Scientific and Philosophical Challenges to Theism

TL;DR

This paper explores the complex relationship between science and theism, highlighting philosophical and scientific puzzles related to divine attributes, free will, and the problem of evil, challenging traditional views and suggesting areas for further inquiry.

Contribution

It presents a philosophical analysis of key issues at the intersection of science and theism, emphasizing unresolved puzzles and conceptual challenges.

Findings

Identifies key philosophical puzzles in theism and science

Highlights tensions between divine attributes and scientific understanding

Suggests areas for future philosophical and scientific exploration

Abstract

Modern science developed within a culture of Judeo-Christian theism, and science and theism have generally supported each other. However, there are certainly areas in both science and religion that puzzle me. Here I outline some puzzles that have arisen for me concerning everlasting life, human free will, divine free will, the simplicity and probability of God, the problem of evil, and the converse problem of elegance.