Ebook
It can be a shock in our culture for a Christian to encounter evolutionary biology and conversely for a Darwinian to encounter biblical Christianity. Can a devout Christian with a high view of scripture accept scientific views of evolution? Some proponents of biblical Christianity or Darwinian evolution are quick to claim their incompatibility. However, as strong believers in both Christ and the sciences, we find more harmony than friction between them. If you or someone you care about sees a tension between evolution and Christian faith, we want to help you understand their interaction. This book, written by a biologist, a pastor/biblical scholar, and a theologian, addresses questions from the gifts of each of their disciplines. We acknowledge the insights and authority of the Bible, explain the science of evolution, explore their mutual relevance, and argue that holding the two together deepens our understanding of the world and its creator.
“What about Evolution? is one of those rare resources that sheds more light than heat when addressing the controversial issue of the relationship between evolution and faith. Writing from their own disciplinary areas of expertise, the authors guide us through a complex thicket of issues—biological, theological, biblical, and pastoral—with both wisdom and grace. An excellent resource for you—and surely others you know!”
—Todd Wilson, Cofounder & President, The Center for Pastor Theologians
“A scientist, a theologian, and a pastor write about evolution. Instead of the entrée to a witty joke, What about Evolution? is a serious invitation to learn more about both science and the Bible. Humility, gracious dialogue, and fellowship take center stage as the authors respond to challenging questions from the science vs. faith conversation. This book supports anyone searching for faithful and fruitful ways to converse about evolution and Christianity.”
—Sarah Bodbyl Roels, Faculty Developer, Colorado School of Mines
“This book tackles some of the most difficult questions that emerge at the interface of evolution and Christianity. It is technically sound and nuanced in dealing with scientific, biblical, and theological issues, yet it remains accessible and pastoral at its core. The authors demonstrate the importance of engaging well with these issues and model how this can be done with humility in the context of a community with different experiences, perspectives, and concerns.”
—Ryan Bebej, Associate Professor of Biology, Calvin University
April Maskiewicz Cordero is professor of biology and dean of educational effectiveness at Point Loma Nazarene University. Her PhD from UCSD focused on promoting learning in biology. April has been teaching since 1990, and currently teaches ecology and evolution to college science majors, non-majors, and graduate students. She has earned three teaching awards, was a SCIO Visiting Scholar at Oxford University in 2015–16, and is currently on the Board of Directors for BioLogos. She is also active in several professional development projects with schoolteachers as well as university biology faculty.
Douglas Estes is associate professor of biblical studies and practical theology at Tabor College. His PhD in theology from the University of Nottingham included emphases on biblical interpretation and science/religion. Douglas has written or edited ten books and published more than fifty essays, including Braving the Future: Christian Faith in a World of Limitless Tech (Herald, 2018) and fifteen science essays in Christianity Today. Prior to being a professor, he pastored for sixteen years, and he is a fellow at the Center for Pastor Theologians. Douglas’s undergraduate degree was in chemistry, and he far preferred p-chem and instrumental analysis to organic chemistry.
Telford Work is professor of theology at Westmont College. His PhD in religion is from Duke University, focusing on doctrine of scripture. He teaches Christian doctrine and theology to undergraduates as well as interdisciplinary first-year seminars, and has taught on five continents as a visiting professor. His most recent book is Jesus—The End and the Beginning, and his course lectures on Christian doctrine and New Testament are online at YouTube and iTunes U. He is the Scoutmaster for his boys’ Scout troop and on a team of volunteer chaplains for the Santa Barbara County Jail.