Articles
Editorial
Denis Alexander
Pages: 2-2
The Nature of Human Nature
R.J. Berry
Malcolm Jeeves
Pages: 3-47
Abstract
Our traditional understanding of humanness has been radically affected by two factors: we now see ourselves as a product of a history that stretches back millions rather than hundreds of years, thus opening the possibility of change from our original state; and over the past few decades we have learnt much about the evolutionary and genetic influences that have formed us, raising acute questions as to how we interpret biblical descriptions of our nature and how we relate to the Creator. We believe that these developments do not conflict with the biblical accounts of humankind, so long as we are open to fresh interpretations when and where new evidence justifies them.
Dialectical Critical Realism in Science and Theology: Quantum Physics and Karl Barth
Ross H. McKenzie
Benjamin Myers
Pages: 49-66
Abstract
In order to illuminate the similarities and differences between science and theology, we consider an epistemology and methodology for each that can be characterised as a dialectical critical realism. Our approach is deeply indebted to the work of the great Swiss theologian, Karl Barth. Key points are (i) that the object under study determines the method to be used, the community of investigators and the nature of the possible knowledge to be gained; (ii) the necessity of a posteriori, rather than a priori reasoning; and (iii) that the dialogue between theology and science should account for both the similarities and differences between the two disciplines. The counterintuitive nature of quantum physics is used to illustrate how in science (i) the dialectic element should lead to a critical dimension to realism, and (ii) one is forced to engage with reality on its own terms.
Evolution as created history
Graeme Finlay
Pages: 67-89
Abstract
The science of biological evolution continues to arouse debate. In this paper, I wish to show how the distribution of endogenous retroviruses and transposons in mammalian genomes demonstrates that humans have evolved from progenitors that are ancestral to all apes, primates, and mammals. New genes and gene families have risen from ongoing natural genetic processes.1 The evolutionary understanding of biological history is compatible with the historical basis of biblical faith. It is suggested that Christians should see biological evolution as Israel understood her chaotic and tumultuous story: created history.
Attitudes amongst young adults to use of embryonic stem cells in research and therapy: comparison of evangelical Christian students with non-Christian students
John Bryant
Mary Gudgin
Pages: 91-105
Abstract
The various attitudes towards the use of early embryos for the generation of embryonic stem cells are surveyed, with a focus on the positions held within different segments of the Christian community. This discussion is further informed by the results of a survey carried out in Exeter, UK, to compare the views of a group of evangelical students with those of a matched control group professing no religious faith. It is concluded that religious belief is a key element influencing the attitudes of young adults towards the use of early embryos.
Correspondence
Cosmic curse?
P.G. Nelson
Pages: 107-108
Emergence – another category
Peter J. Bussey
Pages: 108-109
Book reviews
Evolution and Christian Faith
Joan Roughgarden (Tom Hartman)
Pages: 111-113
Nature and the Godly Empire: Science and Evangelical Mission in the Pacific, 1795-1850
Sujit Sivasundaram (Brian Stanley)
Pages: 113-114
God, Humanity and the Cosmos – Second Edition Revised and Expanded as a Companion to the Science-Religion Debate
Christopher Southgate (ed.) (Meric Srokosz)
Pages: 115-116
Exploring Reality. The Intertwining of Science and Religion
John Polkinghorne (Philip Bligh)
Pages: 116-117
A Greener Faith: Religious Environmentalism and Our Planet’s Future
Roger S. Gottlieb (Celia Deane-Drummond)
Pages: 117-119
Creative Creatures: Values and Ethical Issues in Theology, Science and Technology
Ulf Görman, Willem B. Drees and Hubert Meisinger (eds.)
Pages: 119-120
Religion and the New Ecology: Environmental Responsibility in a World in Flux
David M. Lodge and Christopher Hamlin (eds.)
(Hilary Marlow)
Pages: 120-121
God’s Universe
Owen Gingerich (Ken Mickleson)
Pages: 121-122
God the Failed Hypothesis: How Science Shows That God Does Not Exist
Victor J. Stenger (Paul Wraight)
Pages: 122-124
Roots and Wings: The Human Journey from a Speck of Stardust to a Spark of God
Margaret Silf (Ron Elsdon)
Pages: 124-125
SCM Studyguide: Science and Religion
Jean Dorricott (Richard Dimery)
Pages: 125-126
Why Psychology Needs Theology: A Radical-Reformation Perspective
Alvin Dueck and Cameron Lee (eds.) (Peter G.H. Clarke)
Pages: 127-128