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The Adam Quest: Eleven Scientists Who Held on to a Strong Faith While Wrestling with the Mystery of Human Origins
Science and faith should be allies, not opponents, in the search for truth.But when it comes to understanding the very beginnings of life, it is no easy task to reconcile the history taught in the Bible with the discoveries of the scientific community.Author Tim Stafford watched the tension between the beliefs of Darwin and the teaching of Genesis shake the faith of his family, ruin friendships, and leave Christians in the field of science feeling as though the doors of the church were closed to their profession. He believes this civil war can stop. The scientific record and the truth of the Bible aren t mutually exclusive. "The Adam Quest "offers a compelling new look at the beginnings of life as Stafford puts questions of dinosaurs, genealogy, and the age of the earth to eleven world-class scientists.A sweeping book touching everything from advances in genetics to a particle physicist striving to become Anglican priest Stafford uses the stories and journeys of these remarkable men and women to provide a new diversity of answers. Scientific progress is carefully detailed, while the struggle toward truth and toward God is humanized.A deeply informative look at Christians working in science, this book is for both believers and those who harbor doubts an intersection of faith and science, and a safe place for questions. Whether you believe in a young earth, intelligent design, evolutionary creationism, or something else, "The Adam Quest" offers a chance to strengthen your faith, deepen your knowledge, and bring science back into the church.
240 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2013
11 people are currently reading
95 people want to read
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September 8, 2014
In The Adam Quest, Tim Stafford profiles eleven scientists whose work qualifies them to speak on the mystery of human origins. These eleven are Bible-believing Christians, and their respective stances range from Young Earth Creationism to Intelligent Design Creationism to Evolutionary Creationism. Mr. Stafford says they "live at the centre of the rift, trying to hold faith and science together under God." (p. 9)
Each scientist is articulate and persuasive—and easier to understand than I expected scientists to be. This is, in large part, due to Tim Stafford's conversational writing style. Each profile presents an individual and his/her accomplishments and personality, without commentary or judgment and without an overt agenda to convince readers of a particular view.
This is not the book to read to find "the right answer" to questions of creation, nor to prove or disprove your own opinion. Rather, it's an overview of how people of the same faith may differ on their interpretation of Scripture and perhaps of scientific findings.
It's a look at how faith and science can work together to find truth, and it reveals how difficult it is for Christians who are scientists to find people who accept them. Secular scientists think the Christians are a little weird, and the average church person doesn't understand (and may be threatened by) the scientific mindset focusing on facts and proof.
It's also a call to unity within the body of Christ, where instead of fighting over how and when the earth was created we can engage in respectful discussion, in ongoing exploration, and in the interim, agree to disagree. In the words of one of the scientists, "If your salvation doesn't hinge on it, don't make a big deal out of it." (p. 108)
Author Tim Stafford writes both fiction and non-fiction, serves as Senior Writer for Christianity Today, and maintains an active blog.
[A review copy was received from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. I was in no way compensated for this review.]
Each scientist is articulate and persuasive—and easier to understand than I expected scientists to be. This is, in large part, due to Tim Stafford's conversational writing style. Each profile presents an individual and his/her accomplishments and personality, without commentary or judgment and without an overt agenda to convince readers of a particular view.
This is not the book to read to find "the right answer" to questions of creation, nor to prove or disprove your own opinion. Rather, it's an overview of how people of the same faith may differ on their interpretation of Scripture and perhaps of scientific findings.
It's a look at how faith and science can work together to find truth, and it reveals how difficult it is for Christians who are scientists to find people who accept them. Secular scientists think the Christians are a little weird, and the average church person doesn't understand (and may be threatened by) the scientific mindset focusing on facts and proof.
It's also a call to unity within the body of Christ, where instead of fighting over how and when the earth was created we can engage in respectful discussion, in ongoing exploration, and in the interim, agree to disagree. In the words of one of the scientists, "If your salvation doesn't hinge on it, don't make a big deal out of it." (p. 108)
Author Tim Stafford writes both fiction and non-fiction, serves as Senior Writer for Christianity Today, and maintains an active blog.
[A review copy was received from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. I was in no way compensated for this review.]
March 31, 2014
Best book I’ve read this year! Tim Stafford is the Senior Writer for Christianity Today, and I can see why. His writing is a pleasure to read.
The Adam Quest is a personal glimpse into the lives of eleven scientists who feel science and faith should be allies. Stafford interviews young earth creationists, intelligent design creationists, and evolutionary creationists, all of whom are firm believers and all of whom have a high regard for the Bible as a source of truth. Each tells his or her story of being led to faith. Stafford doesn’t try to separate right from wrong, he just gets out of the way and lets each person tell their own story, so we can get to know them.
It’s a dilemma. Young earth creationists have a clear understanding of Genesis, but struggle to fit science into the mold. In particular, new biochemical and genomic information hugely strengthens the evolutionary case that all life is related. But evolutionary creationists struggle with the other side of the equation: their understanding of Genesis is very much a work in progress.
I’m probably showing my bias, but the young earth creationists leave me feeling sad as they plug along, driven by an intense trust in a literal interpretation of Genesis but largely ignored by their scientific peers, working so far to the fringe of science that funding is unavailable. They have no expensive labs, no scientific exploration, just an air of desperation as they try to uphold the Word of God.
The Intelligent Design (ID) proponents (including Michael Behe, the first to propose the idea of irreducible complexity) never lack for confidence, yet fit in no better with their peers, as ID just doesn’t qualify as “science.” The ID arguments may have merit, but it doesn’t matter; they present no verifiable model to replace evolution. It’s not enough to say “God did it” … science studies how. ID, therefore, will never gain a place in the science class until IDers tackle the problem of how God did it, so that predictions can be made and tested. IDers claim scientific exploration into their views can be done, but as yet no one is doing it.
