Green Space, Green Time: The Way of Science

by Connie Barlow

Over the last few centuries, science has usurped domains of knowledge that were once the province of religion. At the same time, however, both science and religion have enforced strict boundaries throughout. Science can describe the world to us, but it cannot tell us about meaning or values. This is a compelling case for breaching this barrier - in effect, for a reunification of science and religion.

Genres: Science, Philosophy, Nonfiction

356 pages, Library Binding

First published September 26, 1997

Reviews

[Adele · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book took me a long time to read, but that is not a bad thing. The last two chapters in particular I read slowly and carefully, the one on the Gaia Hypothesis because I was not familiar with the science, unlike the science behind the theory of evolution, and the final chapter on Meaning-Making because it is highly philosophical and I wanted to take my time with it and explore the ideas. Barlow uses conversation throughout the book as both method and metaphor and it works very well. There is some unevenness in how much various perspectives resonated with me (the conversation with the Mankiewiczs was a low point, the "Conversation with Catalysts" a high point), but that is to be expected, and the benefits of the approach are well worth it in my opinion. This book is exactly what I wanted and was looking for at this point in my exploration of Religious Naturalism.

[Michael Dorais · Rating 4 out of 5]

Connie Barlow has put together a work that attempts to give some form to the idea of religious-like view that is grounded in science and emphasizes the green perspective steeped in a many faceted evolutionary framework. The chapter organization provides a nice theme that you can wrap your head around. The pageant of life, diversity of life, ecological life in place (bioregions) and the planet as life (Gaia). Much of the work is conversational, personal, or in dialog form, which makes it an easy read. She includes just enough specific examples from science. She also gives a fair treatment, presenting alternative views and sobering perspectives for anyone who is prematurely ready to run off and become mystical about science, new age style.

I am left with these thoughts as I finish the book. I do like scientific knowledge to provide the primary backdrop for my grand world-view. I realize that scientific knowledge changes over time because it must be based on rigorous review and follow conclusions where the evidence and logic leads, but that is what makes science the best way to get a true view of our world. I find much of that backdrop and grand story that science tells us awe-inspiring. But I am cautions about trying to make that into religion, especially if it means just coming up with a scientific version of religion that mimics traditional religions. Science as work progresses not through mystical following of dogmas, but through as objective as possible disciplined work. We should want to avoid becoming so misty eyed (mystified?) about science such that standards of science deteriorate. At the same time, I see no harm in finding 'spiritual' inspiration in what is coming from science. To a certain extent we should follow the practice of separation of religion and science, similar to the separation of church and state. Just as with the separation of church and state, values may motivate individuals, and facts can be the basis for moral evaluation and then practical action in a shared objective reality.

Although this book speaks to me, I also realize the book isn't for everyone. If you live science in general, biology and ecology especially, loved Carl Sagan's Cosmos series, are from a relatively progressive religious faith, Unitarian Universalist (what Connie is and I am), atheist or agnostic yet seek the inspiring big picture, or spiritual but not religions but in a cautiously skeptical, careful way, you will probably like this book.

[Maggie · Rating 4 out of 5]

A really fantastic book about the concept integrating scientific knowledge and spirituality. About how science can contribute to and enrich our modern mythologies in significant and almost necessary ways. Good for anyone who is a Joseph Campbell fan.

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is my bible. It gives me great comfort to view my place on our wonderful planet in this manner.

[Laurie · Rating 3 out of 5]

A little technical for my tastes, but good information.