Perspectives on an Evolving Creation [Paperback]

Keith B. Miller (Editor)

Book Description

Publication Date: September 2003

According to the authors of this book, who explore evolutionary theory from a clear Christian perspective, the common view of conflict between evolutionary theory and Christian faith is mistaken. Written by contributors representing the natural sciences, philosophy, theology, and the history of science, this thought-provoking work is informed by both solid scientific knowledge and keen theological insight. The three sections of the book address (1) relevant biblical, historical, and scientific background, (2) the scientific evidence for an evolving creation, and (3) theological issues commonly raised in connection with evolution, including the nature of Gods creative activity, the meaning of the miraculous, and the uniqueness of humankind. Woven through the volume are short meditations designed to direct readers toward worshiping the God of providence.

Product Details

• Paperback: 528 pages
• Publisher: William B. Eerdmans Publishing Company (September 2003)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0802805124
• ISBN-13: 978-0802805126
• Product Dimensions: 9.4 x 6.3 x 1.2 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.7 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (9 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #80,586 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

47 of 52 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars essay collection on Theistic evolution by orthodoxChristians, January 1, 2004

By 

R. M. Williams "just an avid reader" (tucson, arizona USA) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Perspectives on an Evolving Creation (Paperback)

The book is a collection of essays (21) with a common theme-theistic evolution(TE), a common allegience-to orthodox Christianity, on the part of the writers. As such it is in a very small category, as TE tends to be beat up by both extremes on the issues- the young earth creationist(YEC) and secular evolutionary materialists, being orthodox complications the matter a lot as no one is happy with what you have to say. It is an introductory book, aimed at a general audience with at least a background on the issues. Its weaknesses are the general weaknesses of the essay collection genre itself, in particular, no sooner do you get into an essay then it is over and you must start the process of familarization and understanding an author all over again. The unevenness of different people's style and form makes going a little hard and continuity even harder. I suspect that the various authors had the other guys outlines in hand as they refer internally to the other essays, but no discussion or 2-way conversations are apparent, this helps a little bit to lighten the essay load but it is still a difficult straight through read. however i have no problem recommending the book, partly because i have little else to offer, partly because the bulk of the essays are above average and any reader can skip and choose what he/she desires to read.

The essays themselves are divided into 3 major groupings: "Providing a Context" "Scientific Evidence and Theory" and "Theological Implications and Insights". For my own appraisal the book reached a peak early with the first two parts and really slumped in the last, with the exception of H. VanTill's essay "Is the Universe Capable of Evolving?". I enjoyed the next essay "Special Providence and Genetic Mutation" but found it a little too choppy, i hope to read the longer essay that it is a summary of in order to see the fuller development. The material covered is the big questions in the field and offered little surprises overall except for chapter 5 "Does Science Exclude God? Natural Law, chance, Miracles, and scientific practice" which is good enough to be the one chapter that i would recommend reading if you wish to get a quick idea of the book and whether you wish to invest the time in reading the whole collection. The authors choosen are certainly the best in the field and their names are known to anyone with a familarity in the field. Conrad Hyers, Howard Van Till, Mark Noll, David Livingston, Keith B. Miller, are joined by Terry Gray who i wish the best in his search for answers in this discussion, as it has carried a very high personal cost to him and i admire how he has risen to this level in the discussion, congratulations.

The book suffers a little from no research notes or reference listing, although most of the footnotes will do for a start. A systematic introductory essay to each section outlining the issues and the past history of positions would have been helpful as well. In general however the authors are very aware of their audience and do a good job communicating their understanding with a minimum of jargon, in a fair and not-argumentative way.

50 of 56 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Required Reading for Bible-Believing Christians!, November 28, 2003

By 

Michael Dowd "America's evolutionary evangelist" (Freeland, WA USA) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Perspectives on an Evolving Creation (Paperback)

One of Christianity's best-kept secrets is that the vast majority of evangelical scholars and theologians do not see a conflict between creation and evolution, which is why virtually all evangelical liberal arts colleges and universities (not to be confused with Bible colleges) teach evolution. This important and inspiring collection of essays from leading evangelicals should go a long way toward helping those on the conservative end of the theological spectrum value the contributions of mainstream science and interpret cosmic, Earth, life, and human history in God glorifying, Christ edifying, scripture honoring ways. It is consistently insightful, respectful, and gently prophetic. Highly recommended for those who are open to having their faith enriched, deepened, and expanded by a theocentric way of understanding the evolutionary sciences.

15 of 17 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Sublime, March 9, 2007

By 

Jedidiah Palosaari "Not My Real Name" (Fes, Morocco) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Perspectives on an Evolving Creation (Paperback)

This was just a fabulous collection of essays. All you'd ever want on the topic, and more. A variety of authors with a variety of perspectives look at the history of the literal creationism-intelligent design-evolution debate, the evidence for evolution, and, in the last 2/5ths of the book, the meaning of evolution for theology and the Christian walk. I say now, this book has changed many ways I view the Bible and the Christian myth. It has helped me more integrate the Rock of Ages and the age of rocks. It has helped me see the full import of the evolutionary myth to the meaning of Christ. It allows one to be an intellectually fulfilled predestinationist, and an evolutionist. And that's just the beginning.

Never before have I seen a work that takes both evolution and following Jesus so seriously. If evolution is true, as the evidence overwhelmingly indicates, then it's part of reality. It's part of God's creation. Are we not to contemplate all that we see to understand God better? Therefore it should reveal something of God, for there is that of God within it. In this book the authors show that of God in evolution. The icing is the regular devotionals dispersed throughout the book, where we contemplate evolution and creation, in order to grow more in our relationship with God.

I didn't agree with everything written in this book. A couple of the authors even come very close to supporting elements of the intelligent design hypothesis. Some of the essays are clearer or better written than others. But every single essay shares something that I could take away, that enriched my life, that made me a better Christian, a better biologist, and a better man. It took me a month to get through this book, because it is simply that life changing. Without a doubt it is the finest of this genre I have yet read.