Christians confess that God created the heavens and the earth. But how did he do it, and does the Bible gives us a scientifically accurate account? In Old-Earth or Evolutionary Creation?, representatives from Reasons to Believe and BioLogos engage in charitable dialogue on questions of creation and evolution. Instead of providing a traditional “two-views” approach, this book helps lay readers identify science-and-faith issues and appreciate how they and the church can benefit from the conversation. As a result, Old-Earth or Evolutionary Creation? leads to opportunities for all Christians to present sound reasons and evidence for the Christian faith to believers and unbelievers.
Old-Earth or Evolutionary Creation? is the second book in the BioLogos Books on Science and Christianity series, a partnership between BioLogos and IVP Academic. The books in this series address a range of topics on science and faith for Christian audiences, from nonspecialists to scholars in the field.
Moderated by Southern Baptist seminary professors, the discussions in this book touch on many of the pressing debates in science and faith.
Praise for Old-Earth or Evolutionary Creation?:
Carlos Campo, president of Ashland University:
Old-Earth or Evolutionary Creation?, edited by Kenneth Keathley, J. B. Stump, and Joe Aguirre, is the result of an ‘unprecedented project’ that brings together ‘three groups who disagree about key points of science and theology but share a love for Jesus.’ The book is particularly successful because of the world-class minds who deliver a refreshingly objective and scholarly overview of science and faith issues that have been so divisive in the church and the academy. The essays and interviews clearly communicate theological and scientific points of divergence and coherence while providing a relevant and carefully researched resource for anyone interested in the study of origins. As a university president and a person of orthodox Christian belief, I see this publication as a significant step forward for both the faith community and the academy.
Tremper Longman III, Robert H. Gundry Professor of Biblical Studies, Westmont College:
Origins, particularly human origins, continues to be a controversial issue among evangelical Protestants. In Old-Earth or Evolutionary Creation?, the organizations BioLogos and Reasons to Believe model a respectful interchange of ideas in spite of their significant differences. The result is an intelligent and illuminating discussion of this crucial and timely topic.
S. Joshua Swamidass, assistant professor of laboratory and genomic medicine, Washington University in Saint Louis:
This book has cultural significance that extends far beyond the origins debate. Here, Christians with deep disagreements chose to worship together, laboring for several years to understand and love each other. In a society marked by angry divisions, the hard work of reconciliation chronicled in this book is rare, beautiful, and an example for us all to follow.
Contents
Introduction: How Did We Get Here?
1. Boundaries: What Views Define Your Organization?
2. Biblical Interpretation: What Is the Nature of Biblical Authority?
3. The Original Couple: What Are the Range of Viable Positions Concerning Adam and Eve?
4. Death, Predation, and Suffering: Is “Natural Evil” Evil?
5. Divine Action: How Does God Interact with the Natural World?
6. The Scientific Method: Methodological Naturalism or Natural Theology?
7. Biological Evolution: What Is It? Does It Explain Life’s History?
8. The Geological Evidence: What Is the Natural History of the Earth and the Origin of Life?
9. The Fossil Evidence: Who Were the Hominids?
10. The Biological Evidence: Does Genetics Point to Common Descent?
11. The Anthropological Evidence: How Are Humans Unique?
Conclusion: What Is the Next Step?
Bibliography