Book Description
This comprehensive and engaging introduction to visual culture provides an overview of a range of theories about how we understand visual media and how we use images to express ourselves, to communicate, to experience pleasure, and to learn. Using over 175 illustrations, Professors Sturken and Cartwright examine how images - paintings, prints, photographs, film, television, video, advertisements, news images, the Internet, digital images, and science images - gain meaning in different cultural arenas, from art and commerce to science and the law, how they travel globally and in distinct cultures, and how they are an integral and important aspect of our lives. These images are analyzed in relation to a range of cultural and representational issues (desire, power, the gaze, bodies, sexuality, ethnicity) and methodologies (semiotics, marxism, psychoanalysis, feminism, postcolonial theory). Practices of Looking provides an explanation of the fundamentals of these theories while presenting visual examples of how they function. Central concepts such as ideology, the concept of the spectator, the role of reproduction in visual culture, the mass media and the public sphere, consumer culture, and postmodernism, among others, are explained in depth and in accessible, informative language. Marita Sturken and Lisa Cartwright provide the best introductory book for students coming to the study of visual culture for the first time. Truly interdisciplinary, this book aims to be the key text for courses across a range of disciplines including media and film studies, art history, photography, and communication media.
Customer Reviews:
one of the best books about visual culture.......2007-09-21
The authors of this book very clearly articulate the considerable factors of the visual culture in mass media and visual art. Not only the pictures cited in the texts are also quite helpful to better understand the details of description, but also more importantly this book provides knowledgeable contents and information enabling readers to be aware of the significant roles of visual culture and how it is embedded in our lives, influencing the whole culture, society, industry and other many impacts of social forces.
excellent!.......2007-02-26
This is an excellent book for anyone interested in media studies. The language is simple and articulate. The authors provide plenty of visual evidence in each chapter. If you enjoy reading about popular culture, even advertising strategies- this is the book for you.
Practices of Looking: An Introduction to Visual Culture.......2006-03-25
I actually returned this book after leafing through it. It was a little disappointing and did not have much information other than common sense kind of info. Where was the meat?
Review of Chapter Nine.......2003-09-30
As a class assignment, I closely studied chapter nine of Practices of Looking, and researched several of the listed source materials. This chapter is entitled "The Global Flow of Visual Culture" and deals with the globalization of Western media, primarily in the form of television and the internet. The authors explore such topics as the history of media globalization, its effects on non-western cultures, pros and cons of the internet, and possibilities that new global technologies afford us.
This chapter was well-presented, persuasive, and useful. It offered a cohesive and informative discussion of a broad variety of topics, dealing with each one in satisfactory depth and detail. After researching a few of the listed sources, I found that while some of them seemed to be surplus to the actual chapter content, those that were used were, on the whole, represented accurately and fairly.
I recommend this book to anyone studying visual culture, due to its detailed and informative treatment of this broad and varied topic.
Brief on Practices of Looking (with emphasis on Chapter 8).......2003-04-26
In Practices of Looking, imagery in culture is shown to play on the way we perceive, initiate, and direct ourselves in our daily life. This book, indicates that we rely on imagery to guide us daily. This book explains how imagery is the most relied upon role model of today; basically, due to the fact that it is the most direct measure for a humans consumption of information. It provides input on how imagery sells goods through advertising, how images evoke personal memories, and how images can provide us with scientific data. In Society, Imagery can be found in all areas of the social arena. Influence of imagery is never counted alone in any arena. It is quoted in Practices of Looking "That images are never singular, discrete events, but are informed by a broader set of conditions and factors. The identity of science in correlation with imagery is explained in a wide spectrum of social engagements. Anything in the fine arts, film, television, and advertising, to visual data, can provide insight into the way we see things.
