Perspectives on an Evolving Creation

Keith B. Miller (Editor)

Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing
ISBN: 0-8028-0512-4




 




Book Description

The common prevailing view of conflict between evolutionary theory and Christian faith is a false caricature.  In reality, many evangelical Christian scientists and theologians have responded positively to evolutionary ideas since the time of Darwin.  This volume brings this Christian reflection up to date and takes a relatively comprehensive look at the current science of evolutionary theory from a clearly articulated orthodox Christian perspective.  It includes scientific evidence as well as informed theological discussion.  Contributors represent a wide variety of disciplines - biology, genetics, geology, paleontology, astronomy, cosmology, philosophy, theology, and the history of science.

The volume is divided into three sections.  The first part provides the needed Biblical, historical and scientific context for the discussions which follow.  The second part of the book lays out the scientific evidence for an evolving creation.  Specialists in a variety of fields summarize how the current evolutionary view of cosmic, Earth and biological history was constructed.  The last part focuses on philosophical and theological issues commonly raised in connection with evolution.  Issues such as the nature of God's creative activity, the meaning of the miraculous, the uniqueness of humankind, the basis for creation care, and the origin of sin, are addressed with both seriousness and sensitivity.  Woven throughout the volume are short meditations designed to direct the reader toward worshipping the God of providence. 


Outline

Preface

PART 1: PROVIDING A CONTEXT

Chapter 1
"An evolving creation: Oxymoron or fruitful insight?"
-- Keith Miller (Kansas State Univ.)
Worship Insert 1)
"Worshipping the God of providence"
-- Deborah Haarsma
Chapter 2
"Comparing biblical and scientific maps of origins"
-- Conrad Hyers (Gustavus Adolphus College)
Chapter 3
"The word and the works: Concordism and American evangelicals"
-- Ted Davis (Messiah College)
Worship Insert 2
"Worshipping the God of wisdom and mystery"
-- Ted Davis
Chapter 4
"Charles Hodge and B.B. Warfield on science, the Bible, evolution,
and Darwinism"
-- Mark Noll (Wheaton College) and
David Livingstone (Queens Univ. of Belfast)
Chapter 5
"Does science exclude God?: Natural law, chance, miracles, and
scientific practice"
-- Loren Haarsma (Calvin College)


PART 2: SCIENTIFIC EVIDENCE AND THEORY

Chapter 6
"An evolving cosmos"
-- Deborah Haarsma (Calvin College) and
Jennifer Wiseman (Johns Hopkins Univ.)
Chapter 7
"Geological framework of an evolving creation"
-- Jeff Greenberg (Wheaton College)
Worship Insert 3
"Worshipping the Creator of the cosmos"
-- Deborah Haarsma
Chapter 8
"Common descent, transitional forms, and the fossil record"
-- Keith Miller (Kansas State Univ.)
Chapter 9
"The 'Cambrian explosion': A challenge to evolutionary theory?"
-- David Campbell (University of Alabama) and
Keith Miller (Kansas State Univ.)
Worship Insert 4
"Worshipping the Creator of the history of life"
-- Keith Miller
Chapter 10
"Hominids in the garden?"
-- James Hurd (Bethel College)
Chapter 11
"Finding Adam: The genetics of human origins"
-- David Wilcox (Eastern College)
Worship Insert 5
"God's power and faithfulness: A lesson from nature"
-- Loren Haarsma
Chapter 12
"Biochemistry and evolution"
-- Terry Gray (Colorado State)
Chapter 13
"Complexity, self-organization, and design"
-- Loren Haarsma (Calvin College) and
Terry Gray (Colorado State)


PART 3: THEOLOGICAL IMPLICATIONS AND INSIGHTS

Chapter 14
"Is the universe capable of evolving?"
-- Howard Van Till (Calvin College)
Chapter 15
"Special providence and genetic mutation: A new defense of
theistic evolution"
-- Bob Russell (Center for Theology and Natural Sciences)
Chapter 16
"Christology, evolution, and the theology of the cross"
-- George Murphy (Trinity Lutheran Seminary)
Worship Insert 6
"The peaceable kingdom"
-- Laurie Braaten
Chapter 17
"An evolving creation and environmental issues"
-- Jeff Greenberg (Wheaton College)
Chapter 18
"May the glory of the Lord endure forever!: Biblical reflections on
creation care"
-- Laurie Braaten (Judson College)
Worship Insert 7
"Being stewards of the creator God"
-- Jeff Greenberg
Chapter 19
"Animal pain: Beyond the threshold?"
--John Munday, Jr. (Regent Univ.)
Chapter 20
"Evolution and original sin"
-- Robin Collins (Messiah College)
Chapter 21
"Evolution, cognitive neuroscience, and the soul"
-- Warren Brown (Fuller Theological)
Worship Insert 8
"Remembering God's people"
-- George Murphy


Reviews and Commendations

Edward J. Larson
An ambitious book with an impressive list of able contributors, Perspectives on an Evolving Creation should be read by everyone interested in the question of biological origins from a biblical perspective.

Nancey Murphy
This book is superb: of much interest to the scholar, it provides absolutely essential classroom resources not available anywhere else. I am so grateful to Keith Miller for putting this collection together.

Kevin Padian
At last, a book written by evangelical Christians that shatters the myth of necessary conflict between creation and evolution. All Christians should read this book for instruction and perspectives on science that they can trust and think about. So should all scientists, Christian or not, who are interested in the practical rapprochement that is possible between science and religion. Keith Miller has done a tremendous service in gathering knowledgeable scientists with a variety of theological views. Their science is accurate and their perspectives should be discussed extensively by students and professors together all over campus.

Davis A. Young
Whatever views one may entertain about the implications of the Christian faith for the practice of science and about the bearing of the natural sciences on Christianity, Perspectives on an Evolving Creation is essential reading for those interested in these relationships. Editor Keith Miller has put together a superb slate of contributors for a volume dedicated to the proposition that an evolutionary conception of creation is compatible with orthodox, evangelical Christianity and with a high view of the Bible as the infallible Word of God. The authors approach the theme of an evolving creation from the vantage points of history of science, cosmology, geology, paleontology, biochemistry, anthropology, theology, and environmental studies. Not only are readers treated to the fruits of first-rate scholarship in these various fields, but they will also appreciate the several brief devotional reflections interspersed throughout the book. I wish a book like this had been available when I was beginning my career as a professional Christian geologist. Perspectives on an Evolving Creation will immeasurably benefit young Christian scholars about to embark on careers that will entail a great deal of strenuous thinking on their part about the interrelationships between science and theology.


Purchasing Information


 The book is currently scheduled for release on September 15.  The paperback edition is 515 pages and sells for $36.00.  Request it at your local bookstore or order it online directly from Eerdmans by going to <www.eerdmans.com>.  




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