Rebuilding the Matrix: Science and Faith in the 21st Century

by Denis Alexander

Are we just survival machines, evolved for the main purpose of perpetuating our DNA? Where do our ethical principles---which we use to make decisions about the application of science---come from? How can we maintain a sense of meaning and purpose when faced with our transient lives in a vast universe? Science appears to offer one set of answers; Christianity, another. The two seem set in a perpetual attack-and-defend stance against each other. But is the difference as irreconcilable as we've been led to believe? Unfortunately, the most vigorous public responses to this question have come from radicals on either side of the spectrum. The result, says author Denis Alexander, has been 'an unnecessary polarization between science and religion in which more moderate voices have often been drowned out by the media attention given to extremist positions.' In Rebuilding the Matrix, Dr. Alexander speaks for the 'silent majority' of working scientists who are tired of the radical rhetoric and critical of the abuse of science for ideological purposes. This book promotes dialogue among scientists across the whole range among professionals, from atheistic evolutionists to young-earth creationists. Full of new insights and fresh perspectives, it is thorough, yet also accessible to anyone interested in issues of faith and science. Alexander offers evidence that a much greater part of the Western scientific community allows for theism than the media suggest. Rebuilding the Matrix draws on sociologists, historians of science, philosophers, scientists, and theologians to provide an overview of the varied ways in which faith and science interact. Beginning by laying historical groundwork, the book moves on to tackle such key questions -How do scientific and religious knowledge relate? -Does evolution have any religious significance? -Can ethics be derived from evolutionary biology? -Does the anthropic principle support religious belief? -Are miracles strictly unbelievable? Rebuilding a 'theistic framework for science'---the matrix to which the title alludes---is no easy task. But as you will discover, there are compelling reasons to make the effort. Rebuilding the Matrix is an informed, refreshing, and thought-provoking exploration into some of the biggest issues of our time.

Genres: Science, Christian, Nonfiction

512 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2001

About the author

Emeritus Director of the Faraday Institute for Science and Religion at St Edmund's College, Cambridge, a molecular biologist and an author on science and religion. PhD in neurochemistry.

Reviews

[Alan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I found this to be a wonderfully helpful book! There were some parts that I was unable to fully understand and follow but overall it was accessible.
I particularly appreciated the assertions that
science and religion are not in opposition for both are a search for truth
theism is position that has been a stimulus to science and remains the best context for science.
It was full of challenging passages and pithy quotations.
Some people may find it unsettling for it goes to places that many late 20th and early 21st century Christians would find uncomfortable, in particular his position on creation and evolution. For myself I found it refreshing in its honesty and rigour.
The book has enhanced my faith for Alexander has addressed and expressed many things that I could not adequately verbalise.

[Ian Clary · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wide-ranging book on the relationship between faith and science. Lots of history, which is helpful. Also engages with modern thinkers like Michael Ruse or Peter Singer. Makes a convincing case that science and faith are not at odds. Also argues for a kind of theistic evolution. I found the book to be too large, and some parts weren't necessary to make his case. Nevertheless, this is a good book.

[Earthboundmisfit · Rating 2 out of 5]

I was hoping for a thorough, balanced book on the relation between religion and science and this book does go some way to acheiving that.
However, I refuse to rate it highly due to the author's shocking misunderstanding of certain theories. At least I hope it is misunderstanding because if not, the author is puposely 'cherry-picking' quotes and misrepresenting other authors' work to support his own claims.
I have only read 2 of the books that he seems to misunderstand - 'The Selfish Gene' by Richard Dawkins and 'Practical Ethics' by Peter Singer. In Dawkin's case the author seems to not understand the idea that genes are not 'selfish' in the human interpretation of the word and then goes on to show a complete lack of comprehension regarding the nature of memes. The author seems to have an intense dislike for Singer and makes claims about him based on theoretical philosophical arguments made in 'Practical Ethics', although I believe others have made the same assumptions by not having a good understanding of the comparisons within the book.
Other authors are quoted and theories outlined, but I can't judge these having not read them myself. Based on the fact that the 2 I have read are misrepresented i can only assume that other authors have suffered in the same way. This probably explains why the book is no longer in print despite some very interesting and worthwhile ideas.

[Frank Peters · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is, I believe the best book written on science and faith. It is from a Christian perspective and seeks to eliminate many of the current myths about the (non-existent) conflict between science and faith. In particular Alexander uncovers the root of the Galileo mythology and with extensive references shows the actual relationship between Galileo and the Church. He also summarises the various Christian views on origins and while clearly believes his own view, does admirably at not vilifying other viewpoints (including mine).

[Marci · Rating 2 out of 5]

The author seems to hold Christians who want to do science to a different standard than he holds scientists with other preconceived theories and hypotheses, and generally seems somewhat hostile to Christianity being remotely involved in science while also trying to argue that science and faith are completely compatible and claiming Christianity for himself. I wasn't particularly impressed by this book.