Darwin and Doctrine
Darwin and Doctrine
The Compatibility of Evolution and Catholicism
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In Darwin’s Dangerous Idea, the philosopher Daniel Dennett referred to evolution as a “universal acid,” an idea that necessarily alters our way of thinking about everything—largely by eating away at our belief in a loving providential Creator. And since the publication of On the Origin of Species in 1859, countless believers have sensed an apparent conflict between evolution and the Christian faith, abandoning the latter in light of the robust evidence for the former.
But does the science of evolution necessarily lead to atheism or override the doctrines of Christianity? If not, how exactly can they fit together in a single search for truth?
In Darwin and Doctrine, molecular and cell biologist Dan Kuebler investigates the evolution-creation question from within the framework of the Catholic tradition. After a brief history of the Church’s engagement with evolutionary theory, Kuebler systematically yet swiftly answers the big questions that can move the dialogue forward: What exactly does the scientific data demonstrate about evolution? What does the Catholic understanding of creation, and the creation of man, entail? And how can we integrate the truths from both science and theology into a cohesive whole?
Thoughtful, accessible, and inspiring, Darwin and Doctrine surveys the whole lay of the land—past, present, and future—of the Catholic approach to evolution. And it offers all readers—Catholic, non-Catholic Christian, and non-Christian alike—a fascinating exploration of the compatibility and mutual flourishing of science and religion.
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What People are Saying
“Darwin and Doctrine provides an invaluable synthesis of science and theology that graciously addresses topics that can often become sources of controversy. I highly recommend it to anyone who wants to see how Catholicism provides a framework to unite faith and reason in the quest to understand the origins of God's creation.”
—Trent Horn, author of The Case for Catholicism
“Many Catholics are unsure how biological evolution fits together with the truths of faith. How do the Genesis accounts of the Fall of Man fit with scientific discoveries about human origins? Is the role of chance in evolution inconsistent with divine Providence? What about the death and violence inherent in the evolutionary process? Dan Kuebler draws on his expertise as a biologist, his solid grounding in the faith, and his great pedagogical skill to give illuminating and satisfying answers to these and many other questions in this marvelous and much-needed book.”
—Stephen M. Barr, Professor emeritus of theoretical physics and President of the Society of Catholic Scientists
“In an age where perceived conflicts with science have led many to feel estranged from the Church, Darwin and Doctrine is a master class in Catholicism’s ‘both/and’ vision of the relationship between faith and reason. Drawing from decades of research and teaching experience, Daniel Kuebler presents a comprehensive yet accessible exploration of the most pressing questions at the intersection of creation and evolution. The book speaks to those who feel compelled to reject evolution in defense of their Catholic faith, as well as those who are tempted to abandon their faith, thinking science has debunked Christianity. With remarkable clarity, this must-read book offers a way to understand evolution not as an obstacle to faith, but as a testament to the Creator’s guiding hand in the natural world.”
—Matthew J. Ramage, Professor of Theology and Co-director of the Center for Integral Ecology, Benedictine College
“This is an important book that reveals the compatibility of a Darwinian evolutionary account of the origins of life and the Catholic Church's understanding of God's providential work in creation. It is specifically written for the undergraduate or the educated layperson who is trying to understand both sides of the evolution-creation debate within the rich context of the Catholic intellectual tradition. Of particular significance, this book responds well to many of the objections raised by Catholic creationists who often deploy philosophical arguments to suggest that, in principle, evolutionary change is impossible. In my view, if one accepts that hydrogen and oxygen, two gases, can chemically react with each other to produce water, a liquid, then one should be able to accept that, in principle, two lizards can mate and give rise to a snake.”
—Fr. Nicanor Pier Giorgio Austriaco, OP, Professor of Biological Sciences & Professor of Sacred Theology, University of Santo Tomas (Manila, Philippines)
