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Evolving Faith - Wanderings of a Mormon Biologist
Believers and scientists have long wrestled over the relationship between science and faith. Acclaimed Latter-day Saint author and scientist Steven L. Peck demonstrates that both are indispensable tools we can use to navigate God's strange and beautiful creation. Evolving Faith: Wanderings of a Mormon Biologist is a collection of technical, personal, whimsical essays about Mormon theology, evolution, human consciousness, the environment, sacred spaces, and more. With the mind of a scientist, the soul of a believer, and the heart of a wanderer, Peck provides companionship for women and men engaged in the unceasing quest for further light and knowledge.
211 pages, Paperback
First published October 27, 2015
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April 20, 2016
Steve Peck is one eclectic dude. He writes wild fiction that includes two headed cowboys, he was able to turn a library into the most terrifying hell one can imagine, and he is also able to write stories that tug your heart strings but simultaneously leave you ethically unsettled. In addition to that kind of writing he is also a well regarded biologist who has published his work in high level journals. Finally he is also a professor of philosophy (of science).
This book gives you a taste of this fascinating man's mind.
Chapters 2-5 include deep arguments about life and the existence of it using philosophical language that will be difficult to wade through if the reader is not trained in the art of philosophy (professionally or self-taught). Those chapters are worth the read for sure but they should probably be read slowly and perhaps several times in order to properly understand his thinking on the subjects he addresses and therefore avoid reducing his thought to a mere caricature.
Chapters 6-12 are much more accessible as he shifts to personal essay mode. Here he seems to be shifting away from dispassionate logic and settles into his personal feelings about life (his own and life of all organisms in general). Some points are simply entertaining, others are humorous, and many are deeply moving.
This is one book I'll likely revisit and keep displayed on my shelf with pride.
This book gives you a taste of this fascinating man's mind.
Chapters 2-5 include deep arguments about life and the existence of it using philosophical language that will be difficult to wade through if the reader is not trained in the art of philosophy (professionally or self-taught). Those chapters are worth the read for sure but they should probably be read slowly and perhaps several times in order to properly understand his thinking on the subjects he addresses and therefore avoid reducing his thought to a mere caricature.
Chapters 6-12 are much more accessible as he shifts to personal essay mode. Here he seems to be shifting away from dispassionate logic and settles into his personal feelings about life (his own and life of all organisms in general). Some points are simply entertaining, others are humorous, and many are deeply moving.
This is one book I'll likely revisit and keep displayed on my shelf with pride.
January 4, 2016
This book is about how evolution and LDS religion are completely compatible. Evolution here includes the fact that humans came from older and more primitive life forms. There are also some essays about violence, death, insanity, and environmentalism, that were thoughtful and pleasant and a little shame-inducing.
To be honest, I almost stopped reading mid-philosophical-theological essay in part one. It was the kind of essay that ideally, one would read without having to feed or entertain a small child simultaneously. Even when I had the luxury of reading without distractions, despite my history with theological philosophy in a long-ago Kierkegaard class, I found myself struggling to wrap my head around some of the ideas. I got as far as understanding that since God made the earth, and evolution depends on the environment, things being created "by evolution" are the same as being created by God. I could be completely misunderstanding that though.
Another concept that I liked thinking about was how God can know the future with us having choices at the same time. The way I explained it to myself (which may or may not be based on the book :-/) was that God is like the designer of a videogame. Since he made the game and the level designs, He knows all the possible outcomes for completing the level (typical games fall into successful completion or dying somewhere along the way). He might not know exactly what you're going to do next but He knows all the possible moves and outcomes, as well as really intimate data on the player, so it's basically as good as determinism, but importantly for my sanity, different.
As a teenager, I tirelessly questioned my Sunday school teachers with many of the questions this book addresses. Over the years I feel like I had grown tired of looking for answers, and that I was supposed to just forget my questions and believe that church was good for me (which I do believe). But this book reminded me that there could be answers out there and alternatives to the same tired explanations many LDSs seem to default to. It's true that I believed the Earth was billions of years old, but I hadn't thought about how letting go of scriptural literalism could help me with other nagging concerns. Many antimormon arguments dissolve and become irrelevant when I embrace the idea that the scriptures are not literal. Hey, I don't believe the scriptures are literally true! But I do believe that they are spiritually true, which is more important.
To be honest, I almost stopped reading mid-philosophical-theological essay in part one. It was the kind of essay that ideally, one would read without having to feed or entertain a small child simultaneously. Even when I had the luxury of reading without distractions, despite my history with theological philosophy in a long-ago Kierkegaard class, I found myself struggling to wrap my head around some of the ideas. I got as far as understanding that since God made the earth, and evolution depends on the environment, things being created "by evolution" are the same as being created by God. I could be completely misunderstanding that though.
