R. J. Berry - Böcker

Genetics and ecology ought to be complementary disciplines at the population level. This conviction underpins this integrative volume, which brings together geneticists and ecologists to confront the implications of the others' discipline for their own work. The book is divided into three sections: first 'Genes in Ecology', the influence of population genetics on our view of ecology; then 'Modules in Ecology', the use of molecular methods to investigate adaptive and ecological processes; finally 'Ecology in Genetics', the integration of ecological principles into genetics. Most chapters have two authors; a geneticist and an ecologist each bringing their own insights to the topics considered, and illustrating the importance of one discipline for the other. The book also includes protocols for relevant molecular and genetic techniques, including DNA purification, polymerase chain reaction, DNA fingerprinting, sequencing and restriction fragment length polymorphism investigation.

Fully illustrated and accessibly written, this is an up to date and authoritative survey of the entire history of the relationship between science and Christianity. A thorough introduction to the nature of scientific and theological enquiry is followed by an examination of each major scientific discipline and its engagement with Christianity. Berry covers famous events (Galileo's trial, Darwinian controversy, Creationism) and less well-known debates. Recent scientific developments are explored including cloning, the human genome, GM crops, nuclear power, artificial intelligence, and gravity as an explanation for the origins of the Universe. The Intelligent Design movement and theories on how the world may end is also given consideration.

The debate surrounding creation and evolution divides Christians, particularly evangelicals. It has been a stumbling block for young Christians and a point of contention for the new Atheists. Professor R. J. Berry assembles a wide range of distinguished contributors, all convinced, committed and orthodox Christian believers, each of whom has undertaken a conceptual journey, based on sound science and careful theology, from a creationist position to one in which God's creation and the processes of evolution are properly and credibly integrated. Christians and Evolution is a luminous volume that offers a pathway for doubters, sceptics and conservative Christians to embrace the overall scientific consensus of the evolutionary approach, while holding solidly and without reservation to the doctrines of God's creation and God's omnipotence. This text is a must-read for anyone interested in the creation v evolution debate.

True Scientists, True Faith: Leading scientist reveal the harmony between their science and heir faith.Some atheistic campaigners continue to stress that science and faith are incompatible. This is simply untrue, as the distinguished contributors to this volume demonstrate.Scientists from a variety of different disciplines have provided their own accounts of how their science and their personal faith intersect .They come from a range of Christian backgrounds, but all are orthodox believers.Contributors include:- Joan Centrella, NASA Francis Collins, Human Genome Project Bob White,- Professor of Geophysics, University of Cambridge Alister McGrath- Professor of Theology, King's College London,- molecular biologist Wilson Poon- Professor of Physics, University of Edinburgh This new edition also includes five contributions from distinguished younger scientists.

Our attitudes to our environment are widely and often acrimoniously discussed, commonly misunderstood, and will shape our future. We cannot assume that we behave as newly minted beings in a pristine garden nor as pre-programmed automata incapable of rational responsibility. Professor Berry has studied nature-nurture interactions for many years, and also been involved with many national and international decision making bodies which have influenced our environmental attitudes. He is therefore well-placed to describe what has moulded our present attitudes towards the environment. This book presents data and concepts from a range of disciplines - genetic, anthropological, social, historical and theological - to help us understand how we have responded in the past and how this influences our future. Beginning with a historical review and moving forwards to current conditions, readers will reach the end of this volume more capable and better prepared to make decisions which affect our communities and posterity.

Our attitudes to our environment are widely and often acrimoniously discussed, commonly misunderstood, and will shape our future. We cannot assume that we behave as newly minted beings in a pristine garden nor as pre-programmed automata incapable of rational responsibility. Professor Berry has studied nature-nurture interactions for many years, and also been involved with many national and international decision making bodies which have influenced our environmental attitudes. He is therefore well-placed to describe what has moulded our present attitudes towards the environment. This book presents data and concepts from a range of disciplines - genetic, anthropological, social, historical and theological - to help us understand how we have responded in the past and how this influences our future. Beginning with a historical review and moving forwards to current conditions, readers will reach the end of this volume more capable and better prepared to make decisions which affect our communities and posterity.

Ecology and the Environment: The Mechanisms, Marring, and Maintenance of Nature is the ninth title published in the Templeton Science and Religion Series, in which scientists from a wide range of fields distill their experience and knowledge into brief tours of their respective specialties. In this volume, R. J. Berry, a well-known leader in the field of ecology, describes the basic concepts of ecology and seeks to put them into a general context for a reader who lacks any scientific background. Berry explores the implications of these basic concepts and how they affect human life and the decisions we have to make, both as individuals and as members of a species that has colonized and influenced every part of the globe. He points out that we are a part of the animal world, but at the same time, we are apart from it, and he makes it clear that how we relate to our environment affects the quality of our life-indeed, it may affect our very survival. Going beyond a simple introduction of concepts, the book explores wider questions about the nature of humanity and how human ecology relates to humanness. Berry proposes that we are more than machines or even advanced apes-we are Homo divinus, transformed from an organism descended from the same stock as the apes but qualitatively different and able to relate to a creator God. The book argues that those who conclude otherwise are neglecting relevant data.   Berry offers the perfect introduction to these philosophical and theological issues, but his work never loses sight of the practical issues either-the kind that is increasingly being addressed by national and international environmental agencies. In order to grasp the full scope of these issues and to more fully understand the ubiquitous news headlines concerning environmental matters, a reader would do well to start with Ecology and the Environment.