Slaying the Dragons: Destroying Myths In The History Of Science And Faith

Slaying the Dragons: Destroying Myths In The History Of Science And Faith

by Allan Chapman (Author)

Synopsis

Are science and faith, particularly Christianity, inevitably in conflict, as the New Atheists proclaim? Have they not always been so? Weren't early scientists hounded for their discoveries until Darwin burst on the scene and sent faith packing? Not if you look at the facts, says Dr Allan Chapman, who teaches the History of Science at the University of Oxford. History shows us that Galileo was not the victim of Church persecution - nor did Huxley 'win' the debate with Wilberforce. Drawing on contemporary sources, Dr Chapman proves that the history of science and of faith always have been closely intertwined. From the leading scientists of medieval times, many in Holy Orders, to the seventeenth-century Popes who maintained an astronomical observatory in the Vatican, to the Christian people of science today, science and faith have grown up together.

$14.78

Quantity

10 in stock

More Information

Format: Paperback
Pages: 256
Edition: 1st New edition
Publisher: Lion Books
Published: 15 Feb 2013

ISBN 10: 0745955835
ISBN 13: 9780745955834

Media Reviews
The dragons of the title are the myths, half-truths and downright untruths that have ... distorted strongly the Science-Religion debate. The author attacks these dragons with the passion of a latter-day St George and in a book that is forthright, clear, readable, convincing and sometimes humorous, he sets the record straight. -- John Bryant, Professor Emeritus of Biological Sciences at the University of Exeter.
A very enjoyable and instructive read. -- Keith Ward, Fellow of the British Academy and Professional Research Fellow at Heythrop College, London.
From an encyclopaedic knowledge of his subject matter, Dr Allan Chapman systematically exposes the multiple myths and flagrant falsehoods propagated by the so-called `New Atheists'. -- The Revd Dr Rodney D. Holder, The Faraday Institute, Cambridge
Allan Chapman offers a robust and highly readable response to the 'not-so-New' Atheism. -- Edmund Newell, Christ Church, Oxford
This is a fascinating, timely and highly accessible study ... after reading this book, no-one can doubt that the supposed clash of science and religion has been greatly distorted. -- John Pritchard, Bishop of Oxford
An excellent section on popular myths on science and religion. -- Bookshelf * War Cry *
Chapman is a committed Christian and a first-class historian of science.This book will appeal to Christians and Athiests alike. The Christians will nod sagaciously, time and again in agreement. The Atheists, new and old, will at least realise some of the huge problems they are up against -- David W Hughes * The Observatory Magazine *
`After an absorbing analysis of popular myths about science and religion, Chapman confronts the lie that science and Christianity are inherently in conflict.' -- Paul Valler * Christianity *
Author Bio
Allan Chapman teaches History of Science at the University of Oxford. He is a Fellow of the Royal Astronomical Society and author of ten books, including Gods in the Sky and Robert Hooke and the English Renaissance, Slaying the Dragons and Stargazers. He has appeared in history of science documentaries on BBC2, Channels 4 and 5, and National Geographic, as well as appearing on BBC TV's 'Sky at Night' programme.