A Science and Religion Primer is a unique resource: an encyclopedia, an annotated bibliography, and a survey of the relationship between two equally complex fields. Editors Heidi Campbell and Heather Looy begin their work with four chapters from expert contributors: history of the science and religion dialogue, the role of philosophy in the science and religion dialogue, theology's intersection with the science and religion dialogue, and science and technology in light of religion. Entries cover such diverse topics as philosopher of science Karl Popper, the anthropic principle, Gaia, theodicy, hermeneutics, Intelligent Design, and more. Professors and students of theology, religion, and science--at both the undergraduate and graduate levels--will welcome this contribution. A Science and Religion Primer is an accessible and affordable contribution to interdisciplinary studies and provides a respectful conversation between science and faith.
Science and Religion Primer, A
and over one million other books are available for Amazon Kindle. Learn more
| |||||||||||||||
Browse our Bookshelf Favorites store for big savings on popular fiction, nonfiction, children's books, and more. |
Book Description
Frequently Bought Together
Editorial Reviews
From the Back Cover
The relationship between science and religion (SR) has often been portrayed as combative. However, the interface of the two disciplines is complex and nuanced, and they have much to learn from one another. A Science and Religion Primer welcomes readers to the SR dialogue. This helpful introductory work is simultaneously an encyclopedia, an annotated bibliography, and a survey. The book's stalwart advisory board consists of
• Celia Deane-Drummond, University of Chester
• Nancey Murphy, Fuller Theological Seminary
• George F. R. Ellis, University of Cape Town
• Peter Harrison, University of Oxford
• Holmes Rolston III, Colorado State University
• Craig A. Boyd, Azusa Pacific University
Four substantive introductory essays set the book's background. The second, and primary, section of the book provides an A-Z listing of almost 100 entries dealing with a variety of philosophical, historical, scientific, and theological concepts, individuals, or events related to the SR dialogue.
A Science and Religion Primer promotes a respectful, intelligent conversation between science and faith. It is an indispensable source in its own right and a springboard for more in-depth research.
"Heidi Campbell and Heather Looy have put together an excellent collection of essays on the relationship between science and religion, nicely mirroring the current reach of science and religion scholarship. Most of the articles are apt. Many are outstanding. This volume will serve as a very handy reference guide for both scholars and laypersons."--David C. Lindberg, Hilldale Professor Emeritus of the History of Science, University of Wisconsin-Madison
"This new book by Campbell and Looy provides an excellent point of entry into the burgeoning international dialogue on science and religion. The introductory essays are from leaders in the field and will give newcomers a clear sense of the background issues that shape the current discussion."--F. LeRon Shults, professor of theology, University of Agder Institute for Religion, Philosophy, and History
• Celia Deane-Drummond, University of Chester
• Nancey Murphy, Fuller Theological Seminary
• George F. R. Ellis, University of Cape Town
• Peter Harrison, University of Oxford
• Holmes Rolston III, Colorado State University
• Craig A. Boyd, Azusa Pacific University
Four substantive introductory essays set the book's background. The second, and primary, section of the book provides an A-Z listing of almost 100 entries dealing with a variety of philosophical, historical, scientific, and theological concepts, individuals, or events related to the SR dialogue.
A Science and Religion Primer promotes a respectful, intelligent conversation between science and faith. It is an indispensable source in its own right and a springboard for more in-depth research.
"Heidi Campbell and Heather Looy have put together an excellent collection of essays on the relationship between science and religion, nicely mirroring the current reach of science and religion scholarship. Most of the articles are apt. Many are outstanding. This volume will serve as a very handy reference guide for both scholars and laypersons."--David C. Lindberg, Hilldale Professor Emeritus of the History of Science, University of Wisconsin-Madison
"This new book by Campbell and Looy provides an excellent point of entry into the burgeoning international dialogue on science and religion. The introductory essays are from leaders in the field and will give newcomers a clear sense of the background issues that shape the current discussion."--F. LeRon Shults, professor of theology, University of Agder Institute for Religion, Philosophy, and History
About the Author
Heidi A. Campbell (PhD, University of Edinburgh) is assistant professor of communication at Texas A&M University in College Station, Texas. She is the author of Exploring Religious Community Online and has written numerous articles and encyclopedia entries. Heather Looy (PhD, McMaster University) is professor of psychology at The King's University College in Alberta, Canada. She specializes in biopsychology and is an active researcher and writer. Both Campbell and Looy participated in the Sir John Templeton Oxford Seminars in Science and Christianity.
