cover image THE FRONTIERS OF SCIENCE AND FAITH: Examining Questions from the Big Bang to the End of the Universe

THE FRONTIERS OF SCIENCE AND FAITH: Examining Questions from the Big Bang to the End of the Universe

John Jefferson Davis, . . InterVarsity, $14.99 (200pp) ISBN 978-0-8308-2664-3

Davis, who teaches theology-and-science courses at Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary, covers mostly familiar ground in this essay collection, reviewing several standard topics in the field from a moderate evangelical perspective. Although the essays (most previously unpublished) may be read independently, many follow a common theme of outlining revisions to theological categories in light of scientific concepts. They then light upon a fairly conservative response that generally lies closer to classical theism (often with reference to Reformed theological formulations) than to the more revisionist stance associated with Arthur Peacocke and other figures in theology-and-science dialogue. Most of the essays include a notably thorough and well-researched review of background literature, reflecting a perceptive and judicious reading of both scientific and theological sources. Davis appears less confident when advancing from review and critique to constructive theory; he tends to abbreviate his arguments precisely where more explanation would be helpful, and his own position often remains unclear. This tendency is especially marked when Davis takes on more technically demanding topics, as in the chapter on "Quantum Indeterminacy and the Omniscience of God." Here he attempts to integrate a Molinist model of divine foreknowledge with quantum probability functions—each an exquisitely challenging theoretical construct in its own right—using a proposed schema of "transcendence-immanence complementarity" that will befuddle most readers. Much of this volume manifests solid, reasonable work, even if its intended audience is difficult to gauge. Too abrupt for use as an introductory text or for the casual reader, it is nevertheless somewhat lightweight for seminar treatment. (Mar.)