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Mapping the Origins Debate

Gerald Rau

Paperback 2013-02-15

What are the main positions in the debate over creation and evolution? Why do they disagree? Can the debates about origins and evolution ever be resolved?
Gerald Rau offers a fair-minded overview of the six predominant models used to explain the origins of the universe, of life, of species and of humans. He aims to show the contours of current debates both among Christians and between Christians and non-theists. He also enables us to evaluate and think more clearly about the various arguments for each position. He accomplishes this by not only describing the options on origins, but by exploring the philosophical assumptions behind each and how evidence is counted corresponding with each model.
While surveying the various models, Rau does not avoid in-depth consideration of the complexities involved in what makes up a given model and how they differ. Rau investigates the nature of science and the differing philosophies of science operating in the debates. He goes on to show the importance of philosophical assumptions involved in each model and the key role among Christians of the assumed proper hermeneutic for interpreting Scripture. Rau cogently identifies the role those assumptions play in determining what counts as significant evidence in the current debates. He presents in detail how the scientific evidence is interpreted by each model to substantiate its conclusions. He also notes the limits of a scientifically gained knowledge. In the end, he shows not just what the differences are among the options but why they disagree and why we shouldn't expect any resolution as long as the philosophical assumptions remain fixed. Any reader will not only become better informed about the current debates on origins but will become better thinkers about the issues at stake.

Commendations
"The thoughtful and comprehensive description of the range of positions on origins that is presented would be enough for me to highly recommend this book. Dr. Gerry Rau's exploration of the origins debate is made even more valuable by a helpful description of the nature of science, a careful exploration of the assumptions and associated conclusions of each position, and a fair and objective presentation throughout."

  • Raymond J. Lewis, associate professor of biology, Wheaton College

"Unlike other multiple-views volumes prevalent across the evangelical scholarly spectrum in which contributors attempt to convince others of their views, this book invites readers to understand the religious and scientific logic at work amid the disputes. Rau maps not only the origins debate but also the diversity of scientific presuppositions and methodologies. Mapping has the potential to reorient the evangelical discussion and set it in a constructive direction."

  • Amos Yong, J. Rodman Williams Professor of Theology, Regent University, School of Divinity, Virginia Beach, Virginia

Publisher Description

The debate over evolution and creation has raged for decades and shows no signs of letting up. Many promote one view as the only reasonable solution. But what are the main viewpoints, and just why do they disagree? In the midst of an increasingly intense dispute, Gerald Rau answers the important questions with level-headed clarity and evenhanded analysis. Rau lays out six models of origins, ranging from naturalistic evolution to young-earth creation. He shows how each model presupposes an underlying philosophy that adherents take on faith. With the sensitivity of a seasoned educator, Rau demonstrates how each model assesses the scientific evidence in relation to four different kinds of origins: the universe, life, species and humans. In an age of specialists, Rau sees the big picture.Mapping the Origins Debate cuts through the cacophony and the complexity to provide a lucid and charitable contribution to the conversation.

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What are the main positions in the debate over creation and evolution? Why do they disagree? Can the debates about origins and evolution ever be resolved?
Gerald Rau offers a fair-minded overview of the six predominant models used to explain the origins of the universe, of life, of species and of humans. He aims to show the contours of current debates both among Christians and between Christians and non-theists. He also enables us to evaluate and think more clearly about the various arguments for each position. He accomplishes this by not only describing the options on origins, but by exploring the philosophical assumptions behind each and how evidence is counted corresponding with each model.
While surveying the various models, Rau does not avoid in-depth consideration of the complexities involved in what makes up a given model and how they differ. Rau investigates the nature of science and the differing philosophies of science operating in the debates. He goes on to show the importance of philosophical assumptions involved in each model and the key role among Christians of the assumed proper hermeneutic for interpreting Scripture. Rau cogently identifies the role those assumptions play in determining what counts as significant evidence in the current debates. He presents in detail how the scientific evidence is interpreted by each model to substantiate its conclusions. He also notes the limits of a scientifically gained knowledge. In the end, he shows not just what the differences are among the options but why they disagree and why we shouldn't expect any resolution as long as the philosophical assumptions remain fixed. Any reader will not only become better informed about the current debates on origins but will become better thinkers about the issues at stake.

Commendations
"The thoughtful and comprehensive description of the range of positions on origins that is presented would be enough for me to highly recommend this book. Dr. Gerry Rau's exploration of the origins debate is made even more valuable by a helpful description of the nature of science, a careful exploration of the assumptions and associated conclusions of each position, and a fair and objective presentation throughout."

  • Raymond J. Lewis, associate professor of biology, Wheaton College

"Unlike other multiple-views volumes prevalent across the evangelical scholarly spectrum in which contributors attempt to convince others of their views, this book invites readers to understand the religious and scientific logic at work amid the disputes. Rau maps not only the origins debate but also the diversity of scientific presuppositions and methodologies. Mapping has the potential to reorient the evangelical discussion and set it in a constructive direction."

  • Amos Yong, J. Rodman Williams Professor of Theology, Regent University, School of Divinity, Virginia Beach, Virginia

Publisher Description

The debate over evolution and creation has raged for decades and shows no signs of letting up. Many promote one view as the only reasonable solution. But what are the main viewpoints, and just why do they disagree? In the midst of an increasingly intense dispute, Gerald Rau answers the important questions with level-headed clarity and evenhanded analysis. Rau lays out six models of origins, ranging from naturalistic evolution to young-earth creation. He shows how each model presupposes an underlying philosophy that adherents take on faith. With the sensitivity of a seasoned educator, Rau demonstrates how each model assesses the scientific evidence in relation to four different kinds of origins: the universe, life, species and humans. In an age of specialists, Rau sees the big picture.Mapping the Origins Debate cuts through the cacophony and the complexity to provide a lucid and charitable contribution to the conversation.

Koorong Code368156
ISBN184474616X
EAN9781844746163
Pages210
DepartmentAcademic
CategoryScience
PublisherIntervarsity Press Uk
Publication DateFeb 2013
Dimensions18 x 153 x 227mm
Weight0.374kg