Walter Thorson gives a scholarly examination of the intelligent design argument along with a fresh view of biology as having some surprising elements which carry beyond the usual mechanistic approach to evolution, bringing in teleological aspects often shunned by the scientific community. He nevertheless stoutly defends the theological legitimacy of naturalism as a presupposition in science.What is different about biology, he says, is its level of organization, which is arranged with a view to specific function. He says there is an essential continuity in the gradual development of some degree of purposeful behavior in living things. And the presence of organization toward function is an essential element in that progression. Thinking about biology in new ways that are not purely mechanistic or causal suggests that a "limited kind of teleology" is relevant in this case. He notes that there is a risk here, but we should be guided by what is real.This approach, he says, offers an opportunity for Christians to speak out, doing good science but searching for ways to examine this very important possibility more fully. Walter is an evangelical Christian, who has shared his faith unabashedly throughout his long career, beginning in academia in California and then in Boston and New England primarily with Intervarsity Christian Fellowship and then overseas at places like Schloss Mittersil In Europe. His forthright examination of his faith, especially as it relates to questions of philosophy and to biblical understanding are refreshing and challenging. Certainly, this book deserves careful reading.
Format:Paperback
Language:English
ISBN:069222033X
ISBN13:9780692220337
Release Date:June 2014
Publisher:Center for Faith and Inquiry at Gordon College
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