Thought Provoking Scientific Reflections On Religion

Author : Bahram Varza
Publisher : BoD – Books on Demand
Page : 142 pages
File Size : 40,7 Mb
Release : 2016-04-11
Category : Religion
ISBN : 9783741231780

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Thought-provoking Scientific Reflections on Religion by Bahram Varza Pdf

Research into wars and the resulting misery and bloodshed shows that, even today, these scourges of humanity are usually rooted in religion. Clearly, the vast majority of believers are influenced by their religious education, convinced that their own faith is the sole guarantor of eternal bliss in Paradise. In order not to jeopardize the blessedness which clerics suggest they will attain and depending on the level of their devoutness, the faithful attempt to obey the wishes and orders of their clergy. The media are full of reports on the destructive outcomes of such blind faith. Faith is, in most cases, the result of the upbringing provided by our parents, who, as our protectors, also have our complete trust. Since children are not able to consider the dogmas instilled in them by their parents in intellectual terms, these dogmas are deposited in our subconscious without qualification. And influence us for the rest of our lives. A religion demonstrates its destructive powers when, for reasons of self-interest and contrary to all reason, clerics are able to present the creator of the universe as a God who is, on the one hand, omnipotent and, on the other, an individual requiring assistance. This trick is employed to lay claim to the services of an omnipotent, retributive God, who punishes unbelievers severely while fulfilling the wishes of believers. In order, however, to win His favour we are obliged to protect this God against ‘infidels’ with our goods and persons as the clerics see fit. This book therefore explores how consistent the traditional concept of God is with the actual creator of the universe.

Author : Langdon Gilkey
Publisher : Mercer University Press
Page : 214 pages
File Size : 51,7 Mb
Release : 1981
Category : Psychology
ISBN : 0865540306

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Religion and the Scientific Future by Langdon Gilkey Pdf

Author : John Polkinghorne
Publisher : Yale University Press
Page : 212 pages
File Size : 42,9 Mb
Release : 1998-03-30
Category : Religion
ISBN : 9780300174106

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Belief in God in an Age of Science by John Polkinghorne Pdf

John Polkinghorne is a major figure in today’s debates over the compatibility of science and religion. Internationally known as both a theoretical physicist and a theologian—the only ordained member of the Royal Society—Polkinghorne brings unique qualifications to his inquiry into the possibilities of believing in God in an age of science. In this thought-provoking book, the author focuses on the collegiality between science and theology, contending that these "intellectual cousins" are both concerned with interpreted experience and with the quest for truth about reality. He argues eloquently that scientific and theological inquiries are parallel. The book begins with a discussion of what belief in God can mean in our times. Polkinghorne explores a new natural theology and emphasizes the importance of moral and aesthetic experience and the human intuition of value and hope. In other chapters, he compares science’s struggle to understand the nature of light with Christian theology’s struggle to understand the nature of Christ. He addresses the question, Does God act in the physical world? And he extends his ideas about the role of chaos theory, surveys the prospects for future dialogue between scientific and theological thinkers, and defends a critical realist understanding of the activities of both disciplines. Polkinghorne concludes with a consideration of the nature of mathematical truths and the links between the complementary realities of physical and mental experience.

Author : Thomas Dixon
Publisher : Oxford University Press
Page : 169 pages
File Size : 43,6 Mb
Release : 2008-07-24
Category : History
ISBN : 9780199295517

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Science and Religion: A Very Short Introduction by Thomas Dixon Pdf

The debate between science and religion is never out of the news: emotions run high, fuelled by polemical bestsellers like iThe God Delusion/i and, at the other end of the spectrum, high-profile campaigns to teach 'Intelligent Design' in schools.Yet there is much more to the debate than the clash of these extremes. As Thomas Dixon shows in this balanced and thought-provoking introduction, a whole range of views, subtle arguments, and fascinating perspectives can be taken on this complex and centuries-old subject. He explores not only thekey philosophical questions that underlie the debate, but also highlights the social, political, and ethical contexts that have made 'science and religion' such a fraught and interesting topic in the modern world. Along the way, he examines landmark historical episodes such as the Galileo affair,Charles Darwin's own religious and scientific odyssey, the Scopes 'Monkey Trial' in Tennessee in 1925, and the Dover Area School Board case of 2005, and includes perspectives from non-Christian religions and examples from across the physical, biological, and social sciences.

