Science and wisdom

by Jürgen Moltmann

Moltmann's new book offers a careful theological reading of our contemporary scientific worldview and directly addresses the related cultural dilemmas. Moltmann begins by analyzing the identification of science with the modern spirit and the religious assumptions that inform Western science. He affirms the positive side of scientific advancement, sees the present crisis clearly, and looks for wisdom that can guide our scientific and religious future. The heart of Moltmann's work is a theological understanding and assessment of contemporary cosmology. Core chapters look at creation as an open system, the self-emptying or kenosis of God in the history of the universe, eschatology, the problems of time and eternity, and the idea of God and space. In the final chapters he addresses specific questions in bioethics, historical conflicts between religion and science, and cosmology in a world religious context.