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Modern Physics and Ancient Faith

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posted on 2017-07-19, 00:00 authored by Stephen M. Barr
A considerable amount of public debate and media print has been devoted to the 'war between science and religion.' In his accessible and eminently readable new book, Stephen M. Barr demonstrates that what is really at war with religion is not science itself, but a philosophy called scientific materialism. _Modern Physics and Ancient Faith_ argues that the great discoveries of modern physics are more compatible with the central teachings of Christianity and Judaism about God, the cosmos, and the human soul than with the atheistic viewpoint of scientific materialism.\u000a\u000aScientific materialism grew out of scientific discoveries made from the time of Copernicus up to the beginning of the twentieth century. These discoveries led many thoughtful people to the conclusion that the universe has no cause or purpose, that the human race is an accidental by-product of blind material forces, and that the ultimate reality is matter itself. Barr contends that the revolutionary discoveries of the twentieth century run counter to this line of thought. He uses five of these discoveries-the Big Bang theory, unified field theories, anthropic coincidences, G\00F6 del's Theorem in mathematics, and quantum theory-to cast serious doubt on the materialist's view of the world and to give greater credence to Judeo-Christian claims about God and the universe.\u000a\u000aWritten in clear language, Barr's rigorous and fair text explains modern physics to general readers without oversimplification. Using the insights of modern physics, he reveals that modern scientific discoveries and religious faith are deeply consonant. Anyone with an interest in science and religion will find _Modern Physics and Ancient Faith_ invaluable.\u000a\u000a\u00A9 University of Notre Dame\u000a\u000aCopyright for most content is held by The University of Notre Dame. Reproduction of all or any portion of content constitutes a violation of copyright. You must obtain permission from The Copyright Clearance Center or The University of Notre Dame Press in order to reprint (or adapt) content.\u000a\u000ap: (574) 631-6346 \ e: undpress@nd\.edu \ website: copyright\.com

History

Alt Title

Modern Physics and Ancient Faith

Date Created

2003-02-28

Date Modified

2017-07-19

Alternate Identifier

9780268075927

Extent

328 pages

Library Record

001968398

Publisher

University of Notre Dame Press

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