Author : George John Romanes
Publisher : Good Press
Page : 168 pages
File Size : 52,6 Mb
Release : 2019-12-09
Category : Religion
ISBN : EAN:4064066242404

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Thoughts on Religion by George John Romanes Pdf

This is a collection of essays and notes by the late George John Romanes, a prominent scientist and philosopher of the late 19th century. The book explores the influence of science on religion and offers a candid examination of religious beliefs. It includes discussions on causality, faith, and Christianity.

Author : N. Lee Swanson
Publisher : CreateSpace
Page : 158 pages
File Size : 48,8 Mb
Release : 2012-06-15
Category : Electronic
ISBN : 1475058594

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The Religion of Science by N. Lee Swanson Pdf

How do we know what we think we know? What are the origins of our ideas about how the world works? Science is just another method of knowing, no better or worse than any other ideology, philosophy or religion. This book explores thoughts and ideas about our physical world, problems with the current paradigm inphysics and gives thoughts and ideas about how to view the world differently. It is an enlightening journey into freedom of thought. This book will challenge you like no other. You will be amazed and scandalized at the same time. You might just open your mind to new ways of thinking about the world. Dr. Swanson uses reason, rationality and humor to artfully show that the scientific world viewis anything but. Reviewer's comments: "I support your project is because I am convinced you are on the path of a new truth. I love reading your book. It is candid, direct and honest. You are a very talented writer with impressive command of the English language. I like your ability to be brief and direct to the point. Honestly, you are really good! Here are some observations: 1. Your derivation of the Plank constant from the Rayleigh-Jeans Law is beautiful. 2. Your discussion on Quantum Mechanics is right on the mark for a non-physicist. 3. Boy, are you going to get hammered by the scientific high priests. Your suggestions are bold. What I find the most appealing in your book is the beautiful way you explain to the reader in part I and IInot only how the current state of science is, but how it got there and why it did make sense for scientists of the past to arrive at their conclusions. You develop a very close, trusting relationship with the reader. Some times I had the mental image of you being next to me and explaining all this in a frank, friendly way. What agreat read! The books gets better every chapter." "Your book has been thought provoking in many ways. We are often functioning in a world in which we have no perspective because we can't see beyond limits that are perceived to be 'true.' We have multiple ways of perceiving what is seen as well as what is not seen. What explains inspiration, telepathy or the placebo effect? Dogma in science and religion exact a big pricefrom all of us. False or outdated assumptions march us over cliffs, thinking all the while that we are safe, protected by convention. Clearly such feelings of security are unwarranted."

Author : Melville Y. Stewart
Publisher : John Wiley & Sons
Page : 1168 pages
File Size : 43,5 Mb
Release : 2009-12-01
Category : Philosophy
ISBN : 1444317369

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Science and Religion in Dialogue by Melville Y. Stewart Pdf

This two-volume collection of cutting edge thinking aboutscience and religion shows how scientific and religious practicesof inquiry can be viewed as logically compatible, complementary,and mutually supportive. Features submissions by world-leading scientists andphilosophers Discusses a wide range of hotly debated issues, including BigBang cosmology, evolution, intelligent design, dinosaurs andcreation, general and special theories of relativity, dark energy,the Multiverse Hypothesis, and Super String Theory Includes articles on stem cell research and Bioethics byWilliam Hurlbut, who served on President Bush's BioethicsCommittee

Author : John Polkinghorne
Publisher : Yale University Press
Page : 224 pages
File Size : 45,5 Mb
Release : 2008-10-01
Category : Religion
ISBN : 9780300130676

