This book addresses a question at the heart of the current debate about the relationship between science and religion, in particular between that form of evolutionary biology known as Darwinism, and the basic tenets of the Christian faith. That question is: can someone who accepts Darwin's theory of natural selection subscribe at the same time to the essential claims of Christianity? Adopting a balanced perspective on the subject, Michael Ruse offers a serious examination of both Darwinism and Christianity. He covers a wide range of topics, from the Scopes Monkey Trial to claims about the religious significance of extraterrestrials. He deals with major figures in the current science/religion debate (for example Richard Dawkins, Stephen Jay Gould and E.O. Wilson on the science side, as well as Arthur Peacocke, Robert J. Russell and Keith Ward on the religion side). He considers in some detail the claims of the new creationism, and reveals some surprising parallels between Darwinian materialists and traditional thinkers such as St. Augustine. Michael Ruse argues that, although it is at times difficult for a Darwinian to embrace Christian belief, it is by no means inconceivable. At the same time he suggests ways in which a Christian believer should have no difficulty accepting evolution in general, and Darwinism in particular. Writing with verve and avoiding technical jargon, Michael Ruse has produced an important contribution to a sometimes overheated debate for anyone interested in, and perhaps even troubled by these issues, who seeks an informed and judicious guide. Michael Ruse is professor of philosophy and zoology at the University of Guelph in Ontario, Canada. He is the author of many books on evolutionary biology. In addition, he has published several hundred articles and many book reviews. He is the editor of the Cambridge Series in the Philosophy of Biology and founding editor of the journal Biology &Philosophy.

"Far-reaching analysis.... An interesting discussion of the issues..." The Complete Review"The virtue of Ruse's book is that, one by one, he takes up all the serious questions that Darwinism can pose to the Christian worldview and systematically answers them." America"Michael Ruse's book is an astonishing contribution to this literature." Jerry, Coyne, London Review of Books"The book is learned and comparatively easy to read for its heavy subject matter." Gerald Wisz, Christian Booksellers Association Marketplace"In this book, [Ruse] doesn't dwell on the obvious, but digs into the particulars of selection theory as applied to larger issues." The Washington Monthly"Stimulating.... This book is highly recommended for all serious Christians, especially those who also wish to take science seriously." Daniel J. Berger, Perspectives on Science and Christian Faith"This is a closely reasoned yet dramatically constructed argument that addresses one of the fundamental issues of all time. It contains the best explanation now available of the relation of evolutionary thought to Christianity, and thence to religion as a whole." E.O. Wilson, Harvard University, Author of Consilience"Appropriate for those interested in the debate between science and religion...[it] is a lively discussion of the conflict between Christianity and Darwinian theory." Psychology Today"[Ruse] succeeds in offering as basic and thoroughgoing an engagement of biology and belief as one might hope for. Recommended for public and academic libraries." Library Journal"Thoughtful, engaging and very well written." Philosophy in Review

"...Ruse's book serves an important role--building bridges for people who otherwise might not be interested in exploring 'win-win' as opposed to 'win-lose' relationships between science and religion. The argument is spry and engaging." Nature

Can someone who accepts Darwin’s theory of natural selection subscribe at the same time to the basic tenets of Christianity? Writing with verve and avoiding technical jargon, Michael Ruse argues that, although it is at times difficult for a Darwinian to embrace Christian belief, it is by no means inconceivable.

Ruse argues that Darwinian and Christian beliefs are not totally incompatible.

Can someone who accepts Darwin's theory of natural selection subscribe at the same time to the basic tenets of Christianity? Adopting a balanced perspective on the subject, Michael Ruse argues that, although it is at times difficult for a Darwinian to embrace Christian belief, it is not inconceivable. Ruse has produced an important contribution to a sometimes overheated debate for anyone interested in seeking an informed and judicious guide to these issues. Michael Ruse is professor of philosophy and zoology at the University of Guelph in Ontario, Canada. He is the author of many books on evolutionary biology. In addition, he has published several hundred articles and many book reviews. He is the editor of the Cambridge Series in the Philosophy of Biology and founding editor of the journal IBiology &Philosophy. Hb ISBN (2000): 0-521-63144-0

Michael Ruse is Lucyle T. Wekmeister Professor of Philosophy at Florida State University.

Prologue; 1. Darwinism; 2. Christianity; 3. Origins; 4. Humans; 5. Naturalism; 6. Design; 7. Pain; 8. Extraterrestrials; 9. Christian Ethics; 10. Social Darwinism; 11. Social Biology; 12. Freedom and Determinism; Epilogue.