Overview

A theologically serious treatment of the challenges that evolutionary theory poses for traditionally orthodox Christian faith Many books aim to help beginners explore whether or not evolutionary science is compatible with Christian faith. This one probes more deeply to ask: What do we learn from modern evolutionary science about key issues that are of special theological concern? And what does Christian theology, especially in its Reformed expressions, say about those same key issues?  Noted theologian Gijsbert van den Brink begins by describing the layers of meaning in the phrase “evolutionary theory” and exploring the question of how to interpret the Bible with regard to science. He then works through five key areas of potential conflict between evolutionary theory and Christian faith, thus covering all relevant issues, spelling out scientific findings and analyzing Christian doctrinal concerns. His conclusion: although some traditional doctrinal interpretations must be adjusted, evolutionary science is no obstacle to classical Christian faith.

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9780802874429

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Reviews

""Reading Gijsbert van den Brink's profound--and, I would insist, groundbreaking--study of faith and science has been an illuminating intellectual adventure. And while it has stretched my thinking, it has also encouraged me in my journey of faith. This splendid book is a gift to all of us who want to be open in new ways to how, in Van den Brink's words, 'the unspeakable glory and majesty of God are underlined by the evolutionary history of the world.'"" -- Richard J. Mouw from the foreword ""No matter what perspective readers come from, they will appreciate the frank honesty and refreshing sensitivity demonstrated in this book. The set-up is inviting, the execution impressive, and the conclusions compelling, all supported by research that was both wide and deep. The combination of unapologetic faith and open-minded thoughtfulness charts an important path forward as Van den Brink has demonstrated a clear grasp of both science and theology. On the rare occasion I found reason to disagree with his conclusion, his discussion was stimulating enough to prompt me to think through my position again. With this book, Van den Brink emerges as one of the most important voices in this conversation; I will be recommending it widely."" -- John Walton Wheaton College

Reading Gijsbert van den Brink's profound--and, I would insist, groundbreaking--study of faith and science has been an illuminating intellectual adventure. And while it has stretched my thinking, it has also encouraged me in my journey of faith. This splendid book is a gift to all of us who want to be open in new ways to how, in Van den Brink's words, 'the unspeakable glory and majesty of God are underlined by the evolutionary history of the world.' -- Richard J. Mouw from the foreword No matter what perspective readers come from, they will appreciate the frank honesty and refreshing sensitivity demonstrated in this book. The set-up is inviting, the execution impressive, and the conclusions compelling, all supported by research that was both wide and deep. The combination of unapologetic faith and open-minded thoughtfulness charts an important path forward as Van den Brink has demonstrated a clear grasp of both science and theology. On the rare occasion I found reason to disagree with his conclusion, his discussion was stimulating enough to prompt me to think through my position again. With this book, Van den Brink emerges as one of the most important voices in this conversation; I will be recommending it widely. -- John Walton Wheaton College

Author Information

Gijsbert van den Brink is Professor for Theology and Science at the Faculty of Theology, VU University Amsterdam, and is an ordained minister in the Protestant Church in the Netherlands. He is author of Philosophy of Science for Theologians and coauthor, with Cornelis van der Kooi, of Christian Dogmatics.

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