Ian G. Barbour (1923–2013)

Published in the year 2000, Ian Barbour’s When Science Meets Religion might already be partly out of date, but its arguments stand the test of time, and one can only hope present arguments about the enmity of science and religion might become as out of date (but still relevant) as Galileo’s revolution in world-view, as presented early in this book.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

Science is not as objective, nor religion as subjective, as is sometimes supposed. This is one of the important conclusions in Professor Barber's book, which argues that scientists and philosophers have more in common than might first appear, especially when the language used in the two disciplines receives closer scrutiny.

A detailed explanation on issues, models of Science and Religion. It is a challenging read, I got exposed to new authors.

Barbour pins four models between Science and Religion. I appreciate, how he is bringing everything that he learnt in this interesting book.

a) Conflict Model
b) Independence Model
c) Dialogue/Complementary Model
d) Coherent or Integration

I learnt that different fields of Inquiry in Science are persuading, inspiring another field of inquiry.
He shares Newtonian mechanics, show more Darwinism changing paradigms within field of scientific inquiry.

He also goes on to talk about Structure of Science, And Structure of Religion, showing both to be similar.

The best book to read on Religion and Science. show less

This is considered the leading, all-in-one-place book of the field. I used it for the equivalent of a 4000-level undergrad class. Barbour calls if 'religion and science' but it's 99% 'Christianity and science'.