God, Science, and Humility: Ten Scientists Consider Humility Theology
by Robert Hermann
Templeton Press, 2000 eISBN: 978-1-890151-63-8 | Paper: 978-1-890151-34-8 Library of Congress Classification BL240.2.G64 2000 Dewey Decimal Classification 215
ABOUT THIS BOOK | AUTHOR BIOGRAPHY | REVIEWS | TOC | REQUEST ACCESSIBLE FILE
ABOUT THIS BOOK
Editor Robert Herrmann has collected the opinions of ten scientists, all leaders in their fields, who have considered the relevance of their science to theology. The contributors bring a variety of religious experiences to the consideration of humility theology, a humble approach to our truth-seeking about God.
As a physicist, Russell Stannard provides an overview of humility theology in which truth is approached in an experimental, hypothetical mode, as is done in the sciences. Physicist and theologian Robert Russell focuses on the interaction between cosmology and theology. Charles Harper writes of the opportunity for a tremendous flowering of planetary science through a joint partnership between science and religion.
Owen Gingerich, historian of science, looks at the other side of humility theology—the possibility that we can actually arrive at unreasonable expectations— about the existence and nature of extraterrestrial intelligence. Francisco Ayala begins with the surprising contrast between the very brief period of human evolution and its remarkable and utterly unique end-product, homo sapiens. Psychologist David Myers points out that intuition can be a powerful faculty, but there are many limitations to this “inner knowing.”
Chemist Giuseppe Del Re writes an interesting view of the history of the development of chemistry as a discipline. Herbert Benson and Patricia Myers analyze the components of mind-body medicine that relate to the rubric of self-care, including relaxation procedures, nutrition, exercise, stress management, and faith. David and Susan Larson introduce the reader to a new field of medical science that focuses on the impact of spiritual values on patients' health. Fraser Watts looks at artificial intelligence research.
The discussion included in this book will significantly aid scholars and general readers in the search for greater understanding of the relationship between science and religion.
Contributors include Russell Stannard, Robert John Russell, Charles L. Harper Jr., Owen Gingerich, Francisco J. Ayala, David G. Myers, Giuseppe Del Re, Herbert Benson, Patricia Myers, David B. Larson, Susan S. Larson, and Fraser Watts.
AUTHOR BIOGRAPHY
Dr. Robert L. Herrmann taught medical school biochemistry for twenty-two years, first at Boston University and later at Oral Roberts University. At the latter he directed a nation-wide recruitment program for medical and dental school faculty interested in a high level Christian mission-oriented teaching program. In 1981 he left medical education to become executive director of the American Scientific Affiliation, a 2,200-member society of Christians interested in integrating Christian faith and science. There he met member John Templeton, and they have since cooperated in writing several books, including The God Who Would Be Known and Is God the Only Reality? In 1998 he wrote Sir John's biography, and a revised edition in 2004. Dr. Herrmann is also a founding member of the John Templeton Foundation.
REVIEWS The Midwest Book Review - The Bookwatch November, 2000
God, Science & Humility features the contributions of ten scientists from various disciplines (nuclear physics, cosmology, evolution, chemistry, medicine artificial intelligence) who consider the relevance of their particular branches of science with respect to theology and the search for reality. The essays include: Theology as a Science (F. Russel Stannard); God and Contemporary Cosmology: Continuing the Creative Interaction (Robert John Russel); Beginning to Explore an Infinite Cosmos of Living Worlds: The Amazing Future of the New Planetary Cosmology (Charles L. Harper Jr.); The Arrogance of Mediocrity (Owen Gingerich); The Limits of Knowledge and the Hope for Progress (Francisco J. Ayala); The Psychology of Humility (David G. Myers); The Case of Chemistry (Giuseppe Del Re); Mind/Body Medicine and Spirituality (Herbert Benson & Patricia Myers); Health's Forgotten Factor: Medical Research Uncovers Religion's Clinical Relevance (David B. Larson & Susan S. Larson); and Artificial Inteligence (Fraser Watts). God, Science & Humility is clearly recommended reading for students of science and religion.