In Practices of Looking, written by Marita Sturken and Lisa Cartwright, mediums of influence and expression for Science and Imagery are identified in Chapter 8, Scientific Looking, Looking at Science. This chapter projects ideas with scientific imagery from the early 19th century to modern day. The chapter opens your eyes to the realization that we are constantly being fed ideas from imaging dealing with any subject matter. Whether the ideas are correct or not, most people today take the information and the images they see very seriously, especially when there are relations to science. Maybe due to the fact that science has proved itself in time, at least this is one opinion written in Practices of Looking; life science is seen as the "truth" and is accepted as objective knowledge due to the fact that doctors have a clearer understanding for the body through their experience. The understanding and the experience of Doctors is covered very thorougly throughout this chapter. It explains how imagery even comes into play in arenas we would never correlate influence from imagery, like (law and medicine). This chapter provides us with archival proof, predictions, perspective for current and past issues, time frames, and also developmental measurements. I found this book to be a great resource for understanding the influence that imagery has upon us in society. It really gives one a great look at the daily impact that imagery plays, and how it effects the publics outlook. I would definately recommend this book to anyone interested in learning more about "how art and media plays a role in society".
Book Description
Written by distinguished historians of science and religion, the thirty essays in this volume survey the relationship of Western religious traditions to science from the beginning of the Christian era to the late twentieth century. This wide-ranging collection also introduces a variety of approaches to understanding their intersection, suggesting a model not of inalterable conflict, but of complex interaction.
Tracing the rise of science from its birth in the medieval West through the scientific revolution, the contributors describe major shifts that were marked by discoveries such as those of Copernicus, Galileo, and Isaac Newton and the Catholic and Protestant reactions to them. They assess changes in scientific understanding brought about by eighteenth- and nineteenth-century transformations in geology, cosmology, and biology, together with the responses of both mainstream religious groups and such newer movements as evangelicalism and fundamentalism. The book also treats the theological implications of contemporary science and evaluates recent approaches such as environmentalism, gender studies, social construction, and postmodernism, which are at the center of current debates in the historiography, understanding, and application of science.
Contributors: Colin A. Russell, David B. Wilson, Edward Grant, David C. Lindberg, Alnoor Dhanani, Owen Gingerich, Richard J. Blackwell, Edward B. Davis, Michael P. Winship, John Henry, Margaret J. Osler, Richard S. Westfall, John Hedley Brooke, Nicolaas A. Rupke, Peter M. Hess, James Moore, Peter J. Bowler, Ronald L. Numbers, Steven J. Harris, Mark A. Noll, Edward J. Larson, Richard Olson, Craig Sean McConnell, Robin Collins, William A. Dembski, David N. Livingstone, Sara Miles, and Stephen P. Weldon.
Customer Reviews:
A must have for those interested in religion & science .......2005-08-22
As one who has read several books on science and religion, this book (edited by Ferngren) ranks high; currently one of the best. It contains a very good compilation of articles on historical and philosophical issues related to science and religion. The articles are from knowledgeable and respected history of science scholars such as Richard Westfall and John Hedley Brooke.
Overall, it is well written, easy to follow, and insightful. It covers many of the important issues and more. Scholars in this field will find the wide variety of topics infromative. It is also a good reference book. I repeatedly use the chapter on Galileo Galilei in one of my college classes. The students enjoy reading it and always learn something new.
Highly recommended for those interested in history, science & religion.
Up-To-Date Historical Studies.......2003-09-30
What struck me about this book was its clear departure from the Science vs. Religion stereotype that one encounters in some older histories. Most of the work contained in this volume comes from historical studies performed during the last thirty years.
Most of the scholars who have contributed to this anthology adopt a Complexity Thesis to account for the historical relation between science and religion - as opposed to a Warfare model or other military metaphors which were popular in late Victorian anti-clerical literature.
It's refreshing reading for anyone whose understanding of science and religion has been influenced by, say, Prometheus Press.
Insightful and clearly written.......2003-08-23
wow! The scope of this book, and the clarity of each of the articles, is fascinating. I haven't read something this good in a long, long time. Each of the essays is densely packed with lots of insights on the ever-growing realm of people, ideas and how they relate to science and religion.
The articles are fairly short, 3-5 pages. Yet each article is packed with references if you're really interested. What i enjoyed was learning the names of the many philosophers and scientists in this field. I'm interested in science (trained as one at University), and I spend too much time thinking about religion. I guess i'm not the only one.
It's a perfect overview.
Book Description
Almost eighty years after the Scopes trial, the debate over the teaching of evolution continues to rage. There is no easy resolution--it is a complex topic with profound scientific, religious, educational, and legal implications. How can a student or parent understand this issue, which is such a vital part of education? Evolution vs. Creationism provides a badly needed, comprehensive, and balanced survey. Written by one of the leading advocates for the teaching of evolution in the United states, this accessible resource provides an introduction to the many facets of the current debate--the scientific evidence for evolution, the legal and educational basis for its teaching, and the various religious points of view--as well as a concise history of the evolution-creationism controversy.
