The Truth about Science and Religion: From the Big Bang to Neuroscience

Religion has influenced the development of science over the past two millennia. The Truth about Science and Religion tells the story of their interaction. The book examines the origin of the universe, evolutionary processes, Christian beliefs, the history of science, what being human really means, and what science and religion have to say about these ideas. The Truth about Science and Religion is designed to help explore personal views on science and religion, offering questions for discussion at the end of each chapter. The book provides the historical and scientific background and the philosophical insight needed to think through issues of science and religion and their influences on personal beliefs. Metaphors, analogies, and comparisons are used to simplify complex topics so that any reader can engage with the key concepts. Unlike other books in this field, The Truth about Science and Religion follows a chronological scheme, treating increasingly personal topics as the book moves through cosmology, evolution, the life of Jesus, and the lives of several great scientists to regain a unified view of science and religion in today's world. ""Chock full of ideas, explanations, stories, and thought-stirring questions, Dr. Fleming's book will lead readers to reflect deeply about their own faith and their grasp of science. The discussion questions and bibliography alone make this perhaps the 'go-to' book on Christianity and science for today. Highly recommended."" –Terry Morrison, Emeritus Director of Faculty Ministry, InterVarsity Christian Fellowship ""Competent scientist and true believer, Professor Fleming asserts that 'science and religion are intertwined like DNA' . . . Fleming presents abstruse matters in a clear and accessible manner. This work merits wide distribution among students and faculty and all people truly searching for answers to the mysteries of the universe and humankind."" –James Chukwuma Okoye, Duquesne University ""In the modern West, the relationship of science and faith has tended to be one of either hostile antagonism or uneasy coexistence. Fraser Fleming argues persuasively for a third way: mutual cooperation. With an irenic spirit and in accessible terms, Fleming reviews the role of Christian faith in the development of science, particularly cosmology and human development, and finds throughout a consistent invitation from God to a relationship of love with him and others."" –Dennett Buettner, Pastor, Church of the Savior, Ambridge, Pennsylvania ""Fleming delves right into the most vexing questions in the Christianity/science debate, but he isn't throwing bombs–he's asking deep questions. It is refreshing to see a topic that can be so contentious discussed so reasonably and thoroughly."" –Brenton DeBoef, Professor of Chemistry, University of Rhode Island Fraser Fleming is Professor of Chemistry and Head of the Department of Chemistry at Drexel University, Philadelphia. He has published more than eighty research articles in chemistry and is a leading expert in the chemistry of nitriles. Professor Fleming has taught courses in science and religion.