An introduction to some ground-breaking Quaker scientists and an exploration of some of the resonances between science and Quakerism
An introduction to some ground-breaking Quaker scientists and an exploration of some of the resonances between science and Quakerism
Philosophy & social aspects, Quaker, Religion & science
Quakerism has a rich tradition of engaging science and has produced many notable amateur and eminent professional scientists in fields ranging from psychology to physics. Quakers and Science discusses some of the historical reasons why Quakers embraced science, introducing ten 20th-century Quaker scientists to explore the intriguing resonances between science and Quakerism. The distinctive Quaker emphasis on deeds not creeds inspires Quaker scientists to be particularly interested in the ethical questions raised by science. And the emphasis on continual revelation implies that Quakers have welcomed the opportunity to reformulate their religious beliefs in the face of new scientific discoveries.
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This book makes a strikingly original contribution to the science-and-religion debate. Through a series of bite-sized biographies Helen Holt explores the distinctive approaches that Quaker scientists have brought to their scientific work. Emphasising shared commitments to social justice, pacifism, experience and the Inner Light, Holt paints compelling and human portraits of both Quakerism and science. This book stands out as an important milestone in studies of science and religious faith. ~ Mark Harris, Professor of Natural Science and Theology, University of Edinburgh
My formal scientific education ended with O-levels in 1955 but I have been aware for most of the 40-plus years that I have been a Friend that individual Quakers have over the years made significant contributions to the advancement of scientific knowledge and increasingly aware of the fact that the Quaker approach to religion is very much in tune with the scientific method. How good it is, then, to have this spelled out for me in this little volume, which I found to me very readable, informative and, beyond that, inspiring. I hope that it will be widely read and not only by Quakers. It should have a prominent place in Quaker outreach work and, of course, in every meeting house library. ~ Phil Lucas, ex-clerk of Quaker Life Central Committee
A highly insightful account of 10 prominent Quaker scientists who have exhibited a wide range of diverse and creative reactions to the issues of science and religion, as well as how to be a socially responsible human being. Together they present Quakerism as an attractive and open-minded force for good in the world. ~ Eric Priest, FRS, St Andrews University
This clear and helpful book explains how Quakers have brought together science and religion, not without some struggles but often joyfully and productively. Giving short biographies of a range of Quaker scientists from the early twentieth century up to today, Helen Holt shows how scientific work shaped their religious understandings and how their religious commitments, especially to pacifism, affected their careers. ~ Rhiannon Grant, author of Hearing the Light and other Quaker Quicks books
