T&T Clark Handbook of Christian Theology and the Modern Sciences

Book Description

This comprehensive handbook explores the profound and enduring relationship between Christian theological thought and scientific inquiry across more than five millennia of human history. Editor John P. Slattery brings together leading experts in theology, history, philosophy, and the sciences to examine how these two ways of understanding our world have intersected, influenced each other, and shaped human civilization.

The volume traces this intellectual journey through five distinct historical periods, beginning with ancient conceptions from 3000 BCE through 200 CE, continuing through the medieval period, the Reformation and early modern scientific revolution, the evolutionary era leading to modernity, and concluding with contemporary theological responses to modern science. Readers will encounter influential figures from Plato and Augustine to Aquinas and Hildegard of Bingen, discovering how their ideas bridged the realms of faith and empirical observation.

What sets this handbook apart is its honest examination of how both theological and scientific traditions have contributed to societal problems including racism and misogyny throughout history. By acknowledging these difficult truths, the contributors create space for more inclusive and thoughtful dialogue moving forward.

The book culminates with an exploration of contemporary eco-theology and environmental sciences, offering readers insight into how Christian theological perspectives can engage meaningfully with pressing ecological concerns. This scholarly yet accessible resource provides valuable context for anyone seeking to understand how faith and scientific understanding can inform each other in our modern world.