Bailey's thesis is that much new scientific information had come to light by 1988 (when he wrote the article) which has interesting implications for LDS theology which was, during the 19th and early 20th centuries, fairly unique in its acceptance of contemporary scientific theory. He quotes Brigham Young and BH Roberts, among others, in order to demonstrate that science went hand in hand with Mormonism in those days. Here are a couple of the more interesting ones:
"There is no such thing as a miracle, except to those who do not understand." (Brigham Young in the Journal of Discourses 2:91)
"In these respects we differ from the Christian world, for our religion will not clash with or contradict the facts of science in any particular. You may take geology, for instance, and it is a true science; not that I would say for a moment that all the conclusions and deductions of its professors are true, but its leading principles are; they are facts -- they are eternal..." (Brigham Young in the Journal of Discourses 14:116)
"The study of science is the study of something eternal. If we study astronomy, we study the works of God. If we study chemistry, geology, optics, or any other branch of science, every new truth we come to the understanding of is eternal; it is a part of the great system of universal truth..." (Orson Pratt in the JD, 7:157)
The article is 17 pages long, and contains several one- and two-page sections which are entitled The Theory of Relativity, Quantum Theory, Cosmology, Geology and Paleontology, Evolution and Molecular Biology, The Panspermia Theory, Creation "Science", Historical LDS Approaches to Science and Religion, A Scientific Approach to LDS Theology, The Eternal Nature of God and Man, Determinism vs. Free Will, The Creation, Spirits, Bodies, and the Resurrection, and Conclusion.
I think his conclusion works well as a brief abstract/summary of what the article discusses, so I'll quote that here:
"Latter-day Saint theology, with its rich tradition of naturalism and open-minded attitudes toward science, is to many intellectually minded members a major factor in their continued faith. There is no question that its foundation of natural law and rationality permits a significantly cleaner accommodation of the principles of science than most other theological systems.
"However, this tradition may be in danger as the Church continues to experience exponential growth, bringing in converts whose beliefs are deeply rooted in the theologies of traditional Christianity. Current Church literature frequently includes statements about God's absolute omnipotence and his ability to alter the laws of nature, even though these sectarian doctrines sharply disagree with traditional Mormon theology. Similarly, the conservatism that pervades modern creation beliefs in the Church seems to have more in common with certain Christian fundamentalist sects than with the open-minded philosophies of the early Church leaders.
"Perhaps it is time for Latter-Day Saints with scientific backgrounds to renew their efforts to establish [a] dialogue with those of other disciplines in order to re-examine the philosophical roots of Mormon theology. This article is written in that spirit. Let the dialogue begin!"
Anyway, I recommend the article to anyone who has an interest in such things. I know that biologist Sam Rushforth and many other Mormon scientists at BYU and elsewhere are still working valiantly to keep the fire of free inquisitive thought alive in the Church during this time of what threatens to become a long Mormon dark age, and these will undoubtedly be the Galileis and Copernicuses of our day for Mormon historians of the future.
It's ironic that the Church leadership touts the US constitution as the vehicle that made it possible for the gospel to be restored upon the earth in the midst of mostly intolerant nations while it is today that very group which threatens the gospel more than any other single group.
If anyone has any other observations or insights to share on this topic, I'd be interesting in hearing them. You can reach me here. Meanwhile, you can read this article and a 1996 article by the same author at www.frii.com/~allsop/eyring-l/faq/science/ which is a website devoted to science and Mormonism.
