Publisher's Synopsis
New Institutes denies that science and moral consciousness are incompatible or in conflict with their basic assumptions or respective disciplinary domains. Written in a simple discursive style that is a pleasure to read, Weiser reinterprets three key concepts--faith, death, and resurrection--to arrive at practical insights about America and religion, morality and science, ecology and economics, history and ethics. This slim primer reassesses nine classic arguments for God's existence (Appendix I), reconciles and harmonizes the sister religions of Judaism, Christianity, and Islam with new age spirituality, and takes seriously the secular eschatology of theologian Dietrich Bonhoeffer. Weiser offers a refreshing interpretation of: atheism, gods and goddesses, Calvinism, Jesus' mission, intelligent design, Christian ethics, science and religion, corporations and capitalism, ecology and economy. Weiser also provides readers the basic tools of logic and epistemology, with a view to exercising responsible citizenship (Appendix II). Avoiding polemics and technical jargon, this unique work clears the air of cant and drivel, consigning the evangelical bunk of Pat Robertson and Jack Van Impe, of religionist and anti-religionist alike, to the flames. New Institutes is truly what it declares itself to be: A Primer of Practical Theology for Twenty-First-Century America. ""D. C. Weiser is the enlightened biblical air we urgently need to breathe in ordinary days of bigotry in spiritual ignorance. Weiser is wise and shines."" --Willis Barnstone, Distinguished Professor Emeritus of Biblical Studies, Indiana University, author of Poets of the Bible and Restored New Testament D. C. Weiser earned his BA in Liberal Arts at Westminster College, and his MA in Philosophy at the University of Kansas. A recipient of the Samuel Robinson Prize in Religion and Rockefeller Fellowship, he is currently writing a book about modern advertising.