But believers in evolutionary creation have their own struggles. They are habitually charged with destroying the faith of fellow Christians. Christianity is supposed to distrust science, it’s supposed to oppose the heresy of Darwinism. This is drilled into evangelicals at a young age, and since most evangelicals are not trained in science, it’s very difficult for them to understand just how solid the scientific evidence for evolutionary biology really is.
Here I must give a special plug to Simon Conway Morris, whose views about directed evolution are absolutely fascinating. He believes if we were to rewind and replay the tape of evolution, it would surely travel a different path, but would ultimately converge much the same way it did this time around. Humans are inevitable. I have already ordered his 2003 book Life’s Solution: Inevitable Humans in a Lonely Universe, so fascinating is his theory of convergence.
Stafford then wraps up by presenting his own opinion on the matter, yet humbly admitting there is still much to learn, if only science and faith will understand that they are allies.
The Adam Quest is a personal glimpse into the lives of eleven scientists who feel science and faith should be allies. Stafford interviews young earth creationists, intelligent design creationists, and evolutionary creationists, all of whom are firm believers and all of whom have a high regard for the Bible as a source of truth. Each tells his or her story of being led to faith. Stafford doesn’t try to separate right from wrong, he just gets out of the way and lets each person tell their own story, so we can get to know them.
It’s a dilemma. Young earth creationists have a clear understanding of Genesis, but struggle to fit science into the mold. In particular, new biochemical and genomic information hugely strengthens the evolutionary case that all life is related. But evolutionary creationists struggle with the other side of the equation: their understanding of Genesis is very much a work in progress.
I’m probably showing my bias, but the young earth creationists leave me feeling sad as they plug along, driven by an intense trust in a literal interpretation of Genesis but largely ignored by their scientific peers, working so far to the fringe of science that funding is unavailable. They have no expensive labs, no scientific exploration, just an air of desperation as they try to uphold the Word of God.
The Intelligent Design (ID) proponents (including Michael Behe, the first to propose the idea of irreducible complexity) never lack for confidence, yet fit in no better with their peers, as ID just doesn’t qualify as “science.” The ID arguments may have merit, but it doesn’t matter; they present no verifiable model to replace evolution. It’s not enough to say “God did it” … science studies how. ID, therefore, will never gain a place in the science class until IDers tackle the problem of how God did it, so that predictions can be made and tested. IDers claim scientific exploration into their views can be done, but as yet no one is doing it.
But believers in evolutionary creation have their own struggles. They are habitually charged with destroying the faith of fellow Christians. Christianity is supposed to distrust science, it’s supposed to oppose the heresy of Darwinism. This is drilled into evangelicals at a young age, and since most evangelicals are not trained in science, it’s very difficult for them to understand just how solid the scientific evidence for evolutionary biology really is.
Here I must give a special plug to Simon Conway Morris, whose views about directed evolution are absolutely fascinating. He believes if we were to rewind and replay the tape of evolution, it would surely travel a different path, but would ultimately converge much the same way it did this time around. Humans are inevitable. I have already ordered his 2003 book Life’s Solution: Inevitable Humans in a Lonely Universe, so fascinating is his theory of convergence.
Stafford then wraps up by presenting his own opinion on the matter, yet humbly admitting there is still much to learn, if only science and faith will understand that they are allies.
February 6, 2014
I almost never read books on the subject of human origins as I find they can be unnecessarily divisive, overly defensive, and even demeaning to those who don’t happen to share the same viewpoint. Thankfully this book was none of those things.
In his book The Adam Quest, author Tim Stafford tells the stories of eleven scientists, from all different cultural, scientific, and religious backgrounds, who have worked through the task of reconciling their science and their faith.
I found this book to be fascinating and I couldn’t put it down. To read about so many accomplished scientists who don’t see the need to have to choose between faith and science was incredibly encouraging. That said, these scientists do not all agree on the science part of the equation. The book is divided into three different views on creation:
Young Earth Creationists
Intelligent Design Creationists
Evolutionary Creationists
Although at the end of the book the author shares where he lands personally, no individual perspective was given more weight than another and there is an overall tone of humility from those whose stories are told. Regardless of where you land on where life came from scientifically, there is still plenty of room for faith.
What was so great about this book was the high value placed on science. It is an act of ignorance to throw out good science. It’s sad that so many in the Church are afraid of and feel threatened by science as though it isn’t compatible with faith in God. This book clearly shows that these two pursuits of truth do not have to exist separately.
This book is a great read for anyone, regardless of scientific or religious background. The Adam Quest is a very interesting and accessible read and I would highly recommend this book.
Here are a couple of my favorite quotes:
“If we dig a wide ditch between the world of faith and the world of science, we will find ourselves much the poorer for it” (p. 06).
“[Religion & science] They are both attempts to get at the truth of the world. They do so in different ways, and they may discover different aspects of the truth, but in the final analysis they must come together” (p. 191).
I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze®.com book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.
Blog: www.jonathanstephens.wordpress.com
Twitter: @jonstephensNY
In his book The Adam Quest, author Tim Stafford tells the stories of eleven scientists, from all different cultural, scientific, and religious backgrounds, who have worked through the task of reconciling their science and their faith.
