From Cells to Souls - and Beyond: Changing Portraits of Human Nature

by Malcolm Jeeves (Editor)

For more than a decade developments in science have prompted wide-ranging discussions about human nature. Gone are the days when this subject was the preserve of theologians and philosophers; today the fields of genetics and neuroscience are shifting attention to the biological basis of human nature. This engaging book takes readers straight to the intersection of religion and science, exploring what new scientific knowledge does and does not say about religious views on personhood. Written by an international, interdisciplinary team of scholars sponsored by the John Templeton Foundation, From Cells to Souls - and Beyond examines such questions as personal identity, the meaning of "human", the mind-body relationship, and subjective spiritual experience. Each topic is discussed against the backdrop of biblical theology with the relevant science made clear. The result is a fresh interpretation of the Christian doctrine of humankind true to both science and Scripture. Diogenes Allen; Warren S. Brown; Gaius Davies; Lindon Eaves; Joel B. Green; Malcolm Jeeves; D. Gareth Jones; David Parkes; C. Michael Steel; Alan J. Torrance; Glenn Weaver; Michael Welker; Philip H. Wiebe

Genres: Philosophy

266 pages, Paperback

First published April 1, 2004

Reviews

[Lynley · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was an excellent summary of Christian perspectives on bioethical issues. The author of each essay provides a look at a different, but similarly linked issue related to the human body, the soul, the brain, the mind, and how Christians ought to be thinking about them. It was a fascinating read--I found it really stimulated me to engage each author and articulate what I believed as I responded to their arguments.

[Bryce Van Vleet · Rating 4 out of 5]

RTF