The Signal in the Noise: Another Kind of Theism - Tapa blanda

This brief text challenges readers who believe religious faith is "belief without evidence" to critically test their assumptions. In doing so, an alternative view of theism is presented in which religion and science not only coexist but can be meaningfully connected, and questions about God could have surprising new answers.The book covers four broad topics. First, throughout the history of the Church theologians have presented a view of religious faith that complements rather than contradicts science, but does contradict many assumptions about faith common today. This is illustrated via a series of quotations. Exposure to this fact is essential for both critics of religion and for believers wrestling with the nature of their faith. Second, the relationship between science and faith is explored. Third, I attempt to provide a working definition of God that goes beyond just complaining about atheistic straw men. Finally, the feasibility of theism in the face of well-known theological problems, in particular the problem of evil, is discussed.I hope the book will be of use to two kinds of readers especially: atheists who are open to counter-arguments, and believers who are concerned that their faith seems to require them to believe irrational things.

This is an essay primarily about beliefs about religion and its the relationship with science. My view of science is informed by actually being a scientist, but theologians might snort holy water out of their noses at my apparent enthusiasm about trivial facts. The problem, however, is that theologians might well be extremely sophisticated, but there's a huge disconnect with common views about faith, both in believers and people critical of religion. What I hope to achieve is to challenges readers to consider their assumptions about religious faith, without demanding prior specialist knowledge. In doing so, a view of theism is presented in which religion and science not only coexist but can be meaningfully connected, and old questions about God could have surprising new answers. The book has a number of specific aims. First, to make the point that throughout the history of the Church theologians have presented a different view of religious belief from that common today. Exposure to this fact is essential for both honest critics of religion and for believers wrestling with the nature of their faith. Second, I explore the relationship between science and faith, and attempt to draw both distinctions and connections between the scientific method and a possible "religious method". Third, I attempt to provide a working definition of God that goes beyond just complaining about straw men. Finally, the feasibility of theism in the face of well-known theological problems, in particular the problem of evil, is discussed. I hope the book will be of use to two kinds of readers especially: believers who are concerned that their faith seems to require them to believe irrational things, and atheists who are open to counter-arguments.