Evolutions and Religious Traditions in the Long Nineteenth Century: National and Transnational Histories

This book explores the relationship between science and religion in the long nineteenth century, focusing on underexamined regions and major religions. Contributors draw attention to European scientists other than Darwin who played a significant role in the dissemination of evolutionary ideas, and highlight central figures in national contexts who appropriated scientific theories for their own purposes.

Format: Hardback
Length: 400 pages
Publication date: 28 January 2024
Publisher: University of Pittsburgh Press

Before the advent of radio, the relationship between science and religion was a subject of much discussion and debate in periodicals, journals, and books. This relationship had a profound impact on the worldviews of intellectuals and the broader public, shaping how we understand the natural world and our place in it. In this comprehensive volume, historians of science and religion explore this complex relationship through diverse mediums, geographic contexts, and religious traditions.

Spanning across Europe and North America, the chapters in this volume emphasize underexamined regions such as New Zealand, Australia, India, Argentina, Sri Lanka, Egypt, and the Ottoman Empire. They also delve into major religions of the world, including Christianity, Hinduism, Buddhism, Confucianism, and Islam, as well as atheism, monism, and agnosticism. Contributors draw attention to European scientists other than Darwin who played a significant role in the dissemination of evolutionary ideas. For some, these ideas provided a key to understanding every aspect of human culture, including religion.

The volume also highlights central figures in national contexts, many of whom were not scientists, who appropriated scientific theories for their own purposes. Taking a local, national, transnational, and global approach to the study of science and religion, this volume begins to capture the complexity of cultural engagement with evolution and religion in the long nineteenth century.

The relationship between science and religion has been a subject of fascination and debate for centuries. While some view the two as complementary, others see them as conflicting forces. In this volume, historians of science and religion explore the various ways in which these two disciplines have interacted and influenced each other throughout history.

One of the key themes that emerge is the role of religion in shaping scientific inquiry. Throughout the Middle Ages, religious beliefs and doctrines influenced the development of scientific theories and methods. For example, the belief in the existence of a divine creator influenced the development of the Big Bang Theory, which posits that the universe began as a single point of infinite heat and energy. Similarly, the belief in the existence of angels and demons influenced the development of the theory of evolution, which posits that species change over time through natural selection.

However, the relationship between science and religion has not always been harmonious. In the past, religious beliefs and doctrines have been used to justify scientific atrocities, such as the Inquisition and the persecution of scientists who challenged religious dogma. In more recent times, there has been a growing tension between religious fundamentalism and scientific progress. Some religious leaders have argued that scientific discoveries such as the theory of evolution and the discovery of the Higgs boson undermine their beliefs and threaten the moral fabric of society.

Despite these challenges, there have also been examples of collaboration and mutual respect between science and religion. For example, many scientists and religious scholars have worked together to address issues such as climate change and the search for meaning in life. In addition, some religious traditions have embraced scientific discoveries and have incorporated them into their teachings and practices.

Another theme that emerges from this volume is the impact of globalization on the relationship between science and religion. As the world becomes increasingly interconnected, the boundaries between different cultures and religions become blurred. This has led to increased interfaith dialogue and collaboration, as well as the emergence of new religious movements that are influenced by scientific discoveries.

In conclusion, the relationship between science and religion is a complex and multifaceted issue that has been shaped by a wide range of historical, cultural, and social factors. This volume provides a comprehensive exploration of this relationship, highlighting the ways in which science and religion have interacted and influenced each other throughout history. It also raises important questions about the future of this relationship, particularly in the context of globalization and the growing tension between religious fundamentalism and scientific progress.

Dimension: 229 x 152 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780822947929