Creation and the World of Science

A. R. Peacocke's Creation and the World of Science, an expanded version of his 1978 Bampton Lectures, was widely recognized as a key work on the relation of the sciences to religion, in general, and Christian theology in particular. It has long been seen as a formative contribution to the wide-ranging investigations which now, internationally, constitute this intensely active field. This new reprinting contains the original and influential text and also contains a new supplement containing key references to the literature of recent years as well as indicating the author's current position on central themes. It constitutes an essential reference and starting point for the contemporary discussion of key issues in the dialogue between the sciences and theology.

Evolution. The Disguised Friend of Faith?

Arthur Peacocke, eminent priest-scientist, has collected thirteen of his essays for this volume. Previously published in various academic journals and edited books, the provocative essays expand upon the theme of the evolution of nature, humanity, and belief. They are grouped in three parts:

• Natural Evolution, covering topics ranging from the implications of deterministic chaos; biological evolution and Christian theology; chance, potentiality, and God; and complexity, emergence, and divine creativity.
• Humanity Evolving in the Presence of God, articulating God’s presence in and to the world as it is unveiled by the sciences; the chrysalis of the human; the nature and purpose of man in science and Christian theology.
• Theological Evolution—the Re-shaping of Belief, dealing with science and the future of theology; public truth in religion; the incarnation of the self-expressive word of God; DNA; and the challenges and possibilities of western theism.

In the epilogue, Dr. Peacocke discusses wisdom in science and education, referring to Robert Grosseteste, a medieval scientist-theologian.