Each of the four sections of Evolution vs. Creationism provides a resource that will assist the reader in better understanding these issues. The first section addresses the nature of how evolution works as part of the scientific enterprise, as well as a summary of the relationship between religious beliefs and science. A section on the history of the controversy provides a handy synopsis of the lengthy struggles, from before Darwin to the present day, between advocates of creationism and the proponents of evolution. A collection of primary source documents addressing cosmology, law, education, and religious issues from all sides of the debate constitute the third section. The book concludes with a selection of resources for further information for those who wish to study the topic in more depth.
Customer Reviews:
A decent book if you are well read on the topic ..........2007-09-24
I view this book more as a survey of the science literature rather than an approachable book on the subject for an average person. Personally, it was great for me but I feel that for someone new to the subject or with a non-technical background it would not be suitable. I would like to be positive about the book because to me it was pretty useful. Nonetheless, I would be dishonest if I didn't say it was a bit of a slog and ultimately unconvincing in that it often sidestepped many of the major burning questions in this debate (or was very weak). Ultimately, I felt that `if that is the best case that can be made for Darwinism then it might be in serious trouble'. Nonetheless, I haven't managed to find anything better to date in this type of book and so it's hard to complain. If I had to repurchase some of my existing library on Evolution I would certainly consider for pro-evolution: `The Blind Watchmaker' (Dawkins), and `Evolution' (Colin Patterson) and for pro-design: `Evolution a theory in Crisis' (Denton) and `The Edge of Evolution' (Behe). Nonetheless, I am not sure I would definitely repurchase this title (sorry).
The Most Complete Review of the Subject in Print.......2007-08-31
Eugenie C. Scott is probably one of the best spokespersons for the scientific community on the evolution-creation conflict. I won't call it a true controversy as that would imply that there was solid evidence on the creation science- intelligent design side, which (despite protestations to the contrary) there isn't. In reality the so-called "controversy" is an emotional and political argument, not an intellectual one. Still, Scott in her recent book "Evolution vs. Creation: An Introduction" presents the history of the arguments expressed by both sides in (I think) a very complete and reasonably fair, if not totally unbiased, manner (I doubt if creation science proponents would be as fair to evolutionary scientists). Despite its "Introduction" subtitle this is an astoundingly large collection of information.
As is pointed out by Scott, it is hard to be "fair" to some Creation-I.D. proponents as they consistently seem to misrepresent and misunderstand science. It is certainly true that scientists are human and subject to the frailties of our species, including arrogance, pride and often authoritarianism. It is also true that some accepted scientific ideas have been shown to be false. However, science as a method is unbiased, and is designed to be self-corrective, otherwise we would not have discarded such ideas as gemmules as genetic units or epicycles as planetary paths. The Piltdown hoax, a much used example of evolutionary science wrongheadedness, would not have been exposed if this were not true. In the ultimate science requires data- empirical evidence- that the ID proponents simply have not produced. On the science side there is a huge amount of evidence supporting evolutionary theory, and this is a solid foundation for most biological research. Although the descent of existing organisms from earlier organisms and the inter-relatedness of all life is in little doubt among biologists, no one can disprove (or prove) the existence of some sort of creator deity who may have started the process. Whatever we think about this has to be taken on faith. I have no quarrel with faith, but the creation-I.D. vs evolutionary science "controversy" is spurious science at best. Eugenie Scott has shown why this is true in this masterful volume.
In summary, Scott's book is a very well written and lucid description of the history of creation-I.D. ideas and why they are so prevalent at this point in time. I highly recommend it!
