What book would you recommend to a Christian who wanted to examine Evolution?

Question

If we as Christians are to understand Evolution and its proponents, what reading material would be a good start?

Answer 1

Better than any book, visit talkorigins.org and EvoWiki.

Both of these are free to browse and cover several different areas of evolutionary science.

The science of evolution covers many different fields of science. Biology, chemistry, geology, paleontology, genetics, and others. No one scientist is an expert in all of these fields. They normally specialize in one or two, and in any one field, the exactness is well beyond the average person's ability to fully understand it all. It is complicated and in depth.

The problem with reading it in a book is that most of the books are written by one extreme or the other. On one hand, we have Richard Dawkins, who is a devout atheist and despises religion. On the other hand is Jonathan Wells, who is a religious nut that despises evolution. One or the other is going to try to influence your religious beliefs more than they are out to convince you of the facts, whether evolution is true or not. TalkOrigins.org and EvoWiki aren't going to make any references to religion, just the arguments of the religious creationists as to whether or not evolution is supported by the evidence, and whether the evidence/arguments cited by creationists is valid or not (It is not). They also cite a wide range of evidence FOR evolution. I have found the material on these sites to be wider, more accurate, and better explained for the scientifically under-educated (like me) than any of the several books I've read, and I've read books that were both pro and con evolution.

The point is, you don't have to stop believing in God to believe in evolution. And you shouldn't be pressured to make that choice. Not by a scientist, and not by a preacher.

Last, both of the websites I've listed provide all of their sources, many of which are books, articles in peer-reviewed publications, studies, other websites, etc, that you can use to find a book that interests you. You can also check these sources for accuracy for yourself, if you want. That is something creationists hardly ever do.

Take care, and I hope this helps.
El Chistoso

Answer 2

Daniel Dennet wrote a book (which I have not read) called "Darwin's Dangerous Idea".

I have seen the PBS documentary of the same name. You can watch it on youtube or rent it through netflix. This is a good soft introduction to evolution. It also dramatizes Darwins life and shows his internal conflict and fear of presenting a revolutionary idea that would challenge religious doctrine. There were plenty of people in Darwins life, including his wife, who thought natural selection was not a good idea.

If you are ernest and really seek to see evolution from "the other side", I second the recomendation above to perhaps take a college biology course.

Answer 3

You should read the book "Did Man Get Here by Evolution or Creation?"You will be able to get one at a Kingdom Hall of Jehovah's Witnesses nearest to you.You dont have to buy the book but you may give a donation.You also may ask to make a study with the Jehovah's Witnesses on that certain book.

Answer 4

Breaking the Spell by Daneil Dennett.

It's a little heavy, but does an outstanding job at looking at evolution from a biological and cultural perspective, with an eye toward religion.
Use the appendix as a resource for more in-depth reading.

Answer 5

Got to love all those christians recommending anti-science books.

Richard Dawkins' books are great - he's an actual biologist, so he knows what he's talking about (not The God Delusion, he has several books about evolution).

Just so you'd know - evolution is a fact - only in backwards countries like america and turkey is there a "debate" about it (really just educated people trying to educate others).

Good luck. If you have any questions feel free to ask.

Answer 6

I'd suggest taking a college biology refresher course or attend a seminar on evolution.

If you honestly want an unbiased overview of evolution, don't read books written from a christian perspective. Certainly not books from people like Ray Comfort. These books are written to convince you that evolution is wrong. If your intent is to make up your own mind, you should consult a purely secular/scientific source.

Answer 7

I would recommend the same reading material to anyone, regardless of their religion, something that is written without a slant toward creationism/ID. If you truly want to learn about evolution, and you have a firm background in your faith, where is the harm in reading about evolution as the scientific community understands it?

I would suggest Evolution: The Triumph of an Idea from the PBS show. I own this book and it is excellent. Easy to read while not being dumbed down, and entertaining as well. http://www.amazon.com/Evolution-Triumph-Idea-Carl-Zimmer/dp/0061138401/ref=pd_bbs_7/002-6438477-5204853?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1182109339&sr=8-7

NOVA's Evolution DVDs, which I also own. Clips of modern scientists discussing the theory, as well as reenactments of Darwin's voyage and discoveries. http://www.amazon.com/Evolution-Boxed-Set/dp/B00005RG6J/ref=pd_bbs_sr_4/002-6438477-5204853?ie=UTF8&s=dvd&qid=1182109339&sr=8-4

Answer 8

Case for a Creator, The face that demonstrates the farce of evolution,The 10 things you should know about the creation vs evolution debate,Darwin on trial. There is also a book on DNA and communication theory which is by a dutch Dr which I can't think of the name of but these would be a good beginning.

Answer 9

The Blind Watchmaker by Richard Dawkins is a great start...though I don't know if that one will help understand proponents. For that, perhaps The God Delusion is a better one - and it has much information on evolution as well.

Answer 10

This web site is really good. I'm amazed that the other 2 answers mentioned people who are not scientists and not even educated in evolution.