Science and Religion - Second Edition - Tapa dura

"Rational argument does not create belief, but it maintains a climate in which belief may flourish." (Austin Farrer). Many people attribute their loss of faith to "scientific enlightenment." However, the author maintains that it isn't facts found in science that contradict religious truths; the conflicts are a result of faulty inferences, theories, and assumptions, as well as misunderstandings found in both. This book is written at about a 10th grade reading level-intended to be understandable even to non-scientists. It includes a glossary of specialized and unusual terms. Many are surprised to learn that science is not simply an accumulation of facts with only one way to make sense of them. Important aspects of science involve attempts to interpret how the facts should be pieced together. Particularly important are weaknesses in scientific dating techniques-which provide much of the material contradicting Bible history. This book includes key information from outstanding scientists and scholars indicating that dates derived scientifically aren't nearly as secure and accurate as most people suppose. Other issues involve cataclysmic events described in the scriptures (like Noah's Flood) which are usually disregarded by modern science. If the scriptural descriptions of such events are reasonably accurate, anyone ignoring them is at a distinct disadvantage in properly understanding the past. People in general have no idea how difficult it is to prove a theory. Scientists now recognize that most theories cannot be proven (especially those trying to explain unique events of the past). If enough tests are performed which fail to disprove a theory, it is often accepted as though fact. Yet theories are almost continually being modified or discarded as new details come to light.