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How I Changed My Mind About Evolution: Evangelicals Reflect on Faith and Science
Perhaps no topic appears as potentially threatening to evangelicals as evolution. The very idea seems to exclude God from the creation the book of Genesis celebrates.
Yet many evangelicals have come to accept the conclusions of science while still holding to a vigorous belief in God and the Bible. How did they make this journey? How did they come to embrace both evolution and faith?
Here are stories from a community of people who love Jesus and honor the authority of the Bible, but who also agree with what science says about the cosmos, our planet and the life that so abundantly fills it.
Among the contributors are
Scientists such as
Francis Collins Deborah Haarsma Denis Lamoureux
Pastors such as
John Ortberg Ken Fong Laura Truax
Biblical scholars such as
N. T. Wright Scot McKnight Tremper Longman III
Theologians and philosophers such as
James K. A. Smith Amos Yong Oliver Crisp
Yet many evangelicals have come to accept the conclusions of science while still holding to a vigorous belief in God and the Bible. How did they make this journey? How did they come to embrace both evolution and faith?
Here are stories from a community of people who love Jesus and honor the authority of the Bible, but who also agree with what science says about the cosmos, our planet and the life that so abundantly fills it.
Among the contributors are
Scientists such as
Francis Collins Deborah Haarsma Denis Lamoureux
Pastors such as
John Ortberg Ken Fong Laura Truax
Biblical scholars such as
N. T. Wright Scot McKnight Tremper Longman III
Theologians and philosophers such as
James K. A. Smith Amos Yong Oliver Crisp
214 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 6, 2016
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349 people want to read
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May 10, 2021
Si quieres evidencias contundentes a favor de la evolución, este no es el libro que estás buscando. Más bien, los editores ofrecen lo que el título promete: una antología de testimonios de teólogos, pastores y expertos en diversas ciencias naturales que narran su lucha personal con el tema de la evolución.
Algunos de los colaboradores tienen años afirmando la creación evolutiva, mientras que otros cuentan que todavía están explorando el tema. Varios admiten que todavía tienen dudas importantes respecto a la ciencia evolutiva y/o sus implicaciones para la teología cristiana, lo cual fue refrescante e inspirador.
Las historias son variadas pero el clamor es uno solo: ¿podemos hablar? ¿Podemos dejar de pretender que tenemos todas las respuestas y crear espacios para conversar?
Terminé el libro muy animada y sintiéndome menos sola. Terminé el libro emocionada por continuar aprendiendo sobre la verdad de Dios.
Algunos de los colaboradores tienen años afirmando la creación evolutiva, mientras que otros cuentan que todavía están explorando el tema. Varios admiten que todavía tienen dudas importantes respecto a la ciencia evolutiva y/o sus implicaciones para la teología cristiana, lo cual fue refrescante e inspirador.
Las historias son variadas pero el clamor es uno solo: ¿podemos hablar? ¿Podemos dejar de pretender que tenemos todas las respuestas y crear espacios para conversar?
Terminé el libro muy animada y sintiéndome menos sola. Terminé el libro emocionada por continuar aprendiendo sobre la verdad de Dios.
December 7, 2019
How I Changed my Mind About Evolution is not an apologetic for evolutionary theory. It is a collection of essays recounting the contributors' personal struggles in reconciling Christian faith and the natural sciences. For what it is, this book is as good as it is needed, and I lack the repertoire of superlatives necessary to properly convey how strongly I feel about how needed this book is.
The essays in this book range from pretty good to first-rate. I thought Smith's essay to open and Mouw's to close were the two best. Crisp's and Wright's were also especially helpful. I had a mixed reaction to some of the essays. I shook my head at some of the theological statements. I shook my head at some of the scientific statements. I shook my head at some of the things that made me shake my head. (I can get ramped up over peripherals much too quickly/often.) This book has contributions from a wide range of denominations, so if your one of those types who too rarely round the corner of his own personal, ideological ghetto (Me! Me!), then you should prepare to be annoyed at times. But it is a good annoyance...and a needed one.
I am swimming against the stream of my personal circle in daring to advocate something connected with Biologos...or even something that has the audacity to be any more nuanced than Darwin=Devil. But too many have been driven away from the Christian faith by a novel litmus test of orthodoxy that doesn't find its basis explicitly in the Scriptures or in the creeds for me to not offer some sort of pushback. This is a conversation worth having and one that deserves more light and less heat than it has been given. This book will not change minds. But it does shed a lot of light on the issue from the evolutionary creation position and will be a benefit to many, even if it just to let people know that science and faith are not mortal enemies and this conversation is not as closed as many would be led to believe.
My encouragement: if your immediate, visceral response to the idea of evolution is disgust, then you may be encountering a bogeyman that owes its existence to fear mongering rather than a genuine foe. Consider listening to the story of brothers and sisters who love Jesus, affirm the Scriptures, and hold to some sort of evolutionary theory. It will only benefit the Body to know why certain parts believe what they do.
I received an ARC from the publisher in exchange for a review.
The essays in this book range from pretty good to first-rate. I thought Smith's essay to open and Mouw's to close were the two best. Crisp's and Wright's were also especially helpful. I had a mixed reaction to some of the essays. I shook my head at some of the theological statements. I shook my head at some of the scientific statements. I shook my head at some of the things that made me shake my head. (I can get ramped up over peripherals much too quickly/often.) This book has contributions from a wide range of denominations, so if your one of those types who too rarely round the corner of his own personal, ideological ghetto (Me! Me!), then you should prepare to be annoyed at times. But it is a good annoyance...and a needed one.
I am swimming against the stream of my personal circle in daring to advocate something connected with Biologos...or even something that has the audacity to be any more nuanced than Darwin=Devil. But too many have been driven away from the Christian faith by a novel litmus test of orthodoxy that doesn't find its basis explicitly in the Scriptures or in the creeds for me to not offer some sort of pushback. This is a conversation worth having and one that deserves more light and less heat than it has been given. This book will not change minds. But it does shed a lot of light on the issue from the evolutionary creation position and will be a benefit to many, even if it just to let people know that science and faith are not mortal enemies and this conversation is not as closed as many would be led to believe.
My encouragement: if your immediate, visceral response to the idea of evolution is disgust, then you may be encountering a bogeyman that owes its existence to fear mongering rather than a genuine foe. Consider listening to the story of brothers and sisters who love Jesus, affirm the Scriptures, and hold to some sort of evolutionary theory. It will only benefit the Body to know why certain parts believe what they do.
I received an ARC from the publisher in exchange for a review.
May 15, 2017
Summary: Twenty-five narratives of Christians who accept evolutionary creation and how, in most cases, they changed their minds in reaching this conclusion.
There is a widespread impression in American universities and among many young people that Christianity and science are at war with each other. No where is this more the case than over the issue of evolution. And sadly, many young people walk away from their faith, seeing the explanatory power of evolutionary theory and the failure of "evidences" for some creationist positions to hold up under scientific scrutiny. In many cases their teachers in the church have presented a choice between believing Christianity and believing science and that both are not possible and they believed them.
The twenty-five contributors to this book share two things in common--they deny that science and faith need be at war, and they embrace a position which they describe throughout the book as evolutionary creation (others would describe this as theistic evolution). They are scientists like Wisconsin embryologist Jeff Hardin, pastors like John Ortberg, biblical scholars like Scot McKnight and N. T. Wright, and theologians like James K. A. Smith. Most came to this position after much careful thought and study of both the scriptures and the science, often from young earth views, hence the title. N.T. Wright stands apart in observing that the American and British landscapes around these issues are very different, with most British Christians not seeing the conflict. He explores the elements in the American worldview that he thinks contribute to our scientifically and politically polarized climate.
The journey was sometimes costly. Tremper Longman III describes being terminated from a seminary position for coming to a position that did not see Genesis in conflict with evolution. For others, this was a journey of joyful discovery. Deborah Haarsma, a physicist and president of BioLogos (publishing partner for this book) describes how her understanding of evolutionary creation fosters worship as she praises God for his work over the long term, the glory of the system by which life came forth, his upholding of the natural world, all that is glorious in creation, and how aspects of creation illuminate scripture.
Pastor John Ortberg speaks of a phenomenon I've observed in work with Christians in graduate school and on faculty. They struggle with a kind of spiritual loneliness. He writes, after attending a BioLogos conference with many Christians in science:
"I can't tell you how often I'd sit down with somebody at that conference and hear them say, 'You know, when I'm at work and I'm with a bunch of scientists, they're really skeptical about my faith. They're suspicious about me.' Then they'd say, 'When I go to my church, they're really skeptical about me because of my science. I feel like I don't have a place where I really belong.' The church ought to be a place where scientists can feel at home" (p. 94).
Several themes running through many of the contributions are a love of both scripture and science, a passion to think about the relationship between the two without forced solutions, which often means living with questions, and the importance within the Christian community for places where these questions may be explored in safety. Jeff Hardin discusses how he makes sense of evolutionary biology in light of his faith:
"One important ingredient in any answer is a commitment to apply the right interpretive approaches to the book of God's Word and the 'book' of his world. Evangelical scholars have been crucial here in helping the church read ancient documents as they were originally intended to be read. Second, I believe that while the church should passionately affirm each of these two 'books.' we must resist the temptation to insist on an excessively tight articulation between each, given our limited human understanding. Third, we need to provide a space where godly people can engage in edifying dialogue about difficult subjects" (p. 60).
