Author Description

Do we really need nuclear power? This is one of the most urgent and controversial questions of the present time. Is it really a safe, cheap, and clean energy source that will solve our energy problems? Or is it so dangerous that we would be better off without it? Can we not rely on familiar sources like coal and oil, wind and solar power, for all our energy needs? And in this way would we not avoid all the hazards of nuclear radiation and at the same time reduce the risk of nuclear war? The decision, however, is not just a matter of science, technology, and economics. It also depends on what we believe about the ultimate purpose of life, the relation of men to each other and to nature. Is our aim to increase our standard of living, without limit? Should we plunder the earth to do this, without a thought for future generations? Do the earth’s forest and minerals belong equally to all men, or do they belong only to the country where they are found? Or just to those people who own the land? Should we use them only to supply our real needs? What indeed counts as a need, when at least person in eight is starving? In this booklet we will look for answers within the context of Christian beliefs that have shaped our European civilization. Many of our conclusions will of course be acceptable to those of other faiths who share our concern about the development of mankind and the conservation of the earth.....Peter E. Hodgson (1928 – 2008) was a British physicist, who also wrote about the philosophy of physics and social issues. A committed Roman Catholic, he worked closely with the Templeton Foundation, the Newman Society, and other organizations to promote the integration of science and religion. He encouraged Roman Catholic scientists to integrate their studies and belief and to publicize their work. He emphasized the need for the Church to be thorough and professional about any scientific advice it took and scientific comment it made.