Deceitful propaganda.......2007-08-27
I purchased this book on the good reviews it had received and relying on the author's promise to provide an "accurate" historical perspective on the Evolution vs. Crationism debate. To my disappointment, upon reading the book, this promise proved to be only "deceitful propaganda". The author, Eugenie C. Scott is an ardent defensor of Darwinism, and was unable to keep her emotions about the subject out of the discussion, thus creating a dangerous mixture of fact and personal views. Also, she carefully left out some of the more responsible defensors of Creationism, such as Ariel A. Roth, whose book "Origins" is available from Amazon ".Origins, Linking Science and Scripture. If you're still searching for the broad, balanced perspective that Scott failed to deliver on the Evolution vs. Crationism debate, I'd recommend "The Evolution-Creation Struggle" by Michael Ruse, also available from Amazon. Ruse is also a strong proponent of Evolutionism, but he is capable of recognizing that while many Creationists misunderstand Science, today, many scientists have turned Evolutionism into a "secular religion". The Evolution-Creation Struggle
An Excellent Introduction Explaining Why Evolution Is Science & Creationism Isn't.......2007-06-09
Physical anthropologist Eugenie C. Scott has had the daunting, indeed Herculean, task of defending the teaching of genuine science - by this I mean of course primarily evolutionary biology - in science classrooms throughout the United States as executive director of the National Center for Science Education. Hers has truly been the battle of "David" versus "Goliath", or rather, an asymmetrical conflict between advocates of excellent American scientific educationg against creationist advocates benefitting from their association with affluent anti-evolutionist Conservative think tanks like the Discovery Institue, the intellectual headquarters of the "Intelligent Design" movement. If a Purple Heart could be bestowed upon her for valor, then she would have earned one hundreds of times, for successfully assisting and coordinating efforts to defeat by legal means, numerous attempts to introduce Intelligent Design and other forms of scientific creationism into science classrooms. Here in "Evolution vs. Creationism: An Introduction", she provides an invaluable introduction to the Evolution/Creation controversy (Of which I do include Intelligent Design since it is creationism's latest, most intellectually sophisticated, variety, having "evolved" from other, older forms of creationism.). And yet she has done a fine job trying to be fair in her presentation of the Creationist "world-view", by serving as a moderator at an Intelligent Design debate held a few years ago at the American Museum of Natural History (The pro-side was argued by leading Intelligent Design advocates William Dembski and Michael Behe; the con by philosopher Robert Pennock and cell biologist Ken Miller.). Once more she succeeds in this book by offering a more nuanced, balanced perspective in her discussion of Creationism, even as she makes a most eloquent case in support of genuine science, and especially, of evolutionary biology (Inspite of being "black-listed" by Creationist writers unwilling to grant her permission to quote directly from their published works, acting more like press censors working for Totalitarian regimes than "sincere" advocates seeking "balance" in science classrooms for their irrational, unscientific views to be discussed along with genuine science, she still tried to demonstrate their perspective by referring to their works.).
Eugenie Scott's "Evolution vs. Creationism: An Introduction" is an excellent introduction to this burning issue which should be read by anyone interested in ensuring quality science education in America. In her opening section on evolution and the nature of science, Scott is quite emphatic as to what science is - and what it isn't. She stresses not only its inherently rational character, but also the key feature which distinguishes it from a religiously-motivated pseudoscience such as Intelligent Design; that it is an objective search for an inconstant, ever shifting "truth", whose very nature undergoes self-assessment and correction. She does an admirable job describing the scientific method, and reviewing the overwhelming scientific evidence for the reality of biological evolution. The second section explores the intellectual and philosophical history of the search for an adequate explanation explaining biological diversity, beginning with ancient Greek philosophers and concluding with early reaction to the publication of Charles Darwin's "On the Origin of Species" from Christians in 19th Century Europe and America. The third section is her thorough, yet terse, exploration of 20th Century Creationism in the United States and of the many legal challenges mounted by creationists against the teaching of evolution (Those interested in more in-depth coverage may find more useful Robert Pennock's "Tower of Babel" for its extensive overview of all the different breeds of creationism, including Intelligent Design.). Originally published by a private Connecticut-based publisher, "Evolution vs. Creationism: An Introduction" is available now from the University of California Press, which means that is now available to as wide a readership as possible. Without question, it is still one of the best - if not the best - introductions to both the nature of the scientific enterprise and the religiously-oriented origins of so-called "Scientific Creationism".
Sad -- this book sells "philosophy" as "science".......2007-05-30
If you want a reasoned analysis of the evidences for and against evolution and intelligent design, then keep looking. This book is too shallow for any student of science and is a veiled attempt to sell the religion of Humanism. I would recommend instead Debating Design: From Darwin to DNA or What Is Creation Science.
