History of the Conflict Between Religion and Science [Paperback]

John William Draper (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: March 6, 2010

The book has no illustrations or index. Purchasers are entitled to a free trial membership in the General Books Club where they can select from more than a million books without charge. Subjects: Religion and science; Fiction / Religious; Religion / Philosophy; Religion / Religion

Editorial Reviews

Book Description

This early example of historical evidencing of the conflict thesis argues that the history of Christianity, especially Roman Catholicism, demonstrates repeated examples of the stifling of scientific development. It is now seen as one of the central texts of this school of thought. --This text refers to an alternate Paperback edition.

From the Publisher

--This text refers to an alternate Paperback edition.

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Product Details

• Paperback: 192 pages
• Publisher: General Books LLC (March 6, 2010)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1153628260
• ISBN-13: 978-1153628266
• Product Dimensions: 8.9 x 5.9 x 0.1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 10.4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 3.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (7 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #5,096,839 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

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42 of 49 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Not much has changed, September 13, 2010

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Jake D (Louisiana) - See all my reviews

This review is from: History of the Conflict Between Religion and Science (Paperback)

I found this to be an amazing book, comparable to HG Well's Outline of History. Before I read it I checked on the biography of the author, as I wanted to make sure he had the intellectual standing to write such a book before I invested my time in it. He does. You can check him on Wikipedia. He is contemporary (1881) with great events regarding the relationship between science and religion, yet everything he covers is applicable in today's world. He recognized the importance of the conflicts that were emerging and investigated the history of the relationship between science and religion, observed their present state, and makes what turns out to be very accurate predictions of exactly the situation we are in today. I am a student of history and I could find no fault with his presentation of historical facts, though he presents them in a context is unique to him at that time.
With the publication of Stephen Hawkin's book, "The Grand Design" we are seeing a replay of the same conflict again between a static belief system and a system that is constantly expanding, making Draper's book all the more relevant in understanding just what is happening and why.
As a plus, the author is an excellent writer of his time and I enjoyed his civility, and how he uses his words. A great relief from the "yell at you" style that seems popular now. If anyone is interested in a well thought out and intelligently presented explanation of why civilization finds itself in the conflicts we see everyday in the news, I recommend this work.
BTW the University of Va. has a copy of this book in it's online library. I'd recommend reading the preface there to see if you'd like it. May be able to get a sample on the Kindle also.

18 of 23 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Breath of fresh air from the 1800's, December 25, 2010

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Hal the skeptic - See all my reviews

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This review is from: History of the Conflict Between Religion and Science (Kindle Edition)

What a refreshing encapsulation of the history of religion and how it stifled science! I was shocked to find that the author is from the mid-19th century. I have picked up many new insights into all religions and the politics of religion. Well written, though sometimes tough to follow author's thoughts (due to (unavoidable) inaccuracies in transcription). Will read more by author and further investigate some of his claims regarding very early astronomy - just the kind of action that reading a good book should generate! I loved it!

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

2.0 out of 5 stars Not really what it says, September 13, 2011

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catasha - See all my reviews

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This review is from: History of the Conflict Between Religion and Science (Kindle Edition)

This book should be called "A history of religion and philosophers". I got it to research the attitudes of those opposed to science in history, and there was not much I could lift from it. However it's quite interesting, just not much about science.