Was Galileo more lucky than right? I kept wondering about that as I read "Galileo, the Church, and the Cosmos" from When Science and Christianity Meet. Galileo was a champion of the heliocentric model of the cosmos, which ran counter to both well-established science and the prevailing doctrine of Catholic theologians. The alternative geocentric model, and more specifically the cosmology of Ptolemy and Aristotle, has long since fallen out of favor with both scientists and Christian scholars of all stripes. So of course … [Read more...] about Science Book Club: When Science & Christianity Meet Ch 2
Galileo
Science in Review: Reformation Comes to the Book of Nature
This week we observe the 500th anniversary of Martin Luther's hammer stroke heard 'round the world, a milestone in the broader Reformation movements that redefined the European landscape for centuries. While Luther's concerns were theological, change came to many corners of the cultural world, even the sciences. Thus even a notable scientific journal like Nature is sharing a remembrance of Luther, albeit with the twist that maybe the emergence of Protestantism did not influence science so much as we might think. … [Read more...] about Science in Review: Reformation Comes to the Book of Nature
Week in Review: Awe-Inspiring Blizzard Edition
What are you reading, watching, thinking about this week? As usual, here's a few which have been on our mind. Let us know your thoughts on any/all of them. If you have items you'd like us to consider for the top five, add them in the comments or send them to Tom or Mike. Photo Credit: Philadelphia's Swann Memorial Fountain, blizzard-style, from Eddie Hales via Flickr. Click for a larger image. 1. Is there a place in the academy for the Christian worldview? (Jesus Creed) RJS, a regular guest blogger at Scot … [Read more...] about Week in Review: Awe-Inspiring Blizzard Edition
An Obituary for the “Warfare” View of Science and Religion
Do you have Galileo Goes to Jail and Other Myths about Science and Religion on your reading list (personal and/or group discussion)? The book's edited by one of the names in the study of science-religion in America, i.e., Ronald L. Numbers, University Wisconsin-Madison, Hilldale Professor of the History of Science and Medicine. As for the title of this entry, I'm referring to last week's Science and Sacred post by Ted Davis, Messiah College, History of Science. Here's an excerpt. The twenty-five authors in … [Read more...] about An Obituary for the “Warfare” View of Science and Religion
Week in Review — Cultural Power, Galileo, Naivete
As you take a break to enjoy the summer weather, review these pieces and share your responses. ... 1. Andy Crouch: Christians, culture and power (Faith & Leadership, Duke University, 8:31 on-line video): Andy's back with more! Do you agree with him that Christians don't like to talk about power. But cultural power -- the ability to create -- is something all people are meant to have. Should we (or do you) start each day with such a vision? How well are you able to embrace and articulate a distinction … [Read more...] about Week in Review — Cultural Power, Galileo, Naivete