Not coincidentally, the collection is concluded by Richard Mouw discussing the creating of these safe spaces where hard questions can be discussed and different points of view explored respectfully. He recounts a conversation with a Catholic couple wondering about the thinking about creation they had encountered among many evangelicals about, and musing, "Don't you evangelicals realize that God is slow?" Mouw raises the question of whether, indeed, our quest for quick solutions to hard questions is part of our problem--we have a hard time when God moves slowly.
This book is probably most helpful for those who, like the authors, are not satisfied with how they read the two "books" of science and scripture together, how they understand evolution in light of their faith. It will be helpful to any Christian in the biological sciences who must face these questions. And it will help pastors as they work with scientists and youth as they engage with science.
Lastly, I hope this book contributes to a different kind of conversation between Christians and those in science, whether they believe or not. Both of us, when we study the world, marvel at what we see and wonder at its intricacy and beauty. Might we have conversations celebrating together the capacities that enable us to explore and the wonderful things we find? Might we model a hunger for truth that never fears that a new discovery will diminish God, or us? And might we collaborate together in exploring ways to use what we find for the good of our fellow creatures? It just might lead a group of scientists to someday write a companion to this book titled How I Changed My Mind About Christianity.
There is a widespread impression in American universities and among many young people that Christianity and science are at war with each other. No where is this more the case than over the issue of evolution. And sadly, many young people walk away from their faith, seeing the explanatory power of evolutionary theory and the failure of "evidences" for some creationist positions to hold up under scientific scrutiny. In many cases their teachers in the church have presented a choice between believing Christianity and believing science and that both are not possible and they believed them.
The twenty-five contributors to this book share two things in common--they deny that science and faith need be at war, and they embrace a position which they describe throughout the book as evolutionary creation (others would describe this as theistic evolution). They are scientists like Wisconsin embryologist Jeff Hardin, pastors like John Ortberg, biblical scholars like Scot McKnight and N. T. Wright, and theologians like James K. A. Smith. Most came to this position after much careful thought and study of both the scriptures and the science, often from young earth views, hence the title. N.T. Wright stands apart in observing that the American and British landscapes around these issues are very different, with most British Christians not seeing the conflict. He explores the elements in the American worldview that he thinks contribute to our scientifically and politically polarized climate.
The journey was sometimes costly. Tremper Longman III describes being terminated from a seminary position for coming to a position that did not see Genesis in conflict with evolution. For others, this was a journey of joyful discovery. Deborah Haarsma, a physicist and president of BioLogos (publishing partner for this book) describes how her understanding of evolutionary creation fosters worship as she praises God for his work over the long term, the glory of the system by which life came forth, his upholding of the natural world, all that is glorious in creation, and how aspects of creation illuminate scripture.
Pastor John Ortberg speaks of a phenomenon I've observed in work with Christians in graduate school and on faculty. They struggle with a kind of spiritual loneliness. He writes, after attending a BioLogos conference with many Christians in science:
"I can't tell you how often I'd sit down with somebody at that conference and hear them say, 'You know, when I'm at work and I'm with a bunch of scientists, they're really skeptical about my faith. They're suspicious about me.' Then they'd say, 'When I go to my church, they're really skeptical about me because of my science. I feel like I don't have a place where I really belong.' The church ought to be a place where scientists can feel at home" (p. 94).
Several themes running through many of the contributions are a love of both scripture and science, a passion to think about the relationship between the two without forced solutions, which often means living with questions, and the importance within the Christian community for places where these questions may be explored in safety. Jeff Hardin discusses how he makes sense of evolutionary biology in light of his faith:
"One important ingredient in any answer is a commitment to apply the right interpretive approaches to the book of God's Word and the 'book' of his world. Evangelical scholars have been crucial here in helping the church read ancient documents as they were originally intended to be read. Second, I believe that while the church should passionately affirm each of these two 'books.' we must resist the temptation to insist on an excessively tight articulation between each, given our limited human understanding. Third, we need to provide a space where godly people can engage in edifying dialogue about difficult subjects" (p. 60).
Not coincidentally, the collection is concluded by Richard Mouw discussing the creating of these safe spaces where hard questions can be discussed and different points of view explored respectfully. He recounts a conversation with a Catholic couple wondering about the thinking about creation they had encountered among many evangelicals about, and musing, "Don't you evangelicals realize that God is slow?" Mouw raises the question of whether, indeed, our quest for quick solutions to hard questions is part of our problem--we have a hard time when God moves slowly.
This book is probably most helpful for those who, like the authors, are not satisfied with how they read the two "books" of science and scripture together, how they understand evolution in light of their faith. It will be helpful to any Christian in the biological sciences who must face these questions. And it will help pastors as they work with scientists and youth as they engage with science.
Lastly, I hope this book contributes to a different kind of conversation between Christians and those in science, whether they believe or not. Both of us, when we study the world, marvel at what we see and wonder at its intricacy and beauty. Might we have conversations celebrating together the capacities that enable us to explore and the wonderful things we find? Might we model a hunger for truth that never fears that a new discovery will diminish God, or us? And might we collaborate together in exploring ways to use what we find for the good of our fellow creatures? It just might lead a group of scientists to someday write a companion to this book titled How I Changed My Mind About Christianity.
June 25, 2016
Кратка, лека за четене и приятна книжка, в която християни - богослови и научни специалисти - споделят личните си пътувания накарали ги в края на краищата да приемат еволюцията без при това да изоставят нито християнската вяра нито високото виждане за Писанието. Включени са свидетелства на хора като Н. Т. Райт, Джеймс К А Смит, Джон Ортбърг, Тремпър Лонгмън III, Амос Янг и Ричард Моу - все гласове, които заслужават да бъдат чути.
Главното ми разочарование от книгата е, че тя не дава достатъчна, сериозна аргументация за приемането на такава позиция - на практика тя не съдържа нито сериозна наука нито сериозно богословие. Самата книга обаче не си и поставя за цел да направи това - тя просто събира личните свидетелства на отделни хора и в това отношение изпълнява добре своя замисъл. Ниската оценка, която давам е свързана с моят по-различен интерес, макар че след първите 5-6 есета доста неща започват да се повтарят и да звучат познато.
Едно последно наблюдение. Заслужава си човек да обърне внимание колко много от авторите споделят, че са се чувствали отхвърлени и обвинявани от други християни заради своята позиция. Един е бил уволнен от семинария (не кой да е Тремпър Лонгмън), друг доброволно е решил да напусне, а на трети му се е разминало на косъм. Ричард Мой споделя как докато е било президент на Семинарията Фулър богати спонсори са му оказвали натиск да цензурира и дори да уволни преподаватели позволили си да изкажат критика срещу интелигентния дизайн заплашвайки го, че ще оттеглят своята финансова подкрепа. Той също така споделя впечатленията си от силната критика срещу Бернард Рам от предишното поколение. Доста от останалите са избрали да сменят църквата, която посещават поради подобни причини. С други думи, тук се води тайна война подобна на тази свързана с непогрешимостта на библията изразена с термините на Chikago statement.
Главното ми разочарование от книгата е, че тя не дава достатъчна, сериозна аргументация за приемането на такава позиция - на практика тя не съдържа нито сериозна наука нито сериозно богословие. Самата книга обаче не си и поставя за цел да направи това - тя просто събира личните свидетелства на отделни хора и в това отношение изпълнява добре своя замисъл. Ниската оценка, която давам е свързана с моят по-различен интерес, макар че след първите 5-6 есета доста неща започват да се повтарят и да звучат познато.
Едно последно наблюдение. Заслужава си човек да обърне внимание колко много от авторите споделят, че са се чувствали отхвърлени и обвинявани от други християни заради своята позиция. Един е бил уволнен от семинария (не кой да е Тремпър Лонгмън), друг доброволно е решил да напусне, а на трети му се е разминало на косъм. Ричард Мой споделя как докато е било президент на Семинарията Фулър богати спонсори са му оказвали натиск да цензурира и дори да уволни преподаватели позволили си да изкажат критика срещу интелигентния дизайн заплашвайки го, че ще оттеглят своята финансова подкрепа. Той също така споделя впечатленията си от силната критика срещу Бернард Рам от предишното поколение. Доста от останалите са избрали да сменят църквата, която посещават поради подобни причини. С други думи, тук се води тайна война подобна на тази свързана с непогрешимостта на библията изразена с термините на Chikago statement.
May 27, 2017
Not Alone
Growing up in an evangelical home, I imbibed early on young earth creationism. After I moved to the UK, I began to grasp that this was principally an American phenomenon, rooted in the unique religious history of the United States. However, upon returning to the States, I despaired until I began to discovered the significant body of evangelical literature that has embraced both sound theological and scientific scholarship.
