Theistic Evolution: A Scientific, Philosophical, and Theological Critique

Theistic Evolution: A Scientific, Philosophical, and Theological Critique (Crossway, 2017). 

This volume is a comprehensive examination of the concept of theistic evolution and is edited by J. P. Moreland, Stephen C. Meyer, Christopher Shaw, Ann K. Gauger, and Wayne Grudem. The editors have brought together contributions from over two dozen scholars.

In short, theistic evolution proposes that God guided the evolutionary process to produce life as we know it. The studies in this volume challenge this idea that God used evolutionary processes to create life. The overall approach to this critique is outlined in a pair of orienting essays by scientist Stephen Meyer and theologian Wayne Grudem.  

In his essay, Meyer provides a detailed critique of the scientific foundations of theistic evolution. He argues that the complexity of biological information cannot be adequately explained by evolutionary mechanisms alone and that intelligent design offers a more plausible explanation. Grudem’s essay focuses on the theological implications of theistic evolution. He contends that accepting theistic evolution requires significant reinterpretations of Scripture, which can lead to a dilution of core Christian doctrines such as the nature of God, the fall of man, and the need for salvation.

Following on from these opening essays, the book is divided into several sections, each addressing different aspects of theistic evolution:

• Section 1: The Scientific Critique of Theistic Evolution—This section includes essays that challenge the scientific validity of theistic evolution, discussing topics like the origin of biological information and the inadequacies of neo-Darwinism. These entries make a cumulative scientific case against the notion of a "universal common descent" and argue for a unique human origin.

• Section 2: The Philosophical Critique of Theistic Evolution—The essays in this section address the philosophical implications of theistic evolution, including its reliance on methodological naturalism. This critique includes both a critical examination of the weaknesses of methodological naturalism on its own terms and also a constructive argument for the explanatory power of concepts related to "intelligent design." 

• Section 3: The Biblical and Theological Critique of Theistic Evolution—In this final section, essays explore the theological consequences of adopting theistic evolution, arguing that it undermines key Christian beliefs that derive from the exegesis of the creation account in Genesis, the message of the Old and New Testaments, and the development of Christian doctrine. They also engage in the history of interpretation on these key issues. 

At the end of the day, this is a challenging book. It's size is daunting (1k pages!) and its subject at times very technical. These features are also part of its strength. While obviously technical and pedantic at several points, these essay treatments are also remarkable feats of summary and synthesis that bring topics and arguments from a wide array of academic disciplines together in an accessible format for someone willing to put in the effort to follow along. 

Along with a critique of theistic evolution (the book's primary target), readers will also learn several foundational claims that are made by the theory of evolution on its own terms (and in light of its own contested status in the secular scientific community).  

For ministry in a local church, this book could serve as a valuable resource in several ways. It equips you with scientific, philosophical, and theological arguments against theistic evolution, enabling you to address questions and concerns from your congregation, your peers, or your skeptical friends. These essays provide an encyclopedia of information and argumentation that might be used in developing teaching material or resources for those interested in the relationship between faith and science. It can also be a pastoral resource for insights that might help in counseling anyone struggling with reconciling their faith with contemporary scientific theories.

All in all, as a non-specialist, this volume is a helpful tool for my own understanding and apologetic approach to current arguments about creation, evolution, and the meaning of the natural world.

Some Notes: 

• For more information about this volume, see an extended introduction to this project from Stephen Meyer. Cf. Meyer's lengthy discussion on the Joe Rogan podcast. Thanks to Crossway for the review copy.