I found this book to be fascinating and I couldn’t put it down. To read about so many accomplished scientists who don’t see the need to have to choose between faith and science was incredibly encouraging. That said, these scientists do not all agree on the science part of the equation. The book is divided into three different views on creation:
Young Earth Creationists
Intelligent Design Creationists
Evolutionary Creationists
Although at the end of the book the author shares where he lands personally, no individual perspective was given more weight than another and there is an overall tone of humility from those whose stories are told. Regardless of where you land on where life came from scientifically, there is still plenty of room for faith.
What was so great about this book was the high value placed on science. It is an act of ignorance to throw out good science. It’s sad that so many in the Church are afraid of and feel threatened by science as though it isn’t compatible with faith in God. This book clearly shows that these two pursuits of truth do not have to exist separately.
This book is a great read for anyone, regardless of scientific or religious background. The Adam Quest is a very interesting and accessible read and I would highly recommend this book.
Here are a couple of my favorite quotes:
“If we dig a wide ditch between the world of faith and the world of science, we will find ourselves much the poorer for it” (p. 06).
“[Religion & science] They are both attempts to get at the truth of the world. They do so in different ways, and they may discover different aspects of the truth, but in the final analysis they must come together” (p. 191).
I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze®.com book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.
Blog: www.jonathanstephens.wordpress.com
Twitter: @jonstephensNY
April 9, 2014
There are scientific books that claim to have all the answers and there are theological works that try to define the mysteries of God with great clarity. Rare are the books that combine an accessible entry point for a layperson into the realms of both science and faith. Tim Stafford’s “The Adam Quest” is one of those rare finds.
Stafford’s work is a compilation of interviews from many great scientific minds into one intriguing book that wrestles with the questions of human origins and faith. Stafford compiles interviews from three camps within the Christian scientific community: young earth creationists, intelligent design creationists, and evolutionary creationists. Drawing on their lifework, the scientists lay out a case for their beliefs with vigor and humility.
One of the strongest points to this book is that Stafford lets the scientists speak for themselves, drawing out strengths and weaknesses from their professed beliefs. While the author addresses his own beliefs in the conclusion section to the book, he does a decent job of staying out of the arguments within each chapter. The research and thought of each scientist comes out more often than the opinion of Stafford.
With the exception of the author’s conclusion, the body of the book lets the reader decide where they stand on the issue. The evidence given by each scientist (and one theologian) leaves the reader with a lot to think about in a good way. The book does not tell you what to believe, instead it confronts the reader to think through their position.
I have been searching for a layperson’s book on science and faith for a while that is both intriguing and also accessible. I do think I have found the right book.
This book fills a much needed hole that brings together three large views within American Christianity and it is handled with much charity and grace. This book would be ideal as a gift to others who are wrestling with this topic because it demonstrates that one can be faithful to God’s Word and also be rooted in science. I recommend this book to those who want a diverse sketch of how Christians with the scientific community thrive in their faith.
- See more at: http://jeremydriley.com/how-you-can-l...
Stafford’s work is a compilation of interviews from many great scientific minds into one intriguing book that wrestles with the questions of human origins and faith. Stafford compiles interviews from three camps within the Christian scientific community: young earth creationists, intelligent design creationists, and evolutionary creationists. Drawing on their lifework, the scientists lay out a case for their beliefs with vigor and humility.
One of the strongest points to this book is that Stafford lets the scientists speak for themselves, drawing out strengths and weaknesses from their professed beliefs. While the author addresses his own beliefs in the conclusion section to the book, he does a decent job of staying out of the arguments within each chapter. The research and thought of each scientist comes out more often than the opinion of Stafford.
With the exception of the author’s conclusion, the body of the book lets the reader decide where they stand on the issue. The evidence given by each scientist (and one theologian) leaves the reader with a lot to think about in a good way. The book does not tell you what to believe, instead it confronts the reader to think through their position.
I have been searching for a layperson’s book on science and faith for a while that is both intriguing and also accessible. I do think I have found the right book.
This book fills a much needed hole that brings together three large views within American Christianity and it is handled with much charity and grace. This book would be ideal as a gift to others who are wrestling with this topic because it demonstrates that one can be faithful to God’s Word and also be rooted in science. I recommend this book to those who want a diverse sketch of how Christians with the scientific community thrive in their faith.
- See more at: http://jeremydriley.com/how-you-can-l...
February 1, 2014
Scientists Discuss Their Beliefs about Creationism
Creationism is a major schism between science and religion. Books on both sides of the argument make a case for one or the other. In this book, Stafford chose a different path. He tells the stories of eleven scientists from a variety of backgrounds and scientific disciplines. Each scientist has excellent credentials and works in the main stream of scientific research, or started their careers that way.
The scientists beliefs range from:
Young Earth Creationists – who believe the earth is less than ten thousand years old and Noah's flood explains the earth's geology and fossil distribution.
Intelligent Design Creationists – who believe the earth is much older than ten thousand years, but requires an intelligence to explain the development of life.
Evolutionary Creationists – who believe that God is responsible for creating life using the method of evolution.
The scientists' stories and how they came to their beliefs are diverse, but each has thought seriously about the problem of creationism and has come to their belief through a struggle with scripture and with science.
I enjoyed this book. The author respects both science and religion, and t's an easy book to read and understand. The scientists tell their own stories, but in the last chapter Stafford presents his own views. I highly recommend this book for anyone interested in science and creationism, but I think it would be most useful for young people struggling with their beliefs and career choices.
I reviewed this book for PR by the Book.
Creationism is a major schism between science and religion. Books on both sides of the argument make a case for one or the other. In this book, Stafford chose a different path. He tells the stories of eleven scientists from a variety of backgrounds and scientific disciplines. Each scientist has excellent credentials and works in the main stream of scientific research, or started their careers that way.
