Читать книгу The Truth about Science and Religion - Fraser Fleming - Страница 5

Almost three decades ago I began reading books on science and religion to understand how both ways of knowing might coexist. With a little understanding and, I confess, much hubris I began giving presentations, then a series of classes at churches, that ultimately led to co-teaching several classes on science, religion, and society with my friend and colleague Bruce Beaver. The notes I had collected ultimately formed the basis for the current book.

I began the book in collaboration with a dear friend and colleague, David Somers. The basic chronological structure developed over many hours of discussion on how to approach a book on science and religion in a form that would transcend an academic collection of ideas. As the early chapters were written Dave’s focus on relevance helped keep the science in step with religion. I am also indebted to Dave in sharing his neuroscience expertise, which was enormously helpful in writing chapter 7 on mind, brain, and soul.

Over the course of writing this book I have been fortunate, blessed, to have had much advice, critical evaluation, and editorial help. My daughter, Catherine Fleming, who is working on her Ph.D. in English literature, has been my fiercest and finest critic and editor. Although I have referred to her as the Editorial Dark Lord of the North, I am extremely grateful for her refining many versions of the text. She deftly helped focus the drafts around common themes and ensured that each chapter had a central thesis. Her talent for developing ideas is much appreciated in crafting the sections into their final form.

The Reverend Dennett Beuttner, as a former lawyer and now an Anglican priest, has forced me to make sure my arguments are sound while helping me stay true to orthodox religious tenants. Dennett has a knack for straightening nuances and for viewing all sides of an argument that has influenced my thinking and helped correct at least some of the ideas I first put into print. Terry Morrison’s intellectual mentoring in science and faith is deeply appreciated, as is his friendship and wisdom over many years. Rachel Luckenbill has taught me the vagaries of English grammar, though I still fall prey to loose commas! Bruce Johnson’s keen intellectual insight and fine writing skills have helped tremendously in simplifying tricky concepts while staying true to the meaning I wanted to convey. I am particularly grateful to Gary Ferngren for his friendship and wisdom during my early intellectual development and for penning a thoughtful forward to the book. I am most appreciative of significant effort provided by several others who read drafts and provided valuable feedback; Catalina Achim, Alec Cleland, Iain Coldham, Brenton DeBoef, the CAFE group, Fr. James Okoye, and Howard van Cleave.

I have had the great fortune to teach a study abroad course on science and religion which used early drafts of the book. I am most appreciative of the students in these classes who have provided feedback and helped make the concepts relevant. Lastly, I thank my family for indulging many hours of writing, watching videos on science and religion, and visiting museums, exhibits, and religious sites. While I am deeply indebted to the many people who have donated their time to help craft the final manuscript, ultimately I assume full responsibility for errors in the printed version.

“To God be the glory, great things He hath done”

Traditional hymn, lyrics by Fanny Crosby 1875, first published in 1875 in Lowry and Doane’s song collection, “Brightest and Best.”