The Signal in the Noise: Another Kind of Theism

This text challenges readers to consider their assumptions about religious faith. In doing so, an alternative view of theism is presented in which religion and science not only coexist but can be meaningfully connected, and questions about God could have surprising new answers. The book covers four broad topics. First, throughout the history of the Church theologians have presented a different view of religious belief from that common today, and this is illustrated using a sequence of references. Exposure to this fact is essential for both critics of religion and for believers wrestling with the nature of their faith. Second, I explore the relationship between science and faith. Third, I attempt to provide a working definition of God that goes beyond just complaining about atheistic straw men. Finally, the feasibility of theism in the face of well-known theological problems, in particular the problem of evil, is discussed. I hope the book will be of use to two kinds of readers especially: atheists who are open to counter-arguments, and believers who are concerned that their faith seems to require them to believe irrational things.