1. Dialogue Between a Specific Religion and Science
Jewish scholars such as Norbert Samuelson and Daniel Mattand scientists such as Joel Primack (cosmology),
Carl Feit (biology) and Ken Kendler (genetics and psychiatry), have begun a serious
exploration of Judaism, both in its philosophical and its mystical forms, in
relation to contemporary cosmology, evolutionary biology, and psychology.
Samuelsons work brings together issues of cosmology and cosmogony (the
structure and origins of the universe) from Hebrew scriptures, Greek
philosophy, Jewish philosophy and contemporary physics, producing new insights
on the relation between God and creation from a liberal Jewish perspective.
Matt and Primack, for example, have developed a metaphorical connection between
Andrej Lindes quantum cosmology, with its finite domains in superspace, and
the kabbalistic doctrine of tsimtsum. Here the infinite God withdraws in
order to yield room for finite creation, as suggested by Lindes views.Muslin dialogue with science is developing through religious scholars such as
S. H. Nasr and
scientists such as Muzzafar Iqbal (chemistry),Mehdi Golshani (physics),and Bruno Guiderdoni (astronomy).Buddhist dialogue with science now includes religious scholars such as Rusei
Tanaka in Japan and Mark Unno and Jensine Andresenin the US. A Special Issue of The Pacific World: Journal of The Institute of
Buddhist Studies featured articles on Buddhism, medicine, science and
technology. Native
American dialogue with science is being pursued by biologist Dawn Adams and
colleagues at Tapestry, Texas and through the American Indian Science and
Engineering Association.
Contributed by: Dr. Robert Russell
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