Evolution makes good scientific sense. The question is whether it makes good theological sense as well. Christians who find evolution contrary to faith often do so because they focus solely on the issues of the world's design and the notion of the gradual descent of all life from a common ancestry. But that point of view overlooks the significance of the dramatic narrative going on beneath the surface. What evolution is has become more important than what it means. Haught suggests that, rather than necessarily contradicting one another, theologians and Darwinian scientists actually share an appreciation of the underlying meaning and awe-inspiring mystery of evolution. He argues for a focus on evolution as an ongoing drama and suggests that we simply cannot-indeed need not-make complete sense of it until it has fully played out. Ultimately, when situated carefully within a biblical vision of the world as open to a God who makes all things new, evolution makes sense scientifically and theologically.
"John Haught is not simply one of the best theologians of our time; he. . .is a prophet. Any serious thinker will find in his book a rich banquet of thought, a depth of insight and a God who belongs to evolution."
--Ilia Delio, O.S.F, America, March 15, 2010
"Making Sense of Evolution will appeal to anybody with an interest in the roles of science and religion in the modern world. Just as Haught argues that Darwin simultaneously challenges and enriches theology, HaughtÂ's book challenges and enriches the contemporary discourse between science and religion."
--Kenrick Vezina, ForeWord Reviews, March/April 2010
Â"Ours is an age dominated by Â"nothing butÂ" treatments. Religious conservatives and atheist biologists alike engage in a war-to-the-death between evolution and creation. How refreshing, then, to read this brilliant Â'both andÂ' synthesis by one of AmericaÂ's leading experts in the field. Authoritative yet immensely readable, this volume offers a powerful vision of a God big enough to encompass the adventure of evolution, contingency, suffering, and randomness. Somehow, one feels, when the dust of battle settles, something like John HaughtÂ's rich description of Â'infinite and inexhaustible depthÂ' will remain standing.Â" Philip Clayton, Ingraham Professor, Claremont School of Theology and Claremont Graduate University and author of
In Quest of Freedom: The Emergence of Spirit in the Natural World.
Â"By taking Darwin's and neo-DarwiniansÂ' work seriously, Haught satisfyingly shows how Christians can and should be both rigorous scientists and faithful believers.Â" Terrence W. Tilley, Professor of Theology and Chair of the Department, Ford-ham University, Bronx NY
John F. Haught is Senior Fellow in Science and Religion at the Woodstock Theological Center at Georgetown University in Washington, D. C. One of the world's leading thinkers in the field of theology and science, Haught was Chair and Professor in the Department of Theology at Georgetown from 1970 to 2005. An international lecturer and prolific author, his books include Christianity and Science, God After Darwin: A Theology of Evolution, and the prize-winning Deeper than Darwin: The Prospects for Religion in the Age of Evolution.
Publisher: Presbyterian Publishing Corporation
Distributor: Presbyterian Publishing Corporation
Publication Date: 02-16-2010
Pages: 144
Measurements: 9in X 6in
