Evidence of Purpose: Scientists Discover the Creator [Hardcover]

John Marks Templeton (Editor)

Book Description

Publication Date: November 1994

For nearly a century, the central theological message of science seemed to be that there was no need for theology: science could stand alone to explain the universe. But today that message is changing, as many scientists find that their research leads them into a world of philsophical and theological speculation where science is not itself God, but only a way of approaching God. Scientists from a wide variety of disciplines have become united in their opinion that there is something about the universe, and about us as human beings, that indicates not randomness, but design. In a phrase, their scientific findings show evidence of purpose.

In this volume, Sir John Marks Templeton brings together a gallery of respected scientists who describe new developments in their fields and the relationship between these developments and a theological views of the universe. What emerges is a universe permeated by creativity, organization, intention: a universe reflecting God's existence and will.

Editorial Reviews

From Booklist

Ten renowned scientists weigh the possibility of intentional design in the universe. They cover a broad spectrum of theological and philosophical conviction, yet all see evidence of a deep meaning written into the laws and processes of nature. Astronomer Owen Gingerich writes that nature, with its astonishing details (a blade of grass or a cone shell, for example), suggests a God of purpose and design. Paul Davies, a professor of mathematical physics, says that the fact that the universe's form is linked so intimately with our own existence is evidence that the universe exists for a purpose, and that in our small yet significant way, we are part of that purpose. Among the other essayists, John Eccles, winner of a Nobel Prize for physiology and medicine, analyzes the evolution of purpose, and science professor Waiter Hearn discusses the evidence of purpose in the universe, taking into consideration the subject of science as a challenger of religious concepts. The book may be too scholarly for some readers, but for those willing to stick with it, there is much to be gleaned. George Cohen

About the Author

John Marks Templeton has been described by The New York Times Magazine as "the dean of global investing", and is the founder of the Templeton group of mutual funds. He retired in 1992 and now devotes his time to philanthropic activities, principally via the John Templeton Foundation, which is dedicated to progress in the areas of science and religion, spirituality and health, moral education and the appreciation of freedom, free markets and free societies.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Hardcover: 228 pages
• Publisher: Templeton Foundation Pr (November 1994)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0826406491
• ISBN-13: 978-0826406491
• Product Dimensions: 9.4 x 6.1 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,571,431 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Discover books, learn about writers, read author blogs, and more.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Details Suggest Intent Rather than Randomness to Ten Scientists, May 6, 2011

By 

Donald Mitchell "Jesus Loves You!" (Thanks for Providing My Reviews over 110,000 Helpful Votes Globally) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (HALL OF FAME REVIEWER)    (TOP 100 REVIEWER)   

This review is from: Evidence of Purpose: Scientists Discover the Creator (Hardcover)

"When they found Him, they said to Him, 'Everyone is looking for You.' But He said to them, 'Let us go into the next towns, that I may preach there also, because for this purpose I have come forth.' And He was preaching in their synagogues throughout all Galilee, and casting out demons." -- Mark 1:37-39 (NKJV)

In many minds, science is science and religion is religion. Some also make the distinction that faith is also faith. In a lab, most conversations will be about science. In a church, religion will predominate. While praying, faith will probably take the lead.

Is it possible to cross such boundaries and to connect the perspectives? In Evidence of Purpose, scientists provide ten footnoted essays based their perspectives as follows:

"Dare a Scientist Believe in Design?" -- Professor Owen Gingerich (astronomy and history of science)
"God's Purpose in and Beyond Time" -- Professor Russell Stannard (physics)
"The Unreasonable Effectiveness of Science" -- Professor Paul Davies (physics)
"Evidence of Purpose in the Universe" -- Adjunct Professor Walter R. Hearn (biochemistry)
"Cosmology: Evidence for God or Partner for Theology?" -- Dr. Robert John Russell (Ph.D. in physics and an ordained United Church of Christ minister)
"Science and God the Creator" -- Reverend Doctor Arthur Peacocke (chemistry)
"A Potent Universe" -- Dr. John Polkingborne (physics)
"The Evolution of Purpose" -- Nobel Laureate John C. Eccles (physiology and medicine)
"A Physiologist Looks at Purpose" -- Professor Daniel H. Osmond (physiology and medicine)
"How Blind a Watchmaker?" -- Professor David Wilcox (biology)

These essays will mostly appeal to those who don't know much about science and haven't heard much about what scientists think other from those who are committed atheists. The essays also make some interesting observations about the potential relationships between scientific and theological thinking. While the reading isn't heavy-duty science by any means, the essayists assume that you have some passing familiarity with the major scientific findings of the last century or so. Given the subject, that's not too much to expect.

As you might suspect from the book's title, the essays argue for useful roles of science and theology engaging with one another. It's far from a full range of opinions. There are no essays arguing against any possibility of engagement, and no one comes from a Bible as literal truth view of the physical world.

If you like to think about "big questions," I think you'll enjoy most of the essays. I found "The Unreasonable Effectiveness of Science" to be the most thought-provoking essay. "A Physiologist Looks at Purpose" was the most engaging exposition. If you find you like those, you'll probably be interested in some of the other scientific perspectives.

2 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Dare scientists believe in design?, January 6, 2008

By 

Barbara L. Lemaster "Bibliophile" (Pompano Beach, Florida) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Evidence of Purpose: Scientists Discover the Creator (Hardcover)

By the middle of the last century, science had at last triumphed over superstition, and science had also, to a degree, put aside the notion that a Creator existed. However, many scientists see no reason to separate the two. Albert Einstein is famously quoted as saying, "Science without religion is blind, and religion without science is lame." This book contains ten thought-provoking essays from scientists who see evidence of design in the universe.