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9 780199 641543
ISBN 978-0-19-964154-3
ALSO PUBLI SHED BY
OXFORD UNI VERSI TY PRESS
The Oxford Handbook of Religion and Science
Edited by Philip Clayton and Zachary Simpson
also available in paperback
Turning Images in Philosophy, Science,
and Religion
ANew Book of Nature
Edited by Charles Taliaferro and Jil Evans
AWARDED
THE 2011 JOHN TEMPLETON FOUNDATION
AWARD FOR THEOLOGICAL PROMISE
Jonathan B. Edelmann achieves what many talk about and fewaccomplish - the
opening of an Indian and Hindu perspective on a topic of contemporary academic
relevance, shedding newlight on the old debates about Darwin and religion.
Francis X. Clooney, SJ, Harvard University
Edelmanns calm, careful, and thoughtful work opens up and nuances the debate,
philosophically, theologically, and culturally... it ofers a proper cross-cultural and
constructive theological account of areas of natural science.
Chakravarthi Ramprasad, University of Lancaster, UK
A fascinating and rewarding exploration of contrasting cultures that, throughout the
book, meet in suggestive and surprising ways.
John Hedley Brooke, Oxford University
Western intellectual history has benefted f roma rich and sophisticated conversation between
theology and science, leaving us with centuries of scientifc and theological literature on
the subjects. Yet the Hindu traditions are virtually unused in responding to the challenging
questions raised in the science and religion dialogue. This book replies to the sciences by
drawing f roman important Hindu text called the Bhgavata Purna.
One of the greatest challenges facing Hindu traditions since the nineteenth century is their
own self-understanding in light of science and technology. Hoping to establish the conceptual
foundations for a mutually benefcial dialogue between the Hindu Theologies and the
Western Sciences, Jonathan B. Edelmann faces that challenge directly. Since so much of the
Hinduism-science discussion is tangled in misunderstanding. Edelmann clarifes fundamental
issues in each tradition, for example the defnition of consciousness, the means of generating
knowledge, and the goal of knowledge itself. He argues that although Darwinian theory
seems to entail a materialistic viewof consciousness, the Bhgavatas views provide an
alternative f ramework for thinking about Darwinian theory. Furthermore, Edelmann argues
that objectivity is a hallmark of modern science, and this is an intellectual virtue shared by
the Bhgavata. Lastly, he critiques the viewthat science and religion have diferent objects
of knowledge (that is, the natural world vs. God), arguing that many Western scientists and
theologians have found science helpful in thinking about God in ways similar to that of
the Bhgavata.
Jacket illustration: iStockphoto
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O X F O R D T H E O L O G I C A L M O N O G R A P H S
Hindu Theology
and Biology
The Bhgavata Purna and Contemporary Theory
Jonathan B. Edelmann is Assistant Professor of
Religion at Mississippi State University.
OXFORD THEOLOGICAL MONOGRAPHS
TITLES IN THE SERIES INCLUDE:
Out-of-Body and Near-Death Experiences
Brain-State Phenomena or Glimpses of Immortality?
Michael N. Marsh (2010)
Evangelical Free Will
Phillip Melanchthons Doctrinal Journey on the
Origins of Free Will
Gregory Graybill (2010)
Isaiah After Exile
The Author of Third Isaiah as Reader and
Redactor of the Book
Jacob Stromberg (2010)
Contrasting Images of the Book of Revelation
in Late Medieval and Early Modern Art
ACase Study in Visual Exegesis
Natasha F. H. OHear (2010)
Kierkegaards Critique of
Christian Nationalism
Stephen Backhouse (2011)
Gender Issues in Ancient and Reformation
Translations of Genesis 14
Helen Kraus (2011)
Blakes Jerusalemas Visionary Theatre
Entering the Divine Body
Suzanne Sklar (2011)
Paul Tillich and the Possibility of Revelation
through Film
Jonathan Brant (2011)
Jonathan B. Edelmann
.
.