Evangelicals and the Philosophy of Science: The Victoria Institute, 1865-1939

This book explores the debates around religion and science at the influential Victoria Institute, founded in 1865 to defend 'the great truths revealed in Holy Scripture from 'the opposition of science, falsely so called.' Chapters cover the institute's formation, heyday, and decline, showing that at stake was an entire worldview combining theology, epistemology, and philosophy of science. It demonstrates the complex relationship between science, evangelical religion, and society in the years after Darwin's Origin of Species and offers insight into why conservative evangelicals did not display the militancy of some American fundamentalists.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 184 pages
Publication date: 30 May 2022
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

This captivating book delves into the profound and intricate debates surrounding religion and science at the renowned Victoria Institute, a hub of intellectual inquiry established in London in 1865. Drawing its membership primarily from the evangelical wing of the Church of England, the institute's primary mission was to safeguard the "great truths revealed in Holy Scripture" from the perceived opposition of "science, falsely so called." The central conflict at the heart of the Victoria Institute's endeavors was not a direct clash between science and religion, but rather a profound exploration of what precisely constituted true science.

The chapters of this book trace the institute's formation, its flourishing during the late nineteenth century, and its gradual decline in the years following the First World War. Through a meticulous examination of these periods, the author reveals that the stakes involved were far more profound than any specific theory or hypothesis. Rather, the Victoria Institute represented a comprehensive worldview, seamlessly blending theology, epistemology, and philosophy of science. This holistic approach to understanding the world sought to bridge the gap between faith and science, offering a nuanced perspective on the complex relationship between these two realms.

In contrast to a mere survey of religious responses to evolutionary theory, this study goes beyond the surface to demonstrate the intricate web of connections between science, evangelical religion, and society in the years following Darwin's Origin of Species. It sheds light on the nuanced dynamics that shaped the attitudes and beliefs of conservative evangelicals, highlighting the factors that contributed to their distinct approach to the challenges posed by scientific advancements. By exploring the historical context and intellectual frameworks of the Victoria Institute, this book offers valuable insights into the complex interplay between science, religion, and society in the modern era.

This book fills a significant gap in the literature surrounding modern attitudes to religion and science, making it a must-read for scholars engaged in the fields of Religious Studies, the History of Religion, and Science and Religion. It provides a comprehensive and nuanced understanding of the historical and intellectual context in which these debates have unfolded, offering valuable insights into the complex interplay between faith, science, and society.

Dimension: 234 x 156 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780367674410