Gerald Rau

Old-Earth or Evolutionary Creation?

Science & Faith

“Given the vastness of the literature and the breadth of scientific and theological background necessary to understand the arguments, it is perhaps inevitable that Christians sometimes misconstrue how other believers reconcile science and faith. In her conclusion to this book, Debora Haarsma effectively summarizes its uniqueness: 'Participants asked questions out of a genuine desire to learn the views of others, not to trip them up. People stated their disagreements clearly, but without animosity and grandstanding.' With Southern Baptist seminary professors (young-earth creation) acting as moderators and audience, representatives of Reasons to Believe (old-earth creation) and BioLogos (evolutionary creation) cordially discuss why they think their models are both scientifically valid and compatible with conservative Christian theology. The book addresses many important issues, including inerrancy, the image of God, Adam and Eve, the question of evil, the age of the earth, and commondescent, with a number of well-known authors, both scientists and theologians, each addressing their specialties. This book is valuable, not for its contribution to knowledge, as all the ideas have been published elsewhere, but for its contribution to understanding, providing an example of constructive dialogue on the vital issue of how we relate to the rest of creation and God.”