Can a Darwinian be a Christian?: The Relationship between Science and Religion by Michael Ruse

From the Publisher

This book addresses a question at the heart of the current debate about the relationship between science and religion, in particular between that form of evolutionary biology known as Darwinism, and the basic tenets of the Christian faith. Adopting a balanced perspective on the subject, Michael Ruse offers a serious examination of both Darwinism and Christianity.

Michael Ruse argues that, although it is at times difficult for a Darwinian to embrace Christian belief, it is by no means inconceivable. At the same time he suggests ways in which a Christian believer should have no difficulty accepting evolution in general, and Darwinism in particular.

Library Journal

For those dissatisfied with the tenor of the evolution vs. creationism debate, or who simply long for a more moderate intellectual engagement, Ruse (philosophy and zoology, Univ. of Guelph, Canada; Mystery of Mysteries) offers another perspective here: one designed to help rationalists come to terms with religion. Written from the viewpoint of a scientist willing to engage Christian literalism on its own terms, he systematically compares historical Darwinism and Christian beliefs and sensibilities, finding surprising parallels in both methodologies as they search for the meaning of life. While the author can be faulted in spots for minor misinformation (Augustine was not raised a Christian but underwent a conversion in midlife), he succeeds in offering as basic and thoroughgoing an engagement of biology and belief as one might hope for. And his honesty is noteworthy--a Darwinian can be a Christian, but, as Ruse notes, nobody claims that that's an easy path. Recommended for public and academic libraries.--Sandra Collins, Duquesne Univ. Lib., PA Copyright 2000 Cahners Business Information.\

What People Are Saying

E. O. Wilson
This is a closely reasoned yet dramatically constructed argument that addresses one of the fundamental issues of all time. It contains the best explanation new available of the relation of evolutionary thought to Christianity, and thence to religion as a whole.
—E.O. Wilson, Harvard University, Author of Consilience

Product Details

• Table of Contents

Table of Contents