Napra Review January/February 2001
Admittedly, this book will appeal mostly to those with an academic bent. Asking whether or not humility theology can be regarded as a scientific mode of inquiry, Herrmann embarks on a study of the inner and outer cosmos as interpreted by science. He repeatedly makes the point that science without spiritual growth is a factor in the ills we suffer across the spectrum of life; he also raises provocative questions: What does chemistry have to do with God? What did the ancient alchemists have that we've lost, and how can we recover it? Herrmann points out that for all our fancy toys and theories and discoveries, we know relatively little of Nature, and frequently demonstrate ourselves to be lacking the requisite awe and humility to appreciate her fully. Each chapter carries a thread of the same urgent message: knowledge without humility carries dire consequences; we must exercise humility in our endeavors to understand the Universe. Perspectives from many accomplished scientists are offered, and the reader is left with the assurance that there is light in what is often seen to be the cool world of empirical study. - TJE
Cleveland, TN Banner January 11, 2002
As varied as the sciences, so are the approaches to religious issues. In the book "God, Science and Humility" (Templeton Foundation Press), 10 scientists consider humility theology. The book expounds key concepts of humility theology and explains how scientists relate theological issues to their work. Together these scientists bring a humble approach to our truth seeing about God, says John M. Templeton Jr., M.C., president John Templeton Foundation and Templeton Foundation Press.
Russell Stannard, physics professor from the United Kingdom, explains theology as a science where truth is approached in an experimental hypothetical mode, as is done in the sciences. Physicist and theologian Robert Russell discusses cosmology and theology. Chemist Giuseppe Del Re looks at alchemy, chemistry and the transformation of matter. Physician Herbert Benson, along with Patricia Myers, analyzes the components of mind / body medicine that relates to self-care.
Charles L. Harper Jr. writes with great enthusiasm of the opportunity for a flowering of planetary science through a joint partnership between science and religion. Owen Gingerich, as a historian of science, looks at the other side of humility theology: the possibility that we may be so concerned with being egalitarian that we actually arrive at unreasonable expectations about the existence and nature of extraterrestrial intelligence.
In chapter 5, "The Limits of Knowledge and the Hope for Progress," Francisco J. Ayala begins with the contrast between the very brief period of human evolution and its remarkable and utterly unique end product. Psychologist David G. Myers points out in chapter 6 that intuition can be a powerful faulty, but that there are many limitations to this "inner knowing."
David B. Larson and Susan Larson introduce readers to a new field of medical science that focuses on the impact of spiritual values on patients' health - calling for a new humility on the part of the medical profession in light of the significant healing associated with such values.
In the concluding chapter, experimental psychologist Fraser Watts gives a fascinating look at artificial intelligence research and balanced view of its theological implications.
In the epilogue of "God, Science, and Humility," possible experimental approaches are considered that might hold promise in contributing to Templeton's goal of a 100-fold increase in spiritual information. This book represents a new paradigm in looking at science and religion. The contributors show that the two can merge in an atmosphere of awe and wonder if the issue is approached with humility.
Editor Robert L. Herrmann is adjunct professor of chemistry at Gordon College in Wenham, Mass. He has authored numerous books in the field of science and religion and is a contributor to the science and religion dialogue.
Nearly 500 critically acclaimed books in fields related to science and religion are now available in one location: the Science and Religion Bookstore at www.templetonpress.org.
The site offers books from almost 200 publishers and links to the latest news and information on science and religion topics. Sponsored by Templeton Foundation Press, the online bookstore is designed to be a full-service resource for scholars, researchers, libraries and general readers interested in this growing field of study.
Reform Review Spring, 2002
"Humility theology" is predicted on the assumption that there is more to know about God and the natural world than is now known or ever will be known. Such a theology, it is argued, offers the opportunity to increase perpetually our knowledge of God, our knowledge of creation, and to fortify our spiritual consciousness as human beings who live in relationship and are a part of God's creation. Humility theologians seek to do their work in a spirit of complementarity with the work being done by scientists. The common ground where humility theologians and scientists meet is where speculation and experimentation serve as the primary means of inquiry.
Charles Harper, one of the book's ten contributors, points out that up until the present, theologians have tended to focus on the preservation of distinct theological traditions. Research done in the natural sciences, however, is rooted more in the consideration of universal laws than a plurality of traditions and thus seeks unity across multiple fields of research in which those laws are obeyed. Such a difference in teleologies will present obstacles to the kind of complementarity desired between scientists and theologians by those seeking "the humble approach." Harper does observe, however, that the increasing cynicism and mistrust with which popular culture meets the work of both natural science and the technology derivative from it calls for a level of spiritual insight and theological interpretation that has been lacking in the course of rapid scientific progress.
