Confrontations Between Theists and Atheists

L Kowalski

doi:10.53763/fag.2014.11.96

Abstract

The commentary focuses on Gould’s idea of NOMA, according to which science and theology are two Non-Overlapping Magisteria. The term “non-overlapping” is appropriate because methods of validation of claims in these two fields of intellectual investigation. are different, not because the areas of investigation should be different. The author was once an active atheist, in Poland; now he is a practicing theist, belonging to a Reform synagogue in the United States. He thinks that Gould’s idea, if universally accepted, could help to reduce intensity of dangerous doctrinal confrontations between theists and atheists, and between different groups of theists. The commentary ends by a quote from a statement about desirable collaboration between religion and science, made by Pope John Paul.

Highlights

The first step toward mutual respect between theists and atheists should be the recognition that most people on earth are surrounded by material and spiritual realities
Will the acceptance of independence of science and theology be possible without significant changes in traditional interpretations of sa
The famous theologian-reformer, Baruch Spinoza, excommunicated as a heretic by his contemporaries, wrote: “By God’s direction I mean the fixed and unchanging order of Nature [...] so it is the same thing whether we say that all things happen according to Nature’s laws or that they are regulated by God’s decree and direction”

Summary

Introduction

The first step toward mutual respect between theists and atheists should be the recognition that most people on earth are surrounded by material and spiritual realities. Scientific theories are accepted or rejected solely on the basis of laboratory work and observations of our material world. Traditional theological theories, on the other hand, are accepted or rejected solely on the basis of intuition and logical conformity with holy books.

Results

Conclusion