This book captures the stories of twenty-five of these theologians and scientists. This is an important book to pass along to those who think conservative theology or a high view of scripture requires an acceptance of young earth creationism, whether because they are struggling with the overwhelming evidence to the contrary, or, happy in their assumptions and hermeneutics, disprove of those who see no contradiction between vibrant, living faith in Jesus and a creation that took place gradually over billions of years. Testimonies like these are particularly important in an era where the Church has lost most of those aged 18-30 - especially those with a modicum of post-secondary education.
Growing up in an evangelical home, I imbibed early on young earth creationism. After I moved to the UK, I began to grasp that this was principally an American phenomenon, rooted in the unique religious history of the United States. However, upon returning to the States, I despaired until I began to discovered the significant body of evangelical literature that has embraced both sound theological and scientific scholarship.
This book captures the stories of twenty-five of these theologians and scientists. This is an important book to pass along to those who think conservative theology or a high view of scripture requires an acceptance of young earth creationism, whether because they are struggling with the overwhelming evidence to the contrary, or, happy in their assumptions and hermeneutics, disprove of those who see no contradiction between vibrant, living faith in Jesus and a creation that took place gradually over billions of years. Testimonies like these are particularly important in an era where the Church has lost most of those aged 18-30 - especially those with a modicum of post-secondary education.
October 24, 2021
Evolution and the doctrine of creation is one of those perennial, never-ending topics that is always present in the church, even if we don't always acknowledge it. It's one of my favorite areas to read because it's one of the doctrinal areas where I have benefitted from allowing a great degree of flexibility and uncertainty in my own thinking. Naturally, that means I think others might also benefit from getting comfortable with uncertainty. Naturally, that also means that there is quite a bit of resistance to that idea. That being the case, if you want to challenge your certainties about Genesis 1-2, How I Changed My Mind About Evolution might be a good book with which to start.
The book, co-produced by InterVarsity Press and BioLogos, is the first in what became a five-volume series on the topic of Scripture and the science of origins. Despite what the title might lead you to believe, the point of the book is not to convince the reader to accept any particular viewpoint. It does not present any sort of sustained, cohesive argument. Rather, it is a collection of twenty-five essays written by Christians--scientists, theologians, clergy, biblical scholars--that reflect on how each of these individuals came to reconcile a mainstream scientific view of human origins (i.e., evolution) and orthodox Christian belief.
Even if someone has taken a firm stance on one side or the other and feels confident in their position, How I Changed My Mind About Evolution still has some value, especially if one is a committed young-earth creationist. This value is hinted at in most of the book, but in the twenty-third and twenty-fourth essays, it gets clearer. That value is the argument that forcing an either-or dichotomy between evolution or creation often alienates people who are in the church or on the verge of committing to Christianity, particularly young people of high school and college age with any proclivity for science.
You can read my complete review at https://rogerprather.wordpress.com/20...
The book, co-produced by InterVarsity Press and BioLogos, is the first in what became a five-volume series on the topic of Scripture and the science of origins. Despite what the title might lead you to believe, the point of the book is not to convince the reader to accept any particular viewpoint. It does not present any sort of sustained, cohesive argument. Rather, it is a collection of twenty-five essays written by Christians--scientists, theologians, clergy, biblical scholars--that reflect on how each of these individuals came to reconcile a mainstream scientific view of human origins (i.e., evolution) and orthodox Christian belief.
Even if someone has taken a firm stance on one side or the other and feels confident in their position, How I Changed My Mind About Evolution still has some value, especially if one is a committed young-earth creationist. This value is hinted at in most of the book, but in the twenty-third and twenty-fourth essays, it gets clearer. That value is the argument that forcing an either-or dichotomy between evolution or creation often alienates people who are in the church or on the verge of committing to Christianity, particularly young people of high school and college age with any proclivity for science.
You can read my complete review at https://rogerprather.wordpress.com/20...
May 11, 2019
Each individual essay was pretty good, but after a while they all started to sound alike.
Also, if you aren’t already somewhat convinced that evolution and the Bible are compatible, then this will not offer you much that is convincing. While there are some mentions of evidence that people found persuasive, you’ll have to go elsewhere to find them unpacked. That is not the aim of this book. This is a book of personal narratives. These narratives are helpful, but, again, they get a little repetitive.
Also, if you aren’t already somewhat convinced that evolution and the Bible are compatible, then this will not offer you much that is convincing. While there are some mentions of evidence that people found persuasive, you’ll have to go elsewhere to find them unpacked. That is not the aim of this book. This is a book of personal narratives. These narratives are helpful, but, again, they get a little repetitive.
September 21, 2016
Anyone who knows me knows that I do not shy away from tough topics or from potentially controversial ones, even if that means reading things that go against what I have always thought.
Just this year, I switched to teaching science instead of English language arts. As a result, I have been diving deeper into scientific topics than I have in the past. Obviously, this leads to questions on things such as evolution and the age of the earth.
I was raised with a Young-Earth Creationist view, and have only slightly studied outside of that view, including Old-Earth Creationism, Intelligent Design, and to a lesser degree, a Literary Framework view. One view I had not really read on was a Christian view of evolution. Yes, you read that right. A view of evolution in support of the idea from a Christian viewpoint. I like reading about all sides of an issue, and I prefer to read about them from proponents of the view, as opposed to just reading about it based on critiques from its opponents.
I heard that InterVarsity Press had a newer book called "How I Changed My Mind about Evolution: Evangelicals Reflect on Faith and Science," and I thought it would be a good place to start learning about a Christian view of evolution. IVP was kind enough to send me a copy, and I am glad they did.
The book is not so much an explanation of evolution as it is an attempt by various contributors to explain why they came to believe in evolution, even as Christians, and why they don’t believe it contradicts their evangelical faith. Let me state up front that as far as I can tell, none of the contributors are what we would think of as liberal; they all embrace evangelicalism, and they hold the Bible in high regard. But they also hold science in high regard, and they feel that God would have the Bible and science read in light of each other. It is viewed as a “two-book” model of Scripture and nature, based on Psalm 19, I believe.
The contributors come from a wide range of backgrounds and positions, including scientists, pastors, seminary professors, and so on, as well as from a decent range of denominations. Some of the more well-known contributors are James K. A. Smith, Scot McKnight, Tremper Longman III, Franic Collins, N. T. Wright, and John Ortberg. One thing that is insisted on is that they don’t refer to themselves as theistic evolutionists (as the older name would have it); rather they call themselves evolutionary creationists, with an emphasis on the idea that evolution was the way they believe God chose to create the world and bring it to the point it is currently at.
What really struck me was how many had been raised to believe in and defend a young earth who ended up switching their viewpoints in light of the evidence of science, as they put it. I was raised primarily hearing stories that went in the other direction. In at least one case, the contributor went into a scientific field with the sole purpose of proving evolution and an old earth wrong, only to be totally convinced by the evidence.
I was also struck by a reoccurring theme of people (either the contributors or people they knew) going through major struggles out of a sheer fear of science as a result of their upbringing. Honestly, I can sympathize with those people. After all, Young Earth views are often pushed in such a way that all of science (biology, astronomy, geology, etc.) is part of one big conspiracy theory to try to brainwash people away from God’s word, so we must be ever vigilant and remember that Christians must interpret science in a completely different way than most people might. Is that really the case? Honestly, everyone has to decide that for themselves. But it saddens me to think about how something so majestic as all of God’s creation could become a point of tension for so many, as it has for me in the past.
One thing I really liked was how frequently the contributors would admit that they don’t have all the answers. To be honest, reading Young Earth literature growing up, there never seemed to be room for lack of knowledge; there was an answer for everything, even if it didn’t seem to make much sense. It was refreshing to see people honestly admit that they may not always know all the answers, but they are willing to continue to study and hold on to faith in the mean time.
Again, this book is not an all-out defense of evolution, although there are parts of the book that provide some reasoning for that view. Rather, it is an attempt to open doors of communication and to show that contrary to many Young-Earth arguments, people don’t just come to believe in evolution as a way of doubting Scripture or moving away from God. These contributors all stand firm in their love and devotion to their Creator, even though their understanding of His word regarding creation is different from others.
Regardless of where you stand on the question of evolution and the age of the earth, you should read this book to gain a sympathetic understanding of where evolutionary creationists are coming from. While it may not change everyone’s mind on how old the earth is and whether evolution in any form is a viable mechanism for creation, it will at least allow a discussion to occur with a proper understanding of where one side is coming from, as opposed to setting up false caricatures of those people.
*Note: I was provided with a complimentary copy of the book in exchange for my honest review.
Just this year, I switched to teaching science instead of English language arts. As a result, I have been diving deeper into scientific topics than I have in the past. Obviously, this leads to questions on things such as evolution and the age of the earth.
I was raised with a Young-Earth Creationist view, and have only slightly studied outside of that view, including Old-Earth Creationism, Intelligent Design, and to a lesser degree, a Literary Framework view. One view I had not really read on was a Christian view of evolution. Yes, you read that right. A view of evolution in support of the idea from a Christian viewpoint. I like reading about all sides of an issue, and I prefer to read about them from proponents of the view, as opposed to just reading about it based on critiques from its opponents.
