Science and Religion: A Guide for the Perplexed

The aim of this book is to critically explore and explain the key elements (social, historical, philosophical, theological) which are central to the recent contentious debates over science and religion. Vital to our discussion will be the issue of whether the scientific enterprise in inherently inimical to religious belief or whether there are limits to scientific understanding, thus opening up possibilities for the transcendent (this is sometimes expressed as the question whether or not methodological naturalism in the sciences implies metaphysical naturalism). As well as treating some major historical figures and themes (e.g. Galileo, Darwin, American fundamentalism), the book will also engage critically with recent highly publicized books such as those of Richard Dawkins and Francis Collins. The author's aim is both to explain clearly the central issues of contention and also to interrogate the merits of the arguments presented (e.g. Dawkins'inference that science, correctly understood, dispenses with God). While the discussion of the issues will be intellectually rigorous and draw on the most recent scholarship, the author's aim is to avoid unnecessary jargon and write clearly for the educated and informed reader.