Another concept that I liked thinking about was how God can know the future with us having choices at the same time. The way I explained it to myself (which may or may not be based on the book :-/) was that God is like the designer of a videogame. Since he made the game and the level designs, He knows all the possible outcomes for completing the level (typical games fall into successful completion or dying somewhere along the way). He might not know exactly what you're going to do next but He knows all the possible moves and outcomes, as well as really intimate data on the player, so it's basically as good as determinism, but importantly for my sanity, different.
As a teenager, I tirelessly questioned my Sunday school teachers with many of the questions this book addresses. Over the years I feel like I had grown tired of looking for answers, and that I was supposed to just forget my questions and believe that church was good for me (which I do believe). But this book reminded me that there could be answers out there and alternatives to the same tired explanations many LDSs seem to default to. It's true that I believed the Earth was billions of years old, but I hadn't thought about how letting go of scriptural literalism could help me with other nagging concerns. Many antimormon arguments dissolve and become irrelevant when I embrace the idea that the scriptures are not literal. Hey, I don't believe the scriptures are literally true! But I do believe that they are spiritually true, which is more important.
May 21, 2019
This is a deep book. In the first half, I had to re-read every paragraph to make sure I understood what it was saying (I have never thought about "metaphysics" before). It's about Latter-day Saint theology and Evolutionary Biology, but Steven Peck doesn't spend time trying to defend either of those. Instead, he shows that you can believe in both, and what that could mean. I would say this book should be classified under philosophy. Here's a summary of each chapter.
1 & 2 - These chapters assert that science and "materialism" cannot fully explain everything. Science gives us powerful tools for discovering truth, but there are deeper, subjective truths. The scriptures, for example, are not literal scientific texts, but they connect us to a spiritual experience, which is our relationship with God. Alfred Russell Wallace, a founder of evolutionary theory, also used the scientific method to explore "spiritualism," and he could not escape the conclusion that there was something supernatural. Science is full of subjectivity and "faith," and God's existence is a rational explanation for subjective experiences.
3 - This chapter explores why God used evolution to create us. Does he exist within the matter, space, and time of the universe, or outside of it? Did he create the laws of nature and their apparent randomness, or simply work within them? In this chapter, as well as others, the author does not always give definitive answers to these questions, but he shows the many possible perspectives and their merits.
4 - What is consciousness? Does it connect the physical world to a spiritual realm? Can it be seen at the individual level of cells, or does it emerge out of complexity? Is consciousness an illusion? If so, whose illusion? There is no physical test of consciousness, and we have no reason to assume that it exists, but subjectively, we are aware that we are conscious.
5 - What is the difference between an organism, a society, and an ecosystem? The body is a boundary that seeks to preserve itself, but why is it creative? Where does that come from?
6 - We try to ignore and sanitize death as much as we can, both humans and other organisms. But almost all of our food involves the death of an organism. Even vegans are "killing" plants, and we should have reverence towards these cycles that keep us alive.
7 - Peck begins this chapter with an explanation of the time he shot a mother woodchuck, which was the first time he realized how sad it is to carelessly destroy nature. Latter-day Saints see Earth as part of God's plan. Our frugality and work ethic should lead us to be good stewards, especially for our large posterity. Conservationists may believe in a random, utilitarian world, but they still seek to protect and sacrifice for it. It is unfortunate that Darwinism has been tied to Atheism, and that Environmentalism seems opposed to Utah's anti-government culture, but we have to work together to preserve our planet.
8 - Peck shares a time when he prayed about whether to donate to save whales or starving children, and he felt that God loves all organisms, even the ones we can't see or don't like. The stories of creation and the ark may not be literal, but they are meant to teach us reverence for creation, which is an ongoing process.
9-10 - Peck went through some traumatizing experiences, with both violence and a week of hallucinations. These were sad, and he is still trying to figure out God's role in all of it.
11 - This is a satirical look at what it would have taken for Noah to place all biodiversity all over the planet just a few thousand years ago.
12 - There are boundaries in ecosystems in biology. Just as we feel something sacred entering nature, we must prepare ourselves to cross the boundary from the outside world into the Holy Temple.
1 & 2 - These chapters assert that science and "materialism" cannot fully explain everything. Science gives us powerful tools for discovering truth, but there are deeper, subjective truths. The scriptures, for example, are not literal scientific texts, but they connect us to a spiritual experience, which is our relationship with God. Alfred Russell Wallace, a founder of evolutionary theory, also used the scientific method to explore "spiritualism," and he could not escape the conclusion that there was something supernatural. Science is full of subjectivity and "faith," and God's existence is a rational explanation for subjective experiences.
