Science, Evolution, and Religion: A Debate about Atheism and Theism

by Michael L. Peterson

The science-religion debate is a hot topic in academic circles and contemporary culture, and evolution makes the subject particularly contentious. Does modern science tip the scales toward atheism? Or does religion have resources to support its credibility and relevance? And how does evolution influence both worldviews?

Comprehensive, balanced, and engaging, Science, Evolution, and Religion provides a dynamic yet respectful introduction to the science-religion debate, framed as a conflict between theism and atheism and structured around the impact of evolution on both perspectives. Philosophers Michael Peterson and Michael Ruse argue for theism and atheism, respectively. Peterson occasionally draws from Christian doctrine to supplement theism; Ruse often supports his atheism with elements drawn from the larger context of philosophical naturalism. The result is a rich dialogue on the nature and history of science, cosmic origins, biological origins, the anthropic principle, the foundations of morality, human uniqueness, the meaning of life, and other important topics in this area.

Genres: Philosophy, Nonfiction

288 pages, Paperback

Published July 1, 2016

Reviews

[Val Timke · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was informative about how Peterson (a theist) and Ruse (an atheist, not New Age) approach science, evolution, the mind, purpose, and free will. Ultimately, I'm not rating this based on agreement or disagreement with their arguments and conclusions (while I do agree with Ruse on things like Dawkins' extremism/incorrect approaches to arguments, I disagree with him in his approaches as well, especially on free will).

I'm rating this three stars for a few reasons: while informative, Peterson repeatedly claims theism is the more likely approach to all questions for faulty, unexplained or underexplained reasons. This grew quite annoying, as it happened chapter after chapter. But ultimately, I just wanted Peterson and Ruse to explain both of themselves more. I suppose since this was an introductory book, and all philosophy is left with loose ends, I shouldn't be too upset. It was a solid introductory to the approaches of these two philosophers, and overall interesting.

[W. H. Merriman · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is an excellent example of how a debate should be conducted, a rare light in our dark times. Furthermore, Peterson presents a Christian theism that is razor sharp intellectually, scientifically, and rationally that harmonizes euphoniously with the chorus of ancient, historic Christian Orthodoxy.

[Zach Waldis · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a very helpful philosophical dialogue between two professional philosophers. Ruse seems a bit flippant throughout, but he's also funny, so it works for him. Something on hermeneutics would have been helpful, as both sides agree on the scientific facts but they disagree on their significance and meaning.