Clayton - Religion and science : the basics

Religion and science are arguably the two most powerful social forces in the world today; however, they are widely perceived to be in irreconcilable conflict. This unique book provides an introduction to the crucial ongoing questions and arguments in this controversial field.

Examining critical arguments through thematic debates, the author, renowned expert Philip Clayton, presents a balanced response to essential issues including:

science or religion, or science and religion?

Intelligent Design vs. the New Atheists

the role of scientific and religious ethics designer drugs, AI, and stem cell research

the future of science and the future of religion.

Viewpoints from a range of world religions and different scientific disciplines are explored, making this book essential reading for all those wishing to formulate their own questions and opinions about this much debated subject.

Philip Clayton is Ingraham Professor and Dean of Claremont School of Theology, and Provost of Claremont Lincoln University USA. Author or editor of some twenty books, he is widely recognized internationally as a leading figure in the field of religion and science.

THE BASICS

Philip Clayton

First published 2012

by Routledge

2 Park Square, Milton Park, Abingdon, Oxon OX14 4RN

Simultaneously published in the USA and Canada

by Routledge

711 Third Avenue, New York, NY 10017

Routledge is an imprint of the Taylor & Francis Croup, an informa business

2012 Philip Clayton

The right of Philip Clayton to be identified as author of this work has been
asserted by him in accordance with sections 77 and 78 of the Copyright,
Designs and Patents Act 1988.

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reprinted or reproduced or
utilized in any form or by any electronic, mechanical, or other means, now
known or hereafter invented, including photocopying and recording, or in any
information storage or retrieval system, without permission in writing from
the publishers.

Trademark notice: Product or corporate names may be trademarks or
registered trademarks, and are used only for identification and explanation
without intent to infringe.

British Library Cataloguing in Publication Data

A catalogue record for this book is available from the British Library

Library of Congress Cataloging in Publication Data

Clayton, Philip, 1956

Religion and science: the basics/Philip Clayton.

p. cm. (The basics)

Includes bibliographical references.

1. Religion and science. I. Title.

BL240.3.C54 2012

201.65dc22

2011009500

ISBN: 978-0-415-59855-2 (hbk)

ISBN: 978-0-415-59856-9 (pbk)

ISBN: 978-0-203-80444-5 (ebk)

Typeset in Bembo

by Wearset Ltd, Boldon, Tyne and Wear

Like many philosophical questions, the questions that arise at the boundaries between the sciences and the religions will likely be with us for as long as there are humans to ask questions. Unlike some philosophical disputes, however, this debate is of immense practical importance. Science and religion may just be the two most powerful social forces in the world today (money comes in a close third). AH of us have a stake in whether they engage in a war to the death or become partners for the good of society and the planet.

Many different interests might lead one to explore the possible relationships between religion and science. They fall roughly into three groups:

1 Religious:

You are a religious person who wants to show that your religious beliefs are consistent with today's science.

You are a religious person who has concluded that your beliefs clash with science, and you want to be able to convince people that they should side with you and against science.

You are a religious person who concludes that your beliefs clash with science, yet you don't want to make affirmations that undercut science. So you are trying to determine what (if anything) you can salvage from your former belief system.

2 Science:

You are a scientist who believes that religion is deeply destructive to the quest for scientific knowledge, and you want to learn enough about it so that you can demolish it more effectively.

You are a scientifically inclined person who wants to find out whether religion is an opponent to science, a friend, or neutral to the scientific quest.

You are a scientist and also deeply religious, and you are encouraged by the many compatibilities that you find between scientific knowledge and your own religious faith.

3 Other:

You are neither scientist nor religious, but you believe that both are important social forces in today's world. You want to study the field to know whether or not there is an intrinsic conflict between these two powerful forces in the contemporary world, in order to make up your mind about what you should believe and do.