3 - This chapter explores why God used evolution to create us. Does he exist within the matter, space, and time of the universe, or outside of it? Did he create the laws of nature and their apparent randomness, or simply work within them? In this chapter, as well as others, the author does not always give definitive answers to these questions, but he shows the many possible perspectives and their merits.
4 - What is consciousness? Does it connect the physical world to a spiritual realm? Can it be seen at the individual level of cells, or does it emerge out of complexity? Is consciousness an illusion? If so, whose illusion? There is no physical test of consciousness, and we have no reason to assume that it exists, but subjectively, we are aware that we are conscious.
5 - What is the difference between an organism, a society, and an ecosystem? The body is a boundary that seeks to preserve itself, but why is it creative? Where does that come from?
6 - We try to ignore and sanitize death as much as we can, both humans and other organisms. But almost all of our food involves the death of an organism. Even vegans are "killing" plants, and we should have reverence towards these cycles that keep us alive.
7 - Peck begins this chapter with an explanation of the time he shot a mother woodchuck, which was the first time he realized how sad it is to carelessly destroy nature. Latter-day Saints see Earth as part of God's plan. Our frugality and work ethic should lead us to be good stewards, especially for our large posterity. Conservationists may believe in a random, utilitarian world, but they still seek to protect and sacrifice for it. It is unfortunate that Darwinism has been tied to Atheism, and that Environmentalism seems opposed to Utah's anti-government culture, but we have to work together to preserve our planet.
8 - Peck shares a time when he prayed about whether to donate to save whales or starving children, and he felt that God loves all organisms, even the ones we can't see or don't like. The stories of creation and the ark may not be literal, but they are meant to teach us reverence for creation, which is an ongoing process.
9-10 - Peck went through some traumatizing experiences, with both violence and a week of hallucinations. These were sad, and he is still trying to figure out God's role in all of it.
11 - This is a satirical look at what it would have taken for Noah to place all biodiversity all over the planet just a few thousand years ago.
12 - There are boundaries in ecosystems in biology. Just as we feel something sacred entering nature, we must prepare ourselves to cross the boundary from the outside world into the Holy Temple.
April 7, 2018
This is really two books. Chapters 1-6 are more closely tied to scientific literature, while chapters 7-12 are much more opinion driven and markedly less rigorous (that does not make them less valuable--only different). Part I is why I read the book and is, I think, where its value added lies. My comments refer to Part I. Note that Peck is a prolific ecologist who, as far as I can tell, is respected in the scientific community and has published peer-reviewed research there (on some type of fly?).
Part I consists of 6 essays--which I think have been published elsewhere in some form--in which Peck walks through some key concepts from biology and ecology--primarily relating to evolution--and makes connections between those concepts and theology generally or LDS theology specifically. In short, Peck wants to reconcile mainstream science on evolution with theology. I found much of the discussion useful for furthering my understanding of some key scientific principles and methods, though I suspect there are other books that would more directly provide that benefit. I was intrigued by his attempts to link these principles to theology.
Chapter 1 sets up the rest of the chapters by embracing and endorsing the value of science. This is refreshing; it also gave me some suspicion that the author intends the book to be read in a Straussian way. By the end of the book I was semi-convinced that he did not, in fact, intend a Straussian reading, but that just heightened the tension between chapter 1 and the rest of the book.
Chapter 3 was my favorite. Peck brings in some insights from evolution models. I appreciated Peck’s comments on models generally and, in particular, on randomness and selection in model environments. I think his view can be summarized as: millions of years of evolution from an initial basic life form to present humans are the mechanism used for creation. I think this view implies bigger problems for LDS theology than for Christian theology generally due to LDS views on the specific nature of deity (i.e., anthropomorphic). Peck confronts this issue with a discussion of how models of evolution, even with all their randomness, can easily be constructed to generate similar outcomes in separate simulations, even after 4 billion years, so the present form of humans could be foreseen and even intended at time 0—even without intervention along the way. As evidence, he points to the evolution of similar animals in different places, like the marsupial and non-marsupial saber-toothed tigers. Therefore, he reasons, deity could have set in motion evolution with the expectation that humanoids, similar in form to deity, would be the result. One problem with the argument is evident to anyone who has watched Star Trek: even humanoids from different planets that have evolved similarly, down to height, number of limbs, and the location of the brain, will look quite different. To be blunt: in a theophany incident, human observers will immediately note differences between themselves and, say, a reptilian humanoid; and this is to say nothing of the unlikeliness of such independently evolved humanoids truly being the same species in a technical sense (ok, so that seems to work in Star Trek… moving on). And there are other holes in the argument. In this chapter, Peck also takes a swing at solving the problem of evil inherent in evolutionary views of deity’s methods (i.e., creation through evolution means, quite precisely, purposely killing billions or trillions or more sentient beings to allow the natural selection to work; see page 68). I am not convinced. But I really enjoyed reading this chapter and think it does serve much of its purpose of providing a framework for attempting to reconcile these issues—for those who want to do so.
