Larry A. Witham, «Where Darwin Meets the Bible : Creationists and Evolutionists in America»

Drawing on his personal interviewing and impressive research, journalist Witham examines the contentious battles over the origin of life forms on this planet between creationists and evolutionists in the United States. Stressing the conflicting ideas of biblical fundamentalism, religious creationism, intelligent design, and theistic evolution, Witham's comprehensive survey covers major trials, controversial textbooks, federal funding, museum displays, university educators, and conceptual issues ranging from cosmic teleology to emerging complexity. Witham focuses on the key players in this ongoing debate, e.g., religious creationists Phillip E. Johnson and Henry M. Morris, and materialist evolutionists Richard Dawkins and Ernst Mayr. Yet lacking is a chapter on the overwhelming empirical evidence for biological evolution and the great antiquity of our own species. Furthermore, Witham does not reveal what truths biblical and creationist viewpoints contain. Fortunately, understanding organic evolution in terms of science, reason, and open inquiry is advancing despite resistance from some religious quarters. This engaging, challenging, and informative volume is suitable for large academic and public libraries.