The Physics and Philosophy of the Bible PDF
Preview The Physics and Philosophy of the Bible
Reviews “Because medical doctors or physicians have made vital contributions to philosophy, from Maimonides, Avicenna, and John Locke in the history of philosophy to Raymond Tallis today, it should not surprise us to see Dr. James Frederick Ivey’s superb contribution to our philosophical reflection on the bearing of current physics on Biblical faith. Perhaps it takes a person well trained in the application of science in medicine to see the ways in which the application of science, especially modern physics, quantum mechanics, and relativity have important applications in our thinking about God, the Bible, and Judeo-Christianity. The terrain is not unexplored by philosophers, theologians, and popular writers, but it is rare to see the kind of engaging clarity, breadth, and conscientious, mature reflection to be found in Ivey’s book.” —Charles Taliaferro, Chair, Department of Philosophy, St. Olaf College; Editor-in-Chief, Open Theology “In his book, The Physics and Philosophy of the Bible, Dr. James Ivey, although a physician, has done his homework in both the physical sciences and philosophy. He argues that modern physics, relativity and quantum mechanics strongly infer the existence of God. He concludes that the historical man, Jesus of Nazareth, was not a lunatic or a liar, but truly God. He submits that Biblical Christianity has all the truth in it and is radically different from all other faiths. His book is a must read for those who have problems with science versus theology.” —David A. Kaufmann, Ph.D., Past Secretary, Creation Research Society and Professor of Applied Physiology (Retired), University of Florida, Gainesville, Fl. The Physics and Philosophy of the Bible How Relativity, Quantum Physics, Plato, and History Meld with Biblical Theology to Show That God Exists and That We Can Live Forever Copyright © 2013 James Frederick Ivey, MD. All rights reserved. No part of this book may be used or reproduced by any means, graphic, electronic, or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, taping or by any information storage retrieval system without the written permission of the publisher except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical articles and reviews. ISBN: 978-1-4917-1099-9 (sc) ISBN: 978-1-4917-1100-2 (e) Library of Congress Control Number: 2013920402 Printed in the United States of America. All biblical quotations are from the New American Standard Bible unless otherwise designated. To my deceased wife, Nancy Joan Martin Ivey, as pure as Joan of Arc. In 2004, she went to be with Jesus, to be the face of His bride. She is ever loved by me and our children and many grandchildren. To my wife, Pamela Jean Birdsall Ivey, giver of unconditional love and genius of the give-give marriage. She is ever loved by me and her children and grandchildren. I thank them, as I thank God for them. CONTENTS Foreword Preface My Christian Experience, Method, and Intent Personal Promises to You The Lord I Tout My Own Belief and Commitment Acknowledgments Introduction Overture: Plan and Purpose— Things Are Not as They Seem Orientation: Structure PART 1 Science, Religion, and Religions Chapter 1 The Shortcomings, the Dilemmas, and the Charge of Christians Jesus' Commands and Our Problems Count the Cost A No-Nonsense God of Character Real Christians and True Christianity The Christian’s Greatest Dilemma Chapter 2 Other Faiths The Importance of Comparison Judaism Comparison with Christianity History of the Jews God’s Chosen Islam and Mormonism Hinduism and Buddhism Pseudosimilarities between Buddhism and Christianity Neoplatonism Less Frequently Discussed Subjects of Comparative Religion Chapter 3 Secular Considerations Chapter 4 Science and the World Beyond: A Dynamic Relationship The Special Theory of Relativity Relativity and Space-Time Relativity and Matter Relativity and Force More about Matter as Mathematics Mathematics and Greater Truth Yet Quantum Physics Mind over Matter The Ultimate Error of Materialism The General Theory of Relativity Reiteration and Other Thoughts Chapter 5 Science Stymied by the Prime Mover No Causation without a Prime Mover Cosmological Considerations Good Fruit Born of the Objective Scientist Where Else Science Belongs A Procession of Great Ideas from Science More on the “Job Description” of Science Conclusion Chapter 6 Knowledge and Belief Science as Beliefs about Nature Usefulness of the Nonproven The Credibility of Theology as a Source of Information Perspective Faith: Valid, Powerful, and Multifaceted Faith as a Sense Faith as Remembrance of One’s First Love Faith as Remembrance of One’s Origin Ways to Faith Why God Emphasizes Faith Knowledge vs. Belief Chapter 7 More Lack of Basic Knowledge No Fundamental Understanding through Science Fundamental Understanding through Faith Mathematics as Evidence of the Existence of Deity Our Lack of Understanding Demonstrated in Specific Fields Physics Chemistry Biology A Challenge Review PART 2 The Origin of God, Eternal Life, and the New Christian Apologetics: Relativity, Quantum Physics, and Philosophy Bolster Christian Faith Chapter 8 The Truth Is Inevitable: How God Can Exist and Why He Must The Abundant Life Famous Proofs of the Existence of God The Bottom Turtle The Function of the Truth Absolute vs. Relative Truth Relative Truth Natural Law The Truth Is Irrepressible The Nihilism of Relative Truth Conclusions Concerning the Truth Chapter 9 The Physics and Philosophy of Eternal Life: Einstein Showed That We Live Forever Science, Theology, and Apologetics
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