Psychologist David G. Myers offers readers a Reformed theological perspective that lends support to humility theology but that is also helpfully corrective with regards to the intellectual hubris to which humility theologians may unwittingly aspire. Citing Madeline L'Engle's observation that the unaided intellect is an extraordinarily inaccurate instrument, Myers says, "…that is why, rather than trusting our unaided intuition, we do science. This perspective disposes a healthy attitude for approaching all of life: to be critical, but not cynical, curious, but not gullible, open, but not exploitable--in a word, to be humble."
Persons interested in physics and cosmology will enjoy Robert John Russell's thoughtfulness on questions dealing with competing eventualities (i.e., expansion or contraction, "freeze" or "fry") and the implications such questions have for Christian eschatology.
The coverage of a book like this is broad and only introductory in scope. Subject material assumes a basic level of familiarity with major technical terms related to various fields of research. But readers will find their intellects well exercised to train them elsewhere on more detailed investigations of the many topics the book covers.
Science & Theology News February 2004 Issue
God, Science, & Humility (2000) is an edited volume by Robert Herrmann, from the Templeton Foundation Press. Ten scientists from a variety of fields consider "humility theology" - a favorite topic of Sir John Templeton - in popular-level essays on science and theology. The contributors explore theological questions in psychology, cosmology, health and evolution, resulting in a volume that would be a good choice for a science-and-religion course textbook.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
God, Science, and Humility
Contents
Foreword
Introduction
Contributors
1 Theology as a Science
2 God and Contemporary Cosmology
3 Beginning to Explore an Infinite Cosmos of Living Worlds
4 The Arrogance of Mediocrity
5 The Limits of Knowledge and the Hope for Progress
6 The Psychology of Humility
7 The Case of Chemistry
8 Mind/Body Medicine and Spirituality
9 Health’s Forgotten Factor
10 Artificial Intelligence
Epilogue
REQUEST ACCESSIBLE FILE
If you are a student who cannot use this book in printed form, BiblioVault may be able to supply you
with an electronic file for alternative access.
Please have the accessibility coordinator at your school fill out this form.
Editor Robert Herrmann has collected the opinions of ten scientists, all leaders in their fields, who have considered the relevance of their science to theology. The contributors bring a variety of religious experiences to the consideration of humility theology, a humble approach to our truth-seeking about God.
As a physicist, Russell Stannard provides an overview of humility theology in which truth is approached in an experimental, hypothetical mode, as is done in the sciences. Physicist and theologian Robert Russell focuses on the interaction between cosmology and theology. Charles Harper writes of the opportunity for a tremendous flowering of planetary science through a joint partnership between science and religion.
Owen Gingerich, historian of science, looks at the other side of humility theology—the possibility that we can actually arrive at unreasonable expectations— about the existence and nature of extraterrestrial intelligence. Francisco Ayala begins with the surprising contrast between the very brief period of human evolution and its remarkable and utterly unique end-product, homo sapiens. Psychologist David Myers points out that intuition can be a powerful faculty, but there are many limitations to this “inner knowing.”
Chemist Giuseppe Del Re writes an interesting view of the history of the development of chemistry as a discipline. Herbert Benson and Patricia Myers analyze the components of mind-body medicine that relate to the rubric of self-care, including relaxation procedures, nutrition, exercise, stress management, and faith. David and Susan Larson introduce the reader to a new field of medical science that focuses on the impact of spiritual values on patients' health. Fraser Watts looks at artificial intelligence research.
The discussion included in this book will significantly aid scholars and general readers in the search for greater understanding of the relationship between science and religion.
Contributors include Russell Stannard, Robert John Russell, Charles L. Harper Jr., Owen Gingerich, Francisco J. Ayala, David G. Myers, Giuseppe Del Re, Herbert Benson, Patricia Myers, David B. Larson, Susan S. Larson, and Fraser Watts.
