The Wisdom of the Liminal: Evolution and Other Animals in Human Becoming

by Celia Deane-Drummond

Overview

A sophisticated theological anthropology that takes into account evolutionary theories and our relationships to other animals

In this book Celia Deane-Drummond charts a new direction for theological anthropology in light of what is now known about the evolutionary trajectories of humans and other animals. She presents a case for human beings becoming fully themselves through their encounter with God, after the pattern of Christ, but also through their relationships with each other and with other animals.

Drawing on classical sources, particularly the work of Thomas Aquinas, Deane-Drummond explores various facets of humans and other animals in terms of reason, freedom, language, and community. In probing and questioning how human distinctiveness has been defined using philosophical tools, she engages with a range of scientific disciplines, including evolutionary biology, biological anthropology, animal behavior, ethology, and cognitive psychology. The result is a novel, deeply nuanced interpretation of what it means to be distinctively human in the image of God.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781467442084
Publisher:	Eerdmans, William B. Publishing Company
Publication date:	09/09/2014
Sold by:	Barnes & Noble
Format:	eBook
Pages:	378
File size:	655 KB

About the Author

Celia Deane-Drummond is professor of theology at the University of Notre Dame. Her previous books include Christ and Evolution: Wonder and Wisdom.

Table of Contents

Acknowledgments ix

Preface 1

1 Human Becoming and Being: Theological Starting Points 15

2 Human Reason and Animal Cognition 54

3 Human Freedom and Animal Agency 89

4 Human Morality and Animal Virtue 122

5 Human Language and Animal Communication 153

6 Evolving Social Worlds: Theo-Drama and Niche Construction 194

7 Human Justice and Animal Fairness 238

8 Tracing Common Ground: The Drama of Kinship 278

Bibliography 318

Index 341

Editorial Reviews

Horizons
"[A] closely argued and carefully researched book. . . . Impressive."

J. Wentzel van Huyssteen
— Princeton Theological Seminary
"In this remarkably accomplished and mature work on theological anthropology, Celia Deane-Drummond displays her extraordinary gifts as an interdisciplinary theologian. . . . A wonderful book."

Denis Edwards
— Australian Catholic University
"A bold, pioneering, and creative work. . . . Deane-Drummond builds on both her brilliant, wide-ranging insights into recent science and her explorations into the depth of the Christian theological tradition."

Marc Bekoff
— University of Colorado
"Celia Deane-Drummond's work catalyzes my belief that peaceful coexistence among humans and nonhumans is possible. . . . This very important, forward-looking book deserves wide readership and can be a paradigm changer that will make a positive difference in human-animal relationships."

Church Times
"An intriguing and persuasive challenge to evolutionary theory enslaved to genetics as the be-all and end-all of human becoming. . . . The invitation towards ‘an eschatological goal that includes the transformation of other creatures as well as the transformation of humanity' is difficult to resist — especially for Anglicans situated somewhere between angels and animals."

Catholic Library World
"An extraordinarily well documented work, drawing from classical theology and philosophy as well as evolutionary biology, cognitive psychology, and animal behavior. . . . Deane-Drummond presents a new path for theological anthropology, one which embraces the blurring of the lines between humans and other animals. . . . This book will challenge theologians, philosophers, and scientists to envision a world where we no longer ignore each other, but engage in collaborative and creative dialogue."

Theological Studies
"As both biologist and theologian, [Deane-Drummond] seeks to develop an inclusive interpretation of theological anthropology that holds together both evolutionary interpretations of the human condition and the Christian conviction that Jesus in his life, death, and resurrection reveals what human beings are to become. . . . I highly recommend this book, especially for anyone interested in current debates about evolution and how evolutionary understanding interfaces with Christian theology."

From the Publisher