I heard that InterVarsity Press had a newer book called "How I Changed My Mind about Evolution: Evangelicals Reflect on Faith and Science," and I thought it would be a good place to start learning about a Christian view of evolution. IVP was kind enough to send me a copy, and I am glad they did.
The book is not so much an explanation of evolution as it is an attempt by various contributors to explain why they came to believe in evolution, even as Christians, and why they don’t believe it contradicts their evangelical faith. Let me state up front that as far as I can tell, none of the contributors are what we would think of as liberal; they all embrace evangelicalism, and they hold the Bible in high regard. But they also hold science in high regard, and they feel that God would have the Bible and science read in light of each other. It is viewed as a “two-book” model of Scripture and nature, based on Psalm 19, I believe.
The contributors come from a wide range of backgrounds and positions, including scientists, pastors, seminary professors, and so on, as well as from a decent range of denominations. Some of the more well-known contributors are James K. A. Smith, Scot McKnight, Tremper Longman III, Franic Collins, N. T. Wright, and John Ortberg. One thing that is insisted on is that they don’t refer to themselves as theistic evolutionists (as the older name would have it); rather they call themselves evolutionary creationists, with an emphasis on the idea that evolution was the way they believe God chose to create the world and bring it to the point it is currently at.
What really struck me was how many had been raised to believe in and defend a young earth who ended up switching their viewpoints in light of the evidence of science, as they put it. I was raised primarily hearing stories that went in the other direction. In at least one case, the contributor went into a scientific field with the sole purpose of proving evolution and an old earth wrong, only to be totally convinced by the evidence.
I was also struck by a reoccurring theme of people (either the contributors or people they knew) going through major struggles out of a sheer fear of science as a result of their upbringing. Honestly, I can sympathize with those people. After all, Young Earth views are often pushed in such a way that all of science (biology, astronomy, geology, etc.) is part of one big conspiracy theory to try to brainwash people away from God’s word, so we must be ever vigilant and remember that Christians must interpret science in a completely different way than most people might. Is that really the case? Honestly, everyone has to decide that for themselves. But it saddens me to think about how something so majestic as all of God’s creation could become a point of tension for so many, as it has for me in the past.
One thing I really liked was how frequently the contributors would admit that they don’t have all the answers. To be honest, reading Young Earth literature growing up, there never seemed to be room for lack of knowledge; there was an answer for everything, even if it didn’t seem to make much sense. It was refreshing to see people honestly admit that they may not always know all the answers, but they are willing to continue to study and hold on to faith in the mean time.
Again, this book is not an all-out defense of evolution, although there are parts of the book that provide some reasoning for that view. Rather, it is an attempt to open doors of communication and to show that contrary to many Young-Earth arguments, people don’t just come to believe in evolution as a way of doubting Scripture or moving away from God. These contributors all stand firm in their love and devotion to their Creator, even though their understanding of His word regarding creation is different from others.
Regardless of where you stand on the question of evolution and the age of the earth, you should read this book to gain a sympathetic understanding of where evolutionary creationists are coming from. While it may not change everyone’s mind on how old the earth is and whether evolution in any form is a viable mechanism for creation, it will at least allow a discussion to occur with a proper understanding of where one side is coming from, as opposed to setting up false caricatures of those people.
*Note: I was provided with a complimentary copy of the book in exchange for my honest review.
August 20, 2016
25 mini-memoirs from a diverse group of highly educated and devout Christians describing their various roads on a journey toward embracing the perspective of evolutionary creationism. The testimonies include an impressive list of scientists in various fields, as well as theologians, and pastors. One of the stated goals is to contribute to allowing faith and science to dialogue with each other with mutual respect and not merely to lob attacks in an attempt to win a culture war. Another repeated refrain is that all truth is God's truth, that is to say ultimately God's word and his world should both drive us to wonder and worship. Many memoirs demonstrate how difficult it is to even mention evolution in a church or education setting without immediately creating a conflict, in part because of the tremendous latent fear of the sciences in the church. Similarly the fear that many in the sciences (from cosmology to human genome project) will be turned away from taking faith seriously when they press into their studies and have so many Christians dismissing their work. This publication is not really a sustained treatise against other origins of life perspectives but more a plea for rigor and respect applied to our views of origins of life and hermeneutics of Genesis as well as towards the many scientific discoveries providing insight. It is refreshing to read perspectives of humility and admission of a lot of questions, especially on this theme. There are a number of welcome perspectives here which will encourage the reader to research more.
August 16, 2016
This book is a series of essays written by pastors, scientists, and theologians describing their personal struggle of reconciling findings of science and the Bible. Though all authors have a very high regard for Scripture, the book is neither theological nor scientific, but personal.
This approach ends up being highly effective because much of the tension between Scripture and Science ultimately *is* personal, invoking the questions of whom to trust, how to handle internal fears and insecurities, and where to direct our need for security and sense of belonging. The authors do a great job of articulating the differences between the desire to defend the Bible versus the inadvertent reality of defending a wrong interpretation of the Bible. Another helpful theme involves the dangers of building an artificial wall around our faith thus creating an unnecessary buffer from otherwise good ideas.
The book is a call to reflect as evangelicals on whether we are placing an excessive emphasis on the inerrancy of our interpretation of Scripture in the name of defending the Faith, the Book, and the God that we all love. The authors call out to question whether we are making *ourselves* out to be infallible. It's also a call to humility, which leads to safe places, which leads to true Wonder and Awe, and ultimately to true Worship.
This approach ends up being highly effective because much of the tension between Scripture and Science ultimately *is* personal, invoking the questions of whom to trust, how to handle internal fears and insecurities, and where to direct our need for security and sense of belonging. The authors do a great job of articulating the differences between the desire to defend the Bible versus the inadvertent reality of defending a wrong interpretation of the Bible. Another helpful theme involves the dangers of building an artificial wall around our faith thus creating an unnecessary buffer from otherwise good ideas.
The book is a call to reflect as evangelicals on whether we are placing an excessive emphasis on the inerrancy of our interpretation of Scripture in the name of defending the Faith, the Book, and the God that we all love. The authors call out to question whether we are making *ourselves* out to be infallible. It's also a call to humility, which leads to safe places, which leads to true Wonder and Awe, and ultimately to true Worship.
December 12, 2016
Conversion narratives about reconciling evangelical Christianity and evolution. Quite a few of them make the point that the anti-evolution rhetoric undoes itself, in that anyone who reads primary sources on evolution realizes they've been lied to--anti-evolution rhetoric misrepresents the evidence, relies on straw man, and is generally a repetition of 19th century responses to Darwin--and so the "you can be Christian OR believe in evolution" hurts Christian evangelism.
July 29, 2016
Approximately 19 chapters, 5-7 pages long of personal testimonies about being an "evolutionary creationist." Quick read.
June 11, 2017
With contributions by pastors, scholars, philosophers, and scientists alike, How I Changed My Mind about Evolution (IVP Academic, 2016) revoked a certain memory from my early elementary days. I recall a bus ride in which me and another second-grader debated evolution, I of course arguing against it. In truth I had no real argument but I simply regurgitated a phrase I had heard that I assumed was witty: I said with pride, "you may have come from monkeys, but I didn't!" In this (sad) conversation, it was simply a given that evolution and theism are polar opposites, something that the book at hand does not buy into this. Here are some reasons why I recommend How I Changed My Mind About Evolution to any Christian whether pro, anti, or on the fence about evolution.
*A Stimulating Read
I was fairly surprised at the extreme readability, being that so many of the contributors happen to be academics. But don't let the fact that the publisher is IVP Academic mislead you as I got through the 194 pages in no time at all.
Each chapter consists of a very brief and simple essay by a different contributor. Though I would have thought that bunching different authors together would result in an non-cohesive and messy work, it really worked well in this case, which leads me to my next point...
*Diversity
There is not a one-noted-ness as there are numerous contributors rather than one author. There is also a diversity in story as some of these various contributors recount their own personal (and unique) journey concerning conversion and their relationship (post-conversion) with science and how this relationship with science changed.
There is also diversity in the fact that some of the contributors are scholars (Scot McKnight, N. T. Wright), some are philosophers (James K. A. Smith), some are pastors (John Ortberg, Laura Truax), and some are scientists (Francis Collins, Deborah Haarsma). Such diversity is rare to be found all in one book.
The contributors are a part of different denominations as well, utilize different ways of writing, and have different experiences, which all works together to make this book a simple and fast-paced read.
*Balanced
It doesn't bash those who haven't bought in to evolution. I have read my fair share of books on the other side of this issue that do just that. I've also been around Christians who carry with them the sentiment of those poor petty creationists: they'll grow up one day. And yet this is not a Gospel issue. Therefore I appreciate what seems to be genuine humility from the contributors.
*Personal
The essays recount very personal experiences of the various contributors as some began their Christian walk either anti-evolution, pro-evolution (but were told that faith and evolution incompatible), or not thinking about this dichotomy at all. This personal-ness of the book may be my favorite feature by far.