The scientists beliefs range from:
Young Earth Creationists – who believe the earth is less than ten thousand years old and Noah's flood explains the earth's geology and fossil distribution.
Intelligent Design Creationists – who believe the earth is much older than ten thousand years, but requires an intelligence to explain the development of life.
Evolutionary Creationists – who believe that God is responsible for creating life using the method of evolution.
The scientists' stories and how they came to their beliefs are diverse, but each has thought seriously about the problem of creationism and has come to their belief through a struggle with scripture and with science.
I enjoyed this book. The author respects both science and religion, and t's an easy book to read and understand. The scientists tell their own stories, but in the last chapter Stafford presents his own views. I highly recommend this book for anyone interested in science and creationism, but I think it would be most useful for young people struggling with their beliefs and career choices.
I reviewed this book for PR by the Book.
February 19, 2014
After a brief personal introduction, this book presents short scientific and spiritual biographies of eleven Christian scientists: how they got to where they are. All eleven were interesting; the most interesting, for me, was the chapter on Simon Conway Morris.
This was followed by a very well-done summary and conclusion chapter, in which Tim Stafford presents his views of the strengths and weaknesses of the three major positions represented by the eleven Christian scientists: Young Earth Creationism, Intelligent Design, and Evolutionary Creationism. He gives a particularly good assessment of the current strengths and weaknesses of Evolutionary Creationism. He then gives his reasons for being drawn to Evolutionary Creationism as the most hopeful path for the future of evangelical Christianity, because “they seem ahead of the others in understanding the multilayered nature of reality. They are comfortable in science, and they have been learning to incorporate the doctrine of God’s immanence into their understanding of the world.” (pp. 210-211).
The book includes endnotes (which ought to be outlawed in favor of footnotes), a list of works cited, and a nine-page index.
I highly recommend this very readable book for anyone interested in the personal stories of Christian scientists of various flavors and/or a well-done summary of the strengths and weaknesses of the three positions on science and Scripture. Just don’t expect to find Adam here.
This was followed by a very well-done summary and conclusion chapter, in which Tim Stafford presents his views of the strengths and weaknesses of the three major positions represented by the eleven Christian scientists: Young Earth Creationism, Intelligent Design, and Evolutionary Creationism. He gives a particularly good assessment of the current strengths and weaknesses of Evolutionary Creationism. He then gives his reasons for being drawn to Evolutionary Creationism as the most hopeful path for the future of evangelical Christianity, because “they seem ahead of the others in understanding the multilayered nature of reality. They are comfortable in science, and they have been learning to incorporate the doctrine of God’s immanence into their understanding of the world.” (pp. 210-211).
The book includes endnotes (which ought to be outlawed in favor of footnotes), a list of works cited, and a nine-page index.
I highly recommend this very readable book for anyone interested in the personal stories of Christian scientists of various flavors and/or a well-done summary of the strengths and weaknesses of the three positions on science and Scripture. Just don’t expect to find Adam here.
August 10, 2014
One of the most helpful and engaging books I have read on the debate between young earth creationism (YEC), intelligent design (ID), and evolutionary creationism (EC) I have read. The author has interviewed eleven scientists and allowed their perspectives to stand as they are. The interviews are presented in the order from YEC -> ID -> EC. Each view is presented respectfully and intelligently. It is fascinating to hear how these scientists have arrived at their perspectives and the humility they convey about what they believe and know. The author, Tim Stafford, concludes the book by sharing his own position and, in the process, describing the strengths and weaknesses of each perspective. The book includes a comprehensive index making it even more useful. The writing is engaging, clear, courteous and thoroughly constructive. I highly recommend it every Christian, of whatever persuasion on the issue, and anyone else interested in the contemporary debates raging within evangelical Christianity (in particular) on creationism/evolution.
August 18, 2014
This is probably one of the best books I have read this year, if not one of the best books I have ever read. Especially on such touchy subjects like evolution, origins, creation, science, and Christianity. Tim Stafford is thoughtful, unbiased, and provides the unaltered stories of people who have struggled with questions like "Where did we come from?", "Why are we here?", and "Is there a God?". This book is beyond encouraging to both the scientist, as well as to the thoughtful, intelligent person. More than once I found myself copying down a quote or saying, "Oh my gosh! This person completely gets my own struggles!"
I also greatly value and appreciate Stafford's hope for a future where science and religion are not enemies, but can coexist as separate but connected paths to truth. This goal is reached when we stop attacking each other and insisting that our own interpretation of science or the Bible is undeniable truth. Sincerely love this book and recommend it to anyone.
I also greatly value and appreciate Stafford's hope for a future where science and religion are not enemies, but can coexist as separate but connected paths to truth. This goal is reached when we stop attacking each other and insisting that our own interpretation of science or the Bible is undeniable truth. Sincerely love this book and recommend it to anyone.
October 3, 2014
Very accessible, very respectful and humble. There's a chapter each describing 11 scientists and the story of his/her life - both career, faith, and how their views on origins have changed over the years, how they've been accepted/rejected at church and by the scientific community and how they deal with it. A wide range of denominations are represented, and a wide range of views represented from evolutionary creationism to young earth creationist to the Intelligent Design community which tries to be both but is neither. I appreciate the emphasis on science.
January 19, 2014
I was a bit disappointed in this book. I was hoping there would be more about how the scientists wrestle with their faith and human origins. But the book is by far the stories of the scientists, how they came to faith and how they came to love science. I realize Stafford wants readers to know the scientists, how they came to be where they are. But I was really hoping for much more on their wrestling. See my full review at http://bit.ly/1hE60GX.