Product Details
Would you like to update product info or give feedback on images? |
More About the Author
Heidi Campbell is Assistant Professor of Communication at Texas A&M University where she teaches in the areas of New Media, Popular Culture and Religion. She has a PhD from the University of Edinburgh in Computer-Mediated Communication & Practical Theology. Since 1997 she has studied religion online and the influence of new media on religious communities. Her work has appeared in New Media and Society, Journal of Media and Religion, Journal of Contemporary Religion and the book Religion Online (Dawson & Cowan, Routledge 2004). She is author of Exploring Religious Community Online (Peter Lang, 2005), co-editor of A Science and Religion Primer (Baker Academic, 2009) and When Religion Meets New Media (Routledge 2010) on how Jewish, Muslim & Christian communities negotiate their use of new media. She has been quoted as an expert on religion and the internet in numerous outlets including the Atlantic, Chicago Tribune, Los Angeles Times, Miami Herald, Houston Chronicle, PBS's Religion & Ethics Newsweekly, Australian ABC Radio and on the BBC Radio World Service.
Customer Reviews
Share your thoughts with other customers
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
10 of 11 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback|Amazon Verified Purchase
As a "science and religion primer," this book aims to provide terminological definitions and introductory conceptual background for people who are interested in the interaction between science and religion. The book generally fulfills this aim, though the title is a bit misleading because "religion" here really means a fairly generic version of Christianity, with very little attention given to other religions.
Since this publisher is new to me, I did a little digging and found that "Baker Academic serves the academy and the church by publishing works that further the pursuit of knowledge and understanding within the context of Christian faith." This alerted me to the possibility of the book having a pro-Christian bias which would compromise its usefulness, so I was on the lookout for that, but I was pleased to find that the book is reasonably fair and objective. In fact, after reading the book cover to cover, it becomes apparent that there's quite a bit of controversy and confusion within Christianity itself, which thus weakens the Christian position. Another main conclusion is that the interaction between science and religion is a fertile territory to explore the big questions, and no form of dogmatism (scientism, religious fundamentalism, etc.) is appropriate here.
In terms of the format, the book consists of a short introduction, four short general essays on the science/religion interaction, and then the bulk of the book is ~90 entries dealing with topics such as altruism, Francis Bacon, causation, Charles Darwin, ecofeminism, fideism, Galileo, handmaiden metaphor, idealism, kenosis, laws of nature, materialism, naturalism, ontology, William Paley, quantum theory, realism, science, technology, and the verification principle. Each entry is about two pages and consists of a general discussion, bullet points on key points/challenges, and annotated suggestions for further reading. Despite being short, the entries still pack in a good amount of content because they're written concisely and at a fairly high level, though of course many of the entries will still leave you wanting more. The entries appear to be all written by different contributors, so the quality inevitably varies somewhat, but the overall quality is high and the editors have done their job well.
I recommend this book to people seeking a primer on the science/religion interaction, with two caveats: (a) don't expect much specific treatment of religions other than Christianity and (b) since the book is written at a fairly high level, the target audience is people with a serious interest in the topic rather than the general reader. And for people who have such a serious interest, the book may be a good choice even if you're well past the point of needing a primer.
Since this publisher is new to me, I did a little digging and found that "Baker Academic serves the academy and the church by publishing works that further the pursuit of knowledge and understanding within the context of Christian faith." This alerted me to the possibility of the book having a pro-Christian bias which would compromise its usefulness, so I was on the lookout for that, but I was pleased to find that the book is reasonably fair and objective. In fact, after reading the book cover to cover, it becomes apparent that there's quite a bit of controversy and confusion within Christianity itself, which thus weakens the Christian position. Another main conclusion is that the interaction between science and religion is a fertile territory to explore the big questions, and no form of dogmatism (scientism, religious fundamentalism, etc.) is appropriate here.
In terms of the format, the book consists of a short introduction, four short general essays on the science/religion interaction, and then the bulk of the book is ~90 entries dealing with topics such as altruism, Francis Bacon, causation, Charles Darwin, ecofeminism, fideism, Galileo, handmaiden metaphor, idealism, kenosis, laws of nature, materialism, naturalism, ontology, William Paley, quantum theory, realism, science, technology, and the verification principle. Each entry is about two pages and consists of a general discussion, bullet points on key points/challenges, and annotated suggestions for further reading. Despite being short, the entries still pack in a good amount of content because they're written concisely and at a fairly high level, though of course many of the entries will still leave you wanting more. The entries appear to be all written by different contributors, so the quality inevitably varies somewhat, but the overall quality is high and the editors have done their job well.
I recommend this book to people seeking a primer on the science/religion interaction, with two caveats: (a) don't expect much specific treatment of religions other than Christianity and (b) since the book is written at a fairly high level, the target audience is people with a serious interest in the topic rather than the general reader. And for people who have such a serious interest, the book may be a good choice even if you're well past the point of needing a primer.
1 of 3 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback|Amazon Verified Purchase
A well written introduction to the issues involved in the dialogue between science and faith.Makes a good text for small group discussion.
1 of 10 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback|Amazon Verified Purchase
Recieved the book VERY promptly. It's in great condition and was very well priced! Will definitely buy from you guys again :]
