The Physics of Theism: God, Physics, and the Philosophy of Science

by Jeffrey Koperski

The Physics of Theism provides a timely, critical analysis of the ways in which physics intertwines with religion. Koperski brings clarity to a range of arguments including the fine-tuning argument, naturalism, the laws of nature, and the controversy over Intelligent Design.

Genres: Philosophy, Science, Physics

288 pages, Hardcover

First published November 5, 2014

Reviews

[Lucas G. · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book takes look at many important concepts in physics and evaluates what, if any, theological implications follow from them. While much of the book therefore covers the standard arguments for the existence of God from Big Bang cosmology and cosmological fine tuning, additional discussions take place regarding general science and religion overlap, an evaluation of the realism/antirealism debate, and a thorough analysis of both physical and divine determinism in the context of relativity theory and quantum theory. With that said, Koperski didn't write this book to introduce any novel groundbreaking ideas into the discussion, rather he wrote it as a guide for those wishing to navigate discussions regarding physics and theology, with minimal personal commentary. Having read dozens of books that cover these and similar topics, I think it will be hard to find another book that includes a better overall discussion of how physics relates to theology.

For that reason, I highly recommend this book. Koperski somehow found a way to include deeper discussions of each topic than one would find in most introductory to intermediate texts, yet he keeps each discussion highly accessible to those beginning to explore these questions. It is also worth noting that his treatment of the important questions is so fair and balanced that I was never able to put my finger on what, if any, theological convictions Koperski himself held to (in fact, to get that answer I had to email him directly). Ultimately, I found myself to be far more challenged in my considerations of alternative views than I expected to be, which was a very pleasant surprise.

[Mark Herring · Rating 5 out of 5]

Koperski's book is a must read by anyone interested in the subject of faith and science. The author takes the reader thought a bramble of physics that is comprehensible to anyone with some algebra and a passing familiar with basic physics. The book looks at the various arguments for and against the existence of God base on current scientific knowledge, i.e., can such and such be possible? Many different views are presented and Koperski is fair to all of them without revealing any blatant biases. It is a slim book but the going is slow if your physics background is as elementary as my own. Still, I feel this is a must read and should be required of all theology majors.

[Mills College Library]

211.3 K832 2015

[Fin Moorhouse · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fairly balanced overview of the physics / theology overlap. Not as polemical es expected, and some neat takes on well-trodden arguments.