October 4, 2014
In this book, the author interviews eleven scientists who hold a strong Christian faith and are exploring ways of combining science and faith. He interviews young earth creationists, intelligent design creationists, and evolutionary creationists, giving each scientist's family background (how they came to their faith) and reasons for their beliefs.
July 17, 2015
This book is a helpful read for those who are interested in the discussion of evolution and creation from three different Christian understandings of the history of the earth: Young earth creationists, Intelligent design creationists, and Evolutionary creationists. It is written in a readable "no need to be a scientist" style. I highly recommend this book.
February 28, 2024
At first, I thought this might be a very bland book, but it turned out to be quite intriguing. Eleven scientists share their perspective on God and the Bible, in relation to their scientific background. The author assigned their views into three categories. I like their (very scientific) attitude that if they can’t reconcile issues between the Bible and evolution, then they need to do more research, not that the Bible is wrong.
1) Young Earth Creationists
2) Intelligent Design Creationists
3) Evolutionary Creationists
I have to say that my personal belief is that eventually we will find a connecting link between the Bible and science, we just haven’t arrived at that point of discovery yet. I would say that my views are a mixture of intelligent design and evolution, accepting the premise that there is an architect/creator behind the creation of all life, and that the world is very old, and some form of evolution has been part of God’s plan.
I can relate to Mary Schweitzer’s experience with “Young Life” in high school. That organization had the biggest impact on sustaining my faith during high school.
The author states that his scientific career entailed the search for beautiful equations and the thrill and wonder of discovery. However, science has nothing to say about beauty or wonder. They are inextricably part of science, but we need something more than science to explain and explore them.
He further states, it is a remarkable fact that our minds have proved capable not of just coping with everyday experiences but also of penetrating the secrets of the subatomic world. …Yet where in the world described by science can we locate the mind itself? …There is an ugly big ditch yawning between scientific accounts of the firing of neural networks, however sophisticated such talk may be, and the simplest mental experience of perceiving a patch of pink. The beauty of these concept is expanded on (and the author tries to tie all three categories together) in the last two chapters of the book.
1) Young Earth Creationists
2) Intelligent Design Creationists
3) Evolutionary Creationists
I have to say that my personal belief is that eventually we will find a connecting link between the Bible and science, we just haven’t arrived at that point of discovery yet. I would say that my views are a mixture of intelligent design and evolution, accepting the premise that there is an architect/creator behind the creation of all life, and that the world is very old, and some form of evolution has been part of God’s plan.
I can relate to Mary Schweitzer’s experience with “Young Life” in high school. That organization had the biggest impact on sustaining my faith during high school.
The author states that his scientific career entailed the search for beautiful equations and the thrill and wonder of discovery. However, science has nothing to say about beauty or wonder. They are inextricably part of science, but we need something more than science to explain and explore them.
He further states, it is a remarkable fact that our minds have proved capable not of just coping with everyday experiences but also of penetrating the secrets of the subatomic world. …Yet where in the world described by science can we locate the mind itself? …There is an ugly big ditch yawning between scientific accounts of the firing of neural networks, however sophisticated such talk may be, and the simplest mental experience of perceiving a patch of pink. The beauty of these concept is expanded on (and the author tries to tie all three categories together) in the last two chapters of the book.
Read
February 25, 2014
“Interpretations surrounding the brute fact of evolution remain contentious, controversial, fractious, and acrimonious. Why should this be so? The heart of the problem, I believe, is to explain how it might be that we, a product of evolution, possess an overwhelming sense of purpose and moral identity yet arose by processes that were seemingly without meaning. If, however, we can begin to demonstrate that organic evolution contains deeper structures and potentialities, if not inevitabilities, then perhaps we can begin to move away from the dreary materialism of much current thinking with its agenda of a world now open to limitless manipulation.”
– Dr. Simon Conway Morris, Cambridge University
The Adam Quest, by Tim Spafford, is an exploration of the evolution-creation debate – a study of a group of Christian scientists (each is a PhD with articles published in peer-reviewed journals) who endeavor to study the realm of human origins. Stafford profiles twelve scientists – eleven of whom fall into one of the three paradigms of Christian creation science: young earth creationism, intelligent design creationism, and evolutionary creationism, and one who is a scientist and a pastor and shares his views of how faith and science are meant to complement each other. Stafford carefully explains each creation paradigm, and then allows his scientist subjects to explain the science in their own words.
The eleven scientists profiled are:
Young Earth Creationists: Kurt Wise, Todd Wood, Georgia Purdom
Intelligent Design Creationists: Michael Behe, Fazale Rana
Evolutionary Creationists: Mary Schweitzer, Darrel Falk, Ard Louis, Denis Alexander, Simon Conway Morris
Creation science is a very “hot” topic, and has been for a few decades now. Stafford douses the flames of rhetoric, and calmly lays out the science of each system. He shows the strengths and weaknesses (including lack of funding for proper studies, etc) of each scientist’s program. Stafford is always respectful, and brings a great deal of clarity to a subject often muddied with conflict and opinion.
"Today’s polarized environment produces less dialogue, more sound bites." - Tim Spafford
The first scientist profiled is geologist Kurt Wise, a young earth creationist and devout Baptist, who believes that, “I am not an anti-evolutionist. I am a creationist. My life goal is to create a model that explains the world.” While many in the secular world think of young earth creationists as “wacky” and “against science” and “ignorant,” Wise is actually Harvard-educated – he studied under the famous (or infamous) Stephen Jay Gould, and earned that man’s respect, if not his agreement.
