Evolution and Christian Faith: Reflections of an Evolutionary Biologist

Many who don't find their own particular brand of theology or scriptural exegesis reflected as prominently in this book as they would like will rush to criticize it for not being what they would have written. Nevertheless, this slim, focused book is well worth reading: for anyone with an interest in either Christianity or biological science. It is a working life-scientist's thoughtful, careful consideration of how the core principles of evolutionary biology and the core truths of Christian faith can not only coexist in the same mind and heart, but actually complement and enrich one another. It's not to be missed.

In an age of polarization Evolution and Christian Faith is an invaluable tool in the effort to promote a thoughtful, nuanced dialogue between religion and science. In layperson's terms Roughgarden sets forth the language each discipline needs for constructive engagement. She explains contemporary evolutionary theory, showing how it fulfills rather than undermines Christian faith. Her expertise in both fields is evident in every carefully considered argument. I took delight in reading a first-rank scientist who understands that these disciplines complement rather than negate each other.

Joan Roughgarden's book on evolutionary science and Christian faith is nothing short of delightful. The "priest theologian" who trashed this book in his review missed the point of this work entirely. It is brief, written in a folksy, conversational tone, as though one were sitting down with a fellow parishoner who happens to be a brilliant evolutionary biologist. I was stunned by the simplicity and clarity of Roughgarden's explanation of evolutionary thought stripped of the language of scientific privilege. Excellent science writers like Richard Dawkins and John Gribben can't approach the elegance of her descrptions of the core evolutionary principles: all life is related, through natural breeding, populations tend to become like the members who breed the most, etc. These descriptions are designed to be accessible to those who are unfamiliar with the language of evolutionary biology and whose sensibilities are shaped by a biblical vocabulary. Given Roughgarden's stature as a scientist, this is a wonder indeed. In the process Roughgarden shows the unsustainability of Stephen Jay Gould's sterile "seperate magesterium" approach and Richard Dawkins proclivity to bash relgion by taking the name of science in vain. But all of this is done with characteristic gentleness. In fact, the prevailing tone of this little volume is love. If it's true that we can only understand what we love, Roughgarden is on a path to deep understanding here at the intersection of science and faith. This book is, in the best sense of the term, an exercise in devotion: to science and to faith. That scientists may take exception to Roughgarden's critique of her own science while theologians may disagree with her critique of her own faith tradition is to be expected given the ferment in each of these worlds these days. Roughgarden is to be thanked for wading in where angels fear to tread. It's no accident, I think, that Roughgarden was raised by Anglican missionaries. This little book betrays the effort of one who has chosen to walk the middle way, between two worlds, conversant in each for the sake of love. Her missionary parents would be proud one imagines, this being a conversation desperately in need of a little less vitriol and a lot more love. Reviewed by Ken Wilson, Senior Pastor Vineyard Church of Ann Arbor.

This is a badly needed book. An eminent biologist and ecologist at Stanford relates her Christian faith to Darwinian evolution. She carefully examines the "Intelligent Design" movement, concluding that it is not science and hurts Christianity. On the other hand, she also describes aspects of evolutionary theory that remain inadequate and others that are probably wrong. She does not pretend to be a theologian - just an active Episcopal parishioner whose parents were missionaries. She speaks to other Christians in the pews, helping them to see how the Bible is not antagonistic to evolutionary theory, but in fact supports it in many ways. She also tries to stop the name-calling between certain proponents of science and of Christianity. Hers is a breath of fresh air for those confused about whether religion and science need to be walled off in separate camps. Along the way she gives a clear explanation of what exactly evolutionary biology does and does not claim and a compelling statement of personal faith.

Unlike Christopher Tissone, I found Dr. Roughgarden's work to be unpretentious and celebratory. As a Christian who has emerged from fundamentalist circles, I understand the vicious tactics employed by some individuals who proclaim to be endowed with the love of Christ. Nowhere is that vicious element more bombastically spewed than in the discourse over science and its relationship to religion. On the other hand, I have encountered a number of academics who are equally determined in their efforts to sponge any evidence of religion from the public domain. "Evolution and Christian Faith" is not intended to elaborate on the full spectrum of Christian apologetics. It doesn't have to do so to achieve the goal of its author--namely, to proclaim her love of God in light of her powerful understanding of science. Dr. Roughgarden is far more than a chalk-board "scientist" after the ilk of Dawkins and others. She understands fully the concept of scientific inquiry and laboratory research. I challenge you to place her scientific credentials side by side with any of the pseudo-scientists like Dawkins whose conclusions are based on overarching premises. I think that Dr. Roughgarden takes the "assumptions of fundamentalists" quite seriously. Unlike most scientists, she actually addresses them. She does not profess to be the next St. Thomas Aquinas spinning an entirely new dynamic of theology out of the ash heap of our current media-driven history. Rather, she starts with what she knows, and knows VERY well--the nature of science and the fingerprint of the God she loves that is so evident within it. Unlike Dawkins, she does not claim that God can be contained by a convoluted, circular system of closed assumptions. She invites the reader to share the liberty afforded by her faith and her strong scientific knowledge. Dr. Roughgarden's greatest premise is an unbroken chain of occupied by all of God's creation. The elements of time and change infused within evolution in no way dispense with the Divine imprint. Rather, they exemplify the magnanimity of the creative process even further than a literalist can comprehend. I do not see Dr. Roughgarden being demeaning or dismissive of those, like Dawkins, who ernestly seek to superimpose a fundamentalist worldview on the lens of scientific inquiry. But she gives her opinion, and it is quite an informed opinion, I might add. Speaking as a Christian, and simply as a Christian who has the polarization of faith and religion in a very personal arena, I found Dr. Roughgarden's book to be a refreshing alternative to the dry and unloving responses of those who fail to capture the essence of her thesis. Every book represents its author's lens. If you disagree with the way the world looks when applying that lens to your own worldview, you are certainly free to choose another lens to your liking. I, for one, as a lay Christian who is absolutely frustrated with pedantic arrogance, find Dr. Roughgarden's lens a