Incarnation and Physics: Natural Science in the Theology of Thomas F. Torrance

The relationship between natural sciences and religion has fequently been hostile and confrontational While many have sought to bridge the divide between the two disciplines, few have been successful. Thomas F. Torrance, Professor Emeritus of Chirstian Dogmatics at the University of Edinburgh, is pehaps the most prominent theolgian to have taken seriously the challenge posed to theology by the natural sciences. He has constructed a thoroughly Christian model for interaction between the two disciplines, a model which does not begin from pure philosophical presuppositions but from the theological heart of the Christian Church: the incarnation. Incarnation and Physics offers a clear and thorough overview of Torrance's insights into the theology - science dialogue. At the same time, it presents a critical study of Torrences Christological model, evaluating its significance for the relationship betwwen theology and science. Tapio Luoma examines Torrance's claim that modern empirical sciences are actually an outcome of the Christian theology of the early church. He shows how Torrence's Reformed concern for the doctrine of election has affected his view of realism. Luoma goes on to eamine Torrenc's interpertation of great scientists such as Newton and Einstein and dissects the role religion has played in their thought. Finally, he assasses Torrance's call for contemporary theology to return to its scientific roots and folow the example set by natural sciences. Throughout, luoma acts as a judicious guide to the thought of one of the most important contemporary theologians.