Reading the Mind of God - Interpretation in Science and Theology

Reading the Mind of God: Interpretation in Science and Theology
By Philip Duce
Apollos. 159 pages. £14.99
ISBN 0 85111 462 8

Many books have been published on the supposed conflict between science and Scripture. At one extreme is the view that they must conflict because science is agnostic (if not atheistic!).

For evangelicals though, the belief is that both, correctly understood, are true and ultimately must agree. Unfortunately, few of those involved in the debate understand even one position properly. Philip Duce has re-searched in both fields and is well-qualified to tackle the subject.

This book is not a trivial contribution to the debate and should be read by all seriously involved in the issue. It is a challenge to all combatants and should form a good platform for them to seek a peace accord. The author does not give a resolution to the conflict between, for example, creation and evolution, though he does highlight the philosophical issues.

The book is in three parts. The first section surveys the philosophies of science and modern approaches to hermeneutics. In part two, the various approaches to the relationship between the two areas of knowledge are reviewed with a view to identifying an adequate model.

Finally, the author looks at specific approaches to the application of scientific methodology to theology. Scientists perhaps tend to over-value the methodology and in-fallibility of science; evangelical non-scientists perhaps tend to a naive approach to biblical inerrancy. Phil Duce attempts to help each recognise the potential weakness of their position. The popular view by non-scientists is probably that there is a single scientific world-view and a single evangelical theological position. This book may be a rude awakening to such. No one position in scientific philosophy or hermeneutics can be said to be right. I was particularly pleased to see Phil mention (p.133) that the mind and its processes are affected by our sinfulness. So, it is possible to have a naive view of the ability of these searchers for truth to find it.

Chapter two contains a review of some of the key philosophical positions in science, outlining their postulates and weaknesses. Many Christian non-scientists quote Popper as if his is the true philosophy of science, even a Christian one! Such an idea, that there is a preferred position for the Christian, is misguided. It indicates that the person does not even understand the issues.

In the next chapter, the same process is applied to hermeneutics. Perhaps the startling aspect to the uninitiated is to see how far secular thinking has influenced this subject. Packer's comments (p.38) bring something of a relief!

The author moves on in chapter four to the main theme of his thesis: 'relating the readings' of the two books of God, science and Scripture. The views are examined under the heads of conflict, independence, dialogue and integration. A useful table (p.60) summarises the different approaches.

In chapter five, Dr. Duce moves to produce a suitable evangelical model which remains true to the two approaches to the world of knowledge. He draws substantially on the work of J.P. Moreland for this. Of particular value to evangelicals is the critical review of the complementarity model of the late Prof. D.M. Mackay (p.63-69). Van Til has shown that the danger with complementarity is that it leads to compartmentalism (p.65). Perhaps the best summary of this approach is that it is useful (indeed, helpful) but inadequate.

Chapter six deals with the areas of conflict. The issue of the miraculous is touched on (p.80). Inevitably, miracles are not subject to scientific investigation, but they leave a physical or historical signature which can be investigated. The ongoing debate on infallibility and inerrancy is also tackled in some depth.

So it becomes possible to postulate an approach to dealing with the conflict (p.85f) adapted from the work of Paul Helm. Duce then seeks to apply the principles to two specimen areas of conflict: Jericho (p.89) and origins (p.90-99).

The reader may well feel that the book has reached its climax at this point. That is indeed the case, but the author adds another two chapters to amplify some of the issues raised in chapter four before he summarises the work in chapter nine.

This is an invaluable work and deserves a high profile.

Reading the Mind of God - Interpretation in Science and Theology

JHJP

John Peet

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