibliography in philosophy and theology, there exists much writing devoted to natural philosophy where he makes reference to man’s ability to recognize God’s order, beauty, and goodness in Creation. The following demonstrates these categories specifically with regard to Edwards’ “Spider” papers, then as they apply to the more modern field of organic chemistry. Jonathan Edwards laid an important foundation for how to view the world that continues to support a healthy scientific enterprise. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Christianity and Science: Fresh Perspectives)
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14 pages, 3530 KiB  
Review
Black Holes as Evidence of God’s Care
by Hugh Ross
Religions 2021, 12(3), 201; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/rel12030201 - 18 Mar 2021
Viewed by 19013
Abstract
As black holes gravitationally draw matter toward their event horizons, a high proportion of this matter is converted into energy. Radiation from this conversion process is deadly for advanced life. The apparent incompatibility of black holes with advanced life raises a problem for [...] Read more.
As black holes gravitationally draw matter toward their event horizons, a high proportion of this matter is converted into energy. Radiation from this conversion process is deadly for advanced life. The apparent incompatibility of black holes with advanced life raises a problem for Christians and other theists who believe that God planned the rise of advanced life on Earth. Yet additional scientific data may help to resolve this apparent problem. This article argues that a universe with the mass and laws and constants of physics to make advanced life possible will inevitably produce black holes, and this is good news. When the most massive stars and merging neutron stars become black holes, they manufacture elements heavier than iron. Eight of these r-process elements appear essential for advanced life; the remainder appear essential for enduring life and for advanced civilization. Moreover, though black holes produce deadly radiation in all known regions of the universe where advanced life is conceivable, our solar system is protected from this deadly radiation. By apparent fine-tuning, we live in a uniquely safe and uniquely provisioned location. These scientific findings suggest a way that theists can reconcile the existence of black holes with the existence of a Creator. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Christianity and Science: Fresh Perspectives)
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