Articles
Table of Contents
Contents
Pages: 3-3
Editorial
Keith Fox
Pages: 5-6
Theodosius Dobzhansky: Paul Tillich, Russian Orthodoxy and Conjunctive Explanations
David Brown
Pages: 7-32
Abstract
Theodosius Dobzhansky is undoubtedly one of the most important biologists of the twentieth century. Not only is his contribution to genetics beyond valuation, he actively engaged in religion and science debates, and he is just as likely to be cited in relation to religious interpretations of evolution as he is genetics. While the influence of Teilhard de Chardin on Dobzhansky is widely acknowledged, the role that Eastern Orthodoxy and Paul Tillich played in his religious thought are mysteriously absent from discussions of Dobzhansky’s thought, which should strike one as odd given his self-identification with Orthodoxy and the use of Tillich’s idea of ‘ultimate concern’ in his one book length treatise of religion and science, Biology of Ultimate Concern. This paper will therefore explore to what extent Eastern Orthodox themes and the theology of Paul Tillich can contribute to a fuller appreciation of how Dobzhansky understood evolution.
Examining the Shortcomings of the Principle of Non-overlapping Magisteria (NOMA) and Proposing the “Process of Criteria Testing” (PCT)
Vincent Chan
Pages: 33-55
Abstract
Defining the relationship between science and religion has never been easy. Science and religion are often portrayed as antagonistic fields by the popular media, but such a view is not shared by leading scholars. Ian Barbour, an American theologian and physicist, introduced a fourfold typology to understand the connections between science and religion in the early 1990s. Barbour distinguished four primary classifications: conflict, independent, dialogue, and integration. Each of these has strengths and weaknesses, and the best model to describe the dynamic relationship between science and religion has yet to be determined. Selection of a model will influence the meaning and values associated with science and religion, as well as how one might apply them to develop a worldview meant to uncover the meaning of life. The present study examines whether the independent model, represented by the NOMA principle, is adequate. The study contends that it is impractical systematically to classify inquiries into fixtures of independent magisteria. It is further argued that when conflict does arise between science and religion, it is limited to only the description of NOMA, and therefore, should be ignored as “false” or “frictional” conflict. It appears that NOMA does not succeed in serving as a conflict resolver and that its claim to promote peace is inconsistent and unsubstantiated. As a conclusion to this study, I propose a new vetting procedure - “Process of Criteria Testing” (PCT). An overview of the application of PCT for measuring the functionality and sustainability of various methods of handling the dialogue of science and religion is given.
Bioethical Challenges at the end of life: an ethical guide in Catholic perspective by Ralph Weimann (Essay Review)
Richard Hain
Pages: 56-62
Book reviews
My Theology: Finding God In The Universe
Guy Consolmagno (Dave Gregory)
Pages: 63-64
The Priority of Mind
Keith Ward (Roger Trigg)
Pages: 64-66
After Science and Religion: Fresh Perspectives from Philosophy and Theology
Peter Harrison and John Milbank (Eds.) (Nick Spencer)
Pages: 66-67
Baby Dinosaurs on the Ark? The Bible and Modern Science and the Trouble of Making it All Fit
Janet Kellogg Ray (Anne Srokosz)
Pages: 67-68
The Bible & Ancient Science: Principles of Interpretation
Denis O. Lamoureux (Nathan Jones)
Pages: 68-70
In Quest of the Historical Adam – a Biblical and Scientific Exploration
William Lane Craig (Denis Alexander)
Pages: 70-72
When Did Sin Begin?
Loren Haarsma (Paul Roberts)
Pages: 72-73
Christ, Creation, and the Fall: Discerning Human Purpose from an Evolving Nature
Simon R. Watson (Jonathan W Chappell)
Pages: 73-75
Acts: About Earth’s Children: An Ecological Listening to the Acts of the Apostles
Michael Trainor (Tyler Mark Nelson)
Pages: 75-77
God’s Future for Animals: From Creation to New Creation
Raymond R. Hausoul (Meric Srokosz)
Pages: 77-78
Evolution and Eschatology: Genetic Science and the Goodness of God
Graeme Finlay (John Bryant)
Pages: 78-80
A Christian Field Guide to Technology for Engineers and Designers
Ethan J Brue, Derek C Schuurman and Steven H Vanderleest (Rob Heather)
Pages: 80-81
Robot Theology: Old Questions Through New Media
Joshua K. Smith (Victoria Lorrimar)
Pages: 81-83
Christian Apologetics
Douglas Groothuis (Paul Marston)
Pages: 83-85
Confronting Christianity: 12 Hard Questions for the World’s Largest Religion
Rebecca Mclaughlin (Paul Marston)
Pages: 85-86