SCIENCE, RELIGION, AND CULTURE

The phrase “science and religion” has become widely used to denote a particular area of academic discussion. However, both key terms are seriously problematic. There have been huge historical changes in what meant by them, as Peter Harrison among others pointed out (Harrison 2015). is also good deal cultural variation “science” “religion.” We will here consider variations these two crucial terms, then discuss the implications for work on interface term “religion” North Atlantic Western traditions changed its meanings quite radically nineteenth century. problems associated with set scholars such Wilfred Cantwell Smith ([1962] 1978) Nicolas Lash (1996). As points out, Aquinas, even Calvin, person's was their rule life; it only much later than that when became matter private personal piety. A general distinction opened up century between public worlds, religion increasingly came be seen matter. (Much secular studies processes secularization focused attention paradigmatic shift from wholly public, wider reaching consensus life which rules it, sphere consequence changing relational attitudes one would neighbor community). debate about early roots this divide private, though etymological data suggest there turn toward subjective world at end seventeenth (Barfield 1953). Charles Taylor reflected length throughout his career synthesized reflection Secular Age (2007). He argues began sixteenth during Reformation authority scripture shifted absolute control held clergy into hands layperson (Taylor 2007). This, claims, first step becoming private. Galen Watts (2022) subsequently traced self-focused “religion heart” ubiquitous since 1960s. Of course, theology never happy that, struggling ever find ways asserting objectivity. Over course few centuries, fact remains, however, West, where science most highly developed, now regarded being For example, far Donald Trump had any intellectual argument support statement disgraceful Pope question credentials Christian, point and, such, not something position (Wirzba 2016). idea sought various could objective, often taking revelation playing role comparable science. Both versions foundationalism, philosophers moving away foundationalism altogether. “Religion,” while conjuring relatively uniform thoughts individuals means different things faith geographical contexts. late fascinated taxonomies liked overall categories under give list examples. concept emotion we understand an invention involved bringing together, single heading, previously differentiated, “passions” “affections” (Dixon 2003). In fact, emotions proved rather disparate, necessary twentieth-century psychology rediscover like old distinctions lost. similar way, invented category “religions,” religions. British stated Hindu-“ism” effort gain proper census territory. listed religions again turned very another. Problems “emotion” “religions” similar, reflect problem nineteenth-century approach categorization (Watts 2019a). series arises if you ask Jew, Muslim, Hindu, or Tibetan Buddhist, her is, odd question. It prevailing view post-secularized Christian rooted taxonomic tradition, some extent shared Buddhism, but other cultures. part, “religion,” around world, intertwined ethnicity identity. Christianity, less matters identity, and—for those who freely option available them—more chosen spiritual path. one. Some people convert conviction primarily allegiance forms Christianity can Ireland. remains so-called all same thing, more connected identity Christianity. Identifying led problem, theologians, how relationship them. An sophisticated attempt grapple F. D. Maurice's book Religions World Relations (Maurice [1847] 1886). quickly discarded essentially same, rejected nothing learn religion. himself demanding task, theologian, discerning exactly learned each recognized studying human sciences components. many slightly making aspects religion, make experience, practices, beliefs 2017). significance present context emphasize tends beliefs, whereas Judaism places emphasis practice. mystical strand religious place experience. probably case strong belief, tended richer engagement “Spirituality” always significant part but, recent decades, groups committed spirituality found outside (Heelas Woodhead 2005). contemporary conceptualized ways, reasonable see quasi-religious own distinctive This leads way connecting worldview found, Ursula Goodenough's Sacred Depths Nature (1998). Wesley Wildman's perspective “religious naturalism” (Wildman 2014) embraces themselves “spiritual religious.” Again, communication shaping “not religious,” antithesis Science communicators Carl Sagan, Jacob Bronowski, David Attenborough, Neil deGrasse Tyson, Brian Cox, others, engaged attempts bring quality communication, able share messages millions, cases billions, viewers through respective programs. Common sentiments transcendence, oneness, reverence, ethical imperative care stewardship over Earth inhabitants directed fulfilling need ecologically minded renewal, co-habitation nature (of humans descended part), increased literacy. outcome narratives sense connection debatable whether religious” correct regarding viewpoint nonreligious. equally well argued blends romantic liberalism 2022). latter half primacy asserted strongly, result, according theorists historians secularization, cast world. Substantial developments scientific reasoning experimentation, aided economic political goals England Europe, linked notions progress, European dominance rivals colonized lands people. Two factors were critical increasing publicity relation social structures. development cheap printing. Owen Chadwick (1975), James A. Secord (2000, 2014), Bernard Lightman (2007) shown, cheaper printing technologies access versatile materials (i.e., thinner, therefore paper) instrumental natural history philosophy masses. Best-selling books Vestiges Natural History Creation, published anonymously Robert Chambers ([1844] 1994), Other Worlds Than Ours (1870), Richard Proctor, sold 33 22 editions, respectively, popular scientific, medical, technical periodicals dramatically 53 publications 1800−1809 400 1880−1889 (which includes Chamber's Edinburgh Journal Proctor's Knowledge). second use newly developed tools