AUTHOR BIOGRAPHY
Dr. Robert L. Herrmann taught medical school biochemistry for twenty-two years, first at Boston University and later at Oral Roberts University. At the latter he directed a nation-wide recruitment program for medical and dental school faculty interested in a high level Christian mission-oriented teaching program. In 1981 he left medical education to become executive director of the American Scientific Affiliation, a 2,200-member society of Christians interested in integrating Christian faith and science. There he met member John Templeton, and they have since cooperated in writing several books, including The God Who Would Be Known and Is God the Only Reality? In 1998 he wrote Sir John's biography, and a revised edition in 2004. Dr. Herrmann is also a founding member of the John Templeton Foundation.
REVIEWS The Midwest Book Review - The Bookwatch November, 2000
God, Science & Humility features the contributions of ten scientists from various disciplines (nuclear physics, cosmology, evolution, chemistry, medicine artificial intelligence) who consider the relevance of their particular branches of science with respect to theology and the search for reality. The essays include: Theology as a Science (F. Russel Stannard); God and Contemporary Cosmology: Continuing the Creative Interaction (Robert John Russel); Beginning to Explore an Infinite Cosmos of Living Worlds: The Amazing Future of the New Planetary Cosmology (Charles L. Harper Jr.); The Arrogance of Mediocrity (Owen Gingerich); The Limits of Knowledge and the Hope for Progress (Francisco J. Ayala); The Psychology of Humility (David G. Myers); The Case of Chemistry (Giuseppe Del Re); Mind/Body Medicine and Spirituality (Herbert Benson & Patricia Myers); Health's Forgotten Factor: Medical Research Uncovers Religion's Clinical Relevance (David B. Larson & Susan S. Larson); and Artificial Inteligence (Fraser Watts). God, Science & Humility is clearly recommended reading for students of science and religion.
Napra Review January/February 2001
Admittedly, this book will appeal mostly to those with an academic bent. Asking whether or not humility theology can be regarded as a scientific mode of inquiry, Herrmann embarks on a study of the inner and outer cosmos as interpreted by science. He repeatedly makes the point that science without spiritual growth is a factor in the ills we suffer across the spectrum of life; he also raises provocative questions: What does chemistry have to do with God? What did the ancient alchemists have that we've lost, and how can we recover it? Herrmann points out that for all our fancy toys and theories and discoveries, we know relatively little of Nature, and frequently demonstrate ourselves to be lacking the requisite awe and humility to appreciate her fully. Each chapter carries a thread of the same urgent message: knowledge without humility carries dire consequences; we must exercise humility in our endeavors to understand the Universe. Perspectives from many accomplished scientists are offered, and the reader is left with the assurance that there is light in what is often seen to be the cool world of empirical study. - TJE
Cleveland, TN Banner January 11, 2002
As varied as the sciences, so are the approaches to religious issues. In the book "God, Science and Humility" (Templeton Foundation Press), 10 scientists consider humility theology. The book expounds key concepts of humility theology and explains how scientists relate theological issues to their work. Together these scientists bring a humble approach to our truth seeing about God, says John M. Templeton Jr., M.C., president John Templeton Foundation and Templeton Foundation Press.
Russell Stannard, physics professor from the United Kingdom, explains theology as a science where truth is approached in an experimental hypothetical mode, as is done in the sciences. Physicist and theologian Robert Russell discusses cosmology and theology. Chemist Giuseppe Del Re looks at alchemy, chemistry and the transformation of matter. Physician Herbert Benson, along with Patricia Myers, analyzes the components of mind / body medicine that relates to self-care.
Charles L. Harper Jr. writes with great enthusiasm of the opportunity for a flowering of planetary science through a joint partnership between science and religion. Owen Gingerich, as a historian of science, looks at the other side of humility theology: the possibility that we may be so concerned with being egalitarian that we actually arrive at unreasonable expectations about the existence and nature of extraterrestrial intelligence.
In chapter 5, "The Limits of Knowledge and the Hope for Progress," Francisco J. Ayala begins with the contrast between the very brief period of human evolution and its remarkable and utterly unique end product. Psychologist David G. Myers points out in chapter 6 that intuition can be a powerful faulty, but that there are many limitations to this "inner knowing."
David B. Larson and Susan Larson introduce readers to a new field of medical science that focuses on the impact of spiritual values on patients' health - calling for a new humility on the part of the medical profession in light of the significant healing associated with such values.
In the concluding chapter, experimental psychologist Fraser Watts gives a fascinating look at artificial intelligence research and balanced view of its theological implications.
