Science, Evolution, and Creationism

Excellent brief coverage of the most important points. There is no inherent controversy between a view of evolution through systematic empirical observation and scientific experimentation on the one hand and on the other subjective, intuitive religious views that aren't subject to critical scrutiny. You can have beliefs based on one, the other, or both but what is important is that you know the difference between knowledge based on one versus the other. Religion allows things unseen: magic and spirits and the supernatural--anything goes. Science does not.

Evolution, for many a taboo for others a forbidden word that even offends and for others signifies the reasonable and unique explanation for what has been considered for centuries one of the most intriguing and polemic questions in history; Where do we come from? Since the theory of Evolution first saw the light in 1858 articulated by Charles Darwin and Alfred Russel Wallace, people have considered it an opposite explanation from the idea of creationism, Darwin has even been considered satanic by religious groups, but is it really a completely opposite idea? Does it really go against religious beliefs? "Science, Evolution and Creationism" is a small book created by the National Academy Of Sciences with the work and expertise of several professors and scientists of the subject, this book successfully explains a delicate and controversial matter as simply as possible without sacrificing any facts or hard evidence; and managing important scientific facts by making them understandable to the common reader. From the first chapter of the book entitled "Evolution And The Nature Of Science", a few examples of scientific evidence that support biological evolution are presented, and how these discoveries that have been made frequently in the past years have set the basis for modern biology. With empirical evidence and observation, scientists prove evolution and at the same time discover and research other factors that affect our day by day life, making evolution studies a more important matter than just the answer to an existential debate. The book talks about how on a day by day basis evolution becomes a part of the studies to combat and cure new diseases, how it can help humanity create stronger crops and proliferate our natural resources. Many important facts never considered before when talked about evolution. For example, one of Darwin's known ideals "Natural Selection" is often applied to other fields of science and not just evolution. This has applications in fields you haven't even considered before, like chemistry. The book on a completely informed and light way explains a fact that has been overviewed by a lot of people and misused by the media, and that is the meaning and use of the words "Theory" and "Facts". Probably one of the most interesting parts for any reader when it comes to this book, is a unique recompilation of quotes and excerpts by religious leaders about evolution and the reality that it doesn't necessarily conflict with faith and religious ideals. I believe this is one of the few books about this subject that could trigger and start a different point of view even on the most close-minded person about this particular matter. The book does support that there is plenty of evidence in hundreds of fields and becomes a reaffirmation that evolution is a reality. It would still be a difficult book to read for "Creationists", the book is in fact respectful and facts and proof based, and helps ease the reader into the idea

How did life come to be on this planet? This question is discussed at length by "Science, Evolution, and Creationism". Looking to explain the fundamentals of evolution as well as the arguments of creationism, "Science, Evolution and Creationism" is a wide reaching look at all perspectives on the subject. Highly recommended for community library religion and science collections.

"Science, Evolution and Creationism", published jointly by the National Academy of Sciences and the Institute of Medicine, does an admirable job in explaining succinctly why evolution is science and creationism isn't. In less than 70 pages, it summarizes the key evidence on behalf of biological evolution, and dismisses the claims of creationists, including Intelligent Design advocates, noting correctly that their dissent is religiously, not scientifically, based. It does not assume scientific knowledge of the reader, especially of biology, since important concepts like speciation are defined briefly outside of the main text. Those responsible for this well-illustrated book were part of a joint National Academy of Sciences - Institute of Medicine committee consisting of fifteen biologists, geologists, secondary school science teachers, a philosopher of science and an astrophysicist. Notable members of this committee included its chairman, University of California, Irvine evolutionary geneticist Francisco Ayala, University of Arizona ecologist Nancy Moran, evolutionary geneticist Michael Clegg (Ayala's colleague at the University of California, Irvine), Michigan State University philosopher of science Robert Pennock, University of Michigan professor of internal medicine and public health Gilbert S. Omenn, Washington University plant geneticist Barbara Schaal, Missouri Botanical Garden director and Washington University botanist Peter H. Raven, University of San Francisco biochemist - and former National Academy of Sciences president - Bruce Alberts, and Hayden Planetarium (American Museum of Natural History) director Neil deGrasse Tyson. Comprised of four succinct chapters, "Science, Evolution and Creationism" wastes no time in defending the scientific validity of evolution, while also emphasizing that both science and religion are mutually compatible, still important, means of viewing our world. Chapter One "Evolution and the Nature of Science" summarizes the major evidence supporting biological evolution and the nature of science itself. It also includes a well-reasoned explanation why science doesn't need to be incompatible with religious belief, quoting statements from major American religious leaders and religiously devout scientists like Brown University cell biologist Kenneth R. Miller. Chapter Two "The Evidence for Biological Evolution" opens with a brief discussion on the origin of the universe and the age of the Earth. Then it summarizes the extensive evidence that exists in support of evolution, including not just biogeography, homology and paleontology, but also recent molecular data from research in molecular systematics and evolutionary developmental biology (Hox genes). Chapter Three "Creationist Prospectives" discusses the major varieties of creationism, giving special emphasis to Intelligent Design creationism and its key concepts like "Irreducible Complexity", while also offering terse, but well-reasoned, explanations as to why

The National Academy of Sciences and the Institute of Medicine have done an amazing job of clearly explaining the evidence for evolution in our world, and showing the absolute fallacy of the Creationist myth. I learned over 60 years ago that evolution is a fact, and it never interfered with my Christian beliefs, and my role as a minister. Creationism is based on false premises and the book shows that there is no sense to their arguments. The book is so well written that a non-scientist like myself can understand what they are saying and respond to the failure of Creationism which they depict.