Laying Down Arms to Heal the Creation-Evolution Divide

Battles over creation or evolution have been perpetuated for years by vocal Christians and scientists alike. But conflict has never been the only choice. Laying Down Arms to Heal the Creation-Evolution Divide presents a comprehensive uplifting alternative that brings together an orthodox biblical view of a sovereign Creator-God and the meaningful discoveries of modern evolutionary biology. Gary Fugle offers unique insights into this debate from his dual perspective as both an award-winning biology professor and a committed leader in conservative evangelical churches. In focusing on the stumbling blocks that surround creation and evolution debates Fugle sensitively addresses the concerns of skeptical Christians and demonstrates how believers may celebrate evolution as a remarkable aspect of Gods glory. He describes how the mainstream scientific community as well as numerous Christians may alter current approaches to eliminate conflicts. He explains conservative readings of early Genesis that respect both the inerrant words of Scripture and the evolutionary revelations in Gods natural creation. This book is for individuals who sense that biblical Christian faith and evolution are compatible without compromising core convictions. If given good reasons to do so are we willing to lay down our arms to affirm an encompassing vision for the future? We who love Jesus and his word and love his world and the study of it need to do some serious thinking about how our faith relates to scientific practices and theories and we need the voices of skillful people who think well. Gary Fugle has offered a worthy contribution to the discussion: it is cheerful thoughtful and helpful. --C. John Collins author of Did Adam and Eve Really Exist In Laying Down Arms Gary Fugle combines a tenacious commitment to the truth of Scripture with an experts grasp of evolutionary science. He guides his readers through thoughtful reflections on faith and science that are biblically based scientifically informed engaging and deeply relevant. This book is both wise and timely. --Gregory S. Cootsona author of C.S. Lewis and the Crisis of a Christian In a patient respectful and loving manner Fugle shows why none of the precepts that lie at the heart of a Christ-centered life and the theology on which it is based are changed or challenged if God chose to create through the evolutionary mechanism. . . . He presents his position with a unique knack for making biological concepts accessible to a general audience and a profound understanding of the biblical and theological issues involved. His love for biology is contagious his winsome affection for the church an inspiration. --from the foreword by Darrell R. Falk Fugle knows what hes talking about from both sides of the street: religion and science. He writes with an engaging gentle yet admonishing style asking those who urge conflict between evolutionary biology and Christian faith to reassess their confrontational views. Instead he urges all involved to adopt an attitude of mutual respect--and evangelical Christians in particular to welcome evolutionary biology as further witness to their biblical faith. I recommend Laying Down Arms to Heal the Creation-Evolution Divide to everyone scientist and lay person alike yearning for a hopeful new approach to reconciling faith and science. --Robert J. Russell author of Time in Eternity Gary Fugle received his PhD from the University of California at Santa Barbara and has taught biology in the California community college system for over thirty years most of which he spent at Butte College in northern California. He has been deeply involved in different evangelical churches simultaneously and he especially enjoys leading worship in his local congregation of the Presbyterian Church in America.