Modern Physics and Ancient Faith

Modern Physics and Ancient Faith (2003) is a book by Stephen M. Barr, a physicist from the University of Delaware^[1] and frequent contributor to First Things. This book is "an extended attack" on what Barr calls scientific materialism. National Review says of the book: "[A] lucid and engaging survey of modern physics and its relation to religious belief. . . . Barr has produced a stunning tour de force . . . [a] scientific and philosophical breakthrough."^[2]

The book is divided into five parts spanning 26 chapters. The main religious and philosophical themes include determinism, mind as a machine, anthropic principle, and the big bang theory.^[3] Its main thesis is that science and religion only appear in conflict because many have "conflated science with philosophical materialism."

• James F. Salmon. Theological Studies March 2005 v66 i1 p207(3)
• Stephen P. Weldon. Isis, Dec 2004 v95 i4 p742(2)
• Alan G. Padgett. Theology Today July 2004 v61 i2 p229(4)
• Kirk Wegter-McNelly. The Journal of Religion April 2004 v84 i2 p302(2)
• Robin Collins, First Things: A Monthly Journal of Religion and Public Life Nov 2003 i137 p54(4)
• Ray Olson, Booklist, Oct 1, 2003 v100 i3 p285(1)
• Choice: Current Reviews for Academic Libraries, Oct 2003 v41 i2 p377
• The Christian Century Sept 6, 2003 v120 i18 p39(2)
• Catholic Library World Sept 2003 v74 p37
• Human Events June 2, 2003 v59 p16
• "Signposts of the Divine", Joshua Gilder, National Review April 21, 2003 v55 i7 pNA
• Augustine J. Curley, Library Journal, March 15, 2003 v128 i5 p88(1)
• Bryce Christensen. Booklist Feb 1, 2003 v99 i11 p959(1)

• Issues in Science and Religion

• Barr's listing on University of Delaware's website
• Barr's Webpage on University of Delaware's website