*Non-polarizing
The book questions if we really have to think in terms of evolution or God. Do we really want to teach our children that it's either/or and then send them off to college? A great many end up losing their faith because of this, a point made clear in some of the chapters. Do we really need to think that evolution and belief in a Creator are irreconcilable enemies? The book argues that we need not continue the polarization that both non-Christians and Christians contribute to.
*Closing Thoughts
Many essays utilized war or battle imagery, James K. A. Smith writing that "science need not just be an apologetic weapon" (p. 25, bold mine) while Christian scientist Francis Collins chimes in that "It is time to call a truce in the escalating war between science [and faith]" (p. 74, bold mine).
NT Wright touches on the Scopes Trial and the "massive impact" it had in America which led to a great "polarization that has not affected the rest of the world in the same way" (p. 134). He notes that England never had a Scopes Trial.
Amos Yong, Pentecostal theologian, brings out the fact that the conclusion he has reached was not a knee-jerk reaction but a long and hard journey. He, and others, have searched and re-searched the options but Yong writes that "I have not found the few young-earth perspectives that respond to the scientific data convincing" (p. 16).
This book is very well-written, fast-paced, readable, simple, and is a book for non-reading folks. If you are at all intrigued by the conversation of evolution vs. creation, you should give this book a try.
*I recieved this book from IVP (InterVarsity Press) for an honest assessment
*A Stimulating Read
I was fairly surprised at the extreme readability, being that so many of the contributors happen to be academics. But don't let the fact that the publisher is IVP Academic mislead you as I got through the 194 pages in no time at all.
Each chapter consists of a very brief and simple essay by a different contributor. Though I would have thought that bunching different authors together would result in an non-cohesive and messy work, it really worked well in this case, which leads me to my next point...
*Diversity
There is not a one-noted-ness as there are numerous contributors rather than one author. There is also a diversity in story as some of these various contributors recount their own personal (and unique) journey concerning conversion and their relationship (post-conversion) with science and how this relationship with science changed.
There is also diversity in the fact that some of the contributors are scholars (Scot McKnight, N. T. Wright), some are philosophers (James K. A. Smith), some are pastors (John Ortberg, Laura Truax), and some are scientists (Francis Collins, Deborah Haarsma). Such diversity is rare to be found all in one book.
The contributors are a part of different denominations as well, utilize different ways of writing, and have different experiences, which all works together to make this book a simple and fast-paced read.
*Balanced
It doesn't bash those who haven't bought in to evolution. I have read my fair share of books on the other side of this issue that do just that. I've also been around Christians who carry with them the sentiment of those poor petty creationists: they'll grow up one day. And yet this is not a Gospel issue. Therefore I appreciate what seems to be genuine humility from the contributors.
*Personal
The essays recount very personal experiences of the various contributors as some began their Christian walk either anti-evolution, pro-evolution (but were told that faith and evolution incompatible), or not thinking about this dichotomy at all. This personal-ness of the book may be my favorite feature by far.
*Non-polarizing
The book questions if we really have to think in terms of evolution or God. Do we really want to teach our children that it's either/or and then send them off to college? A great many end up losing their faith because of this, a point made clear in some of the chapters. Do we really need to think that evolution and belief in a Creator are irreconcilable enemies? The book argues that we need not continue the polarization that both non-Christians and Christians contribute to.
*Closing Thoughts
Many essays utilized war or battle imagery, James K. A. Smith writing that "science need not just be an apologetic weapon" (p. 25, bold mine) while Christian scientist Francis Collins chimes in that "It is time to call a truce in the escalating war between science [and faith]" (p. 74, bold mine).
NT Wright touches on the Scopes Trial and the "massive impact" it had in America which led to a great "polarization that has not affected the rest of the world in the same way" (p. 134). He notes that England never had a Scopes Trial.
Amos Yong, Pentecostal theologian, brings out the fact that the conclusion he has reached was not a knee-jerk reaction but a long and hard journey. He, and others, have searched and re-searched the options but Yong writes that "I have not found the few young-earth perspectives that respond to the scientific data convincing" (p. 16).
This book is very well-written, fast-paced, readable, simple, and is a book for non-reading folks. If you are at all intrigued by the conversation of evolution vs. creation, you should give this book a try.
*I recieved this book from IVP (InterVarsity Press) for an honest assessment
September 14, 2025
25 STORIES OF VARIOUS CHRISTIANS RECOUNTING THEIR OWN EXPERIENCES
Editors Kathryn Applegate and J.B. (Jim) Stump wrote in the Introduction to this 2016 book, “Undoubtedly, some people reading these pages are deeply suspicious of evolution. Perhaps they’ve seen Richard Dawkins… sneer at religion… Or maybe they’ve heard Ken Ham, a young-earth creationist… warn that ‘evolution and millions of years’… are baseless ideas that … inevitably lead down the slippery slope to atheism… More nuanced views are often drowned out by the polarizing rhetoric at either extreme. BioLogos represents another choice. Our mission is to invite the church and the world to see the harmony between science and biblical faith as we present an evolutionary understanding of God’s creation. Some of us are believing scientists… Others are biblical scholars and theologians---including some who argue passionately for the historicity of Adam and Eve---who see no scriptural warrant for rejecting biological evolution, even of humans. They are grieved by the way Scripture is often forced to answer twenty-first century questions it was never intended to address… They see young people encountering compelling evidence for evolution and feeling forced to choose between science and faith.” (Pg. 15-16)
They continue, “[A] theme you’ll see … again and again throughout these stories is the commitment that all truth is God’s truth. Whether truth is found in Scripture or through careful study of the natural world… our contributors see God as the ultimate source of all truth. This gives us unshakable confidence that there will ultimately be no contradiction between science and theology. God is the author of both… They are complementary.” (Pg. 18)
James K.A. Smith observes, “The examples of historic figures like Augustine and Calvin and Warfield had helped me to see that orthodox Christians could hold a range of positions on creation, evolution, and human origins. And so the tent of the faithful was enlarged beyond the small circle of young-earth creationists… However, I noticed that not all of my colleagues shared this ‘big tent’ sensibility… I began to realize that some … proponents of evolutionary creation … actually MIRRORED my Bible college professors insofar as they were USING science in a similar way… they hadn’t given up the culture wars stance … Science was still a weapon used in a war. The point was WINNING, not witness.” (Pg. 27)
Ken Fong recalls, “A pastor I served with had also been a life science major. One day… I asked him if he believed in the theory of evolution. ‘Sure, at least within species. But I would never say that from the pulpit. When I’m preaching, I will always promote young-earth creationism and intelligent design.’ I stammered… ‘But, if you actually see evidence for God using … evolution why would you never talk about that?’ Confidently, he replied, ‘Because I don’t want to confuse people.’ … I muttered under my breath, ‘Yeah, well, NOT mentioning that you believe some parts of Darwin’s theory is going to confuse … the science-trained members who simply can’t reconcile a literal reading of Genesis with what science has discovered so far.’” (Pg. 37)
Deborah Haarsma recounts, “I came to believe that… the Bible is much more concerned with the WHO and the WHY of creation, while the universe is where God left clues about the HOW and the WHEN. I came to accept that the earth was old and that God created the universe billions of years ago in the Big Bang.” (Pg. 43)
Tremper Longman III reports that he was asked by a documentary filmmaker, “‘If it turns out that there were no literal historical Adam and Eve, does that mean that the biblical creation account is not true?’ The question was motivated by my teaching on the highly figurative nature of Genesis 1-2, its interaction with ancient Near Eastern creation stories and the fact that the two creation accounts (Gen 1-2:4a; 2:4b-25) do not share the same sequence of events, indicating that we are not getting a literal account of God’s creation of humanity. While not committing myself to the view that Adam and Eve were not literal, I suggested that if it turns out that they were not it did not undermine the message … THAT God created humans, not HOW he did so.” (Pg. 51)
Stephen Ashley Blake summarized, “God is not deceptive. Rightly interpreted, Scripture and science should form a cohesive---not clashing---portrait of Creator and creation… As I delved into evolutionary theory, I was immediately struck by its eminently logical lines of reasoning… As I examined the perspectives of evangelical theologians and scientists who found no conflict between Scripture and evolution---many of whom were biblical inerrantists---mainstream science gained great credibility in my thinking.” (Pg. 65-66)
Francis S. Collins states, “The evolutionary creation perspective cannot, of course, prove that God is real… Belief in God will always require faith. But this synthesis has provided for legions of scientist-believers a satisfying, consistent, enriching perspective that allows both the scientific and spiritual worldviews to coexist happily within us. This perspective makes it possible for the scientist-believer to be intellectually fulfilled and spiritually alive, both worshiping God and using the tools of science to uncover some of the awesome mysteries of his creation.” (Pg. 73-74)
Jennifer Wiseman suggests, “A universe filled with life would be perfectly in line with a very generous God who… has created billions of galaxies… Personally, I would not be surprised if there is at least simple life beyond Earth… Why would not our generous and creative God, who enabled life … on planet Earth, do the same in other places as well?” (Pg. 87)
John Ortberg asserts, “I have seen too many young people in too many churches exposed to bad science, shoddy thinking, false claims and misguided ideas… It’s easy to think we’re defending the Bible when we’re really defending a wrong interpretation of the Bible.” (Pg. 93)
Dennis R. Venema says of Michael Behe’s book ‘The Edge of Evolution’: “I couldn’t believe what I was reading. Where was the Behe of ‘Darwin’s Black Box’ who had so captivated me years ago? … I could already see glaring holes in Behe’s argument. Then, when he discussed a topic I was familiar with (population genetics), I knew Behe was out of his area of specificity and depth. Before I had finished the book I was done with Behe. I lost my faith in ID … by reading one of its leading proponents and evaluating his work based on its own merits.” (Pg. 100-101)
Praveen Sethupathy suggests, “[I] do not believe that the Bible is meant to be a scientific text…Its goal is … to speak of God’s interwoven presence in the history of humankind, his love for us, our need for him… redemption and restoration. The Bible communicates these things in diverse ways… in whatever way will help us best understand who God is, what he has done for us and why.” (Pg. 106)
Denis O. Lamoureux recounts, “In a class taught by J.I. Packer, one of the world’s most important evangelical theologians, I was told that the biblical creation accounts ‘were obviously written in picture language.’ … Packer’s claim that the accounts of creation had ‘picture language’ really shocked me… And I wasn’t alone. After the lecture about fifty of the seventy … students stormed to the front of the class to challenge Dr. Packer. Needless to say, it was a pretty rancorous exchange.” (Pg. 145-146)
Rodney J. Scott points out, “While I have known of many people who have been driven away from the church by controversies related to evolution, I do not personally know of anyone who has embraced Christianity primarily because they were persuaded to reject evolution… Why should the rejection of evolutionary theory be a litmus test for Christian faith? It is time for Christians to agree about what we believe ABOUT evolution---not that we would agree about how God did it… but we should agree that evolution is an acceptable option.” (Pg. 165-166)
Kathryn Applegate acknowledges, “I still have lots of questions. Some are about science and some are about theology and biblical interpretation. An example of a science question … is the extent to which evolution is driven by natural selection acting upon random mutation. This is a hotly contested question in evolutionary biology… What is NOT contested is that all the diversity of life of earth, including humans, shares a common ancestry… However, the specific processes driving evolution are still under investigation.” (Pg. 183-184)
This book will be of great interest to Christians studying evolution, Bible interpretation, and related topics.