There are times in the book where I think he takes the models too literally; chapter 5 is particularly notable for this. In a modeling environment, the modeler must necessarily define the entirety of the design space (which, in the case of models of evolution, is defined by environment plus traits relevant for selection, in vague terms, I think). This is necessary for modeling but it does not in any way imply that the implications of the models are fully dependent on the closed and predetermined nature of the state space. Peck criticizes materialist arguments about evolution on the grounds that they take the design space for granted, that the design space is entirely predetermined, and that therefore the materialism of Dawkins and others is "entirely deterministic" (120). He therefore likens ontological materialism to dogmatic creationism since both, in his view, preclude a role for "niche creation" and creativity in evolution more generally. This made little sense to me. Yes, in models one must define a state space ahead of time. That does not mean that "ontological materialism" rests on a predetermined design space. The design space is endogenous! And the stochastic processes governing mutation, etc., while necessarily parametric in model settings, in reality should probably be thought of as Mandelbrotian or Knightian (I think those are the appropriate terms—wildly nonparametric is the point). It’s just a model, and its approximate truthfulness is not dependent on parametric restrictions.
Ultimately the elephant in the room is that key definers and authorities within LDS theology have made detailed, explicit statements rejecting the views Peck articulates. The author gives these little mind and hand waves them away as “non-canonical,” which of course is not meaningful in LDS context anyway. He is quite candid about the necessity of discarding literalism for making any reconciliation but, at least in this book, makes no attempt to wrestle with the implications of that approach. But this book does not solve the dilemmas that one might want it to solve. That said, I thoroughly enjoyed reading it and will probably read it again, particularly chapter 3.
Part I consists of 6 essays--which I think have been published elsewhere in some form--in which Peck walks through some key concepts from biology and ecology--primarily relating to evolution--and makes connections between those concepts and theology generally or LDS theology specifically. In short, Peck wants to reconcile mainstream science on evolution with theology. I found much of the discussion useful for furthering my understanding of some key scientific principles and methods, though I suspect there are other books that would more directly provide that benefit. I was intrigued by his attempts to link these principles to theology.
Chapter 1 sets up the rest of the chapters by embracing and endorsing the value of science. This is refreshing; it also gave me some suspicion that the author intends the book to be read in a Straussian way. By the end of the book I was semi-convinced that he did not, in fact, intend a Straussian reading, but that just heightened the tension between chapter 1 and the rest of the book.
Chapter 3 was my favorite. Peck brings in some insights from evolution models. I appreciated Peck’s comments on models generally and, in particular, on randomness and selection in model environments. I think his view can be summarized as: millions of years of evolution from an initial basic life form to present humans are the mechanism used for creation. I think this view implies bigger problems for LDS theology than for Christian theology generally due to LDS views on the specific nature of deity (i.e., anthropomorphic). Peck confronts this issue with a discussion of how models of evolution, even with all their randomness, can easily be constructed to generate similar outcomes in separate simulations, even after 4 billion years, so the present form of humans could be foreseen and even intended at time 0—even without intervention along the way. As evidence, he points to the evolution of similar animals in different places, like the marsupial and non-marsupial saber-toothed tigers. Therefore, he reasons, deity could have set in motion evolution with the expectation that humanoids, similar in form to deity, would be the result. One problem with the argument is evident to anyone who has watched Star Trek: even humanoids from different planets that have evolved similarly, down to height, number of limbs, and the location of the brain, will look quite different. To be blunt: in a theophany incident, human observers will immediately note differences between themselves and, say, a reptilian humanoid; and this is to say nothing of the unlikeliness of such independently evolved humanoids truly being the same species in a technical sense (ok, so that seems to work in Star Trek… moving on). And there are other holes in the argument. In this chapter, Peck also takes a swing at solving the problem of evil inherent in evolutionary views of deity’s methods (i.e., creation through evolution means, quite precisely, purposely killing billions or trillions or more sentient beings to allow the natural selection to work; see page 68). I am not convinced. But I really enjoyed reading this chapter and think it does serve much of its purpose of providing a framework for attempting to reconcile these issues—for those who want to do so.
