The Signal in the Noise

This brief text challenges readers who believe religious faith is "belief without evidence" to critically test their assumptions. 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 view of religious faith that complements rather than contradicts science, but does contradict many assumptions about faith common today. This is illustrated via a series of quotations. Exposure to this fact is essential for both critics of religion and for believers wrestling with the nature of their faith. Second, the relationship between science and faith is explored. 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.