Editors Kathryn Applegate and J.B. (Jim) Stump wrote in the Introduction to this 2016 book, “Undoubtedly, some people reading these pages are deeply suspicious of evolution. Perhaps they’ve seen Richard Dawkins… sneer at religion… Or maybe they’ve heard Ken Ham, a young-earth creationist… warn that ‘evolution and millions of years’… are baseless ideas that … inevitably lead down the slippery slope to atheism… More nuanced views are often drowned out by the polarizing rhetoric at either extreme. BioLogos represents another choice. Our mission is to invite the church and the world to see the harmony between science and biblical faith as we present an evolutionary understanding of God’s creation. Some of us are believing scientists… Others are biblical scholars and theologians---including some who argue passionately for the historicity of Adam and Eve---who see no scriptural warrant for rejecting biological evolution, even of humans. They are grieved by the way Scripture is often forced to answer twenty-first century questions it was never intended to address… They see young people encountering compelling evidence for evolution and feeling forced to choose between science and faith.” (Pg. 15-16)
They continue, “[A] theme you’ll see … again and again throughout these stories is the commitment that all truth is God’s truth. Whether truth is found in Scripture or through careful study of the natural world… our contributors see God as the ultimate source of all truth. This gives us unshakable confidence that there will ultimately be no contradiction between science and theology. God is the author of both… They are complementary.” (Pg. 18)
James K.A. Smith observes, “The examples of historic figures like Augustine and Calvin and Warfield had helped me to see that orthodox Christians could hold a range of positions on creation, evolution, and human origins. And so the tent of the faithful was enlarged beyond the small circle of young-earth creationists… However, I noticed that not all of my colleagues shared this ‘big tent’ sensibility… I began to realize that some … proponents of evolutionary creation … actually MIRRORED my Bible college professors insofar as they were USING science in a similar way… they hadn’t given up the culture wars stance … Science was still a weapon used in a war. The point was WINNING, not witness.” (Pg. 27)
Ken Fong recalls, “A pastor I served with had also been a life science major. One day… I asked him if he believed in the theory of evolution. ‘Sure, at least within species. But I would never say that from the pulpit. When I’m preaching, I will always promote young-earth creationism and intelligent design.’ I stammered… ‘But, if you actually see evidence for God using … evolution why would you never talk about that?’ Confidently, he replied, ‘Because I don’t want to confuse people.’ … I muttered under my breath, ‘Yeah, well, NOT mentioning that you believe some parts of Darwin’s theory is going to confuse … the science-trained members who simply can’t reconcile a literal reading of Genesis with what science has discovered so far.’” (Pg. 37)
Deborah Haarsma recounts, “I came to believe that… the Bible is much more concerned with the WHO and the WHY of creation, while the universe is where God left clues about the HOW and the WHEN. I came to accept that the earth was old and that God created the universe billions of years ago in the Big Bang.” (Pg. 43)
Tremper Longman III reports that he was asked by a documentary filmmaker, “‘If it turns out that there were no literal historical Adam and Eve, does that mean that the biblical creation account is not true?’ The question was motivated by my teaching on the highly figurative nature of Genesis 1-2, its interaction with ancient Near Eastern creation stories and the fact that the two creation accounts (Gen 1-2:4a; 2:4b-25) do not share the same sequence of events, indicating that we are not getting a literal account of God’s creation of humanity. While not committing myself to the view that Adam and Eve were not literal, I suggested that if it turns out that they were not it did not undermine the message … THAT God created humans, not HOW he did so.” (Pg. 51)
Stephen Ashley Blake summarized, “God is not deceptive. Rightly interpreted, Scripture and science should form a cohesive---not clashing---portrait of Creator and creation… As I delved into evolutionary theory, I was immediately struck by its eminently logical lines of reasoning… As I examined the perspectives of evangelical theologians and scientists who found no conflict between Scripture and evolution---many of whom were biblical inerrantists---mainstream science gained great credibility in my thinking.” (Pg. 65-66)
Francis S. Collins states, “The evolutionary creation perspective cannot, of course, prove that God is real… Belief in God will always require faith. But this synthesis has provided for legions of scientist-believers a satisfying, consistent, enriching perspective that allows both the scientific and spiritual worldviews to coexist happily within us. This perspective makes it possible for the scientist-believer to be intellectually fulfilled and spiritually alive, both worshiping God and using the tools of science to uncover some of the awesome mysteries of his creation.” (Pg. 73-74)
Jennifer Wiseman suggests, “A universe filled with life would be perfectly in line with a very generous God who… has created billions of galaxies… Personally, I would not be surprised if there is at least simple life beyond Earth… Why would not our generous and creative God, who enabled life … on planet Earth, do the same in other places as well?” (Pg. 87)
John Ortberg asserts, “I have seen too many young people in too many churches exposed to bad science, shoddy thinking, false claims and misguided ideas… It’s easy to think we’re defending the Bible when we’re really defending a wrong interpretation of the Bible.” (Pg. 93)
Dennis R. Venema says of Michael Behe’s book ‘The Edge of Evolution’: “I couldn’t believe what I was reading. Where was the Behe of ‘Darwin’s Black Box’ who had so captivated me years ago? … I could already see glaring holes in Behe’s argument. Then, when he discussed a topic I was familiar with (population genetics), I knew Behe was out of his area of specificity and depth. Before I had finished the book I was done with Behe. I lost my faith in ID … by reading one of its leading proponents and evaluating his work based on its own merits.” (Pg. 100-101)
Praveen Sethupathy suggests, “[I] do not believe that the Bible is meant to be a scientific text…Its goal is … to speak of God’s interwoven presence in the history of humankind, his love for us, our need for him… redemption and restoration. The Bible communicates these things in diverse ways… in whatever way will help us best understand who God is, what he has done for us and why.” (Pg. 106)
Denis O. Lamoureux recounts, “In a class taught by J.I. Packer, one of the world’s most important evangelical theologians, I was told that the biblical creation accounts ‘were obviously written in picture language.’ … Packer’s claim that the accounts of creation had ‘picture language’ really shocked me… And I wasn’t alone. After the lecture about fifty of the seventy … students stormed to the front of the class to challenge Dr. Packer. Needless to say, it was a pretty rancorous exchange.” (Pg. 145-146)
Rodney J. Scott points out, “While I have known of many people who have been driven away from the church by controversies related to evolution, I do not personally know of anyone who has embraced Christianity primarily because they were persuaded to reject evolution… Why should the rejection of evolutionary theory be a litmus test for Christian faith? It is time for Christians to agree about what we believe ABOUT evolution---not that we would agree about how God did it… but we should agree that evolution is an acceptable option.” (Pg. 165-166)
Kathryn Applegate acknowledges, “I still have lots of questions. Some are about science and some are about theology and biblical interpretation. An example of a science question … is the extent to which evolution is driven by natural selection acting upon random mutation. This is a hotly contested question in evolutionary biology… What is NOT contested is that all the diversity of life of earth, including humans, shares a common ancestry… However, the specific processes driving evolution are still under investigation.” (Pg. 183-184)
This book will be of great interest to Christians studying evolution, Bible interpretation, and related topics.