The final of the eleven is biologist Simon Conway Morris of Cambridge University in England, a distinguished evolutionary creationist. Morris is controversial, he publicly argued with Stephen Jay Gould on his ideas of convergence (the observation that similar forms or traits often evolve in distinct families or lines of life forms – think of the similar spines on a hedgehog and a porcupine, yet their nearest common ancestor is a distant creature that lived in the time of the dinosaur – or the unique fingerprints that developed on humans and…koalas). Morris feels that the universe is constructed to evolve in a particular way, and that done over again would still create the same forms, leading to the inevitability of humans.
Stafford adds a "bonus" profile: Rev. Dr. John Polkinghorne, a physicist who seamlessly married science with his deep faith. Polkinghorne was a distinguished physicist with Cambridge University, publishing many papers, and eventualy becoming President of Queen's College. And then, at the height of his career, he retired from academia to become an Anglican minister. His ministry brought him back to Cambridge, where he once again became President of Queen's College. Polkinghorne hold not part in the evolution-creation debates, but he does hold important views on the proper place of science in every Christian's life.
"People sometimes say that science is about facts and religion is simply about opinion, but that's to make a double mistake actually. There are no interesting scientific facts that are not already interpreted facts, and to interpret what's being measured, you have to use theoretical opinions. So there's a very subtle exchange between theory and experiment in science, which means its conclusions are never absolutely certain but well-justified. Similarly, religion isn't just a question of shutting your eyes, gritting your teeth, and believing impossible things on some unquestionable authority. It's also concerned with the search for truth through motivated belief, but it's a different level and kind of truth, and so it's motivations are a different kind of motivation. But I think, under the skin, science and religion are cousins in the search for truth." - John Polkinghorne
I went into this book assuming it was one thing and being delighted it was another. Stafford’s writing is clear and concise, he brings the scientists and their science to life in language understandable to the layman – and yet he doesn’t patronize or overly simplify the science into meaninglessness. At the conclusion of the book, Stafford expresses what he feels are the pros and cons of each of the three Christian creation systems, and where his personal belief falls on this range. He and I are in agreement on this, and yet his coverage of the scientists with very different views never fails to be respectful and non-judgmental.
I highly recommend The Adam Quest to anyone who truly wants to understand what the real debate is regarding Christianity, Science, and Creation – as opposed to what media pundits say it is. Whether one is a strict evolutionist or rather leans towards one of these creationist systems, whether one is of a Judeo-Christian or non-Christian religious leanings or atheist leanings, there is much to be learned from these scientists. The questions posed by each, as they work towards a more accurate science of life and creation, provoked a great deal of very thoughtful conversation in my house – and I know we will be adding the books written by these scientists to our reading list, for more in-depth reading about these systems and their possibilities.
Tim Spafford is a Senior Writer for Christianity Today, and is also the author of more than twenty fiction and non-fiction books.
The Adam Quest, by Tim Spafford, is an exploration of the evolution-creation debate – a study of a group of Christian scientists (each is a PhD with articles published in peer-reviewed journals) who endeavor to study the realm of human origins. Stafford profiles twelve scientists – eleven of whom fall into one of the three paradigms of Christian creation science: young earth creationism, intelligent design creationism, and evolutionary creationism, and one who is a scientist and a pastor and shares his views of how faith and science are meant to complement each other. Stafford carefully explains each creation paradigm, and then allows his scientist subjects to explain the science in their own words.
The eleven scientists profiled are:
Young Earth Creationists: Kurt Wise, Todd Wood, Georgia Purdom
Intelligent Design Creationists: Michael Behe, Fazale Rana
Evolutionary Creationists: Mary Schweitzer, Darrel Falk, Ard Louis, Denis Alexander, Simon Conway Morris
Creation science is a very “hot” topic, and has been for a few decades now. Stafford douses the flames of rhetoric, and calmly lays out the science of each system. He shows the strengths and weaknesses (including lack of funding for proper studies, etc) of each scientist’s program. Stafford is always respectful, and brings a great deal of clarity to a subject often muddied with conflict and opinion.
"Today’s polarized environment produces less dialogue, more sound bites." - Tim Spafford
The first scientist profiled is geologist Kurt Wise, a young earth creationist and devout Baptist, who believes that, “I am not an anti-evolutionist. I am a creationist. My life goal is to create a model that explains the world.” While many in the secular world think of young earth creationists as “wacky” and “against science” and “ignorant,” Wise is actually Harvard-educated – he studied under the famous (or infamous) Stephen Jay Gould, and earned that man’s respect, if not his agreement.
The final of the eleven is biologist Simon Conway Morris of Cambridge University in England, a distinguished evolutionary creationist. Morris is controversial, he publicly argued with Stephen Jay Gould on his ideas of convergence (the observation that similar forms or traits often evolve in distinct families or lines of life forms – think of the similar spines on a hedgehog and a porcupine, yet their nearest common ancestor is a distant creature that lived in the time of the dinosaur – or the unique fingerprints that developed on humans and…koalas). Morris feels that the universe is constructed to evolve in a particular way, and that done over again would still create the same forms, leading to the inevitability of humans.
Stafford adds a "bonus" profile: Rev. Dr. John Polkinghorne, a physicist who seamlessly married science with his deep faith. Polkinghorne was a distinguished physicist with Cambridge University, publishing many papers, and eventualy becoming President of Queen's College. And then, at the height of his career, he retired from academia to become an Anglican minister. His ministry brought him back to Cambridge, where he once again became President of Queen's College. Polkinghorne hold not part in the evolution-creation debates, but he does hold important views on the proper place of science in every Christian's life.