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Faith, Science and Understanding by John Polkinghorne Pdf

divdivIn this captivating book, one of the most highly regarded scientist-theologians of our time explores aspects of the interaction of science and theology. John Polkinghorne defends the place of theology in the university (it is part of the human search for truth) and discusses the role of revelation in religion (it is a record of experience and not the communication of unchallengeable propositions). Throughout his thought-provoking conversation, Polkinghorne speaks with an honesty and openness that derives from his many years of experience in scientific research. A central concern of Polkinghorne’s collection of writings is to reconcile what science can say about the processes of the universe with theology’s belief in a God active within creation. The author examines two related concepts in depth. The first is the divine self-limitation involved in creation that leads to an important reappraisal of the traditional claim that God does not act as a cause among causes. The other is the nature of time and God’s involvement with it, an issue that Polkinghorne shows can link metascience and theological understandings. In the final section of the book, the author reviews three centuries of the science and theology debate and assesses the work of major contemporary contributors to the discussion: Wolfhart Pannenberg, Thomas Torrance, and Paul Davies. He also considers why the science-theology discussion has for several centuries been a particular preoccupation of the English. /DIV/DIV

Author : Ravi K. Puri Ph.D.
Publisher : AuthorHouse
Page : 168 pages
File Size : 47,8 Mb
Release : 2022-12-06
Category : Religion
ISBN : 9781665576932

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God's Existence: Religious and Scientific Reflection by Ravi K. Puri Ph.D. Pdf

When war, crimes, and calamities occur, the belief in God is shaken. The idea comes to mind. Does God Exist? If there is a God, then why is he not preventing deadly events comprising genocides, assassinations, crimes, and atrocities? On the contrary, He does not interfere. That means there is no God. Are people worshiping at various religious places Churches, Mosques, and Temples for various reasons wasting their time? If God does not exist, all these religious places should be closed and turned into cinemas, entertainment clubs, and sports stadiums. God is not any object that His existence can be proved. It can be felt by seeing His splendid creation. The act of creation reveals the creator. To know His existence is to know his magnificent creation and redemption. He is the transcendent designer and has not revealed Himself so far to anyone, No God, His prophet, deputy or beloved can interfere with any life on any planet. Each soul has its journey and is responsible for its actions. God is apathetic to the creation of the universe or any happening in the universe. The universe goes on as per its natural laws. So, let us not blame God for any catastrophe occurring in the world.

Author : Charles L. Harper
Publisher : Templeton Foundation Press
Page : 624 pages
File Size : 53,8 Mb
Release : 2005-06
Category : Religion
ISBN : 1932031731

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Spiritual Information by Charles L. Harper Pdf

Spiritual Information is a collection of one hundred essays that explore a portion of the vast interdisciplinary approaches to the study of science and religion. Individually and together, the essays show how the study of ourselves, our planet, and the universe helps us understand our place as spiritual beings within God’s universe. The book is a tribute to Sir John Templeton and his pioneering commitment toward new research that results in “one hundredfold more spiritual information than humankind has ever possessed before.” It begins with essays that reflect on Sir John’s principal domains of interest and expertise: free-enterprise based finance and accelerating spiritual progress. Themes of the sections are: •Science-Religion Dialogue •Cosmology, Physics, and Astronomy •Mathematics, Musicology, and Speculation •Biological Evolution—the Human Being •Social Evolution—the Human Mind and Heart •Religion and Health •The Nature of the Divine •Theology and Philosophy •Faith Traditions “Sir John’s leadership has enabled us to edge ever closer to the frontier where knowledge meets wisdom at the threshold of ‘ultimate reality,’” notes the editor in the preface to this volume. As Spiritual Information presents an overview of how far we have come in the science and religion dialogue, it also opens windows to the vast possibilities for additional research and further advances in spiritual information.

Author : Jeffrey Schloss,Michael Murray
Publisher : OUP Oxford
Page : 384 pages
File Size : 40,7 Mb
Release : 2010-10-07
Category : Religion
ISBN : 9780191615801

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The Believing Primate by Jeffrey Schloss,Michael Murray Pdf

Over the last two decades, scientific accounts of religion have received a great deal of scholarly and popular attention both because of their intrinsic interest and because they are widely seen as potentially constituting a threat to the religion they analyse. The Believing Primate aims to describe and discuss these scientific accounts as well as to assess their implications. The volume begins with essays by leading scientists in the field, describing these accounts and discussing evidence in their favour. Philosophical and theological reflections on these accounts follow, offered by leading philosophers, theologians, and scientists. This diverse group of scholars address some fascinating underlying questions: Do scientific accounts of religion undermine the justification of religious belief? Do such accounts show religion to be an accidental by-product of our evolutionary development? And, whilst we seem naturally disposed toward religion, would we fare better or worse without it? Bringing together dissenting perspectives, this provocative collection will serve to freshly illuminate ongoing debate on these perennial questions.

