Description
Book SynopsisTake hold of the most recent scientific and theological developments and respond convincingly to this key question of faith
Trade Review`Surely the best informed, clearest and most judicious treatment of the question in its title that you can find anywhere today.’ -- J I Packer
`In this brilliant and highly readable treatise, Denis Alexander the scientists-believer argues convincingly and lovingly that a committed Christian need not fear evolution, but can embrace it as God’s awesome means of creation.’ -- Dr Francis S Collins, Head of the Human Genome Project, USA
"Regardless of what position one might hold, Alexander’s book will light the way to a more informed understanding of the terrain in one of today’s most volatile issues. Just as importantly, he models the graciousness that ought to characterize our conversations. His expertise in the pertinent sciences is undergirded with a nuanced understanding of the biblical and theological issues and a commitment to their importance. Those who sometimes struggle with the technical jargon that often characterizes this conversation will find a breath of fresh air in his ability to communicate clearly. Books like this are helping the church to move beyond the warfare mentality and to consider anew ways that we can think as Christians in a complicated world, and Alexander’s work has earned a spot at the top of the list." -- John Walton, Professor of Old Testament, Wheaton College [author of The Lost World of Genesis One]
`Very timely, thoughtful, thorough and full of integrity. It speaks the languages of both science and faith in a remarkably clear and accessible way.’ -- Rt Revd John Pritchard, Bishop of Oxford, UK
`A masterful and enlightening journey through both the relevant biblical text and the science underlying evolution.’ -- Andrew P. Halestrap, Professor of Biochemistry, University of Bristol, UK
`A fresh and massive contribution to an important debate....no Christian interested in the questions of origins can ignore this book.’ -- Julian Hardyman, Senior Pastor, Eden Baptist Church, Cambridge, UK
"Immensely valuable … a thoughtful and thought-provoking work." -- Professor Ernan McMullin * The Tablet *
Table of ContentsContents
Figures 10
Preface to the First Edition 11
Preface to the Second Edition 15
1 What Do We Mean By Creation? 21
2 The Biblical Doctrine of Creation 35
3 What Do We Mean By Evolution? Dating, DNA and Genes 58
4 What Do We Mean By Evolution? Natural Selection, Reproductive Success and Cooperation 88
5 What Do We Mean By Evolution? Speciation, Fossils and the Question of Information 112
6 Objections to Evolution 154
7 What About Genesis? 177
8 Evolutionary Creationism 199
9 Who were Adam and Eve? The Background 223
10 Who were Adam and Eve? Genesis and Science in Conversation 252
11 Evolution and the Biblical Understanding of Death 305
12 Evolution and the Fall 316
13 Evolution, Natural Evil and the Theodicy Question 366
14 Intelligent Design and Creation’s Order 389
15 Evolution: Intelligent and Designed? 414
16 The Origin of Life 435
Postscript 461
Notes 464
Index 493
