Religion after Science
The Cultural Consequences of Religious Immaturity

Presents a new perspective on religion that acknowledges all its past and present faults while remaining optimistic about its future.

J. L. Schellenberg (Author)

9781108499033, Cambridge University Press

Hardback, published 29 August 2019

152 pages
23.5 x 15.7 x 1.3 cm, 0.35 kg

'An impressively thoughtful and stimulating reflection on the possible future of religion, which deserves the attention of humanists and religious believers alike.' Keith Ward, Canon Professor, Christ Church Oxford

In this provocative work, J. L. Schellenberg addresses those who, influenced by science, take a negative view of religion, thinking of it as outmoded if not decadent. He promotes the view that transcendently oriented religion is developmentally immature, showing the consilience of scientific thinking about deep time with his view. From this unique perspective, he responds to a number of influential cultural factors commonly thought to spell ill for religion, showing the changes - changes favorable to religion - that are now called for in how we understand them and their proper impact. Finally, he provides a defense for a new and attractive religious humanism that benefits from, rather than being hindered by, religious immaturity. In Schellenberg's view, religion can and should become a human project as monumental as science.

Prologue: the 10,000-year test
1. Development and the divine
2. The end is not near
3. Big ambitions
4. A poor record
5. Verdict: immature not doomed
6. A new path for science and religion
7. The new agnosticism
8. Naturalism tamed
9. Agnostic religion?
10. The new humanism
Epilogue: the religion project.

Subject Areas: Philosophy of religion [HRAB]