From Publishers Weekly
Though he takes a different tack than Wyller (above), Miller tries to draw a straight line between two apparently opposing ideas: the theory of evolution and belief in a creator. In a more humanistic account than Wyller's, Miller, a professor of biology at Brown University, explains the difference between evolution as validated scientific fact and as an evolving theory. He illustrates his contentions with examples from astronomy, geology, physics and molecular biology, confronting the illogic of creationists with persuasive reasons based on the known physical properties of the universe and the demonstrable effects of time on the radioactivity of various elements. Then standing firmly on Darwinian ground, he turns to take on, with equal vigor, his outspoken colleagues in science who espouse a materialistic, agnostic or atheistic vision of reality. Along the way, he addresses such important questions as free will in a planned universe. Miller is particularly incisive when he discusses the emotional reasons why many people oppose evolution and the scientific community's befuddled, often hostile, reaction to sincere religious belief. Throughout, he displays an impressive fairness, which he communicates in friendly, conversational prose. This is a book that will stir readers of both science and theology, perhaps satisfying neither, but challenging both to open their minds. Illustrations. Author tour. Copyright 1999 Reed Business Information, Inc.


From Scientific American
Miller, professor of biology at Brown University, believes firmly in evolution. He also believes in God-a belief not widely shared among scientists. Here he sets out to offer thoughts on how to reconcile the conflict many people see between the two positions. Evolution, he says, is a story of origins; so too is the Judeo-Christian creation story. "The conflict between these two versions of our history is real, and I do not doubt for a second that it needs to be addressed. What I do not believe is that the conflict is unresolvable." Laying out the positions with care and clarity, he offers his resolution: "As more than one scientist has said, the truly remarkable thing about the world is that it actually does make sense. The parts fit, the molecules interact, the darn thing works. To people of faith, what evolution says is that nature is complete. God fashioned a material world in which truly free, truly independent beings could evolve."

EDITORS OF SCIENTIFIC AMERICAN


From Booklist
From the first publication of Origin of Species in 1859, religionists have heaped abuse on Darwin and his godless science of evolution. Meanwhile, atheists have rarely passed up an opportunity to wield Darwinian doctrine against religious faith. In an act of intellectual daring and spiritual integrity, Miller--distinguished biologist and devout Christian--inserts himself between the combatants to call for a cultural cease-fire. With scrupulous evenhandedness, he challenges both sides to reexamine their premises and subdue their rhetoric. The shrewd arguments that a new generation of creationists have marshaled against Darwin do not long survive Miller's incisive scrutiny. Indeed, he warns his fellow believers that those who deploy slipshod arguments and specious science deployed against evolution actually pose a greater threat to faith than do any number of fervent Darwinians. Still, Miller well understands the believers' dismay at the way some scientists have interpreted evolutionary science as a conclusive disproof of God, of morality, and even of meaning in the universe. Honest reasoning, he insists, will not convert evolutionary science into a warrant for materialistic atheism. Rather, he argues that in a truly open-minded assessment of Darwin's evolution, there emerges a living manifestation of the divine wisdom that made possible a universe of living creatures acting on unscripted impulses. A refreshing departure from the tired polemics of the evolution wars. Bryce Christensen


From Kirkus Reviews
A well-reasoned, intelligent text describing why followers of mainstream religions can also embrace the theory of evolution. Miller (Brown Univ.) presents the straightforward arguments that evolution is based on: Plants and animals show wide variation, and these variations must compete for limited resources. These statements displace the necessity of a creator to explain the origin of plants and animals. Miller argues, however, that this displacement does not necessarily disprove the existence of one. He relates his own experiences teaching introductory biology classes, during which students are surprised to discover that he believes in God. His arguments for the theory of evolution, while sometimes leaning toward the simplistic, persuasively point out that we often derive scientific facts (the composition of the sun, for example) from indirect evidence. The fact that we did not observe evolution taking place does not prevent us from supporting the theory empirically from the abundant fossil record. Miller similarly examines other arguments used against evolution, such as the age of the earth, punctuated equilibrium, and irreducible complexity, carefully examining each one. The picture he paints, aided by charts and graphs, is of evolution as a sound and proven scientific principle. Some creationists whose arguments are also examined seem to want to ``raise reasonable doubt against the theory of evolution, rather than present scientific evidence for an alternate theory. The author is disturbed that so many would have pinned their religious hopes on the inability of science to explain the natural world.'' He is very much aware that reasoned arguments alone will not end the debate, placing his hopes instead on his conclusion that western religions and evolution are not mutually exclusive ideas. Although sounding like a high school textbook at times, an honest and heartfelt effort to bring together two disparate viewpoints. -- Copyright ©1999, Kirkus Associates, LP. All rights reserved.

