Interactive World, Interactive God

Since the dawn of science, ideas about the relation between science and religion have always depended on what else is going on in a society. During the twentieth century, daily life changed dramatically. Technology revolutionized transportation, agriculture, communications, and housework. People came to rely on scientific predictability in their technology. Many wondered whether God's supposed actions were consistent with scientific knowledge. The twenty-first century is bringing new scientific research capabilities. They are revealing that scientific results are not totally predictable after all. Certain types of interaction lead to outcomes that are unpredictable, in principle. These in turn may lead to a whole new range of potential interactions. They do not rule out the reality of a dynamic God who can act in the world without breaking the known principles of science. God may in fact work with ""the way things really are."" Human experience of God may accurately reflect this reality. Interactive World, Interactive God illustrates such new understandings in religion and science by describing recent developments in a wide range of sciences, and providing theological commentary. The book is written for intelligent readers who may not be specialized in science but who are looking for ways to understand divine action in today's world. ""The learned essays in this valuable collection reflect the adventurous transition going on in contemporary thought--including the sciences, philosophy and theology--from traditional substantialism and modern individualism to a relational, interactive understanding of the universe, life, and human existence. Readers in many disciplines will find the chapters in this book both instructive and challenging."" --John F. Haught, Author of The New Cosmic Story: Inside Our Awakening Universe ""This remarkable text explores the fruits of science from fundamental physics through the origins of living things, from the human brain to society, gleaning their importance to religion where we are called to choose to live a life of love for God and for others. It brings the wealth of contemporary scholarly conversations about theology and science by many of its leading authors to a wider readership. I highly recommend it!"" --Robert John Russell, Director of the Francisco J. Ayala Center for Theology and the Natural Sciences Carol Rausch Albright has been Executive Editor of Zygon: Journal of Religion and Science. Her books include Beginning with the End (coedited with Joel Haugen) and The Humanizing Brain (coauthored with James B. Ashbrook). John R. Albright is Professor Emeritus of Physics at Florida State University and Purdue University. He is the coauthor of Introduction to Atomic and Nuclear Physics (with Henry Semat, 5th ed.). Mladen Turk holds the Niebuhr Distinguished Chair of Religious Studies at Elmhurst College. His most recent book is Being Religious (Pickwick Publications).