Hans Küng
The Beginning of All Things
Science and Religion
Cambridge, 2007, 220 pp
ISBN 978-0-8028-0763-2
In an age when faith and science seem constantly to clash, can theologians and
scientists come to a meeting of minds? Yes, maintains intrepid Hans Küng,
as he brilliantly argues here that religion and science are not mutually exclusive
but complementary.
Focusing on beginnings – the beginnings of time, of the world, of man,
of human will – Küng deals with an array of scientific precepts and
teachings. From a unified field theory to quantum physics to the Big Bang to
the theory of relativity – even superstring and chaos theories – he
examines all of the theories regarding the beginning of the universe and life
(of all kinds) in that universe.
Küng seeks to reconcile theology with the latest scientific insights, holding
that a “confrontational model for the relationship between science and
theology is out of date, whether put forward by fundamentalist believers and
theologians or by rationalistic scientists and philosophers.” While accepting
evolution as scientists generally describe it, he still maintains a role for
God in founding the laws of nature by which life evolved and in facilitating
the adventure of creation.
Exhibiting little patience for scientists who do not see beyond the limits of
their discipline or for believers who try to tell experts how things must have
been, Küng challenges readers to think more deeply about the beginnings
in order to facilitate a new beginning in dialogue and understanding.
“Many will find it fascinating to see how a distinguished theologian offers
his personal contribution to the dialogue between science and theology, writing
in a bold and challenging manner and making good use of his wide reading and
personal encounters.”
John Polkinghorne – Canon Theologian of Liverpool Cathedral
“The prolific and inquisitive Hans Küng guides us through the conundrums
of Big Bang cosmology, evolution, and brain science, showing how science raises
questions it cannot answer. God is the answer. God is a rational answer, based
on a faith that trusts. Küng’s is a grippingly lucid and insightfully
thoughtful addition to the field of science and religion.”
Ted Peters – Coeditor of Theology and Science
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