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The publication of the Encyclopedia of Science and Religion is a significant milestone
marking the maturation of the contemporary dialogue between the sciences
and religions. Not only does this Encyclopedia offer a massive amount of interdisciplinary
and interreligious information, but it mirrors one of the most fascinating
stories of our time: the emergence of an extensive international discussion
among scientists of various specializations, philosophers of nearly all persuasions,
and religious thinkers from all the major world religions. Spectacular advances in
the sciences no longer easily threaten religions around the world because the
risks and devastating consequences of new technologies have problematized the
formerly unquestioned ideal of scientific progress. Scientific advances still challenge
basic religious convictions, however, and the intellectual representatives of
the world’s religious traditions grapple with scientific knowledge more effectively
and pervasively than ever before, thanks to the science-religion dialogue. Today
sciences as varied as the neurosciences, ecology, and biotechnology raise questions
about human beings and the future of our planetary home, perhaps especially
for those who possess a sense of the divine. Similarly, chaos theory,
quantum mechanics, and the ever-deepening understanding of the role of chance
in biological systems conspire to challenge the notions of ultimate reality and
divine action espoused by religious traditions and sacred texts. |