April 10, 2018
The best way to gain empathy and a better understanding of people different from you is to hear their story.
Yes, it's important to listen to and make arguments, and to eloquently describe your position and the facts behind it. But it's absolutely critical not to lose the human in the words.
This book is a book of stories, not a scientific or theological argument (those can better be found elsewhere, and many are mentioned in the pages of this book). These are real stories, filled with thought and heart. Everything in these pages is worth thinking about, but the most important takeaway I had was this: We as the Church need to reevaluate what we are saying about science, why we are saying it, and what the effects are. Because the effects are oftentimes not what we wanted or were expecting. And oftentimes, we are damaging the faith of the very ones we intended to strengthen. The question is, why? How? And what can we do about it?
If the title of this book makes you want to yell "Compromisers! Psuedo-Christians!" then YOU are the one who needs to read it. Not so you'll change your mind about evolution, but so that you'll change your mind--your perspective--of those who sincerely love and serve God, but have found themselves on a different path intellectually. Listen to their stories. Let them tell you how they came to this place. And use the understanding you gain to flavor your conversations with more grace.
Yes, it's important to listen to and make arguments, and to eloquently describe your position and the facts behind it. But it's absolutely critical not to lose the human in the words.
This book is a book of stories, not a scientific or theological argument (those can better be found elsewhere, and many are mentioned in the pages of this book). These are real stories, filled with thought and heart. Everything in these pages is worth thinking about, but the most important takeaway I had was this: We as the Church need to reevaluate what we are saying about science, why we are saying it, and what the effects are. Because the effects are oftentimes not what we wanted or were expecting. And oftentimes, we are damaging the faith of the very ones we intended to strengthen. The question is, why? How? And what can we do about it?
If the title of this book makes you want to yell "Compromisers! Psuedo-Christians!" then YOU are the one who needs to read it. Not so you'll change your mind about evolution, but so that you'll change your mind--your perspective--of those who sincerely love and serve God, but have found themselves on a different path intellectually. Listen to their stories. Let them tell you how they came to this place. And use the understanding you gain to flavor your conversations with more grace.
December 6, 2018
The book is a collection of stories by well-known Christian scientists, theologians and pastors who share their thoughts and journey from 'young'- or 'old earth creationism' towards the evolutionary creationism. Among contributors, there are world-known theologians, such as N.T. Wright, Scot McKnight, James K.A. Smith and Amos Yong. However, it should be noted that also the Christian scientists are top-notch professionals of their fields!
Note that this book is an introductory level book. Indeed it is an easy read! Yet, it contains notable theological and scientifical points that a Christian layperson (has probably missed but) should know. Moreover, I find some of the pastoral remarks invaluable. For example, it should be clear that if a Christian embraces the evolutionary theory, it does not necessarily follow that she has begun to embrace atheism! Indeed to enforce such wrong dichotomy upon someone is close to (or should fully be) considered as spiritual violence. Besides, one should give a thought concerning the nature of the truth. As St. Augustine put it: "A person who is a good and a true Christian should realize that truth belongs to his Lord, wherever it is found." (On Christian Teaching 2.18, Oxford World's Classics, Oxford: Oxford University Press.) That said, if all truth is God's truth, there is plenty of space to explore the wonders of the world God has created. The book offers a good starting point to begin your intellectual journey.
Note that this book is an introductory level book. Indeed it is an easy read! Yet, it contains notable theological and scientifical points that a Christian layperson (has probably missed but) should know. Moreover, I find some of the pastoral remarks invaluable. For example, it should be clear that if a Christian embraces the evolutionary theory, it does not necessarily follow that she has begun to embrace atheism! Indeed to enforce such wrong dichotomy upon someone is close to (or should fully be) considered as spiritual violence. Besides, one should give a thought concerning the nature of the truth. As St. Augustine put it: "A person who is a good and a true Christian should realize that truth belongs to his Lord, wherever it is found." (On Christian Teaching 2.18, Oxford World's Classics, Oxford: Oxford University Press.) That said, if all truth is God's truth, there is plenty of space to explore the wonders of the world God has created. The book offers a good starting point to begin your intellectual journey.
October 10, 2016
This won't be an ordinary book review, because I personally know or am acquainted with at least half of the people involved in this book and both of its editors, as a result of my involvement with this question for the past decade-plus, and of my participation in the BioLogos Voices team. So this was less "let's find out what other people think" than "let's find out WHY these particular people agree on this thing." As such, I can't really assess its persuasiveness, being already persuaded! However, I did pick up on some interesting parallels as I read through the chapters, taking each as a letter written in a human heart.
If I had to pick a favorite chapter, it's probably NT Wright's, even though it's the least personal and least American of them all. Wright looks on this phenomenon from the outside and ties it to American history. As a country, we're trying to talk about race and the past, and I personally am finding more ways in which the past lives on today. It actually never occurred to me that both the Scopes Trial and the Creation Museum are in the South, and that evolution is connected to the great American sin, chattel slavery -- and also to the red-state--blue-state cynicism and mutual antagonism. Wright puts all that together in a mere page, much like he puts together ancient history with theology in his other work.
The other stories are much more personal, and each one is kept short enough that the ultimate cumulative effect is all the stronger for it. Most (but not all) start as Christians and then come to evolution. Most (but not all) focus on the personal rather than the data, leaving the actual arguments to other books. What I think would be interesting at this point would be another book about "How I Changed My Mind About Science," in which Christians talk about the positive influence faith has on their scientific work. But this book is a necessary first step to remove the barriers, before we can talk about the synergistic boost that both faith and science can experience when they are put together.
If I had to pick a favorite chapter, it's probably NT Wright's, even though it's the least personal and least American of them all. Wright looks on this phenomenon from the outside and ties it to American history. As a country, we're trying to talk about race and the past, and I personally am finding more ways in which the past lives on today. It actually never occurred to me that both the Scopes Trial and the Creation Museum are in the South, and that evolution is connected to the great American sin, chattel slavery -- and also to the red-state--blue-state cynicism and mutual antagonism. Wright puts all that together in a mere page, much like he puts together ancient history with theology in his other work.
The other stories are much more personal, and each one is kept short enough that the ultimate cumulative effect is all the stronger for it. Most (but not all) start as Christians and then come to evolution. Most (but not all) focus on the personal rather than the data, leaving the actual arguments to other books. What I think would be interesting at this point would be another book about "How I Changed My Mind About Science," in which Christians talk about the positive influence faith has on their scientific work. But this book is a necessary first step to remove the barriers, before we can talk about the synergistic boost that both faith and science can experience when they are put together.
September 30, 2019
This is a good selection of short memoir-type essays from pastors, theologians, and scientist about their journey to accepting evolution. This book is NOT an apologetic for theistic evolution. They rarely try to provide systematic arguments, but instead, they write about what was the turning point for each particular person.
My favorite essays were by McKnight, Longman, Wright, Barrett, and Lamoureux. A lot of the essays start to sound similar and these five essays did a good job of adding some unique perspective to the book. Lamoureux gets the closest to providing actual data about evolution, but the essays mentioned above will be
My favorite essays were by McKnight, Longman, Wright, Barrett, and Lamoureux. A lot of the essays start to sound similar and these five essays did a good job of adding some unique perspective to the book. Lamoureux gets the closest to providing actual data about evolution, but the essays mentioned above will be
December 12, 2017
This book doesn't seek to convince readers about the veracity of evolution ( much has been written in that elsewhere), but rather presents the personal stories about many people who found space in their Christian faith for love of God, His word, and evolution as a tool for creation. I loved reading this!
February 8, 2019
Humility yields Understanding and Empathy
Testimony after testimony of brothers and sisters in the faith who needlessly suffered a crisis of faith. No matter your view on origins, this is an important call to end the war between science and faith that produces strife among the brethren, obstacles before the skeptics, and a giddy satisfaction for Screwtape.
Testimony after testimony of brothers and sisters in the faith who needlessly suffered a crisis of faith. No matter your view on origins, this is an important call to end the war between science and faith that produces strife among the brethren, obstacles before the skeptics, and a giddy satisfaction for Screwtape.
March 29, 2024
enligthning.
I gave this book 4 instead of 5 stars because the issues seem to be so American! (I am not from the USA). But it helped understand the pressure thinking Christians are under. It also helped me formulate why I, as a Christian, have no problem with evolution as a scientific theory.
Well worth the read!
I gave this book 4 instead of 5 stars because the issues seem to be so American! (I am not from the USA). But it helped understand the pressure thinking Christians are under. It also helped me formulate why I, as a Christian, have no problem with evolution as a scientific theory.
Well worth the read!
June 25, 2022
Well written and thought-provoking. Very inspiring to see Christ followers with both a high view of scripture and of science who challenge both sides to think deeply and with humility about God, His word, and the amazing world He created.