I found no convincing arguments in favor of evolution in this book. There was no explanation of how inanimate elements conspired to form the first living cell or how new phyla of animals arose by mere natural selection. There was no scientific explanation for how language found its way into DNA or any rebuttal of irreducible complexity. This shallowness by itself is not consequential; but consider the fact that this author actively campaigns to censor anyone who presents scientific evidence that contradicts Darwin's Victorian-era philosophy, and you've got a recipe for scientifically illiterate students.
You know your position is tenuous if your only strategy is to prevent people from hearing your opposition. If Darwinism is so infallible, you'd think she'd want to allow open discussions in the classroom about its pros and cons--if only to demonstrate its infallibility. But when you live in a house of cards, you don't exactly welcome building inspectors.
Book Description
With the explosive increase in availability of English Bible translations, the question can easily be asked, âWhy bother with the hard work of biblical exegesis?â Computers can translate foreign languages and our English texts can take us very close to the original meanings, so why exegete? Answer: because the deepest truths of the Bible are found through the deepest study.
This book teaches the principles, methods, and fundamentals of exegeting the New Testament. It also has examples of textual exegesis that clearly and helpfully show the value of exegeting a text well. Any serious student of Scripture would benefit from utilizing this book in the study of the Bible.
â
Interpreting the New Testament Text is a contemporary application of Paul’s charge to Timothy to study to present himself to God, approved as one who correctly handles the word of truth. Highly recommended!â
Andreas J. Köstenberger, Professor of New Testament and Director of Ph.D. Studies, Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary
âThis âhow-to’ guide provides significant step-by-step help for first-year seminarians. It should prove very helpful.â
Klyne Snodgrass, Paul W. Brandel Professor of New Testament Studies, North Park Theological Seminary
âNot only an excellent textbook but also a useful refresher for pastors and teachers engaged in the weekly study of the text for ministry.â
Clinton E. Arnold, Professor and Chairman, Department of New Testament, Talbot School of Theology, Biola University
âCovers the exegetical landscape admirably.â
B. Paul Wolfe, Associate Professor of New Testament, Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary
âA comprehensive, thorough, and excellent guide to exegetical method that I am happy to recommend with enthusiasm!â
Donald A. Hagner, George Eldon Ladd Professor of New Testament, Fuller Theological Seminary
âFanning and Bock have compiled an all-star cast of lucid writers on exegetical method with like-minded writers illustrating good interpretations of texts and themes. It’s really two books for the price of one, with each made better by the other!â
Craig L. Blomberg, Distinguished Professor of New Testament, Denver Seminary
âThis excellent collection of essays provides a solid foundation for all whose goal is to hear and obey God’s Word.â
Mark Strauss, Professor of New Testament, Bethel Seminary–San Diego
âA tool that takes you into the best New Testament classrooms for the simple price of one volume.â
David Wyrtzen, Adjunct Professor, Dallas Theological Seminary; Pastor, Midlothian Bible Church
Customer Reviews:
Good Introduction.......2007-01-04
Interpreting the New Testament Text: Introduction to the Art and Science of Exegesis edited by Darrell Bock and Buist Fanning is divided into two parts. The first deals with methodology. This section travels from defining "Exegesis" through 13 chapters to application, ethics, and preaching.
In between the authors survey and explain textual criticism, grammatical analysis, diagramming, lexical analysis, exegetical problem solving (validation), background studies, genre studies (narrative, epistolary, apocalyptic), the Old Testament in the New, and theological analysis. All of this covers just over 300 pages.
The second section of the book provides 150 pages of exegetical examples of these activities written by some big name scholars such as I Howard Marshall and Edwin Yamauchi and many other lesser known but still excellent scholars.
The book as a whole is extremely well organized and has the wonderful benefit of bibliographies at the end of each section.
Overall the book is an excellent introduction for those who are just beginning to study New Testament Interpretation. For more indepth study Stanley Porter's Handbook to Exegesis of the New Testament is a more advanced level book, but even still don't loose Bock and Fanning, it has made a valuable contribution to the field.
Also unlike some similar books, Bock and Fannings's book is a hardback which will last longer.
Finally, the book is a Festschriften (a sort of tribute) to Harold Hoehner, who had a major impact on how exegesis was done at Dallas Theological Seminary.
