What are the main positions in the
debate over creation and evolution? Why
do they disagree? Can the debates about
origins and evolution ever be resolved?
Gerald Rau offers a fair-minded overview
of the six predominant models used to
explain the origins of the universe, of
life, of species and of humans. He aims
to show the contours of current debates
both among Christians and between
Christians and non-theists. He also
enables us to evaluate and think more
clearly about the various arguments for
each position. He accomplishes this by
not only describing the options on
origins, but by exploring the
philosophical assumptions behind each
and how evidence is counted
corresponding with each model.
While surveying the various models, Rau
does not avoid in-depth consideration of
the complexities involved in what makes
up a given model and how they differ.
Rau investigates the nature of science
and the differing philosophies of
science operating in the debates. He
goes on to show the importance of
philosophical assumptions involved in
each model and the key role among
Christians of the assumed proper
hermeneutic for interpreting Scripture.
Rau cogently identifies the role those
assumptions play in determining what
counts as significant evidence in the
current debates. He presents in detail
how the scientific evidence is
interpreted by each model to
substantiate its conclusions. He also
notes the limits of a scientifically
gained knowledge. In the end, he shows
not just what the differences are among
the options but why they disagree and
why we shouldn't expect any resolution
as long as the philosophical assumptions
remain fixed. Any reader will not only
become better informed about the current
debates on origins but will become
better thinkers about the issues at
stake.
debate over creation and evolution? Why
do they disagree? Can the debates about
origins and evolution ever be resolved?
Gerald Rau offers a fair-minded overview
of the six predominant models used to
explain the origins of the universe, of
life, of species and of humans. He aims
to show the contours of current debates
both among Christians and between
Christians and non-theists. He also
enables us to evaluate and think more
clearly about the various arguments for
each position. He accomplishes this by
not only describing the options on
origins, but by exploring the
philosophical assumptions behind each
and how evidence is counted
corresponding with each model.
While surveying the various models, Rau
does not avoid in-depth consideration of
the complexities involved in what makes
up a given model and how they differ.
Rau investigates the nature of science
and the differing philosophies of
science operating in the debates. He
goes on to show the importance of
philosophical assumptions involved in
each model and the key role among
Christians of the assumed proper
hermeneutic for interpreting Scripture.
Rau cogently identifies the role those
assumptions play in determining what
counts as significant evidence in the
current debates. He presents in detail
how the scientific evidence is
interpreted by each model to
substantiate its conclusions. He also
notes the limits of a scientifically
gained knowledge. In the end, he shows
not just what the differences are among
the options but why they disagree and
why we shouldn't expect any resolution
as long as the philosophical assumptions
remain fixed. Any reader will not only
become better informed about the current
debates on origins but will become
better thinkers about the issues at
stake.