Only a Theory: Evolution and the Battle for America's Soul
by Kenneth R. Miller
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Book Summary Information
Author: Kenneth R. MillerEdition: Hardcover
Published: 2008-06-12
ISBN: 067001883X
Number of pages: 256
Publisher: Viking Adult
Book Reviews of Only a Theory: Evolution and the Battle for America's Soul
Book Review: If you don't get defensive, will make non-evolutionist think
Summary: 4 Stars
Miller does a great job of making his thoughts understandable to the non-scientist such as myself. He also does very well building his argument, but does not convince me that evolution is more than "only a theory." His fear of ID I do not fully understand, because his belief "the world that knew we were coming" is itself ID, even if not to the extent of how ID is defined today.
The first four chapters address specific "flaws" in evolution theory as viewed by ID, giving answers to them from scientific findings that give credence to evolution. The next two chapters "Life's grand design" and "The world that knew we were coming" I found written to address purpose in life. Because science is a study of the material world, these chapters look to be written to address a primary issue from those adhering to ID, and show that a person can believe in evolution and in god and purpose in life.
Miller's greatest concern seems to be for the America's scientific soul, which is the primary target of the last two chapters. In addressing this he is quite critical (though also respectful, which he is throughout the book, something I appreciated very much in his writing) of christians seeking to bring God into the science area. However, while he disagrees with Steven Jay Gould's belief in no God, he is not equally critical of this thought being brought into the discussion of evolution. When it comes to the origin of life, I do not see how God can be eliminated from discussion. While I understand god is beyond the technical definition of science, most people would at least question a god/intelligent designer/greater beiing, when studying the origin of life/earth/universe. Many evolutionists, such as Gould, have been quite vocal of how their understanding of science has impacted their belief in god. If you are going to take belief in god out of science then it needs to be both ways not just believing in god.
Even though I have my disagreements with Miller, I think it is an excellent book and it made me think and give more consideration to what I believe. When a book does this, it is worthy of reading.
Summary of Only a Theory: Evolution and the Battle for America's Soul
A leading scientist examines the battle between evolution and Intelligent Design in AmericaAt the dawn of the twenty- first century, the debate over Darwin?s theory of evolution is nearly as contentious as it was in the notorious Scopes trial a century ago. Today, however, people who believe that evolution is ?only a theory? have put their hopes in a concept known as Intelligent Design.
In Only a Theory, Kenneth Miller dissects the claims of the ID movement in the same incisive style that marked his testimony as an expert witness in Pennsylvania?s landmark 2005 Dover evolution trial.
Unlike other books on the subject, Only a Theory?s critique of ID goes far beyond the scientific claims of the movement. To Miller, America?s ?soul??its place as the world?s leading scientific nation?is at risk because of this struggle. As he explains, the tactics of this new assault on science mimic earlier efforts of the academic left to remake science as a relativistic, culturally determined enterprise, rather than a rational search for truth about the natural world. Such marginalization, he argues, would effectively destroy American science.
Despite this analysis, Miller refuses to play the role of pessimist. He sees this as a teachable opportunity, a moment at which public understanding and support for science can be redeemed, and offers nothing less than a prescription for how America can save its scientific soul.
Science & Religion Books
- Religion & Spirituality > Religious Studies
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- Professional & Technical > Professional Science > Evolution
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