Quality text, quality workmanship, five stars.
Book Description
Ideal for readers with little or no previous knowledge of the subject, this book provides an exceptionally complete overview of the historical development of the major Eastern traditions of religious and philosophical thought (in India, China, and Japan.). The book uses an engaging style that is filled with anecdotes, analogies, definitions, comparisons, and supporting quotes from primary and secondary sources. It guides learners in recognizing the interrelationships that exist among the various systems, appreciating the relevance of these traditions to the concerns of modern times, and understanding the major issues of interpretation regarding these systems.
The traditions of Hinduism and Buddhism are broad umbrellas that include a number of specific schools, each of which is treated individually. Other schools–such as Confucianism, Daoism, and Shinto–are brought into the story at the appropriate place. Owing to the current high degree of interest in the subject, the historical development of Zen Buddhism receives a bit more attention that the other traditions.
For anyone new to the study, and excited by the idea, of Eastern thought.
Customer Reviews:
Stellar Introduction to the Eastern Mind-Set.......2002-07-20
Bresnan's Awakening is an excellent introduction to the Eastern religions and philosophies of Hinduism, Buddhism, Shintoism, Taoism, and Confucianism. The text is very readable, and Bresnan often tries to correlate appropriate Eastern doctrines with similar Judeo-Christian themes in order to enhance the reader's understanding.
Instead of focusing on external and exoteric religious themes, such as rituals, traditions, and the like, Bresnan uses a more theosophical approach which brings to light the ideas that encompass Eastern religions and ideologies. I would wholeheartedly recommend this book for anyone who has a budding interest in Eastern thought but has a theological IQ that does not extend east of the Arabian peninsula.
Book Description
In this short masterpiece, eminent scientist and theologian John Polkinghorne offers an accessible, yet authoritative, introduction to the stimulating field of science and theology. After surveying their volatile historical relationship, he leads the reader through the whole array of questions at the nexus of the scientific and religious quests. A lucid and lively writer, Polkinghorne provides a marvelously clear overview of the major elements of current science (including quantum theory, chaos theory, time, and cosmology). He then offers a concise outline of the character of religion and shows the joint potential of science of religion to illumine some of the thorniest issues in theology today: creation, the nature of knowledge, human and divine identity and agency. Polkinghorne aptly demonstrates that a sturdy faith has nothing to fear and much to gain from an intellectually honest appraisal of the new horizons of contemporary science.
Customer Reviews:
Accessible.......2000-01-04
I thoroughly enjoyed this great book by John Polkinghorne. Polkinghorne's writing style is brilliant. The "Introduction" in the title and the book's small size deceived me at first; this book is no "quick read." Thankfully, the book is conveniently broken into small bite-sized sections, allowing one to absorbed and reflect on Polkinghorne's insightful work. This is Polkinghorne's most accessible work, and I highly recommend it.
Masterly summary of Science & Theology from a real expert........1999-04-21
John Polkinghorne is probably the greatest writer on science and religion to date - the only truly world-class scientist who has become a theologian. This book is his 'textbook' surveying the field, discussing other authors and providing a rounded view. Everyone seriously interested in ultimate questions should read this book.
Book Description
The second edition of this popular introduction to the anthropology of religion now features new chapters on mythology and pilgrimage, as well as coverage of topics such as spirit possession and cargo cults. The volume:Introduces readers to the central theoretical ideas in the anthropology of religion, illustrating them with specific case studies;Features self-contained chapters, each with its own comprehensive bibliography, so that they can be approached in any order;Develops ideas throughout the book, linking the work of nineteenth- and early twentieth-century scholars, and contemporary ideas and practices;Includes an appendix offering a list of ethnographic films and videos that can be used to illustrate and extend the discussion of particular issues.This accessible textbook will inspire students to explore the field further and encourage them to see that anthropology is not just about reading or doing fieldwork, but offers an enriching way of looking at the world.
