The debate/public quarrel/dialogue (depending on your point of view) concerning evolution, religion and all points between has not always been an edifying one, and with the controversies over the views of Richard Dawkins or Intelligent Design looks unlikely to settle for a while. Rather than taking sides in this argument, which is sometimes ill-defined in any case, I intend to review books here which pertain to the debate.
This is an interesting and on the whole reasonably balanced book, although not without a strong satirical streak in places. It takes the form of a debate show chaired by Redvers Fentiman between four representatives of different views on evolution, from the young-earth creationist minister to the diehard atheist evolutionist. I say reasonably balanced because the satire cuts all ways, not just on the Reverend Hal Wallace as one might expect but also on David Davies, the atheist, the feminist theologian Emily Matthews and the character that appears to represent his own point of view, Martin Rudge. The debate covers five chapters, on Options, Origins, Problems, Histories and Humans.
Although no friend of creationism, Ruse has been critical of Richard Dawkins' stance on religion, and puts the following words into the philosopher Rudge's mouth:
"I think one of the worst books I have ever read is Richard Dawkins's best seller The God Delusion. The level of discourse would make a bright sophomore cringe."
Although in fairness he goes on to add in the very next sentence, "But agreeing with Dawkins is not always a silly thing to do."
Supporters and opponents of religion and evolution will all find plenty of stimulating thought here, spiced with some wry but non-flippant chuckles.
Evolution as Religion, Mary Midgeley
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