Darwin and God [Paperback]

Nick Spencer (Author)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 0281060827 | ISBN-13: 978-0281060825 | Publication Date: February 2009

On 27 December 1831, Charles Darwin boarded HMS Beagle in Plymouth and embarked on a voyage that would last nearly five years and, in other ways, a lifetime. Before the trip Darwin had been 'a sort of Christian': 'orthodox' in a conventional, rational, Anglican kind of way. What he experienced on the Beagle set him on a journey from Christianity, through theism, to the muddled agnosticism of his old age. Nick Spencer draws on Darwin's autobiography, manuscripts, notebooks and letters - as well as his world-famous publications - in exploring Darwin's view of design, purpose, morality, the universe and the human mind. The author argues that, although Darwin's theory of evolution by natural selection did undermine his Christian faith, it was the age-old problem of suffering - first in theory, then through the dreadful loss of his favorite child - that caused it to break down. "Darwin and God" is the first full-length account of Darwin's religious beliefs to be published in the UK. Meticulously-researched, it presents a moving, compelling and tumultuous story of one of the world's greatest scientists.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"* 'A very helpful discussion of a neglected and important subject' Mary Midgley * 'This fascinating and readable book fills a big gap in the Darwin literature and provides a well-researched overview of Darwin's religious struggles.' Denis Alexander, Director, The Faraday Institute for Science and Religion * 'When misconceptions abound concerning Darwin's religious views, it is good to read such a sensitive, reliable and absorbing account.' John Hedley Brooke, Emeritus Professor of Science and Religion, University of Oxford"

About the Author

NICK SPENCER is Director of Studies at Theos, the public theology think tank. He has written a number of books, most recently (with Bob White) Christianity, Climate Change and Sustainable Living, and is the author (with Jonathan Chaplin) of God and Government (SPCK, forthcoming).

Product Details

• Paperback: 160 pages
• Publisher: Society for Promoting Christian (February 2009)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0281060827
• ISBN-13: 978-0281060825
• Product Dimensions: 8.4 x 5.4 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 7.8 ounces
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,688,038 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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