Customer Reviews:
The Anthropology of Religion: An Introduction.......2007-02-22
The Anthropology of Religion: An Introduction by Fiona Bowie is a fascinating textbook that takes up subjects such as "The body as a symbol", "Sex, gender and the sacred" and Shamanism to mention a few. Bowie writes with authority on all the subjects and seems to truly know what she is writing about. In fact she inspires the reader to further ones knowledge in several fields and this is indeed a tall task as many textbooks are quite difficult and taxing to read and one does it merely to finish a class. The chapters that I thought were the best where the following, "Maintaining and transforming boundaries: the politics of religious identity" and the chapter that took up gender and the sacred was also great. I highly recommend this textbook and I will definitely buy the next edition whenever that is published.
Book Description
This text introduces readers to the fascinating interaction of science and religion. It is specifically designed for students on science and religion courses who have little or no prior knowledge in either area .The book offers unusually wide coverage, looking at the historical, theological, philosophical and scientific aspects of the interaction of science and religion. It is also thoroughly up-to-date, and includes interaction with issues raised by Richard Dawkins concerning evolution, and the 'anthropic principle' in relation to cosmology. Although focusing mainly on Christianity, the text also indicates the importance of other religions. Alister McGrath, the best-selling author of Christian Theology: An Introduction and other successful theological texts, is known for the clarity of his writing. He has studied widely in both science and religion and is therefore well-placed to write the ideal text for science and religion courses.
Customer Reviews:
Great textbook!!.......2007-07-17
Science & Religion: An Introduction, is a great comprehensive text that contrasts scientific models with religious ideology in order to help the reader understand the them in context. It explains Newton's, Galileo's and Copernicus' scientific contributions to the world and how these contributions influenced the religious community. The book also takes religious models, such as Creation and Cosmology and how these models influenced scientific thought of the time. This is a great book that you can read as a general information or if you have this text for a class than what a treat you have to learn the knowledge contain in this book. I highly recommend this book if you are interested in this subject.
Only read if necessary.......2006-08-29
This was a required reading for me in my science and religion class. Although there is some good information in here (and thankfully I had a good instructor) this book should not have been published as is. First off, as another person stated, there are FAR too many typos! Not only was this distracting, but I was highly offended that I had to pay upwards of a thousand dollars to take a class, buy, and read this book for higher education purposes when I, as an undergraduate, can write with less errors than the author. Secondly, I really cannot stress how much I personally despise pretentious authors. It's felt to me like this author refused to write in normal english; as if common language was somehow beneath them. I really envisioned this author sitting down with a thesauras and refusing to let themselves use a word more than once a page, and all in the name of sounding scholarly. Although my second point is highly arguable, I found this as distracting, if not more so, then the slew of grammatical and spelling errors.
All in all, I cannot reccommend this book to anyone unless it is a required reading, and if that's the case, ask your instructor to spare his next class of this atrocity. The only reason I gave it two stars was because it was a credible source and had very pertinent information; it's just too bad that the author did not take time to polish his work and make it a pleasurable read first.
Excellent - Top Notch Survey of the Issues of Science and Religion.......2006-03-11
Dr. McGrath is certainly one of the giants in the science and religion domain, and overwhelmingly qualified for the job holding doctorates in both divinity and molecular biophysics. In this work he presents the major controversies and opinions throughout the history of the science and religion debate clearly and concisely. This book is an absolute must as an introduction to further study in the ideas of science and religion.
Excellent introduction to the science/religion debate.......2004-10-23
Alister Mcgrath has the remarkable gift of taking complex ideas and putting them on the lower shelf for the novice to handle. Like his Studies in Doctrine, McGrath has done the same here in framing the debate between faith and scientific reasoning with accessible prose. This is particularly recommended for those who sense the conflict between science and religion within the popular culture but who know that the God of the Bible is the same as the God of Creation. Thankfully, McGrath presents the issues for the non-specialist with breadth and fairness. As a trained molecular biologist and historical theologian, McGrath is perfectly suited to present this material.
For the Christian, the central issue is the question of whether or not empirical, scientific data can ever justify a move away from a long-held, literal interpretation of the text. Copernicus and Galileo, far from suggesting that humanity was somehow no longer the center of God's attention in the universe, were instead showing that a more figurative or allegorical interpretation was required concerning geocentric biblical texts. Is God really telling us literally that the "sun rises" or is this simply divine accomodation to the limitations of authors in the biblical period who were not familiar with the insights of modern science?