"People sometimes say that science is about facts and religion is simply about opinion, but that's to make a double mistake actually. There are no interesting scientific facts that are not already interpreted facts, and to interpret what's being measured, you have to use theoretical opinions. So there's a very subtle exchange between theory and experiment in science, which means its conclusions are never absolutely certain but well-justified. Similarly, religion isn't just a question of shutting your eyes, gritting your teeth, and believing impossible things on some unquestionable authority. It's also concerned with the search for truth through motivated belief, but it's a different level and kind of truth, and so it's motivations are a different kind of motivation. But I think, under the skin, science and religion are cousins in the search for truth." - John Polkinghorne
I went into this book assuming it was one thing and being delighted it was another. Stafford’s writing is clear and concise, he brings the scientists and their science to life in language understandable to the layman – and yet he doesn’t patronize or overly simplify the science into meaninglessness. At the conclusion of the book, Stafford expresses what he feels are the pros and cons of each of the three Christian creation systems, and where his personal belief falls on this range. He and I are in agreement on this, and yet his coverage of the scientists with very different views never fails to be respectful and non-judgmental.
I highly recommend The Adam Quest to anyone who truly wants to understand what the real debate is regarding Christianity, Science, and Creation – as opposed to what media pundits say it is. Whether one is a strict evolutionist or rather leans towards one of these creationist systems, whether one is of a Judeo-Christian or non-Christian religious leanings or atheist leanings, there is much to be learned from these scientists. The questions posed by each, as they work towards a more accurate science of life and creation, provoked a great deal of very thoughtful conversation in my house – and I know we will be adding the books written by these scientists to our reading list, for more in-depth reading about these systems and their possibilities.
Tim Spafford is a Senior Writer for Christianity Today, and is also the author of more than twenty fiction and non-fiction books.
March 11, 2019
From the title and subtitle, I was expecting more of a focus on *human* evolution and a detailed discussion of the scientific and interpretive questions at stake in different views on the historical Adam. Instead, this was a series of magazine-length biographical profiles of accomplished Christian scientists with a range of views on creation and evolution. It was interesting, enjoyable and well-written, but I wish it had zeroed in more narrowly on how these people understand biblical references to Adam in light of genetic and archaeological evidence for evolution.
June 17, 2021
I loved this book. Tim Stafford presents, not the arguments behind the Young Earth Creationism, Intelligent Design and Evolutionary Creationism, but the people behind them. He humanizes the proponents of these different positions and this is exactly what we need.
February 21, 2022
A really interesting read, and I saw that as an atheist. The author profiles Christian scientists who range from young-Earth creationists to people you could basically describe as deists. My favorite part is seeing the lengths these scientists will go in order to reconcile their scientific knowledge with religion/superstition.
January 14, 2014
"The real problem is that the church doesn't have a place for evangelical scholars to devote their lives to a very complicated subject, think about it, test it with other scholars, and eventually come to some kind of consensus."-Ard Louis, pages 150-151 of The Adam Quest.
The Adam Quest (2013) by Tim Stafford is a unique book. Born out of his own experiences with his son getting "burned by the fight over Genesis" (p.2), Stafford set out to interview scientists who "held on to a strong Christian faith while wrestling with the mystery of human origins" (from the cover). In approaching the topic, Stafford intentionally sought well trained scientists who held strong opinions, but were not quick to condemn others (p. 7). In doing so, he presented compelling biological sketches of eleven scientists representing a variety of viewpoints.
This book has many strengths to its credit. Stafford as a senior writer for Christianity Today is a gifted communicator. He was able to craft excellent stories. In fact, I found it very difficult to set this book down. I had to lead a group last night, but I would have been thankful to stay home and keep devouring this volume.
Stafford is also intentionally careful not to show his hand too early. For the most part, he seemed to fairly present the positions held by young earth creationists, intelligent design advocates, and evolutionary creationists. For anyone who reads about how to interpret Genesis 1 to 11, this is an amazingly difficult task as opinions are routinely strong. There were certainly some strong opinions from the scientists here as well, but humility was a common thread in this book, which I appreciated because it is so often missing from our dialog.
Another thing that I appreciated was that Stafford not only represented a variety of viewpoints on creationism, but that the people he included represented a variety of denominational backgrounds--Anglican, Catholic, Nazarene, and Baptist to name a few. I wonder how often we make assumptions about which denominations will appropriately support scientists. Stafford interviewed a variety.
I did have concerns about this book as well. Stafford anticipates this argument, but for some who read it, they will be concerned that their positions are underrepresented or unfairly characterized. I would have appreciated it if he would have recruited an equal number of scientists from each of the main traditions, but evolutionary creationism is the most strongly represented among the scientists interviewed.
I also think it would have been beneficial for Stafford to explore the underlying worldview assumptions of the authors in greater depth. For example, many of the proponents of evolution see no problem with a "levels-of-explanation" point of view. Essentially, there are multiple ways of getting at truth and they need not integrate to any significant degree. I would like to explore this further, but unfortunately it is beyond the scope of this review. We all approach issues with basic assumptions about the way the world works and failure to account for those assumptions is detrimental, I believe.
There is much wisdom from the scientists presented. Though I essentially agree with Stafford's delineation of each positions strengths and weaknesses, I disagree with Stafford's final conclusions, yet I cannot fault his approach. This is a well written book written with humility. I suspect that Tim Stafford, all of the scientists presented, and I would agree on this: we hold to those things of first importance, that Jesus was crucified for our transgressions and that he rose again on the third day and that those who believed will be saved.
I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze.com® book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
The Adam Quest (2013) by Tim Stafford is a unique book. Born out of his own experiences with his son getting "burned by the fight over Genesis" (p.2), Stafford set out to interview scientists who "held on to a strong Christian faith while wrestling with the mystery of human origins" (from the cover). In approaching the topic, Stafford intentionally sought well trained scientists who held strong opinions, but were not quick to condemn others (p. 7). In doing so, he presented compelling biological sketches of eleven scientists representing a variety of viewpoints.