There are times in the book where I think he takes the models too literally; chapter 5 is particularly notable for this. In a modeling environment, the modeler must necessarily define the entirety of the design space (which, in the case of models of evolution, is defined by environment plus traits relevant for selection, in vague terms, I think). This is necessary for modeling but it does not in any way imply that the implications of the models are fully dependent on the closed and predetermined nature of the state space. Peck criticizes materialist arguments about evolution on the grounds that they take the design space for granted, that the design space is entirely predetermined, and that therefore the materialism of Dawkins and others is "entirely deterministic" (120). He therefore likens ontological materialism to dogmatic creationism since both, in his view, preclude a role for "niche creation" and creativity in evolution more generally. This made little sense to me. Yes, in models one must define a state space ahead of time. That does not mean that "ontological materialism" rests on a predetermined design space. The design space is endogenous! And the stochastic processes governing mutation, etc., while necessarily parametric in model settings, in reality should probably be thought of as Mandelbrotian or Knightian (I think those are the appropriate terms—wildly nonparametric is the point). It’s just a model, and its approximate truthfulness is not dependent on parametric restrictions.
Ultimately the elephant in the room is that key definers and authorities within LDS theology have made detailed, explicit statements rejecting the views Peck articulates. The author gives these little mind and hand waves them away as “non-canonical,” which of course is not meaningful in LDS context anyway. He is quite candid about the necessity of discarding literalism for making any reconciliation but, at least in this book, makes no attempt to wrestle with the implications of that approach. But this book does not solve the dilemmas that one might want it to solve. That said, I thoroughly enjoyed reading it and will probably read it again, particularly chapter 3.
November 18, 2018
Essential reading for people who want to understand how religion is compatible with evolution.
August 19, 2018
Oh how I wish I were at a different point in my life! I had this book for a month but couldn't finish it. It is so hard for me to get the time to sit down and actually turn pages. Plus the first part of this book required serious mental attention, dealing with the nature of God and the universe. Very dense, but full of ideas that challenged me, and helped me move forward a bit in my faith. The second half was a little more personal, and easier reading, but by the time I got there, the book was due (for the second time, special order through my Dad and the Springville library from somewhere else), and I just couldn't hold onto it any longer. I am kind of glad it isn't mocking me on my bedside table anymore! Wonderful reading for anyone that has wondered about the relationship between faith and science, especially as it relates to creation, and the often cruel natural world.
May 29, 2017
Thoughtfully Joining Science and Faith
The philosophy essay was a little heavy, but i thoroughly enjoyed the musings on biology, cosmology, evolution, nature of Deity, hallucination, and boundaries.
The philosophy essay was a little heavy, but i thoroughly enjoyed the musings on biology, cosmology, evolution, nature of Deity, hallucination, and boundaries.
February 19, 2019
Some of the scientific essays were above my education level, but I really loved the last few, more personal, essays.
November 6, 2017
I took a pretty long break when I got stuck in the middle of this one (something about teleology and hermeneutics... I'm not really sure).
What I loved about this book was the way Steven holds religion in one hand and science in the other with absolutely no qualms or disquiet. A firm believer in God and the Mormon faith, and a firm believer in science and her methods and results, Steven has a masterful way with words that could convince most skeptics.
He blends his understanding of biology and philosophy with a wealth of life experience.
What he writes seems very real, as if he were there explaining it to you.
I picked this book up after a reading/lecture Steven gave at a local bookstore where he was far and away the smartest person in the room.
That is really the only complaint I have about the book though. He never comes across as condescending or pandering, or even unnecessarily lofty. He just really is the smartest person in the room, and that makes some of his writing a little hard to reach and understand in a way that is easily appreciated.
4/5 stars
What I loved about this book was the way Steven holds religion in one hand and science in the other with absolutely no qualms or disquiet. A firm believer in God and the Mormon faith, and a firm believer in science and her methods and results, Steven has a masterful way with words that could convince most skeptics.
He blends his understanding of biology and philosophy with a wealth of life experience.
What he writes seems very real, as if he were there explaining it to you.
I picked this book up after a reading/lecture Steven gave at a local bookstore where he was far and away the smartest person in the room.
That is really the only complaint I have about the book though. He never comes across as condescending or pandering, or even unnecessarily lofty. He just really is the smartest person in the room, and that makes some of his writing a little hard to reach and understand in a way that is easily appreciated.
