The New Theism: A Short History

There's a lot of talk these days about "the new atheism" - which, led by Richard Dawkins, Sam Harris, Daniel Dennett, and Christopher Hitchens - advocates a louder, more aggressive stance against faith and religion. But there's NO talk about the "new theism." Of course, that's because the "new theism" hasn't been invented yet! But is such a thing as the "new theism" were to exist (and I'd like to think that The Mustard Seed may promote that occurance), here are some historical milestones in that journey. Specifically, I would consider the "new theism" to be a conjoining of science and faith (see Chapter 9 of The Mustard Seed for how that would work).

1973 Brandon Carter states the “anthropic principle” at symposium honoring Copernicus's 500th birthday

1975 Life After Life is published

1978 Beyond and Back documentary is released

1980 Dr. David Bohm publishes Wholeness and the Implicate Order

1984 Foundation for Thought and Ethics (FTE) publishes The Mystery of Life's Origin

1986 The Anthropic Cosmological Principle is published

1991 Darwin on Trial is published

1991 The Holographic Universe is published

1992 Embraced by the Light is published

1994 Discovery Institute is launched

1995 Center for Renewal of Science and Culture is launched

1996 Michael Behe publishes Darwin’s Black Box

2004 Atheist Anthony Flew converts to theism

2005 Dover Trial

2005 President Bush weighs in on Intelligent Design debate

2007 GOP presidential candidates debate evolution

2008 Expelled is released

I'll add to this list as things unfurl from my memory.

One observation: From 1973-96, there's a tremendous effort to build 1) the intellectual roots of the "new theism," and then 2) create institutions to advocate for it. Then, from 1997-2003, there's a large gap where nothing happens. Finally, in 2005, the Dover Trial turns I.D. into a major political ssue. Then, after another brief lull, in 2008, the release of Expelled marks I.D.'s transformation into a part of popular culture.

Where will I.D. go next? Since we already have the intellectual and organizational infrastructure, hopefully we can build on the success of Expelled and continuing reaching into the cultural mainstream.

-Todd