Modern Physics and Ancient Faith

[bjorn]

One of many interesting books on the topic of faith and science, is Barr's "Modern Physics and Ancient Faith" (University of Notre Dame Press, 2003) www.amazon.com/Modern-Physics-Ancient-Faith-Stephen/dp/0268034710.

Though it saddens me to se it commented on by the former Christian professor mentioned at http://richarddawkins.net/articleComments,2094,A-War-On-Science,BBC,page4#comments:

"Well, making the unwarranted assumption that I appeared sane and rational when I was a Christian, it was mostly wishful thinking.

Reading Lane Craig is painful. Right now I try to force myself to read a book by a Catholic physicist, Steven Barr: "Modern physics, ancient faith". Apparently, materialism is in difficulties because of the discoveries in physics in the last century. This is proved mostly by the method of bald assertion. "

As far as I can tell, he has not read that much of it when writing this (as it is a rather puzzling comment based on what the book really is about). Though I doubt it will fare much better, if the brief comment above is a good example of his attitude.

So, has anyone else read it?

When I did when it was released, I found it quite good, not the least as it was rather thorough and historical minded, and dealt also with issues like the relation between physics and free will.

[James Hannam]

Hi Bjorn-Are,

As you may know, I’ve read Barr’s book and gave it a good review here:
bede.org.uk/barr.htm

I do recommend it but it would not convince someone who automatically discounts any question of God. It reminds us of the fecundity and consistency of a God created world, but does not prove that we live in one.

Best wishes

James

[rfmoo]

I have read Barr's book and found it a rich and finely wrought study of the intelligibility of faith in a scientific age. He absolutely demolishes Dawkins' claim that only fools or psychotics can believe in God in a post Darwinian era.

Best,

Richard Moorton

[James Hannam]

Glad you enjoyed it. Apart from the flirtation with ID, I thought it was the best of the science/religion books.

Best wishes

James

[unkleE]

I have just finished this book, following recommendations of others here. I think it is definitely the best book on science and materialism I have read. (I think the title is slightly misleading - it is (IMO) more about showing why materialism is questionable rather than showing that christian faith is supported by the evidence, but of course the one can lead on to the other.)

I thought he had a very balanced attitude and careful approach. The earlier comment about "bald assertion" is just not true - the arguments are argued logically and he avoids making too strong claims.

I expected to find it mostly about the origin and design of the universe, but enjoyed the sections on freewill, rationality, Godel's Theorem and quantum physics the best, perhaps because I learnt most there.

I recommend it highly.