Clerks studying astronomy and geometry (France, early 15th century).

In the previous post, Dr. Sander Van de Cruys argued,

I want to take seriously the feeling or complaint of people in the arts that science disenchants the world, or more broadly takes ‘something’ away from it … It seems totally possible to be enchanted by the ‘quest’, the hunt for making things comprehensible or predictable, while at the same time be thoroughly displeased or even depressed by the resulting worldview.

The first thing I’d say in reply is that, Continue reading Does Science Destroy Mystery? Reply to Van de Cruys →

Wrisberg epitaph in Hildesheim Cathedral, showing the distribution of the divine graces by means of the church and the sacraments, or mysteries. By Johannes Hopffe 1585.

© Sander Van de Cruys, Ph.D.– (Reprinted with Permission)
http://www.sandervandecruys.be/

(Some of my colleagues have been discussing the appeal of mystery—especially why people resent that science tries to solve mysteries, often preferring pseudo-scientific, religious, or other supernatural explanations. One explanation offered for this is that knowledge excludes, for example, miraculous cures while mystery does not. In such cases it is easy to see why believing in mystery would be appealing—we often want miracles. In reply, Dr. Sander Van de Cruys penned the following.) Continue reading Does Science Destroy Mystery? →

Ibn al-Haytham (Alhazen), (965–1039) making the first study of the pin-hole camera.

© Joshua H. Shrode – Reprinted with Permission

Alhazen was one of the great Arabian lights during that time when the Qur’an was interpreted by those in power to encourage science … well, “science” is overly generous. Continue reading Science and Religion: A Critique of Religion →

Science and Religion portrayed to be in harmony in the Tiffany window Education (1890).

In response to Alhazen’s views covered in my last post, Professor Darrell Arnold penned this thoughtful reply. Continue reading Science and Religion: A Not So Sympathetic View of Religion →

Clerks studying astronomy and geometry (France, early 15th century).

I received the following comment from Alhazen, concerning my recent post “Letter from a Former Student.” This response agrees (roughly) with the independence model regarding the science/religion debate. Continue reading Science and Religion: A Sympathetic View of Religion →