An Islamic engagement with Stephen Meyer's The Return of the God Hypothesis

Shoaib Ahmed Malik, Yasmeen Mukadam, Mohammed Imran Khan

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingChapter (peer-reviewed)peer-review

Abstract / Description of output

This chapter delves into a critical analysis of Stephen Meyer’s Return of the God Hypothesis, focusing specifically on his emphasis on the Judeo-Christian tradition’s pivotal role in the genesis of modern science, and his arguments for Intelligent Design (ID). We contend that Meyer’s narrative may inadvertently marginalize significant contributions from other intellectual heritages, particularly the Islamic kalām tradition, which similarly provides a robust theological basis conducive to scientific inquiry. Additionally, we suggest that Meyer’s ID framework is vulnerable to two types of criticisms commonly associated with God of the Gaps arguments: firstly, it may prematurely resort to divine explanations for phenomena not yet elucidated by science, and secondly, it seems to offer a limited perspective on divine action. Through advocating for a contingency-based framework, this chapter proposes a more inclusive and adaptive discourse between science and religion, one that accommodates ongoing scientific advancements while still acknowledging the possibility of inferring divine design.
Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationDesign Discourse in Abrahamic Traditions
Subtitle of host publicationHistory, Metaphysics, and Science
EditorsE.V.R. Kojonen, Shoaib A. Malik
Place of PublicationLondon
PublisherRoutledge
Chapter11
Pages199-217
Edition1st
ISBN (Electronic)9781003422600
ISBN (Print)9781032719900
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 11 Nov 2024

Publication series

NameRoutledge Science and Religion Series

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  • Design Discourse in Abrahamic Traditions: History, Metaphysics, and Science

    Kojonen, E. V. R. & Malik, S. A., 11 Nov 2024, 1st ed. London: Taylor & Francis. 240 p. (Routledge Science and Religion Series)

    Research output: Book/ReportBook

  • Introduction

    Kojonen, E. V. R. & Malik, S. A., 11 Nov 2024, Design Discourse in Abrahamic Traditions: History, Metaphysics, and Science. Kojonen, E. V. R. & Malik, S. A. (eds.). 1st ed. London: Routledge, p. 1-16 16 p. (Routledge Science and Religion Series).

    Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingForeword/postscript

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