October 31, 2016
Interesting stories but lacked some of the theological clarity I was expecting and is really aimed at an American audience. Not a bad book just not one to reread.
June 15, 2017
A must read. Good place to start if you're on the fence or have a lot of questions. The writers offer a lot of humble insight.
October 6, 2018
Fantastic and easy read. Would put this in front of any Christian friend to read. Great book.
January 27, 2020
A critical book that helped me articulate my faith and intellect to both religious and not religious loved ones. A must read for Christians of any persuasion in my opinion.
November 20, 2025
This collection of reflections/testimonies is really helpful.
June 12, 2016
In this collection of personal stories of Christians who have come to accept biological evolution, I thought that it was rather odd that the very first essay was by James K. A. Smith, professor of philosophy at Calvin College, who is such a lukewarm supporter of evolutionary creation: “Indeed, I began to realize that while some of my friends and colleagues who were evolutionary creationists affirmed a very different sort of science from what I’d been taught at Bible college, they actually mirrored my Bible college professors in so far as they were using science in a similar way. While they had swapped positions (and many of them had been former young-earth creationists), they hadn’t given up the culture war stance that comes with such positions. Science was still a weapon used in a war. The point was winning, not witness. And it seemed to me that this stance was fostered by fear. If young-earth creationists feared the erosion of biblical faith and a compromise of the gospel—a fear that drove their “culture war” stance—then some of my evolutionary creationist colleagues seemed to fear being perceived as hicks and fundamentalists, losing the respect of their colleagues in the academy or opinion-shapers in culture” (p. 27).
Several other essays would have been better choices for Chapter 1, such as the essays by Deborah Haarsma, Jeff Hardin, Francis Collins, Justin Barrett, Denis Lamoureux, or Kathryn Applegate.
Additionally, the essays by Amos Yong and Richard Dahlstrom were particularly good.
Prof. Amos Yong summarizes his current Pentecostal Christian position very nicely: “But as a Christian who is committed to a high view of Scripture, I still have to understand how the Bible is compatible with, if not complementary to, what science tells us. In particular, I urge that we rely on the work of biblical scholars to help us understand that the ancient narrative of Genesis ought to be read in its historical and cultural context rather than as a (modern) scientific account. I am now convinced that the Scriptures affirm only that God created the world, while science fills in the details of how that happened. Surely, again, this does not mean that no difficult questions remain. For instance, how should we think about Adam and Eve in relation to evolutionary theory? I look forward to developments in the field of biblical scholarship that will increase our understanding.” (p. 171)
Richard Dahlstrom states: “It’s as if the church has created a Y in the road: intellectual integrity one way, faith the other. Thousands stand at this crossroads that the church has unwittingly created and walk away from their faith. The greatest tragedy of this departure is that the Y in the road is a fabrication of religionists, not a construct of either God or the Bible.” (p. 174)
Unfortunately, this collection of interesting personal stories does not go very far into how evolution and Christian theology are compatible. For that, I would recommend Denis Lamoureux’s book “I Love Jesus & I Accept Evolution” and/or Peter Enns’s book “The Evolution of Adam: What the Bible Does and Doesn’t Say About Human Origins.” For additional personal stories, I recommend the book “Christians and Evolution: Christian Scholars Change Their Mind”, edited by R. J. Berry.
Several other essays would have been better choices for Chapter 1, such as the essays by Deborah Haarsma, Jeff Hardin, Francis Collins, Justin Barrett, Denis Lamoureux, or Kathryn Applegate.
Additionally, the essays by Amos Yong and Richard Dahlstrom were particularly good.
Prof. Amos Yong summarizes his current Pentecostal Christian position very nicely: “But as a Christian who is committed to a high view of Scripture, I still have to understand how the Bible is compatible with, if not complementary to, what science tells us. In particular, I urge that we rely on the work of biblical scholars to help us understand that the ancient narrative of Genesis ought to be read in its historical and cultural context rather than as a (modern) scientific account. I am now convinced that the Scriptures affirm only that God created the world, while science fills in the details of how that happened. Surely, again, this does not mean that no difficult questions remain. For instance, how should we think about Adam and Eve in relation to evolutionary theory? I look forward to developments in the field of biblical scholarship that will increase our understanding.” (p. 171)
Richard Dahlstrom states: “It’s as if the church has created a Y in the road: intellectual integrity one way, faith the other. Thousands stand at this crossroads that the church has unwittingly created and walk away from their faith. The greatest tragedy of this departure is that the Y in the road is a fabrication of religionists, not a construct of either God or the Bible.” (p. 174)
Unfortunately, this collection of interesting personal stories does not go very far into how evolution and Christian theology are compatible. For that, I would recommend Denis Lamoureux’s book “I Love Jesus & I Accept Evolution” and/or Peter Enns’s book “The Evolution of Adam: What the Bible Does and Doesn’t Say About Human Origins.” For additional personal stories, I recommend the book “Christians and Evolution: Christian Scholars Change Their Mind”, edited by R. J. Berry.
June 24, 2016
How I Changed My Mind About Evolution: Evangelicals Reflect on Faith and Science edited by Kathryn Applegate and J. B. Stump brings together the interdisciplinary voice of twenty-five respected scholars to discuss their collective change of heart on one of the most controversial issues of modern times—evolution. The contributors include scientists such as Francis Collins and Denis Lamoureux, pastors such as Kin Fong and John Ortberg, biblical scholars such as N. T. Wright, Tremper Longman III, and Scot McKnight, and theologians and philosophers such as Oliver Crisp and Amos Yong.
As the inaugural volume in the BioLogos Books on Science and Christianity series, this volume appropriately opens the conversation with a chance for the reader to listen and engage with familiar faces. Each essay is a brief and well-written account of the author’s personal journey to understanding evolutionary creation as the best scientific explanation of how God brought about diversity of life on earth. Not all readers are going to find the conclusions of these essays convincing. But the challenge shouldn’t be to simply align with the author’s conviction. Rather, the challenge should be to listen and engage with the author regardless of their conviction. That is how a conversation works and that is how this book will function.
As an Old Earth Creationist, my personal contention with the book isn’t where most readers will find their disagreement. Unlike the majority of evangelicals, I have no issue with the age of the earth associated with evolutionary creation. The real difficulty for me is in the countless attempts to reconcile the evolutionary process with the authoritative witness of Scripture. It is a big hurdle and I have yet to find an adequate answer to make the jump. While I did find these essays to be both enlightening and helpful to my overall understanding of the conversation, I remained unpersuaded and unmoved in my convictions. But, then again, the book is not designed to move convictions. It is designed to open the conversation and move the dialogue, and that it does with both grace and excellence!
How I Changed My Mind About Evolution: Evangelicals Reflect on Faith and Science edited by Kathryn Applegate and J.B. Stump is a book well-worth the reader’s time and reflection. The reader will encounter many familiar faces, and their worlds will be open to a conversation that they may have once neglected. This likely isn’t a book that will change your thinking, but it is a book that will orient your head and heart towards a journey that many respected scholars have taken with both caution and carefulness. For those interested in the intersection between faith and science, and those who are able to think independently and critically about the subject matter, this book comes highly recommended!
I received a review copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. 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.
As the inaugural volume in the BioLogos Books on Science and Christianity series, this volume appropriately opens the conversation with a chance for the reader to listen and engage with familiar faces. Each essay is a brief and well-written account of the author’s personal journey to understanding evolutionary creation as the best scientific explanation of how God brought about diversity of life on earth. Not all readers are going to find the conclusions of these essays convincing. But the challenge shouldn’t be to simply align with the author’s conviction. Rather, the challenge should be to listen and engage with the author regardless of their conviction. That is how a conversation works and that is how this book will function.
As an Old Earth Creationist, my personal contention with the book isn’t where most readers will find their disagreement. Unlike the majority of evangelicals, I have no issue with the age of the earth associated with evolutionary creation. The real difficulty for me is in the countless attempts to reconcile the evolutionary process with the authoritative witness of Scripture. It is a big hurdle and I have yet to find an adequate answer to make the jump. While I did find these essays to be both enlightening and helpful to my overall understanding of the conversation, I remained unpersuaded and unmoved in my convictions. But, then again, the book is not designed to move convictions. It is designed to open the conversation and move the dialogue, and that it does with both grace and excellence!
How I Changed My Mind About Evolution: Evangelicals Reflect on Faith and Science edited by Kathryn Applegate and J.B. Stump is a book well-worth the reader’s time and reflection. The reader will encounter many familiar faces, and their worlds will be open to a conversation that they may have once neglected. This likely isn’t a book that will change your thinking, but it is a book that will orient your head and heart towards a journey that many respected scholars have taken with both caution and carefulness. For those interested in the intersection between faith and science, and those who are able to think independently and critically about the subject matter, this book comes highly recommended!
I received a review copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. 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.
February 24, 2017
It reminds me of those Sunday School papers that had testimonies. Each author said that they resolved their Bible v. evolution turmoil by accepting both. A few articles were insightful, the rest more or less repetitive. Issues over things like death entering the world with Adam, historicity of Adam, what happens to Romans 5 not dealt with.
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