Book Review: Theistic Evolution: A Scientific, Philosophical, and Theological Critique

 

Most people have heard of Charles Darwin's theory of evolution and the controversy surrounding it. However, there are very few in the church that have heard of theistic evolution which is basically saying that God created us but did it by evolution. Sadly, there are many prominent pastors and scholars that hold this view on creation which can and has caused confusion in the church today.

How does theistic evolution compare to Darwin's theory and is there Biblical grounds to accept it? In the book, Theistic Evolution: A Scientific, Philosophical, and Theological Critique, we will see these questions and more answered. This book will take a look at theistic evolution through the lens of science, philosophy, and theology. 

We begin with the scientific critique of theistic evolution. We chapters dealing with why people of faith should reject Darwin's theory of evolution also looking into the fossil record and even the evidence of the uniqueness of humans.

The next section deals with the philosophical critique of theistic evolution. This section addresses theistic evolution and the problem of evil. It also looks at God as creator as well how science and the Bible interact today. Then we see the grand old battle of theistic evolution versus intelligent design. One chapter in this section deals with how C.S. Lewis's views on evolution which draws "on Lewis's public and private writings" showing that Lewis has some concerns regarding theistic evolution while raising questions concerning evolution itself by "showing how science itself depends on many nonscientific assumptions." 

Finally, we look at the biblical critique of theistic evolution. As pointed out in the book theistic evolution is incompatible with the teachings of the Old and New Testament, it undermines the doctrine of creation, and inconsistent with historical Christianity. One thing that pointed is that those who hold this view make creation as non-literal. It is more allegory than anything. Adam and Eve were not real. As you can see just by this brief review that theistic evolution is against the Bible overall. The book also calls out evangelical leaders who have embraced theistic evolution. Two of the one mentioned are pastors and authors who many have benefitted from, John Stott and Tim Keller. 

The last chapter of the book addresses the belief that B.B. Warfield held to theistic evolution which I know would be a issue for many in the reformed community. However, as we will see in this chapter it seems Warfield was open to evolution but was very critical about it which eventually he did move away from that theory along with theistic evolution.

I strongly encourage anyone who loves the truth of God's word to get their hands on this book whether a hard copy or e-book. Theistic evolution is a plague that is not going away, and the church needs to know what this and why it is a false teaching.

I received this book from Crossway in exchange for an honest review.