Catholic Review of: Chance or Purpose?

Christoph Cardinal Schonborn is a man one of my priest-friends--the oldest in the Central FL diocese--believes will be the next Pope. He is aritculate, orthodox, outspoken, and yet is immensely pastoral and gifted as a shepherd. It's rare to find brilliant tehology and gentle paternal care in one man. But Schonborn seems to be gifted with both sides of the coin. In this book, he exhibits a sharp understanding of the relationship between faith and reason today. Many in our culture see religion and science as opponents. Schonborn, however, notes that science and religion are not at odds with each other, but are in completely different spheres.The problems arise when scientists speak as theologians and theologians speak as scientists. Neither group should speak or postulate outside of their area of expertise.

He also postulates that there are no natural contradictions between the two. In fact, there can't be. They both are different streams in the river of Truth. Religion points out the 'why' behind our existence and science points out the 'how'. Schonborn embraces the idea of evolution--contrary to many Fundamentalist Christians--but comes down hard on the worldview of 'evolutionism', which itself seeks to replace the religious worldview (along with God). Overall, the book is fairly readable in most parts for the non-academic, but there are some heady sections with handfuls of science and philosophy sprinkled throughout. Schonborn seams to lose some steam in the last couple of chapters, but in all it is a great presentation on this relationship between faith and reason.
 
If you are a Christian who is struggling with reconciling your faith with your intellect, this book will be well received.

You can purchase this title here.