© 2007 The Author Journal Compilation © 2007 Blackwell Publishing Ltd Philosophy Compass 3/1 (2008): 222–230, 10.1111/j.1747-9991.2007.00116.x Blackw ellPublishing Ltd Oxford,UK PHCO Philosophy Com pass 17 47 -9991 ©2007 TheAutho rJ o urnalCo m pilat io n©2007 Blackw ellPublishing Ltd 116 10.1111/j .17 47 -9991.2007 .00116.x Novem ber2007 0 222??? 230??? Philo so phy o fRelig io n Science and Religion: Philosophical Issues Science and Religion: Philosophical Issues Science and Religion: Philosophical Issues Alan G. Padgett* Luther Seminary Abstract An overview of several philosophical issues that arise from the recent growth of interest in the relationships between science (especially natural science) and theology (especially Christian thought). The interactions between theology and science are complex, and often highly contextual in nature. This makes simple typologies of their interaction rather dubious. There are some similarities between religion and science, including the difficulty of defining them. Concerns about the use and meaning of language, and issues of realism and anti-realism, are found in both areas of thought. Epistemology is important to both areas, and there is increasing acceptance of differing epistemologies not only in religion and science, but also within the various scientific disciplines. One central issue is the question of legitimate influence between science and theology given their aims and methods. Another issue surrounds the question of naturalism in natural science. Also important to note is the variety of god-concepts at work in the current dialogue between science and theology. We are living in exciting times for those interested in the interplay between religion and science. There is a tremendous growth of interest in the interaction between religion and science, both past and present, especially in Western culture. Signs of this growth industry include conferences, institutes, books, new journals, articles, Web pages, degree programs, and even new posts in universities. In the world of books and articles, there are two excellent new encyclopedia devoted to this field (Ferngren; van Huyssteen, Encylopedia of Science and Religion), and a four-volume set of current articles covering many areas of the debate (van der Meer); but by all accounts the best one-volume overview is by physicist and theologian Ian Barbour (Religion and Science). This article explores some of the philosophical issues which rise out of this growing interdisciplinary conversation. Typology and Complexity It might seem that debates between science and religion are best carried out by working scientists and religion scholars (or theologians, as I will