Document Type
Book Review
Publication Date
2000
Publication Information
80 J. Relig. 702 (2000) (book review).
Abstract
For a Whiteheadian such as me, Steven Goldberg's Seduced by Science: How American Religion Has Lost Its Way starts with some correct and some incorrect premises and ends, not surprisingly, with some apposite and some inapposite conclusions. The burden of Goldberg's book is to argue that American religion, rather than making the distinctive contribution to American political and social life that it can and should, has instead been derailed into addressing questions on the terms of and with the language or methods of modern science. His argument proceeds in three parts. First, he describes three circumstances in which religion has been, or is in danger of being, co-opted by scientific materialism: gene patenting, creation science, and therapeutic prayer by or for patients. Second, the book describes the legal (especially constitutional) protections for religious belief, practices, and participation in political and social processes. The thrust of this part of the book is to demonstrate that religion enjoys considerable protection from state interference and considerable ability to participate in political and social processes; at the same time, Goldberg sounds a cautionary note that religion should be wary about the diluting effect of government aid for religious institutions (as, e.g., with school vouchers). Third, Goldberg seeks to bring the two prior parts together by arguing that religion, which he defines (controversially) to be beliefs and practices that focus on "humility, values, and faith" (p. 118), can in fact contribute positively to contemporary society by speaking on scientific and public issues from a traditional values perspective.
Recommended Citation
Jay Tidmarsh,
Seduced by Science: How American Religion Has Lost Its Way,
80 J. Relig. 702 (2000) (book review)..
Available at:
https://scholarship.law.nd.edu/law_faculty_scholarship/1687