In the epilogue of "God, Science, and Humility," possible experimental approaches are considered that might hold promise in contributing to Templeton's goal of a 100-fold increase in spiritual information. This book represents a new paradigm in looking at science and religion. The contributors show that the two can merge in an atmosphere of awe and wonder if the issue is approached with humility.
Editor Robert L. Herrmann is adjunct professor of chemistry at Gordon College in Wenham, Mass. He has authored numerous books in the field of science and religion and is a contributor to the science and religion dialogue.
Nearly 500 critically acclaimed books in fields related to science and religion are now available in one location: the Science and Religion Bookstore at www.templetonpress.org.
The site offers books from almost 200 publishers and links to the latest news and information on science and religion topics. Sponsored by Templeton Foundation Press, the online bookstore is designed to be a full-service resource for scholars, researchers, libraries and general readers interested in this growing field of study.
Reform Review Spring, 2002
"Humility theology" is predicted on the assumption that there is more to know about God and the natural world than is now known or ever will be known. Such a theology, it is argued, offers the opportunity to increase perpetually our knowledge of God, our knowledge of creation, and to fortify our spiritual consciousness as human beings who live in relationship and are a part of God's creation. Humility theologians seek to do their work in a spirit of complementarity with the work being done by scientists. The common ground where humility theologians and scientists meet is where speculation and experimentation serve as the primary means of inquiry.
Charles Harper, one of the book's ten contributors, points out that up until the present, theologians have tended to focus on the preservation of distinct theological traditions. Research done in the natural sciences, however, is rooted more in the consideration of universal laws than a plurality of traditions and thus seeks unity across multiple fields of research in which those laws are obeyed. Such a difference in teleologies will present obstacles to the kind of complementarity desired between scientists and theologians by those seeking "the humble approach." Harper does observe, however, that the increasing cynicism and mistrust with which popular culture meets the work of both natural science and the technology derivative from it calls for a level of spiritual insight and theological interpretation that has been lacking in the course of rapid scientific progress.
Psychologist David G. Myers offers readers a Reformed theological perspective that lends support to humility theology but that is also helpfully corrective with regards to the intellectual hubris to which humility theologians may unwittingly aspire. Citing Madeline L'Engle's observation that the unaided intellect is an extraordinarily inaccurate instrument, Myers says, "…that is why, rather than trusting our unaided intuition, we do science. This perspective disposes a healthy attitude for approaching all of life: to be critical, but not cynical, curious, but not gullible, open, but not exploitable--in a word, to be humble."
Persons interested in physics and cosmology will enjoy Robert John Russell's thoughtfulness on questions dealing with competing eventualities (i.e., expansion or contraction, "freeze" or "fry") and the implications such questions have for Christian eschatology.
The coverage of a book like this is broad and only introductory in scope. Subject material assumes a basic level of familiarity with major technical terms related to various fields of research. But readers will find their intellects well exercised to train them elsewhere on more detailed investigations of the many topics the book covers.
Science & Theology News February 2004 Issue
God, Science, & Humility (2000) is an edited volume by Robert Herrmann, from the Templeton Foundation Press. Ten scientists from a variety of fields consider "humility theology" - a favorite topic of Sir John Templeton - in popular-level essays on science and theology. The contributors explore theological questions in psychology, cosmology, health and evolution, resulting in a volume that would be a good choice for a science-and-religion course textbook.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
God, Science, and Humility
Contents
Foreword
Introduction
Contributors
1 Theology as a Science
2 God and Contemporary Cosmology
3 Beginning to Explore an Infinite Cosmos of Living Worlds
4 The Arrogance of Mediocrity
5 The Limits of Knowledge and the Hope for Progress
6 The Psychology of Humility
7 The Case of Chemistry
8 Mind/Body Medicine and Spirituality
9 Health’s Forgotten Factor
10 Artificial Intelligence
Epilogue
REQUEST ACCESSIBLE FILE
If you are a student who cannot use this book in printed form, BiblioVault may be able to supply you
with an electronic file for alternative access.
Please have the accessibility coordinator at your school fill out this form.
It can take 2-3 weeks for requests to be filled.
ABOUT THIS BOOK | AUTHOR BIOGRAPHY | REVIEWS | TOC | REQUEST ACCESSIBLE FILE