4/5 stars
July 16, 2018
I like Peck's style.
The early chapters bogged me down. That is not Peck's fault. He was trying t explain some very esoteric stuff on evolution and theology, and most went over my head. Still, I picked up some and came away with a better appreciation for evolution, and the majesty of the eternal soul.
Part two was a lot of fun, essays relating to living the life of a life scientist. Now I am more ready to enjoy Peck's novels. I have already started "The Scholar of Moab" and "Gilda Trillim, Shepherdess of Rats". Both are proving to be fun rides.
The early chapters bogged me down. That is not Peck's fault. He was trying t explain some very esoteric stuff on evolution and theology, and most went over my head. Still, I picked up some and came away with a better appreciation for evolution, and the majesty of the eternal soul.
Part two was a lot of fun, essays relating to living the life of a life scientist. Now I am more ready to enjoy Peck's novels. I have already started "The Scholar of Moab" and "Gilda Trillim, Shepherdess of Rats". Both are proving to be fun rides.
May 28, 2016
One of the top 10 books I have ever read.
December 24, 2017
A very interesting read. If you lack deep scientific interest or background, it can be tough sledding at times, but it's worth the effort.
November 14, 2019
Steven Peck is one of my heroes. I don't say this lightly. The man, whom I've met in person (I attend BYU, where he teaches), is bright, funny, good-natured, deep, intellectually rigorous, and widely read. He is the kind of man I aspire to be, someone with a wide breadth and much depth in more than one field. He's fluent in the languages of philosophy, science, theology, mathematics, poetry, and narrative. And in this book, he uses it to great effect. And it's wonderful.
The book covers topics like the value of science; the debate of science versus religion; the idea of a worldwide flood; the relationship between Mormonism and environmentalism; evolution, what it is and its' implications for religion in general and Mormonism in particular; and more. He's good at recognizing where more revelation is needed, and is careful not to tread authoritatively in those areas. And it's all interesting. I've read books on evolution that are as dry as tumbleweed, but here it's lit up with fresh force. Yes, some of the beginning parts and essays get a bit dry; I had to chunk them up for that reason. But the more I think about them, the more exciting they become to me. And even better, it's a book that doesn't have to be read in any particular order. I read it very much OUT of order, and still felt the net effect: it was spiritually strengthening and intellectually enlarging, both aspects of a BYU education and an effect he leads his readers to with great effect.
The book covers topics like the value of science; the debate of science versus religion; the idea of a worldwide flood; the relationship between Mormonism and environmentalism; evolution, what it is and its' implications for religion in general and Mormonism in particular; and more. He's good at recognizing where more revelation is needed, and is careful not to tread authoritatively in those areas. And it's all interesting. I've read books on evolution that are as dry as tumbleweed, but here it's lit up with fresh force. Yes, some of the beginning parts and essays get a bit dry; I had to chunk them up for that reason. But the more I think about them, the more exciting they become to me. And even better, it's a book that doesn't have to be read in any particular order. I read it very much OUT of order, and still felt the net effect: it was spiritually strengthening and intellectually enlarging, both aspects of a BYU education and an effect he leads his readers to with great effect.
March 10, 2019
I remember the first time I met a Mormon that believed in Evolution. He was dating my sister and he was a Biology major at BYU. He was smart, studied, articulate and he seemed to have a strong testimony which is why I was totally flabbergasted that one could actually believe in something so clearly ‘anti-Gospel.’
Fast forward to last year and how, after reading an article, for the first time I was forced to consider the possibility of evolution being real. After a few more small peeks into this idea, I heard about Peck and this book. Now understand this I hated science growing up and I REALLY struggled, despite reading a few of them over and over, understanding some of ideas/theories in the first half, but this book has opened my mind in so many ways. I cannot say yet that evolution (as explained in Darwinism) is absolutely exactly what happened but who truly can?
What I love is his approach and the questions he asks. The first half is almost purely intellectual, while the second half is ... I can’t explain it ... but I’ll go with some combination of weird, awesome, fun and beautiful. The last 2 pages made me put the book down and just think a long time, which eventually led to a couple tears, I like books that evoke that response in me.
Fast forward to last year and how, after reading an article, for the first time I was forced to consider the possibility of evolution being real. After a few more small peeks into this idea, I heard about Peck and this book. Now understand this I hated science growing up and I REALLY struggled, despite reading a few of them over and over, understanding some of ideas/theories in the first half, but this book has opened my mind in so many ways. I cannot say yet that evolution (as explained in Darwinism) is absolutely exactly what happened but who truly can?
