Hindu Theology and Biology: The Bhagavata Purana and Contemporary Theory
Winner of the 2015 Dharma Academy of North America Book Award for Excellence in Constructive Theology, Philosophy and Critical Reflection

Western intellectual history has benefited from a rich and sophisticated conversation between theology and science, leaving us with centuries of scientific and theological literature on the subjects. Yet the Hindu traditions are virtually unused in responding to the challenging questions raised in the science and religion dialogue. This book replies to the sciences by drawing from an important Hindu text called the Bhagavata Purana, as well as its commentaries, and philosophical disciplines such as Samkhya-Yoga.

One of the greatest challenges facing Hindu traditions since the nineteenth century is their own self-understanding in light of science and technology. Hoping to establish the conceptual foundations for a mutually beneficial dialogue between the Hindu Theologies and the Western Sciences, Jonathan B. Edelmann faces that challenge directly. Since so much of the Hinduism-science discussion is tangled in misconstrual, Edelmann clarifies fundamental issues in each tradition, for example the definition of consciousness, the means of generating knowledge and the goal of knowledge itself. He argues that although Darwinian theory seems to entail a materialistic view of consciousness, the Bhagavata's views provide an alternative framework for thinking about Darwinian theory. Furthermore, Edelmann argues that objectivity is a hallmark of modern science, and this is an intellectual virtue shared by the Bhagavata. Lastly, he critiques the view that science and religion have different objects of knowledge (that is, the natural world vs. God), arguing that many Western scientists and theologians have found science helpful in thinking about God in ways similar to that of the Bhagavata.
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Hindu Theology and Biology: The Bhagavata Purana and Contemporary Theory
Winner of the 2015 Dharma Academy of North America Book Award for Excellence in Constructive Theology, Philosophy and Critical Reflection

Western intellectual history has benefited from a rich and sophisticated conversation between theology and science, leaving us with centuries of scientific and theological literature on the subjects. Yet the Hindu traditions are virtually unused in responding to the challenging questions raised in the science and religion dialogue. This book replies to the sciences by drawing from an important Hindu text called the Bhagavata Purana, as well as its commentaries, and philosophical disciplines such as Samkhya-Yoga.

One of the greatest challenges facing Hindu traditions since the nineteenth century is their own self-understanding in light of science and technology. Hoping to establish the conceptual foundations for a mutually beneficial dialogue between the Hindu Theologies and the Western Sciences, Jonathan B. Edelmann faces that challenge directly. Since so much of the Hinduism-science discussion is tangled in misconstrual, Edelmann clarifies fundamental issues in each tradition, for example the definition of consciousness, the means of generating knowledge and the goal of knowledge itself. He argues that although Darwinian theory seems to entail a materialistic view of consciousness, the Bhagavata's views provide an alternative framework for thinking about Darwinian theory. Furthermore, Edelmann argues that objectivity is a hallmark of modern science, and this is an intellectual virtue shared by the Bhagavata. Lastly, he critiques the view that science and religion have different objects of knowledge (that is, the natural world vs. God), arguing that many Western scientists and theologians have found science helpful in thinking about God in ways similar to that of the Bhagavata.
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Hindu Theology and Biology: The Bhagavata Purana and Contemporary Theory

Hindu Theology and Biology: The Bhagavata Purana and Contemporary Theory

by Jonathan B. Edelmann
Hindu Theology and Biology: The Bhagavata Purana and Contemporary Theory

Hindu Theology and Biology: The Bhagavata Purana and Contemporary Theory

by Jonathan B. Edelmann

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Overview

Winner of the 2015 Dharma Academy of North America Book Award for Excellence in Constructive Theology, Philosophy and Critical Reflection

Western intellectual history has benefited from a rich and sophisticated conversation between theology and science, leaving us with centuries of scientific and theological literature on the subjects. Yet the Hindu traditions are virtually unused in responding to the challenging questions raised in the science and religion dialogue. This book replies to the sciences by drawing from an important Hindu text called the Bhagavata Purana, as well as its commentaries, and philosophical disciplines such as Samkhya-Yoga.

One of the greatest challenges facing Hindu traditions since the nineteenth century is their own self-understanding in light of science and technology. Hoping to establish the conceptual foundations for a mutually beneficial dialogue between the Hindu Theologies and the Western Sciences, Jonathan B. Edelmann faces that challenge directly. Since so much of the Hinduism-science discussion is tangled in misconstrual, Edelmann clarifies fundamental issues in each tradition, for example the definition of consciousness, the means of generating knowledge and the goal of knowledge itself. He argues that although Darwinian theory seems to entail a materialistic view of consciousness, the Bhagavata's views provide an alternative framework for thinking about Darwinian theory. Furthermore, Edelmann argues that objectivity is a hallmark of modern science, and this is an intellectual virtue shared by the Bhagavata. Lastly, he critiques the view that science and religion have different objects of knowledge (that is, the natural world vs. God), arguing that many Western scientists and theologians have found science helpful in thinking about God in ways similar to that of the Bhagavata.

Product Details

ISBN-13: 9780199641543
Publisher: Oxford University Press
Publication date: 03/24/2012
Series: Oxford Theology and Religion Monographs
Pages: 272
Product dimensions: 6.00(w) x 9.30(h) x 1.00(d)

Table of Contents

PrefaceIntroduction: The Purpose and Possibility of DialogueA Dialogue Between Science and Religion? The Meaning of Bhāgavata TheologyTypes of Biological TextsAnatomy of a Worldview1. Setting the SceneBhāgavata Puraṇa OverviewContemporary Evolutionary Theory Overview2. Ontology of Body, Mind and ConsciousnessOntology of the BhāgavataPhysicalism: Views From Darwin and NeuroscienceReconciling Physicalism and the Ontology of the Bhgavata3. Toward a Bhāgavata Theory of KnowledgeThe Instruments of KnowledgeRelationships Between the Instruments of KnowledgeTestimony, Nonsensory Perception and Practice4. The Study of Nature as Vaishnava-YogaCosmic BodyCosmogonyCosmography5. Seeing Truth, Hearing TruthObjectivity in the Natural SciencesTestimony in the SciencesTransforming Vaishnava Theology: Reflections on Hermeneutics6. Moving from Nature to GodFrom Scientific Theory to GodCloser ComparisonsScience as a Form of Religious PracticeCloser ComparisonsConclusion
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