The definitive introduction to the relationship between religion and science.

Published in the year 2000, Ian Barbour’s When Science Meets Religion might already be partly out of date, but its arguments stand the test of time, and one can only hope present arguments about the enmity of science and religion might become as out of date (but still relevant) as Galileo’s revolution in world-view, as presented early in this book.

The author divides faith-and-science arguments into four types—conflict between the different ideas, independence (therefore no place to argue), dialogue, and integration. Each major “conflict” is then viewed through these four lenses, leading the reader from creation and the Big Bang, through the uncertainties of quantum physics, and then to today’s most frequent argument—evolution! There’s more, of course, with neuroscience and the question of self, identity, nature and nurture, and whether our “selves” are anything more than the way we make sense of our surroundings.

The arguments are systematically presented and analyzed, making the book a slow, dense, and very well-reasoned read. No simple answers are offered. But many directions are followed to their logical conclusions. Many topics and areas are covered, from cosmology to philosophy, mind to matter, robot to sentience, theism to deism and more. Familiar names appear, and the background is mostly Christian, though other beliefs take their place among the arguments. A fascinating read!

With lots to offer, the arguments remain relevant in 2020, and the book is a enjoyable, serious presentation of both where and how faith and science intersect.

Disclosure: A friend gave me a copy and thought I’d be interested. She was right! ( )

An excellent introduction and overview of the various perspectives about science and religion. ( )