According to Pew Research studies, most Americans think religion always conflicts with science. The popular writings of scientists such as Richard Dawkins, Sam Harris, and Lawrence Krauss reinforce this idea, as do books by writers such as Christopher Hitchens and Daniel Dennet. Furthermore, the two versions of the enormously popular television show Cosmos, hosted by Carl Sagan in 1980 and Neil deGrasse Tyson in 2014, present a history of science in which religion has always acted as a barrier to scientific development, with scientists frequently persecuted or even executed for their work.
"Gods, Philosophers, and Scientists" shows that just because an idea is popular, doesn't mean it's correct. By examining the historical record from the time of the Ancient Greeks to today, readers are able to see that religion and science have been allies more often than enemies, and when conflict does occur it's too simplistic to view it as coming from something inherent to either science or religion. Instead, as with the case of Greek philosophy or the reception of Darwinian evolution, complex social forces are to blame, and in cases such as the infamous one of Galileo's conflict with the Catholic Church, clashing personalities are at least as important as those social forces. Anyone interested in the history of science or religion, who is curious about how science works, or who wants to have a better understanding of the world should read this book.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Scott E. Hendrix earned his Ph.D. from the University of Tennessee in 2007, specializing in the history of science. Scott started teaching at Carroll University in Waukesha, Wisconsin, upon graduation, and over the years has taught classes about world, medieval, and early modern history, as well as the history and philosophy of science. Scott has maintained an active research agenda, publishing numerous books, articles, book chapters, and even an encyclopedia on The World's Greatest Religious Leaders. Growing up, Scott never cared much for history, until in college he learned that history is about understanding why the world is at it is, rather than just the memorization and regurgitation of information. This has led to a life-long passion to communicate that to his students and readers.
In addition to his academic interests, Scott enjoys travel, sometimes with students, sometimes alone, but the best is when he can travel with his wife Kelly. Together they have visited more than a dozen countries in Europe, Central America, and Africa. Scott is also a long-time martial artist, and in his younger and fitter days-way back in 1997-was the Professional Kickboxing Circuit heavyweight champion of Alabama, the state where he was born. These days he lives a quieter life, teaching at Carroll University where he is an Associate Professor of History, in Waukesha, Wisconsin, where he lives with his wife and a small menagerie of dogs and cats.
