Abstract

A significant portion of the interaction between religion and science, especially between Christian theology and science, can be described as a trial-and-error balancing act. Both scientists and theologians have tended to tread lightly in the realm of potential conversation (e.g. Haught 1995) or consonance (e.g. Peters 1999) or integration (e.g. Barbour 1997). The impetus for this hesitation resides in the fear that one may be relinquishing too much. That is, uncertainty of too much compromise looms large with both scientists and theologians. This defensive background has resulted in a sizeable variety of foreground solutions to the religion and science dialogue. In a way, this entire volume is a testament to that diversity. This is why the subject of this chapter is so interesting. For some, emergence is not merely an overnight fad with short-lived solutions to relating science and religion. Rather, it represents a shift that could potentially provide a viable bridge between these two disciplines.