McGrath's historical survey is the best part of the book. He covers every major issue including Newton's mechanistic universe, Descartes' mathematical idealism, Darwin's quest for biological uniformitarianism, and Michael Polyani's postmodern understanding of personal commitment in scientific endeavor. McGrath convincingly shows that philosophy is just as important to science as it is to theology. He also includes a helpful critical section of Lynn White's influential essay concerning Christianity's role in the modern ecological crisis.
McGrath offers a summary of various approaches to finding harmony between science and religion. For example, the complementarity we find between the paradoxical joining of the divine and human natures in Jesus Christ can give us insight into the paradoxical joining of wave theory and particle theory in explaining the characteristics of light.
McGrath finishes his work by examining some particular issues by detailing useful biographical material, from Charles Darwin to Thomas Torrance. Regarding Torrance, it is quite easy to tell that McGrath tends to follow Torrance's "critical realism" as providing the most adequate solution to the tension between science and religion (McGrath fully develops his own ideas in a separate three-volume series, "Nature", "Theory" and "Reality").
The only reason I can not give five stars to this book is because McGrath fails to provide adequate footnotes for the material he quotes. Thankfully, he does provide an excellent biography at the end of every chapter for further study, but it is really frustrating when you want to research a quote and you simply do not know where to look.
As an aside, the only other limitation is the McGrath does not really address any non-Christian religious perspectives. On the other hand, history shows that the science/religion debate has had the most impact on Christianity, so it is not surprising to be so focused on the Christian dilemma.
Good overview.......2001-09-17
Most books on science and religion are either anti-religion (wanting to throw out historic Christianity) or anti-science (wanting to throw out the evidence for evolution, the age of the earth and the universe, etc.).
This one is neither, and that's what makes it a good book. McGrath has a virtue that is somewhat uncommon among conservative religious writers, and that is his profound respect for people and opinions with which he disagrees. Thus, he gives a fair presentation of ideas other than his own.
I'm amused that another reviewer thought McGrath was too critical of fundamentalists. Other critics think McGrath *is* a fundamentalist!
But to clear the air a little, McGrath uses the word "fundamentalist" to describe, not merely conservative doctrines, but a particular sociology that involves eagerness to be separate from everyone with whom one disagrees even slightly. McGrath is conservative but not, in that sense, fundamentalist.
Book Description
1910. Contents: The Constitution of the Human Being; Reembodiment of the Spirit and Destiny; The Three Worlds; The Path of Knowledge.
Customer Reviews:
An excellent book.......2007-01-03
The title is potentially a little misleading, since beyond superficial similarities it really has very little to do with the Theosophy of Blavatsky and Besant. Steiner really forges his own path, and a quite interesting one at that. This is really the book to start with if you want to understand Steiner's thought and worldview.
Real Truth.......2006-08-31
I find Steiner's work invigorating. Theosophy requires you to THINK, unlike much of the New Age drivel on the bookshelves today. Steiner was obviously a man with a great gift of sight and I feel blessed that he has shared so much with us through his writing.
This is a must read for anyone serious about delving deeper into spiritual truth and wisdom. Not only does Steiner share his vision of the Spiritual world, he tells how we can all gain access to that world IF we are willing to devote ourselves to the work with sincerity and dedication.
Steiner's succienct work stinks.......2006-02-16
There was found to be no original thought put into this writing. Copied from many other authors and in his 'succienct' writtings, he misses out on the One true picture. While covering such a broad subject, one can only draw to the conclusion that plagerism on such a matter as this one could only have been hoped for!
Incredibly profound!.......2005-10-25
In this rich and fascinating study, the tenets of Theosophy are explained in a way that enhances and enriches what you think you already know about the subject. Steiner takes the mind on an incredible journey - one that leads directly to your soul!
Much Needed Wisdom for American Culture.......2004-07-04
The wisdom in this book is exactly what is needed in America today. In this book, Steiner takes care to scientifically explain his knowledge of human spiritual existence, as he himself has observed it. It is a great help in bridging the gap, so prominent in our culture, between science and spirituality. It is a little difficult to get through in terms of its ease of readability, but don't let that hinder you. The book is written that way on purpose so that as you work through it (re-reading sentences sometimes more than twice) it expands your mind to allow it to accept more complex concepts. I recommend it for everyone.
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Reason and Culture: An Introduction to Philosophy
John Arthur ,
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