This book, first published in 2000, adopts a balanced perspective on the subject to offer 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 and considers in detail the claims of the new creationism, revealing 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.
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You will have to look hard to find a better explanation of the relationship between basic Christian tenets and the Darwinian theory of evolution than Can A Darwinian Be A Christian? by Michael Ruse. The author, a professor of philosophy and zoology at the University of Guelph in Ontario, Canada, writes with bracing candour ("Let me be open", he begins, "I think that evolution is a fact and that Darwinism rules triumphant") and sophisticated sympathy to Christian doctrine ("if one's understanding of Darwinism does include a natural evolution of life from nonlife, there is no reason to think that this now makes Christian belief impossible"). Writing this book, he also clearly had a hell of a lot of fun (disarming sceptical Christian readers at the beginning, he asks, "Why should the devil have all the good tunes?").
Can A Darwinian Be A Christian? answers its title question with heady confidence--"Absolutely!"--but the book journeys towards that answer with circumspect integrity. Covering territory from the Scopes Monkey Trials to contemporary theories of Social Darwinism to the question of extraterrestrial life, Ruse applies an impressive wealth of knowledge that encompasses many disciplines. Readers may or may not be swayed, but they can't help but be challenged and edified by this excellent book. --Michael Joseph Gross --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.
Review
'By concentrated argument around a number of themes, the origin of life, the soul, design, miracles, pain, ethics, social Darwinism, he manages to throw real light on the complexity of the issues, while suggesting how different standpoints might be reconciled. Ruse's grasp of the subject, clarity of exposition, fair-mindedness and light touch make it a thoroughly stimulating exercise.' Times Literary Supplement
'… 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
'Ruse's fine book contributes significantly to the contemporary dialogue of science and religion. Filled with useful information and sparkling wit, it will provide scientists, theologians and lay readers with the opportunity to think in fresh ways about God, Christianity and evolution.' Commonweal
'Michael Ruse's book is an astonishing contribution … It astonishes because of the bravado of its thesis.' London Review of Books
'Professor Ruse writes with grace and style … he can be credited with a book and theme of contemporary as well as historical significance.' Contemporary 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
'Ruse's fine book contributes significantly to the contemporary dialogue of science and religion. Filled with useful information and sparkling wit, it will provide scientists, theologians and lay readers with the opportunity to think in fresh ways about God, Christianity and evolution.' Commonweal
'Michael Ruse's book is an astonishing contribution … It astonishes because of the bravado of its thesis.' London Review of Books
'Professor Ruse writes with grace and style … he can be credited with a book and theme of contemporary as well as historical significance.' Contemporary Review
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21 of 23 people found the following review helpful
By Stephen A. Haines
HALL OF FAME
Format:Hardcover
Someone should buy Michael Ruse a new dictionary. The term "polemic" doesn't appear in his. He doesn't engage in polemics, and pours balm on those that occur. The "war between science and religion" is something he deplores. His subtitle sets the tone of this book in describing "The Relationship Between Science and Religion", deftly eschewing conflict at the outset. In reconciling the discipline of science with the dedication of faith, Ruse follows the labyrinthine path of Christian teachings. His Quaker upbringing and background in the history of science has prepared him well for this torturous task. His sense of wit allows him to achieve this without becoming ensnared in arcane theological questions or sectarian strife. Few, if any scholars have accomplished this level of detachment with such charming style.
Ruse establishes his credentials promptly, offering a succinct account of "Darwinism" [a term i loathe]. He explains the history and mechanisms of evolution by natural selection with aplomb. The book is valuable for this summation, if nothing else. He explains various forms of evidence such as the similarity of animal body structures [homology]. He continues with various dialogues between Christians who view evolution as a threat to morals, society, ethics and the other tired arguments and why they have no basis.
Finally, Ruse states the obvious: many scientists are and have been, successfully practicing Christians. Whether or not they've made the effort to rationalise this disparity, he saves them the effort in examining how the reconciliation can be achieved. For centuries, he reminds us, the study of Nature was in order to glorify a deity. He uses Augustine frequently in support of the view that Nature deserves serious study. Ruse calls this "the Augustinian option", that Christianity has no room for the ignorant. Nature's wonders and laws follow a divine plan, which must be recognized and respected. Science then, is not an enemy, but rather an ally.
Ruse concludes with a firm "Absolutely!" to the book's title. He warns of the difficulties: one must choose from among the various Christian ethics and values, recognize that not all questions have been answered nor all issues resolved, be prepared for some in-depth study. The path is difficult, but having been traversed by some, others may follow. Given the nature of the topic, Ruse has performed an outstanding service in addressing this complex question with such finesse and clarity. [stephen a. haines - Ottawa, Canada]
1 of 1 people found the following review helpful
By G. C. Brown
Format:Paperback
The answer to the question, in the author's opinion, is yes. In fact Ruse does a good job of the the science and the theology - showing many areas where evolutionary theory offers a better fit with the theology than the alternatives.
2 of 3 people found the following review helpful
By J. Waugh
Format:Paperback
The author of the book, Michael Ruse, discusses whether someone believing in Darwin's theory of evolution can be a Christian. He is not a Christian himself, so his conclusion that one can be a Christian and a Darwinian at the same time is worthy of note. We have used this book as a basis for group discussions, using one chapter per discussion, and it has served this purpose very adequately.
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