In exploring the role of Catholic intellectuals in engaging science and technology in the twentieth century, this book initially provides a background context for this evolution by examining the Modernism crisis in the first chapter. In order to unpack the subsequent evolution, Thompson then concentrates in separate chapters on the distinctive contributions of four specific Catholic intellectuals, Jacques Maritain (1882–1973), Pierre Teilhard de Chardin (1881–1955), Bernard Lonergan (1904–1984), and Thomas Merton (1915–1968). All of these intellectuals experienced some degree of official restraint in their efforts but through their distinctive intellectual trajectories, they contributed to a different engagement of the Church with science and technology. In the final chapters, the book first reviews the changes within the institutional Church in the twentieth century toward science and technology. Finally, it then applies some key ideals of the four intellectuals to anneal and extend John Paul II's approach of "critical openness" to suggest how the Church can now engage science and technology.

Between Science and Religion: The Engagement of Catholic Intellectuals with Science and Technology in the Twentieth Century

Religion & Spirituality

Thompson, Phillip M.

Christian Books & Bibles

Lexington Books

Returning to Reality

This book synthesizes the diverse reflections on technology by monk and spiritual writer Thomas Merton to develop a compelling contemplative critique of the threats and challenges of nuclear war, communication technologies, and biotechnologies that may alter what it means to be human. At the core of his critique, Merton opposes a technological mentality that favors processes of efficiency and utility at the expense of our ultimate purpose, a quest for the wisdom to guide us to the divine source of our being and reality. To counter this modern idolatry, Merton's insights offer a path of reflection, balance, and community. More specifically, Merton offers some constructive approaches and healing possibilities through a balanced approach to work, a careful and intentional managing of technology, and an accessing of the recuperative dimensions of nature. In its conclusion the book brings the insights of these chapters together for a final reflection on how to maintain our humanity and our spiritual integrity in a technological world. ""Thompson has provided the kind of public model of Merton scholarship we need: the application of wisdom in a critique of the contemporary. What better place to start than with the insinuation of technology in every dimension of human life. . . . Thompson has helped make Merton's contemplative perspective more available for us to see with, and to see as deeply."" --Gray Matthews, University of Memphis ""This is an important and helpful book. Thompson has gathered Thomas Merton's scattered remarks on technology into a coherent account of critique and counsel. . . . To see Merton's often casual, sometimes mordant, and insightful critique of technology switch so easily into the lyrical evocation of sacred simplicity and serenity is an inspiring experience, and we're in Thompson's debt for having given Merton's voice this backdrop and resonance."" --Albert Borgmann, University of Montana ""Thompson's long engagement with the theological significance of technology bears fruit once again with this careful analysis of the mature writings of Thomas Merton, who saw with his keen, contemplative eye the dangers of a technology that masters human dignity and freedom. This work should be of intense interest to all readers who are interested in the human condition as they engage the work of Merton, one of the great spiritual masters of our time."" --Lawrence S. Cunningham, University of Notre Dame ""Returning to Reality is an important book for our time. It urges all of us to stop and carefully consider the unforeseen consequences of our technological age while offering the contemplative wisdom of Thomas Merton as a needed antidote."" --Pauline J. Albert, St. Edward's University Dr. Phillip M. Thompson is the Executive Director of the Aquinas Center of Theology at Emory University. He has a PhD in the History of Culture from the University of Chicago and an LLM in Health Law from DePaul University. His publications are in the fields of religion and science and ethics. His previous book is Between Science and Religion: The Engagement of Catholic Intellectuals with Science and Technology in the Twentieth Century

Wipf and Stock

Americans currently spend on average more than ten hours a day in front of a screen. Some of that time can now be a source of profound ethical reflections and spiritual insights thanks to this refreshing book. The primary goal of Lights in the Darkness is to explore the themes of grace, redemption, pilgrimage, conscience, justice, faith and reason, the common good, sacramentality, and wisdom in twelve award-winning films. In addition to unpacking these themes, each chapter provides background information on the relevant historical moment and explores the development of the film. Questions at the end of each chapter helps to connect the themes in each film to the lives of the reader. Film is a powerful and unique artistic medium and now you have a resource to connect its wonders to your faith by reading this book and watching these films.

Lights in the Darkness: Exploring Catholic Themes in Twelve Extraordinary Films

Cascade Books

This book synthesizes the diverse reflections on technology by monk and spiritual writer Thomas Merton to develop a compelling contemplative critique of the threats and challenges of nuclear war, communication technologies, and biotechnologies that may alter what it means to be human. At the core of his critique, Merton opposes a technological mentality that favors processes of efficiency and utility at the expense of our ultimate purpose, a quest for the wisdom to guide us to the divine source of our being and reality. To counter this modern idolatry, Merton's insights offer a path of reflection, balance, and community. More specifically, Merton offers some constructive approaches and healing possibilities through a balanced approach to work, a careful and intentional managing of technology, and an accessing of the recuperative dimensions of nature. In its conclusion the book brings the insights of these chapters together for a final reflection on how to maintain our humanity and our spiritual integrity in a technological world.

See the best price to sell, buy, or rent books by Thompson, Phillip M.. BookScouter helps to compare book prices from 25+ online bookstores and 30+ buyback vendors with a single search.

Books by Thompson, Phillip M.

See the best price to sell, buy, or rent books by Thompson, Phillip M.. BookScouter helps to compare book prices from 25+ online bookstores and 30+ buyback vendors with a single search.

Between Science and Religion: The Engagement of Catholic Intellectuals with Science and Technology in the Twentieth Century

Returning to Reality

Lights in the Darkness: Exploring Catholic Themes in Twelve Extraordinary Films

Returning to Reality