What I love is his approach and the questions he asks. The first half is almost purely intellectual, while the second half is ... I can’t explain it ... but I’ll go with some combination of weird, awesome, fun and beautiful. The last 2 pages made me put the book down and just think a long time, which eventually led to a couple tears, I like books that evoke that response in me.
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June 28, 2022Sometimes, what I want most out of a book is that it pulls me out of this old world into a new one I didn't know existed. It's like being born again.
Or, as Steve Peck writes in the closing essay: "...trying to understand moments and places of transition seems to be an important part of defining and interacting with our sacred spaces. Like an ecotone, these present us with an area of in-between-ness that is unique and contingent upon its standing as a boundary between spaces."
...And his essay did exactly that! Well done. I'm glad I sat down to read the rest of this instead of playing Animal Crossing lol. (4/5)
Or, as Steve Peck writes in the closing essay: "...trying to understand moments and places of transition seems to be an important part of defining and interacting with our sacred spaces. Like an ecotone, these present us with an area of in-between-ness that is unique and contingent upon its standing as a boundary between spaces."
...And his essay did exactly that! Well done. I'm glad I sat down to read the rest of this instead of playing Animal Crossing lol. (4/5)
October 4, 2023
Mostly I’m proud that I read this book 6 years after adding it to my TBR list, so thanks to Deseret Book for the 3-month free trial of “Deseret Bookshelf+” (which I didn’t know existed until I got the mailer).
I’m glad I left it on my list, though. This is a thought-provoking mix of highly technical science (befitting a professional evolutionary entomologist), highly speculative theology, and moderately approachable philosophy. The essays were hit-or-miss and I skipped a couple, but a neat read for sure.
I’m glad I left it on my list, though. This is a thought-provoking mix of highly technical science (befitting a professional evolutionary entomologist), highly speculative theology, and moderately approachable philosophy. The essays were hit-or-miss and I skipped a couple, but a neat read for sure.
October 14, 2025
“Can we just tell it like it is?”
I, and I like to think we (humankind), just want to know it as it really is. Whatever that means more precisely I suspect the notion it conveys is felt and experienced universally.
Therein is suggested part of the magic of these “wanderings.” Magic which derives from shared felt wanderings or perhaps wonderings. Meaning deeper than the words themselves. Somehow essential. Visceral. Tangible. Real.
And, a BIG “and,” we as readers and dwellers are left to wonder and wander. A delightful condition to be amidst.
I, and I like to think we (humankind), just want to know it as it really is. Whatever that means more precisely I suspect the notion it conveys is felt and experienced universally.
Therein is suggested part of the magic of these “wanderings.” Magic which derives from shared felt wanderings or perhaps wonderings. Meaning deeper than the words themselves. Somehow essential. Visceral. Tangible. Real.
And, a BIG “and,” we as readers and dwellers are left to wonder and wander. A delightful condition to be amidst.
January 3, 2026
I absolutely loved part 1 of this book about consciousness, emergentism, and the philosophy of science more broadly. Every chapter/article was thought provoking and a great intro of the subjects. By far the most in-depth treatise of these topics from an LDS point of view yet. I know Blake Ostler has planned to tackle epistemology and the mind-body problem in his next volume of the Exploring Mormon Thought series.
Part 2 was also good though not as theological, scientifically, or philosophically rich as the first. It does highlight Peck’s talent as a general writer though.
Part 2 was also good though not as theological, scientifically, or philosophically rich as the first. It does highlight Peck’s talent as a general writer though.
February 23, 2022
The first half was essays written for scholarly journals and was therefore a bit dense for a lay person, although thoughtful and worth the effort. The last half was written for a lay audience and was more accessible. A good read for those interested in and LDS perspective on science and religion.
January 4, 2021
This small volume was a challenge to read - first for its technical discussions and second for the philosophical approach to why environmentalism is so needed. Much food for thought. I need to up my commitment to nature and its protection.
August 2, 2020
excellent read but I needed a dictionary nearby because of all the technical terms I wasn't familiar with.
June 18, 2021
A sophisticated exploration of evolution, ecology, conservation and LDS theology.
Read
July 4, 2023Insightful.
July 10, 2023
Not all who wander are lost.
March 22, 2024
This may be a short book, but it's not an easy read. There was a lot that went over my head, and it took me months to get through Part 1 with all the philosophy. I enjoyed Part 2.
January 29, 2022
I thirst for books like this, written by faithful Latter day Saint scholars. This collection of essays begins with more technical, longer articles; and ends with the personal, more creative offerings of Steven L. Peck. The end is worth it.