This book has many strengths to its credit. Stafford as a senior writer for Christianity Today is a gifted communicator. He was able to craft excellent stories. In fact, I found it very difficult to set this book down. I had to lead a group last night, but I would have been thankful to stay home and keep devouring this volume.
Stafford is also intentionally careful not to show his hand too early. For the most part, he seemed to fairly present the positions held by young earth creationists, intelligent design advocates, and evolutionary creationists. For anyone who reads about how to interpret Genesis 1 to 11, this is an amazingly difficult task as opinions are routinely strong. There were certainly some strong opinions from the scientists here as well, but humility was a common thread in this book, which I appreciated because it is so often missing from our dialog.
Another thing that I appreciated was that Stafford not only represented a variety of viewpoints on creationism, but that the people he included represented a variety of denominational backgrounds--Anglican, Catholic, Nazarene, and Baptist to name a few. I wonder how often we make assumptions about which denominations will appropriately support scientists. Stafford interviewed a variety.
I did have concerns about this book as well. Stafford anticipates this argument, but for some who read it, they will be concerned that their positions are underrepresented or unfairly characterized. I would have appreciated it if he would have recruited an equal number of scientists from each of the main traditions, but evolutionary creationism is the most strongly represented among the scientists interviewed.
I also think it would have been beneficial for Stafford to explore the underlying worldview assumptions of the authors in greater depth. For example, many of the proponents of evolution see no problem with a "levels-of-explanation" point of view. Essentially, there are multiple ways of getting at truth and they need not integrate to any significant degree. I would like to explore this further, but unfortunately it is beyond the scope of this review. We all approach issues with basic assumptions about the way the world works and failure to account for those assumptions is detrimental, I believe.
There is much wisdom from the scientists presented. Though I essentially agree with Stafford's delineation of each positions strengths and weaknesses, I disagree with Stafford's final conclusions, yet I cannot fault his approach. This is a well written book written with humility. I suspect that Tim Stafford, all of the scientists presented, and I would agree on this: we hold to those things of first importance, that Jesus was crucified for our transgressions and that he rose again on the third day and that those who believed will be saved.
I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze.com® book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
September 6, 2020
Eye-Opening and Timely
I have been seriously studying the creation versus evolution debate for almost a year. But until I read this book, I had no idea how much pertinent information I was missing. I can’t recommend this book too much. We have a crisis on our hands. The conflict between science and religion is at a breaking point. Something has to give...and this book goes a long way toward bringing much-needed light.
Presented in a very readable way, Tim Stanford accomplished what he set out to do: he stepped out of the way and let each scientist tell their story.
For me, however, his conclusion then brought it all together. Thank you, Tim Stafford, for writing this book. And thanks to every one of these Christian scientists who participated in this work. I will be forever grateful. It has helped me see that science and my faith and belief in the Bible are NOT mutually exclusive.
This should be required reading for every pastor, academic advisor, and parent!
I have been seriously studying the creation versus evolution debate for almost a year. But until I read this book, I had no idea how much pertinent information I was missing. I can’t recommend this book too much. We have a crisis on our hands. The conflict between science and religion is at a breaking point. Something has to give...and this book goes a long way toward bringing much-needed light.
Presented in a very readable way, Tim Stanford accomplished what he set out to do: he stepped out of the way and let each scientist tell their story.
For me, however, his conclusion then brought it all together. Thank you, Tim Stafford, for writing this book. And thanks to every one of these Christian scientists who participated in this work. I will be forever grateful. It has helped me see that science and my faith and belief in the Bible are NOT mutually exclusive.
This should be required reading for every pastor, academic advisor, and parent!
August 9, 2014
Tim Stafford profiles eleven highly trained scientists representing three major positions held by evangelical Christians: young earth creation, intelligent design, and evolutionary creation. Huge issues are at stake, including the authority and interpretation of Scripture, the unity of Christians, and the compatibility of faith and science. Stafford also assesses the strengths and problems of each view, and appeals for humility, unity, and openness among believers of each persuasion. For those wanting to go deeper into the issues, many key individuals, books, and organizations are mentioned throughout the book.
August 10, 2015
There are many in the Christian community who view science and scientists with a suspicious eye, and many scientists feel disrespected or alienated from Christian community by their profession and their beliefs. This book attempts to bridge this gulf by presenting several different personal stories and viewpoints from contemporary scientists. It definitely has a slant towards the author's preferred view, but I felt that the over all purpose of the book was accomplished. I loved the positive and loving attitude each interviewee showed towards Christianity and those who disagree, and was fascinated by the lives and perspectives of each scientist.
February 7, 2014
I want to commend Tim on his willingness to look into a forbidden topic within the church. I appreciate his purpose in pursuing this topic to help his son, who I know, understand his dad's struggle with this historic question. I thoroughly enjoyed reading through the individual life stories of these incredible scientists and their faith journeys. It helped but the pieces to the puzzle together without necessarily forcing a conclusion regardless of your theological background.
September 5, 2014
This is a book worth reading, though the biographies of the various scientists are fairly skimpy, with only one chapter apiece. Still for me it's best value was that it's encouraging me to read some scientists who actually manage to hold faith and science together, who in particular can find credibility in evolution, something I struggle with.
May 17, 2014
Here's a link to my original review at my personal blog:
http://baldscientist.wordpress.com/20...
http://baldscientist.wordpress.com/20...
March 29, 2017
Fantastic read. Well researched.
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