The logic of war always undermines the just war doctrine, because winning by whatever means necessary becomes the precondition for survival in armed conflicts. The history of warfare in the 20th century points ever more to the harsh logic of war.
At a time of heightened alienation and conflict between Islam and the West, there is a need to promote a “dialogue of civilizations” as called for by President Khatami. The dialogue between science and religion provides an important point of departure.
Presently, way too much of the science and religion discussion could be summed up in the “X-Files” slogan, “Trust No One.” I’d much prefer to move ahead in accordance with the other slogan: “The Truth Is Out There.”
We have only begun to discuss this idea with religious education and secular school teachers, but all have been excited by the prospect of turning this into student projects—for helping children learn and experience history, science, and religion.
A review of “The Work of Love: Creation as Kenosis,” edited by John Polkinghorne.
Might it be our time in history to begin honoring the birth of the elements?
Astrophysicist J. Richard Gott has predicted the longevity of everything from the Berlin Wall to Broadway musicals. I asked Gott to apply his mathematical formula to religion—both the great world religions, and some newer offshoots.
We must learn how to become cooperative problem solvers to avoid the ecological and social self-destruction toward which we human beings are rushing headlong in a confounding variety of ways.