A masterpiece on the parallels of doctrinal development in physics and Christianity. And who better to guide the journey than John Polkinghorne? If the name rings a bell, it’s because he was big time in quantum mechanics (pardon the pun). He shocked many people when he decided (after 25 years as a quantum physicist) to become an Anglican priest. As someone with an interest in science, philosophy, and theology, I was very much looking forward to reading this book and... Read more
It’s a highly polarizing subject. Origins and the interpretation of Genesis. Let’s start with the public at large. According to a recent 2014 Gallup Poll: 42% of Americans believe humans were created in their present form less than 10,000 years ago. 31% believe humans evolved but God had a part in the process. 19% believe humans evolved and God had no part in the process. This poll is loaded and conflates a number of issues – belief in God, interpretation... Read more
A philosophical giant. Russell’s whit is undeniable. With a unique ability to tackle complex and timeless issues in philosophy and present them in such a palatable way – it is easy to see why he’s become a monster in the subject. A review of Berkeley’s idealism (there is no matter only mind) and Descartes’ doubt (how do we know what we perceive as reality is not just our being deceived by an evil demon?) is presented early and prompts question... Read more
It was a sight to see. Catholics, Christians, deists, agnostics, and atheists – all sharing a Saturday afternoon together at the Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Central Nassua in Garden City, NY – wrestling with big questions in a spirit of civility. It was a rare gem. I was greeted by my friend Adam Lee and had the pleasure of spending some time with him, his wife, parents, and in-laws. They were so warm and welcoming – I felt like I... Read more
I hesitate to call it a “debate”. For the obvious reason, the word typically implies two people disrespectfully talking right past each other on stage, only to retreat to their respective “sides” to get cookies from their supporters. I prefer “forum” as to imply an exchange of ideas. This Saturday, May 24th, Adam Lee and I will meet again live at the Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Central Nassau in Garden City, New York at 2pm. This will be our second... Read more
This is a follow up to “Alone at the Table”. The theme is somewhat different, though related, as both entail an element of philosophical exploration and frustration. For this one, we actually have to go a little further back in time to the year 1995. I was a strapping young lad, all of 15 years of age. The story takes place in Naperville, a suburb of Chicago. Hormones raging and visions of grandeur, I was a legend in my own... Read more
Not natural theology, natural teleology… Say what? Like the teleological argument, just no God. That’s right, fine turning is not just reserved for theists. I recently came across the term in Thomas Nagel’s Mind and Cosmos where he described natural teleology as “other laws of nature that our biased toward the marvelous”, ultimately an undiscovered and “irreducible part of the natural order” that will account for the origin of time, life, consciousness, and moral realism, which he claims are lacking... Read more
A great read. Two heavy -weight philosophers of mind, Alvin Plantinga and Daniel Dennett, both with opposing views on the question: Science and Religion: Are They Compatible? For those with an interest in the philosophy, faith, and science discussion – you will not be disappointed. These two are both philosophical giants and provide solid philosophical point, counterpoint. It’s brief, only about 77 pages, and though the content can get philosophically heavy at times, it is an easy and enjoyable... Read more
Once upon a time, there was a theist… Wait, let’s start at the beginning. The alarm goes off at 5am on Sunday morning. Yes, 5am. Sunday morning. Hit the snooze. Maybe just one more time. I can’t believe I still do this. What is it about hockey? I can’t explain it. It’s an addiction. Once it’s in your blood, you crave it. Whether the ice time is at midnight or 6am, you find a way to get yourself up to... Read more
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