God, Chance and Purpose
Can God Have It Both Ways?

The thesis of this book is that chance is an integral part of God's creation.

David J. Bartholomew (Author)

9780521880855, Cambridge University Press

Hardback, published 21 February 2008

272 pages
21.6 x 14 x 1.6 cm, 0.46 kg

'… an insightful and helpful aid.' Peter H. Van Ness, Yale University School of Medicine

Scientific accounts of existence give chance a central role. At the smallest level, quantum theory involves uncertainty and evolution is driven by chance and necessity. These ideas do not fit easily with theology in which chance has been seen as the enemy of purpose. One option is to argue, as proponents of Intelligent Design do, that chance is not real and can be replaced by the work of a Designer. Others adhere to a deterministic theology in which God is in total control. Neither of these views, it is argued, does justice to the complexity of nature or the greatness of God. The thesis of this book is that chance is neither unreal nor non-existent but an integral part of God's creation. This view is expounded, illustrated and defended by drawing on the resources of probability theory and numerous examples from the natural and social worlds.

1. What is the problem?
2. What is chance?
3. Order out of chaos
4. Chaos out of order
5. What is probability?
6. What can very small probabilities tell us?
7. Can 'Intelligent Design' be established scientifically?
8. Statistical laws
9. God's action in the quantum world
10. The human use of chance
11. God's chance
12. The challenge to chance
13. Choice and chance
14. God and risk.

Subject Areas: Philosophy of science [PDA], Probability & statistics [PBT], Religion: general [HRA]