Routledge The War of the Jesus and Darwin Fishes: Religion and Science in the Postmodern World

This volume's title stems from an observable and seemingly amusing phenomenon--the placement of fish symbols on the rear of automobiles. There are two kinds: one a fish outline with a cross, exhibited by Christians; the other a fish outline filled with the word "evolution," with little legs attached underneath. These symbols manifest the cultural war between religion and science, a clash that draws from nineteenth-century conflicts over evolution roots in the Enlightenment. Today's cultural environment is a result of the internationalization of communication, labor, money, and commerce. This global culture emphasizes tolerance and acceptance of all peoples and traditions, but it also demands a moral and intellectual relativism that rejects "master narratives," including religious tradition as well as scientific theory. In some respects, the postmodern environment is caused by science itself, by the development of postmodern science, its nineteenth-century adversarial stance toward religion now somewhat softened. Among new developments are the historical understanding of science, renewed appreciation of the troubled careers of scientists, and "God" talk among physicists and psychologists. Both science and religion are being overwhelmed by new levels of technology, which is becoming the premier element of contemporary culture. The conflict between science and religion is being resolved in the form of a dynamic. Religion and science are both ways of giving moral and intellectual order to the universe, enabling mankind to cope with a chaotic universe and live well. Both religious critics and scientific researchers have attacked and analyzed pornography, which has become a prominent characteristic of our culture. Both share contemporary sensitivity to individual opinions and protection of the individual from social control. Both science and religion share a sense that postmodern culture lacks structure. Caiazza shows how renewed attention to religious and scientific insights can resolve longstanding conflicts, providing postmodern society with a vision of tolerable order. Review -The War of the Jesus and Darwin Fishes: Religion and Science in the Postmodern World begins with the simple placement of fish symbols in autos--one a fish with a cross exhibited by Christians, the other a fish filled with the world 'evolution--and moves to explore the cultural milieu of religious demonstration on a global level. Chapters consider these symbols as reflections of a global war of beliefs that began with initial conflicts over evolutionary ideas in the Enlightenment and continue to this day. History, religion and science blend in a satisfying, moving story of discovery and change, especially recommended for college-level collections strong in science and spiritual investigation.- --Midwest Book Review -John Caizza's approach to religion and science is refreshing; he tackles age-old problems from a perspective that is certainly not trite or old-hat. Whether the reader agrees with either his judgments or with his final position, he offers an exciting read that will stimulate a much-needed discussion in this field. Teachers will find this book to be an excellent thought-provoker for students.- --Philip Hefner, editor-in-chief, Zygon: Journal of Religion and Science -[The War of the Jesus and Darwin Fishes] is a wonderfully comprehensive analysis of the -war- between religion and science, which is appropriately technical and scholarly yet also accessible to a lay audience.- --Herman Tavani, Rivier College "The War of the Jesus and Darwin Fishes: Religion and Science in the Postmodern World begins with the simple placement of fish symbols in autos--one a fish with a cross exhibited by Christians, the other a fish filled with the world 'evolution--and moves to explore the cultural milieu of religious demonstration on a global level. Chapters consider these symbols as reflections of a global war of beliefs that