communication. written popularization Victorian era (2007), revealing publishing influenced new discoveries palaeontology archaeology lent novel dioramas photograph. Germany France too, shows middle classes stay informed entertained via wondrous means. practices dispositions easily identified anyone solidified time display spectacle. further issue contexts—times, places, cultures, traditions, so on. minds having transcended context. understanding against time. Furthermore, universally culture culture, ideal product tradition. From perspectives, present-day looks dominated Anglo-American reflecting values flourished. Parallel belief widespread independent metaphysical assumptions. science, 1960s onward, emphasizing makes assumptions (Harré 1986). particular, taken granted necessarily secularist concede scientists Isaac Newton made genuine advances without similarly said Albert Einstein's famous line Max Born “He [God] does play dice,” he interpretations quantum mechanics. Those emphasized important metaphysics theological largely mediated (Polkinghorne 2009). Barry Barnes, Bloor, John Henry (1996) argued, do follow data, sociocultural presuppositions practices. divergence views should understood methodology ascertaining truth things, body knowledge. “science,” popularly understood, assumed knowledge, know-how, method emerged research. Muslim majority yet thoroughly investigated. positive occurring rectify (for Malik 2021). may grounded Quran (through metaphysics; Polkinghorne 2009) negative research, sometimes unduly divergent approaches likely develop further, subject paradigm changes. tendency circles think sufficient ruled because they incompatible foothills understanding, considerably progresses, cannot accorded authority. William asks respect science: “Is credible mushroom growth overnight this, represent minutest glimpse universe really prove adequately understood? No! our drop, ignorance sea. Whatever else certain, least certain—that knowledge enveloped larger sort whose residual properties frame no idea.” Another complexity other. While publicly, communicated collection cognitive investigative are, range methods, “family resemblances” them; applied investigations. years, broadened number involved, focus, psychology, artificial intelligence, ecology. Broadening potentially impact whole field, thought through. provide science-and-religion endeavor. outlined here, probing possible complexities, strongly suggests them brings focus challenge working field. Because differ, just detail, kind engaging sciences. complicated generally, assessments trajectories relationships specifically. So far, produced robust follows mistake suppose produce parallel character. seems naïve assumption. Different engage greater lesser extent. West has, conflict thesis discussed United States Britain last quarter onward (Ungureanu 2019). great energy field gone responding thesis, demonstrating least, ignored, “complexity” framework takes central within appear regard, younger seem impatient arose pertinence exploring mean reach. Buddhism obvious difference between, hand, study other, understandings rational reflections dialogue Buddhist perspective. contemplative brought together time, contribution practice, it. mind mindfulness seen, completely understanding. perspective, gulf bridged science; approaches. Various paradigms emerging, briefly mention three. One alternative talking combined perspectives bear urgent environmental crisis. importance crisis self-evident. real change carbon emissions, motivation, attitude, moral position. response built creation, might effective mobilizing commitment change, given world's population Claims “religiopoiesis” (e.g., Goodenough 2000), crafting aims induce environmentally beneficial behavior based creation narrative provocative cues area. Yet another radical agenda seeking transform mutual contact Much content take harmonize possible. possibility enhancement result groups, “Epiphany Philosophers” exemplify clearly 2019b). They wanted empirical renew rooting securely dogmatic stand genuinely open-minded enquiry. again, multifaith enhance cross-cultural parts predominate. get harmoniously. founding hopes International Society Religion (ISSR) conducting multi-faith basis, aftermath 9/11, contribute global peace harmony traditions. always, sense, reconciliation project. That relevant 20 years ago, hard right carry forward. conference ISSR 2004 tried cross-cultural, & Dutton 2006). Cross-cultural valuable better Also, Zygon: (first issue: March 1966), organizations originally behind (since 2019, joined third sponsoring organization)—the Institute (IRAS, 1954) Center Advanced Study (1972)—has conversation planning continue so. conclusion, discard multiple relating arising significantly cultures broadening diverse exciting emerging primary importance. opening article engages acute example meet specific policy setting dealing sustainability cities Jason Sexton Stephanie Pincetl highlight sustainable future traditions’ theologies outlooks simply applying modernist paradigm; character virtues parsimony mindedness) visions assist transition cities. Moving thematic editorial: December contains contributions wide variety themes. “Articles” section, Gijsbert van den Brink addresses (im)mortality anthropology evolutionary biology; offers ecumenical solution conundrum death “natural” “unnatural” (using Augustinian weak immortality). furthermore four sections. “Comment Response” Travis Dumsday comments Flavius Raslau's year's integration Orthodox (Raslau 2022), Raslau responds. section “Artificial Intelligence Religion: Recent Advances Future Directions,” introduced guest editor Andrea Vestrucci. symposium Roje Kojonen's Compatibility Evolution Design, collated Zachary Ardern. And fourth, final, Boyle Lecture, Chris Southgate, response, Andrew Davison. ends five reviews. Hans Van Eyghen reviews Wildman Kate Stockly's Spirit Tech: Brave New Consciousness Hacking Enlightenment Engineering, Wang Scott Midson's Cyborg Theology: Humans, Technology God, Ankana Das Susan Power Bratton's Environment: Introduction, Daniel Fairbrother Turner's Secularization, Michelle Baron Joseph Laracy's Theology Thought Ian Barbour: Thomistic Evaluation Catholic Doctrine Creation.