Seven Pillars of Creation C: The Bible, Science, and the Ecology of Wonder

ISBN-13: 9780199730797 / Angielski / Twarda / 2010 / 352 str.

William P. Brown

Opis

In their highly selective and literal reading of Scripture, creationists champion a rigidly reductionistic view of creation in their fight against "soulless scientism." Conversely, many scientists find faith in God to be a dangerous impediment in the empirical quest for knowledge. As a result of this ongoing debate, many people of faith feel forced to choose between evolution and the Bible's story of creation.

But, as William Brown asks, which biblical creation story are we talking about? Brown shows that, through a close reading of biblical texts, no fewer than seven different biblical perspectives on creation can be identified. By examining these perspectives, Brown illuminates both connections and conflicts between the ancient creation traditions and the natural sciences, arguing for a new way of reading the Bible in light of current scientific knowledge and with consideration of the needs of the environment. In Brown's argument, both scientific inquiry and theological reflection are driven by a sense of wonder, which, in his words, "unites the scientist and the psalmist." Brown's own wonder at the beauty and complexity of the created world is evident throughout this intelligent, well-written, and inspirational book.

Recenzje

What a pleasure to read a book this calm and commanding in place of the usual hysterics about faith and science. It ends with the only call that makes sense in this moment from either source of human wisdom: a call for self-restraint, self-mastery, before we overwhelm the world of beauty and meaning into which we were born.

O autorze

William P. Brown is Professor of Old Testament at Columbia Theological Seminary and the author of several books and numerous articles on the Bible and its interpretation.