• Reveals how the debate between theological and scientific argument has long been fuelled by complex cultural and political contexts
• Explains the philosophical concepts that shape current debates and how they developed through history
• Examines landmark episodes in science and religion history, including the Galileo affair, the Scopes “Monkey” trial, and the Covid-19 pandemic
• Discusses recent developments in global affairs and public policy and how they are affected by science and religion
• Includes perspectives from non-Christian religions, including the influence of colonialism and postcolonialism on the global spread of science-religion discourse

New to this Edition:

• New edition includes detailed discussion of contemporary themes and issues, such as science denial, climate change and environmentalism, and religion and public health
• Provides a broader worldwide perspective, giving greater attention to science-religion issues outside of Europe and North America
• Includes new material on the influences of missionary and colonialist history on science and religion discourses today

   
Debates about science and religion are rarely out of the news. Whether it concerns what's being taught in schools, clashes between religious values and medical recommendations, or questions about how to address our changing global environment, emotions often run high and answers seem intractable. Yet there is much more to science and religion than the clash of extremes.

As Thomas Dixon and Adam Shapiro show in this balanced and thought-provoking Very Short Introduction, a whole range of views, subtle arguments, and fascinating perspectives can be found on this complex and centuries-old subject. They explore the key philosophical questions that underlie the debate, but also highlight the social, political, and ethical contexts that have made the tensions between science and religion such a fraught and interesting topic in the modern world. In this new edition, Dixon and Shapiro connect historical concepts such as evolution, the heliocentric solar system, and the problem of evil to present-day issues including the politicization of science; debates over mind, body, and identity; and the moral necessity of addressing environmental change. Ranging from medical missionaries to congregations adopting new technologies during a pandemic, from Galileo's astronomy to building the Thirty Meter Telescope, they explore how some of the most complex social issues of our day are rooted in discussions of science and religion.