Competing Truths: Theology and Science as Sibling Rivals

Rating:
Summary: Getting the Know the Truth
Review: There is a small but growing band of Christians who believe an honest dialogue between science and theology is not only possible and necessary but would be beneficial to both parties. Richard Coleman is committed to the enhancement of such a dialogue. His book is an excellent addition to this endeavor. His description of the relationship between sicience and theology as sibling rivals alters the myth of science and theology as enduring enemies and gives a new sense of the long, complex and exciting history of two tradititons growing up in the same household. Sibling rival captures the depth of love, hate, power and passsion tht exists between these two worldviews. He writes, "I wish to take seriously a scientific view of the world, knowing that it is limited and embedded in its own self interest, and ash how it coheres with a theological understanding, likewise circumscribed and driven by it own intereest."

The argument in this book focuses on the relationship between ontology and epistemology and the shift that is taking place in current science and theological communities. Coleman develops interesting lists that help explain how both disciplines approach the relationship between how-we-come-to know and the world itself. Science, for example, developed an epistemology that depended upon manipulation and vexing nature. Theology was more passive, accepting and responsive in it understanding of the world and prized mediation as the par excellence way of knowing. The scientific epistemology (empiricism) eventually became the accepted way of knowing, but the author believes both disciplines have valuable and distinctive ways to answer the perennial questions about the nature of the universe, who we are, and our place within it all.

Critical to his argument is the shift in our postmoderan age concerning the ontological real. No longer is the scientific community so confident that its epistemology will give final solutions to life's questions about nature and human existence. There is a deeper understanding of the universe which indicates there is more mystery and depth than expected. The author's extensive knowledge of the literature in science, theology and postmodern philosopy is amazing.

This is not an easy book to read but the author does explain any technical terms. It demands some knowledge in the fields of science, theology and current philosophical trends, but anyone who thinks the dialogue between science and theology is the critical interfiath conversation for out time will be informed, rewarded and encouraged by this book. It would be an excellent text for parish discussion groups of scientists and a fine text for student in both theological school and colleges.

Read "Competing Truth, Theology and Science as Sibling Rivals" for a hopeful possibility.

Rating:
Summary: Getting the Know the Truth
Review: There is a small but growing band of Christians who believe an honest dialogue between science and theology is not only possible and necessary but would be beneficial to both parties. Richard Coleman is committed to the enhancement of such a dialogue. His book is an excellent addition to this endeavor. His description of the relationship between sicience and theology as sibling rivals alters the myth of science and theology as enduring enemies and gives a new sense of the long, complex and exciting history of two tradititons growing up in the same household. Sibling rival captures the depth of love, hate, power and passsion tht exists between these two worldviews. He writes, "I wish to take seriously a scientific view of the world, knowing that it is limited and embedded in its own self interest, and ash how it coheres with a theological understanding, likewise circumscribed and driven by it own intereest."

The argument in this book focuses on the relationship between ontology and epistemology and the shift that is taking place in current science and theological communities. Coleman develops interesting lists that help explain how both disciplines approach the relationship between how-we-come-to know and the world itself. Science, for example, developed an epistemology that depended upon manipulation and vexing nature. Theology was more passive, accepting and responsive in it understanding of the world and prized mediation as the par excellence way of knowing. The scientific epistemology (empiricism) eventually became the accepted way of knowing, but the author believes both disciplines have valuable and distinctive ways to answer the perennial questions about the nature of the universe, who we are, and our place within it all.

Critical to his argument is the shift in our postmoderan age concerning the ontological real. No longer is the scientific community so confident that its epistemology will give final solutions to life's questions about nature and human existence. There is a deeper understanding of the universe which indicates there is more mystery and depth than expected. The author's extensive knowledge of the literature in science, theology and postmodern philosopy is amazing.

This is not an easy book to read but the author does explain any technical terms. It demands some knowledge in the fields of science, theology and current philosophical trends, but anyone who thinks the dialogue between science and theology is the critical interfiath conversation for out time will be informed, rewarded and encouraged by this book. It would be an excellent text for parish discussion groups of scientists and a fine text for student in both theological school and colleges.

Read "Competing Truth, Theology and Science as Sibling Rivals" for a hopeful possibility.