Short description
Much of contemporary thought on evolution has centered on the mistaken assumption that evolution requires a strictly materialist view of the origins of all organisms - including human beings. This book aims to debunk that myth, arguing that the real world is less certain and far more interesting than the scientific mainstream.
Long description
Miller is a believer, but he is also certain that we evolved - and this book is about why the two are not mutually exclusive; in fact, the idea of each enriches the other. There is an enormous market out there for whom this issue is of real interest and import. Much of contemporary thought on evolution has centered on the mistaken assumption that evolution requires a strictly materialist view of the origins of all organisms - including human beings. This book will debunk that myth, arguing that the real world is less certain and far more interesting than either the scientific mainstream or creationists assume. Properly understood, evolution adds depth and meaning not only to a strictly scientific view of the world, but to a spiritual one, as well. Readers will find this fascinating, very clear, incisive, exciting, and thoughtful. This should sell like Gould and Wilson-brilliant, cutting-edge thinking.
Review
Ken Miller is both an outstanding scientist and a gifted teacher. In this scholarly book, he uses his unusual abilities to explain the overwhelming evidence for evolution in a lucid and very entertaining way. In this process, he directly addresses the arguments that are made by each of the various schools of modern creationism. Dr. Miller is also a deeply religious person, and in a very personal and direct way he takes issue with those scientists who claim that modern science has disproven the existence of God. He convincingly argues that science and religion offer different, but compatible, ways of viewing the world. In taking this position, he is supported by the leaders of most of the world's major religions. His book should be read by all those who want to understand this central issue. -- Bruce Alberts, president of the National Academy of Sciences Religion's answer to Stephen Jay Gould's scientific atheism, Kenneth R. Miller, Brown's superstar in biology and religion, here shows ?not only why Darwinian evolution does not preclude the existence of God, but how remarkably consistent evolution is with religion.' Written with sharp wit and in pungent prose, his book redefined the entire debate by showing the true meaning of the science represented by the name of Darwin. Had William Jennings Bryan read Miller's book, he would have not botched the Scopes trial--but then, there'd not have been such a trail to begin with. -- Jacob Neusner, Distinguished Research Professor of Religions Studies, University of South Florida & Bard College Can evolution and God coexist? With powerful logic and evidence, Kenneth Miller, a distinguished biologist and believer, develops an affirmative answer. Finding Darwin's God is an artfully constructed argument against both those who deny evolution and those using science to justify a materialist worldview. Yet it is a book for all readers. I know of no other that would surpass it in being mindful of different views, while still forceful. Miller has an uncanny gift for expressing profound ideas in clear and graceful prose. -- Francisco J. Ayala, Donald Bren Professor of Biological Sciences, University of California, Irvine Miller argues that evolution is the key to understanding our relationship with God, its indeterminacy endowing us with our freedom to choose good from evil and to choose God's love. Along the way, he pillories those religionists who see evolution as the product of iterative Intelligent Design and those atheists who argue that evolution demonstrates a universe lacking in Purpose. An original, affective treatise, beautifully written, that offers new paths toward reconciling science with the faith of the Abrahamic tradition. -- Ursula Goodenough, professor of biology, Washington University, St. Louis; author of The Sacred Depths of Nature