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'''''Divine Action and Modern Science''''' (2002) is a book written by Nicholas Saunders who at the time of writing worked at the Ian Ramsey Centre in  [[Oxford University]].  The book was published by [[Cambridge University Press]]. Book investigates leading ideas on how [[Divine Providence|Divine Agency]] may act in a world defined by modern scientific knowledge (e.g., the five volumes of ''[[Scientific Perspectives on Divine Action]]'').  Saunders calls the interface between a scientifically defined world and Divine Agency a causal joint (Austin Farrer's term), which is the mechanism whereby [[God]] can act in the world.  The book distinguishes between two levels of Divine Agency--SDA (Special Divine Action) and GDA (General Divine Action).  Three of the leading candidates for such ''a causal joint'' are the quantum indeterminacy-based ideas of [[William G. Pollard]], the [[chaos theory]]-based ideas of John Polkinghorne, and the whole part-based ideas of Arthur Peacocke. <ref> Larry Chapp ([[DeSales University]]), ''[[Modern Theology]],'' October 2004, volume 20, issue 4, p.613-615 </ref>  

'''''Divine Action and Modern Science''''' (2002) is a book written by Nicholas Saunders who at the time of writing worked at the Ian Ramsey Centre in  [[Oxford University]].  The book was published by [[Cambridge University Press]]. Book investigates leading ideas on how [[Divine Providence|Divine Agency]] may act in a world defined by modern scientific knowledge (e.g., the five volumes of ''[[Scientific Perspectives on Divine Action]]'').  Saunders calls the interface between a scientifically defined world and Divine Agency a causal joint (Austin Farrer's term), which is the mechanism whereby [[God]] can act in the world.  The book distinguishes between two levels of Divine Agency—SDA (Special Divine Action) and GDA (General Divine Action).  Three of the leading candidates for such ''a causal joint'' are the quantum indeterminacy-based ideas of [[William G. Pollard]], the [[chaos theory]]-based ideas of John Polkinghorne, and the whole part-based ideas of Arthur Peacocke.<ref>Larry Chapp ([[DeSales University]]), ''[[Modern Theology]],'' October 2004, volume 20, issue 4, p.613-615</ref>  

== Contents ==

== Contents ==

The book has a Preface, 9 Chapters, a Reference section, and an Index. <ref> ''[http://books.google.com/books?id=xLJL_MBmUkQC Divine Action and Modern Science]'', Nicholas Saunders, 2002, Cambridge University Press, ISBN 0-5215-2416-4 </ref>

The book has a Preface, 9 Chapters, a Reference section, and an Index.<ref>''[http://books.google.com/books?id=xLJL_MBmUkQC Divine Action and Modern Science]'', Nicholas Saunders, 2002, Cambridge University Press, ISBN 0-5215-2416-4</ref>

== Reviews ==

== Reviews ==

* Edward L. Schoen. ''International Journal for Philosophy of Religion'', February 2005, volume 57, issue 1, pages 67-70.

* Edward L. Schoen. ''International Journal for Philosophy of Religion'', February 2005, volume 57, issue 1, pages 67–70.

* Michael Epperson. ''The Journal of Religion'', October 2004 volume 84, issue 4 p648(2).

* Michael Epperson. ''The Journal of Religion'', October 2004 volume 84, issue 4 p648(2).

* Larry Chapp (DeSales University), ''Modern Theology'', October 2004, volume 20, issue 4, p.613-615

* Larry Chapp (DeSales University), ''Modern Theology'', October 2004, volume 20, issue 4, p.&nbsp;613-615

* David Atkinson, Words and works, ''Times Literary Supplement'', January 9, 2004 issue 5258 p27(1).

* David Atkinson, Words and works, ''Times Literary Supplement'', January 9, 2004 issue 5258 p27(1).

<blockquote>

<blockquote>

"Given the background of the author, there are more technical (even mathematical) discussions here than the reader might expect from a book with this title. Some technical physicists may cringe at the incorporation of quantum mechanical wave functions and Von Neumann's projection operator into theology and vice versa. But this approach may be necessary to keep certain discussions from going overboard in science-religion debates. Saunders' arguments are persuasive, and few will quarrel with his conclusion that 'we are still far from a satisfactory account of how God might act in a manner that is consonant with modern science.' '''Summing up:''' Recommended. Upper-division undergraduates through faculty."

"Given the background of the author, there are more technical (even mathematical) discussions here than the reader might expect from a book with this title. Some technical physicists may cringe at the incorporation of quantum mechanical wave functions and Von Neumann's projection operator into theology and vice versa. But this approach may be necessary to keep certain discussions from going overboard in science-religion debates. Saunders' arguments are persuasive, and few will quarrel with his conclusion that 'we are still far from a satisfactory account of how God might act in a manner that is consonant with modern science.' '''Summing up:''' Recommended. Upper-division undergraduates through faculty."

</blockquote>

</blockquote>

* Russell Stannard, ''Theology'', July-August 2003, volume 106, Issue 832, pages 294-295.

* Russell Stannard, ''Theology'', July–August 2003, volume 106, Issue 832, pages 294-295.

== References ==

== References ==

[[Scientific Perspectives on Divine Action]]

[[Scientific Perspectives on Divine Action]]

[[Category: Books]]

[[Category:Books]]