Biology, Religion, and Philosophy: An Introduction

Description

The intersection of biology and religion has spawned exciting new areas of academic research that raise issues central to understanding our own humanity and the living world. In this comprehensive and accessible survey, Michael L. Peterson and Dennis R. Venema explain the engagement between biology and religion on issues related to origins, evolution, design, suffering and evil, progress and purpose, love, humanity, morality, ecology, and the nature of religion itself. Does life have a chemical origin - or must there be a divine spark? How can religious claims about divine goodness be reconciled with widespread predation, suffering, and death in the animal kingdom? Peterson and Venema develop a philosophical discussion around such controversial questions. The book situates each topic in its historical, scientific, and theological context, making it the perfect introduction for upper-level undergraduates, graduate students, scholars, and the interested general reader. Copyright_page Dedication Contents Acknowledgments Introduction part i general issues 1 Science, Biology, and Religion 2 The Origin and Nature of Life 3 The Question of Design in Living Systems 4 Biology and the Problem of Natural Evil 5 Progress, Purpose, and Providence part ii religion and human biology 6 Human Nature and Human Uniqueness 7 Love and Altruism in Biology and Religion 8 Biology, Ethics, and Debunking Arguments 9 Biological Accounts of Religion 10 Humanity, Religion, and the Environment Glossary Further Reading Index