God and Evolution: A Reader / Edition 1

by Mary Kathleen Cunningham

Overview

How can we reconcile belief in God and Darwinism, divine action and an evolutionary world? The first book of its kind, this Reader represents the diversity of views which surround the interaction of evolutionary theory and the Christian tradition.

Ideal for students with no previous knowledge of the field, the book introduces the methodologies of the study of science and religion, and evolutionary biology, and presents the views of influential thinkers from a variety of disciplines, including:

• the natural sciences
• history
• theology
• philosophy.

From current scientific developments to contemporary philosophical perspectives, Darwin to Dawkins, Creationism to Intelligent Design, God and Evolution highlights neglected but important views, such as those of feminist scholars, and contemporary revisionists, as well as some of the best known writers in the field.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780415380133
Publisher:	Taylor & Francis
Publication date:	07/16/2007
Pages:	406
Product dimensions:	6.12(w) x 9.19(h) x (d)

About the Author

Mary Kathleen Cunningham is Associate Professor of Religious Studies at North Carolina State University.

Table of Contents

Notes on contributors xi

Preface xiv

Acknowledgements xvii

Part 1 Methodology 1

1 The Protestant Rule of Faith Charles Hodge 7

2 Metaphor Sallie McFague 15

3 How Myths Work Mary Midgley 28

4 The Structures of Science and Religion Ian G. Barbour 34

Part 2 Evolutionary theory 49

5 On the Origin of Species Charles Darwin 54

6 The Evolution of Life: An Overview Francisco J. Ayala 58

7 Is There a Limit to Our Knowledge of Evolution? Michael Ruse 68

Part 3 Creationism 81

8 Genesis 1-2 86

9 The Creationists Ronald L. Numbers 90

Part 4 Intelligent design 123

10 Natural Theology William Paley 129

11 Irreducible Complexity: Obstacle to Darwinian Evolution Michael J. Behe 138

12 Answering the Biochemical Argument from Design Kenneth R. Miller 159

Part 5 Naturalism 175

13 The Blind Watchmaker Richard Dawkins 181

14 God's Utility Function Richard Dawkins 186

15 Darwin's Dangerous Idea Daniel C. Dennett 192

16 The Quest for a Universal Acid Mary Midgley 216

17 Methodological Naturalism Under Attack Michael Ruse 219

Part 6 Evolutionary theism 221

18 The Creation: Intelligently Designed or Optimally Equipped? Howard J. Van Till 227

19 Biological Evolution-A Positive Theological Appraisal Arthur Peacocke 251

20 God's Kenosis in the Creation and Consummation of the World Jurgen Moltmann 273

21 Does God Play Dice? Divine Providence and Chance Elizabeth A. Johnson 286

Part 7 Reformulations of tradition 305

22 Evolution, Tragedy, and Cosmic Purpose John F. Haught 310

23 God and the World Sallie McFague 325

24 Panentheism and Pansyntheism: God in Relation Ruth Page 349

25 On Thinking of God as Serendipitous Creativity Gordon D.Kaufman 360

Index 377