Research Institute of Science and Strategic EvolutionJournal of Contemporary Studies on Religion and Science (JCSRS)3041-92390220250501The Pleasures of Subjectivity and the Position of Reason in Islamic Realism134220941ENJournal Article20250517The present study seeks to formulate a renewed conception of rationality within the framework of Islamic realist thought—one that, while remaining faithful to the doctrine of divine unity in action (<em>Tawhid-e Af’ali</em>, the unique and all-encompassing agency of God in the world), also accommodates meaningful discourse on human agency. Articulating epistemological agency within a world fully governed by divine will presents numerous theoretical challenges and social risks. On one hand, rebellion and determinism, and on the other, passivity, polytheism, and atheism, can all foster irresponsibility, purposelessness, and existential meaninglessness, thereby contributing to various social disorders and environmental crises. Although subjectivism and objectivism have evolved in parallel with scientific realism, they continue to undermine the coherence of science, technology, and other human endeavors. This article offers both a critique of these contemporary challenges and theoretical perspectives, and an explanation of rationality as understood in Islamic realism—especially through reflection on Qur’anic verses. It further proposes key principles and content essential for the advancement of Islamic rationality.https://jcsrs.risse.ac.ir/article_220941_8019ee5a68b0f932437962cf02dd75f9.pdfResearch Institute of Science and Strategic EvolutionJournal of Contemporary Studies on Religion and Science (JCSRS)3041-92390220250501Understanding and Respecting God's Word and World- Faith and Epistemology in Orthodox Religious Communities3542220944ENJournal Article20250517This paper explores the epistemological foundations underpinning the relationship between faith and science within orthodox religious communities, particularly through a theological-philosophical lens. Emphasizing a textualist worldview, it argues that the sacred texts of religious traditions—such as the Psalms in the Judeo-Christian canon and the Qur’an in Islam—inform not only spiritual understanding but also perceptions of scientific inquiry and material reality. The paper introduces four epistemological propositions for consideration: the indivisibility of God and the interconnectedness of knowledge; the co-eternity of God and truth; the sanctity of God and all creation; and the coinherence of divine and human speech. Through these propositions, it is posited that orthodox theistic traditions possess the intellectual resources to affirm the legitimacy of science while simultaneously insisting upon its moral accountability. The discussion challenges secular assumptions of epistemological autonomy in science and highlights the theological imperative to view scientific discoveries as part of a divine disclosure rather than isolated human achievement. In doing so, the paper aims to encourage interdisciplinary dialogue that respects the integrity of both scientific and religious inquiry, while advocating for an integrated worldview rooted in theistic epistemology.https://jcsrs.risse.ac.ir/article_220944_c4fc98ba1c3fd39d22a2f703f425c231.pdfResearch Institute of Science and Strategic EvolutionJournal of Contemporary Studies on Religion and Science (JCSRS)3041-92390220250501Nature and Consciousness: The Road Ahead After Quantum Physics4366220946ENJournal Article20250517This paper explores consciousness and nature in light of recent developments in science, particularly quantum physics. Building on unresolved paradigmatic issues in quantum theory over the past century, it elaborates on the proposals of David Bohm and Roger Penrose regarding the quantum basis of consciousness. The paper argues for the necessity of liberating science from the confines of logico-positivism. A new, more robust and open foundation is needed—one that allows for the scientific exploration of the idea that the physical universe may itself possess consciousness, as suggested by quantum physics within a reimagined philosophy of science. Additionally, the paper highlights how the Qur'an and its interpretations suggest that nature is inherently alive and conscious. In this context, the Qur'anic worldview may serve as a fresh source of insight, enriching and guiding future developments in the study of consciousness and quantum physics.https://jcsrs.risse.ac.ir/article_220946_6451b3a189329ffe9ebae63b76db56ad.pdfResearch Institute of Science and Strategic EvolutionJournal of Contemporary Studies on Religion and Science (JCSRS)3041-92390220250501Evaluation of the Interaction Between Science and Metaphysics in Theism6788220947ENJournal Article20250517Since arguments for the existence of God are deeply rooted in metaphysics, the separation of the empirical sciences from theoretical philosophy has made the defense of theism increasingly challenging for Western theologians and scientists. Some have turned to empirical methods to support either theism or atheism. However, empirical approaches—when isolated from metaphysical inquiry—are insufficient for addressing theological issues.
