Catholicism and Science

(Hardback)

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When most people think about Catholicism and science, they will automatically think of one of the famous events in the history of science - the condemnation of Galileo by the Roman Catholic Church. But the interaction of Catholics with science has been - and is - far more complex and positive than that depicted in the legend of the Galileo affair. Understanding the natural world has always been a strength of Catholic thought and research - from the great theologians of the Middle Ages to the present day - and science has been a hallmark of Catholic education for centuries. Catholicism and Science, a volume in the Greenwood Guides to Science and Religion series, covers all aspects of the relationship of science and the Church: How Catholics interacted with the profound changes in the physical sciences (natural philosophy) and biological sciences (natural history) during the Scientific Revolution; how Catholic scientists reacted to the theory of evolution and their attempts to make evolution compatible with Catholic theology; and the implications of Roman Catholic doctrinal and moral teachings for neuroscientific research, and for investigation into genetics and cloning. The volume includes primary source documents, a glossary and timeline of important events, and an annotated bibliography of the most useful works for further research

Reviews

Catholicism and Science is an outstanding reference resource. It is authoritative and mostly free from bias. The entries are well written, with enough detail for deeper understanding yet not overwhelming as many works on theology, philosophy, and science can be. The illustrations are appropriate, and each entry has a list of works cited for further research. The index is useful for locating information quickly, and the extensive bibliography provides even more suggestions for further research. It is highly recommended for academic libraries supporting theology, science, and philosophy programs. Larger public libraries might also find it useful. * ARBA *

Author Bio

PETER M.J. HESS serves as Faith Project Director with the National Center for Science Education (NCSE), and as adjunct professor at Saint Mary's College, Moraga, California. He is a member of the International Society for Science and Religion, and has worked for both the Metanexus Institute and the Center for Theology and the Natural Sciences. His scholarly work focuses on the historical interaction between religion and the sciences. He is on the editorial board of the series. PAUL L. ALLEN is Assistant Professor in Theological Studies at Concordia University in Montreal, Quebec.