FROM THE PUBLISHER

Miller offers a thoughtful, cutting-edge analysis of the key issues that seem to divide science and religion. As his narrative shows, the difficulties that evolution presents for Western religions are more apparent than real. Properly understood, evolution adds depth and meaning not only to a strictly scientific view of the world, but also to a spiritual one. Miller's resolution of the issues that seem to divide God from evolution will serve as a guide to anyone interested in the classic questions of ultimate meaning and human origins.

FROM THE CRITICS

Publishers Weekly

Though he takes a different tack than Wyller (above), Miller tries to draw a straight line between two apparently opposing ideas: the theory of evolution and belief in a creator. In a more humanistic account than Wyller's, Miller, a professor of biology at Brown University, explains the difference between evolution as validated scientific fact and as an evolving theory. He illustrates his contentions with examples from astronomy, geology, physics and molecular biology, confronting the illogic of creationists with persuasive reasons based on the known physical properties of the universe and the demonstrable effects of time on the radioactivity of various elements. Then standing firmly on Darwinian ground, he turns to take on, with equal vigor, his outspoken colleagues in science who espouse a materialistic, agnostic or atheistic vision of reality. Along the way, he addresses such important questions as free will in a planned universe. Miller is particularly incisive when he discusses the emotional reasons why many people oppose evolution and the scientific community's befuddled, often hostile, reaction to sincere religious belief. Throughout, he displays an impressive fairness, which he communicates in friendly, conversational prose. This is a book that will stir readers of both science and theology, perhaps satisfying neither, but challenging both to open their minds. Illustrations. Author tour. (Oct.) Copyright 1999 Cahners Business Information.

Marley Marl - Christian Science Monitor

Miller's scientific arguments are compelling, presented in terms that any layman could understand. He's never condescending or dull. Particularly entertaining is his response to the creationist's view that the earth is no more than 10,000 years old.

Kirkus Reviews

A well-reasoned, intelligent text describing why followers of mainstream religions can also embrace the theory of evolution. Miller (Brown Univ.) presents the straightforward arguments that evolution is based on: Plants and animals show wide variation, and these variations must compete for limited resources. These statements displace the necessity of a creator to explain the origin of plants and animals. Miller argues, however, that this displacement does not necessarily disprove the existence of one. He relates his own experiences teaching introductory biology classes, during which students are surprised to discover that he believes in God. His arguments for the theory of evolution, while sometimes leaning toward the simplistic, persuasively point out that we often derive scientific facts (the composition of the sun, for example) from indirect evidence. The fact that we did not observe evolution taking place does not prevent us from supporting the theory empirically from the abundant fossil record. Miller similarly examines other arguments used against evolution, such as the age of the earth, punctuated equilibrium, and irreducible complexity, carefully examining each one. The picture he paints, aided by charts and graphs, is of evolution as a sound and proven scientific principle. Some creationists whose arguments are also examined seem to want to "raise reasonable doubt" against the theory of evolution, rather than present scientific evidence for an alternate theory. The author is disturbed that "so many would have pinned their religious hopes on the inability of science to explain the natural world." He is very much aware that reasoned arguments alone will not end the debate,placing his hopes instead on his conclusion that western religions and evolution are not mutually exclusive ideas. Although sounding like a high school textbook at times, an honest and heartfelt effort to bring together two disparate viewpoints.