This study, employing a descriptive-analytical method and a philosophical approach, argues that in order to defend theism effectively, it is essential to revive the Aristotelian classification of the sciences within theoretical philosophy, based on their respective subjects and methods. Such a revival would reaffirm the relevance and fruitfulness of metaphysics, and preserve theology’s ability—by virtue of its subject matter and methodology—to offer a robust philosophical defense of theism, as it has historically done.
The study concludes that efforts to strictly align scientific theories with sacred texts, to dismiss empirical science altogether, or to rely solely on empirical theories in defending theism are not methodologically sound or beneficial for contemporary theology. Instead, a meaningful dialogue between empirical sciences and theology, guided by metaphysical insight, is required.https://jcsrs.risse.ac.ir/article_220947_df9b2d4468ef3baadf880ff3a22acc81.pdfResearch Institute of Science and Strategic EvolutionJournal of Contemporary Studies on Religion and Science (JCSRS)3041-92390220250501A Reflection on the Genetic Heritability of Human Behavioral Traits: An Interdisciplinary Qur'anic Study89102220948ENJournal Article20250517The Holy Qur'an, as the divine scripture of Muslims and the principal source of Islamic knowledge, has consistently played a central role in presenting a worldview, beliefs, and doctrinal principles, while providing answers to fundamental questions that have long occupied human thought in various fields. Among these enduring issues, the subject of heredity and the transmission of traits from one generation to another has been of particular significance within both scientific and religious domains. In scientific fields such as biology and genetics, heredity has been thoroughly investigated, with the transmission of physical traits and certain behavioral characteristics through genes to subsequent generations now well established. However, the inheritance of spiritual attributes and doctrinal beliefs is considerably more complex than that of physical traits. This study explores the heritability of beliefs as traits closely connected to the human soul and psyche. Although the verses of the Holy Qur'an do not explicitly reference genetic science, the fundamental concepts presented within — particularly in relation to creation and the transmission of traits — are, in many respects, reconcilable with contemporary discussions on genetics and heredity. Notably, verses such as 27: Noah (Nuh), 43:28 Az-Zukhruf, and 2:124 Al-Baqarah, which bear more explicit implications in this regard, have been carefully analyzed in this study. It may be argued that the Qur'an contains allusions to the transmission of doctrinal and belief-based traits to subsequent generations, which could potentially offer valuable insights for specialists in this field of scientific inquiry.https://jcsrs.risse.ac.ir/article_220948_ec697561c2c444b7b2aedc76dc7288eb.pdfResearch Institute of Science and Strategic EvolutionJournal of Contemporary Studies on Religion and Science (JCSRS)3041-92390220250501Conditions for the Influence of Quantum Mechanics on the Scientific Interpretation of the Holy Quran103123220949ENJournal Article20250517In the contemporary era, quantum mechanics is regarded as a foundational framework for both physics and metaphysics. Its application in the interpretation of the Holy Qur’an has attracted the attention of various scholars and thinkers. This study aims to clarify the scope and conditions under which quantum mechanics may influence Qur’anic interpretation. Data were collected through a library-based method and analyzed using a descriptive-analytical approach. A key condition for employing sciences such as quantum mechanics in Qur’anic interpretation is the certainty of the scientific principles involved. Given the philosophical challenges surrounding causality and realism, this paper critically evaluates the alleged contradictions between quantum mechanical assumptions and these two doctrines. The study shows that while quantum mechanics does not affirm deterministic causality in the classical sense and recognizes variability in causal conditions at the subatomic level, it still affirms causality in a general sense. Similarly, it demonstrates that quantum mechanics is not inherently contradictory to the existence of physical reality, supporting its compatibility with realism. Finally, the study outlines the following essential conditions for the effective influence of quantum mechanics on Qur’anic interpretation:1.A comprehensive understanding of Qur’anic vocabulary and the intended meanings of verses; 2. Examination of relevant Hadiths and scholarly opinions; 3. Identification of verse referents based on reliable scientific sources; 4. Comparative analysis of scientific findings and corresponding interpretations, with conclusive evidence supporting or refuting their compatibility; 5. Use of empirical sciences to better comprehend divine referents, while avoiding the imposition of hypotheses or theories onto the text; 6. Reliance on well-established propositions in quantum mechanics; 7. Clear distinction between hypotheses, theories, and technological applicationhttps://jcsrs.risse.ac.ir/article_220949_daf0776281e0dda8c6a9eacc2f95d435.pdf