Creation Through Wisdom: Theology and the New Biology

(Paperback)

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This book offers a new theology of nature based on wisdom Christology. The author argues that an exaggerated emphasis on mere information has deprived modern science of its capacity to respond adequately to the moral dilemmas resulting from our increased power over nature. Dr Deane-Drummond proposes a theology of creation that is in tune with recent developments in biological science, including genetics and ecology, and points to a new ethical approach to developments in biological science.

Reviews

"Celia Deane-Drummond is an effective voice in elucidating the relationship between theology and science. Her book Creation Through Wisdom (2000) argues that theology can surely speak about the way science changes and progresses." -Science and Theology News, May 2006
'In this valuable and thought-provoking book, Celia Deane-Drummond confronts the impasse of science and religion in addressing the issues of life in a technological world. She does so in what - to my mind - is the right way, renewing the theological notion of wisdom, the dynamic intermediary in and between God and the world, order and disorder. Her book makes a very important contribution to shaping the kinds of understanding and action needed for the future.' Professor Daniel W. Hardy, University of Cambridge
'Creation through Wisdom offers a promising, new contribution to the interdisciplinary field of science and religion. Deane-Drummond draws on scriptural sources, particularly the theology of the cross, to critique visions of creation such as Gaia and creation spirituality, as well as scientistic physical eschatologies. Instead she argues persuasively for a Trinitarian view of Wisdom that gives a much needed initiative to the voice of religion in discussions of such wide-ranging topics as ecology, biogenetics, and the far future of the universe.' Professor Robert John Russell, The Center for Theology and the Natural Sciences, Berkeley
'In developing a theology of creation which is going to be adequate not only to interpret new scientific perceptions of the natural order but also to inform decisions forced upon us by recent biotechnology and genetics, we need profound intellectual and imaginative resources to express the divine presence and activity in nature. This major work provides a convincing case for the re-consideration of the wisdom of God as such as resource. It constitutes a thorough and well-researched examination of biblical, traditional and more recent forms of this notion while at the same time creatively re-shaping it and relating it to the challenges of the new biology. It is a theologically significant contribution to meeting those challenges.' Dr Arthur Peacocke, Exeter College, Oxford
"This is an ambitious and interesting book. At a time when the theology of creation is relatively neglected, the author develops a novel, wisdom-based approach. She also makes a significant contribution to the literature on theology and science...The style is scholarly and well referenced, and the book contains helpful guides to a wide range of relevant literature".--Theology, Sept/Oct 2001
"The book is an intriguing, innovative, erudite, and absorbing exploration of science and theology."--The Expository Times, September 2001
"Deane-Drummond is certainly widely read, and in general terms many of the stances she takes seem to me to be well judged." --Crucible

Author Bio

Celia Deane-Drummond is Director of the Laudato Si' Research Institute and Senior Research Fellow in theology at Campion Hall, University of Oxfrod, UK.