Author : Raymond Aaron Younis
Publisher : Rowman & Littlefield
Page : 263 pages
File Size : 54,9 Mb
Release : 2020-11-17
Category : Religion
ISBN : 9781498573696

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On the Ontology of the Sacred (and the Profane) by Raymond Aaron Younis Pdf

This book examines and clarifies the nature, meaning, significance and vitality of the sacred (and the profane), in relation to some of the diverse religions of the world and the rich and multifarious traditions of the sacred in many cultures and times, in the context of ontology (broadly, the philosophical study or investigation of being). It provides incisive critical analyses and evaluations of many important contributions to our understanding of the sacred, and the holy, especially in relation to the world's religions, religious experience, religious insight or knowledge, metaphysics, mythology and mysticism. A number of important theories and explanations are also critically analyzed and evaluated, including the numinous theory of the sacred and the holy (Otto), the psychodynamic theory (Freud), the sociological theory (Durkheim), empirical theories (Russell and Ayer), the ontological question (Heidegger) and the hierophantic theory (Eliade)—among others. The book concludes with a number of reflections on the ontology of the sacred (and the profane) in relation to philosophy and science, that will open up new pathways of thinking, reflection and investigation in the 21st century.

Author : Daniel A Simmons
Publisher : Legare Street Press
Page : 0 pages
File Size : 41,6 Mb
Release : 2023-07-18
Category : Electronic
ISBN : 1020059052

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The Science of Religion by Daniel A Simmons Pdf

Discover the science behind some of the world's most powerful religious traditions with this thought-provoking book. Filled with insights and revelations, this is a must-read for anyone seeking a deeper understanding of the mysteries of faith and spirituality. This work has been selected by scholars as being culturally important, and is part of the knowledge base of civilization as we know it. This work is in the "public domain in the United States of America, and possibly other nations. Within the United States, you may freely copy and distribute this work, as no entity (individual or corporate) has a copyright on the body of the work. Scholars believe, and we concur, that this work is important enough to be preserved, reproduced, and made generally available to the public. We appreciate your support of the preservation process, and thank you for being an important part of keeping this knowledge alive and relevant.

Author : Sir Nevill Mott
Publisher : Routledge
Page : 189 pages
File Size : 45,9 Mb
Release : 2013-11-05
Category : Political Science
ISBN : 9781135882143

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Can Scientists Believe by Sir Nevill Mott Pdf

In this collection of thought-provoking essays, a range of distinguished scientists and theologians, men and women, young and old, all with strong scientific training and deeply held religious beliefs, in the Judeao-Christian tradition, give their personal answers. They do not always agree, the views of each contributor being informed both by their particular scientific expertise and religious affiliation. They address a wide range of problems that will interest all concerned to reconcile their own religious beliefs with currently-accepted scientific theory and practice. The divergences of opinion are as a significant as the agreements. Positions are thoughtfully explained and make important, often novel and illuminating, contributions to debate on these great issues.

Author : Curtis L. Hancock,Brendan Sweetman,Randolph Feezell
Publisher : Routledge
Page : 195 pages
File Size : 48,6 Mb
Release : 2016-09-16
Category : Law
ISBN : 9781315480114

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Truth and Religious Belief by Curtis L. Hancock,Brendan Sweetman,Randolph Feezell Pdf

This book contains a thorough and balanced series of dialogues introducing key topics in philosophy of religion, such as: the existence and nature of God, the problem of evil, religious pluralism, the nature of religious experience, immortality, and the meaning of life. A realistic cast of characters in a natural setting engages in a series of thought-provoking conversations; the dialogue format of these conversations captures typical student attitudes and questions concerning religious belief; allows comparison of important themes throughout the dialogues; encourages the interjection of insights, observations, questions, and objections; and introduces related points when they would naturally arise, instead of relegating them to a later chapter. As well as presenting a detailed and probing discussion, each dialogue includes a list of key terms, a set of study questions, and a bibliography - all of which make this an excellent text for courses in philosophy of religion and introductory philosophy classes.