February 26, 2017
Peck is a biology professor at BYU and teaches on evolution, among other things. A main takeaway is seeing how he treats evolution (including human) as complete fact, with no need to invoke religion (at BYU!). Probably his most interesting piece was on the subject of consciousness and how God can only work through the human conscience in this world. He tries to explain the religious and philosophical implications of these views, but he struggles a bit with tying it all together (understandably).
This book is just a collection of 12 essays written by Peck over the years. I would say 3-4 were really interesting, 2-3 were semi-interesting, and the rest were not for me. He covers a range of topics on philosophy, religion, biology, and the environment. One big draw back is the constant naming of people and terms in the fields of philosophy and biology that he just expects you to know, like "Godels theorem," to give just one example. I hadn't heard of many of them, and without explanation it often left me frustrated.
This book is just a collection of 12 essays written by Peck over the years. I would say 3-4 were really interesting, 2-3 were semi-interesting, and the rest were not for me. He covers a range of topics on philosophy, religion, biology, and the environment. One big draw back is the constant naming of people and terms in the fields of philosophy and biology that he just expects you to know, like "Godels theorem," to give just one example. I hadn't heard of many of them, and without explanation it often left me frustrated.
March 16, 2016
I enjoyed reading this book, although it reminded me quite blatantly that I haven't been a biology student in a LONG time. The first section was harder to read (for me anyway, since it's been some time since I had to read technical writing), but also more informative on the book's main topic of how evolution and the LDS religion can coincide. I enjoyed reading the second section more, because it was less technical and easier to read, but seemed less about evolution than about interesting thoughts the author has had in his career as a biologist.
I was surprised at some of Peck's ideas regarding church members and their supposed anti-environmentalism. I haven't encountered this particularly, nor have I encountered many that are particularly for environmentalism--in short I haven't noticed any correlation between the church and the environment but I didn't grow up in a rural area, and don't teach a myriad of LDS biology students so I'll take him at his word.
I don't think I ever really considered whether evolution was valid, I just assumed that it 'would all make sense' once I died and had the opportunity to more fully understand the master plan. Because of that, I'm glad I read this book to help me see how evolution CAN fit in with creationism and the LDS church's teachings in general.
I was surprised at some of Peck's ideas regarding church members and their supposed anti-environmentalism. I haven't encountered this particularly, nor have I encountered many that are particularly for environmentalism--in short I haven't noticed any correlation between the church and the environment but I didn't grow up in a rural area, and don't teach a myriad of LDS biology students so I'll take him at his word.
I don't think I ever really considered whether evolution was valid, I just assumed that it 'would all make sense' once I died and had the opportunity to more fully understand the master plan. Because of that, I'm glad I read this book to help me see how evolution CAN fit in with creationism and the LDS church's teachings in general.
April 20, 2017
It's hard to write a review of this book, because it's a collection of essays and therefore doesn't have a specific thesis or purpose, more just general themes. I appreciate that, personally, because it means that there is a lot of wandering in and out of topics and no clear end point and certainly nothing resembling an actual thesis. Just musings on life, evolution, spirit, matter, environmentalism, and the nature of God's creations and our relationship to them. (In some ways he is a successor to Hugh Nibley on the issue of Latter Day Saints and the environment. Sadly, it appears we still need to learn the lessons from Brother Nibley as well as Brother Peck.)
And I really liked all of Brother Peck's musings, so I highly recommend this book to anybody who's interested in any of those topics in general, and the relationship of the LDS church and Mormon doctrine to those topics. But if you are looking for for my answers, this is not the book for you. If you're looking for interesting discussion and insightful commentary, then this is the book for you.
And I really liked all of Brother Peck's musings, so I highly recommend this book to anybody who's interested in any of those topics in general, and the relationship of the LDS church and Mormon doctrine to those topics. But if you are looking for for my answers, this is not the book for you. If you're looking for interesting discussion and insightful commentary, then this is the book for you.
May 28, 2016
Evolving Faith: Wanderings of a Mormon Biologist is a collection of essays by Steven L. Peck, published by the Maxwell Institute. Evolving Faith is an apt title, and this becomes apparent after reading all of the essays. They are a reconciliation between Darwinism and faith, but much more than that. Peck also looks at materialism, consciousness, subjectivity, creation, and stewardship of the environment, and challenges LDS theology to engage with these things in serious ways. I see this book as a call for LDS theology to evolve by adapting to the landscape of modern science and philosophy...
To read the rest of this review, please go to the Exponent blog at http://www.the-exponent.com/book-revi...
To read the rest of this review, please go to the Exponent blog at http://www.the-exponent.com/book-revi...
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