March 9, 2010
Each week, we spotlights an important book in the science-and-religion dialogue. This week’s book is Only a Theory: Evolution and the Battle for America’s Soul
Description
“Thoroughly enjoyable and informative, this new book by Miller, a Brown University biologist and leading proponent of evolution, dismantles the scientific basis of intelligent design piece by piece. He does this by taking seriously the claims of intelligent design (though with tongue often in cheek), such as irreducible complexity, and looking at the biological facts and the dubious conclusions ID concepts would lead to. He turns to the peer-reviewed scientific literature to demonstrate that the two biological phenomena ID proponents say could not have evolved—blood-clotting proteins and bacterial flagella—are now well-enough understood to fully rebut intelligent design. Looking at the underlying philosophical issues, Miller explains that ID’s proponents want to replace modern science with a ‘theistic science’... that would use the Divine not as ultimate cause, but as scientific explanation. Miller effectively explores the devastating consequences such a change would have on both science and society. In a measured, well-reasoned book, Miller explains why evolution does not deny us our humanity or our unique place in the universe (June 16) “
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Reviews
“In this powerfully argued and timely book, Ken Miller takes on the fundamental core of the Intelligent Design movement, and shows with compelling examples and devastating logic that ID is not only bad science but is potentially threatening in other deeper ways to America’s future. But make no mistake, this is not some atheistic screed—Prof. Miller’s perspective as a devout believer will allow his case to resonate with believers and non-believers alike.”
- Francis Collins, founder of The BioLogos Foundation and author of The Language of God: A Scientist Presents Evidence for Belief
“In a few concise chapters Mr. Miller pretty much dismantles all the claims, such as they are, for the intelligent design movement.”
- Charles McGrath, The New York Times
“In Only a Theory, Miller takes up the cudgels again in a lively new book that persuasively argues for the theory of evolution, penetratingly critiques the claims for intelligent design, and explains why this dispute should matter to everyone. It may be only a book, but it’s a good one. I highly recommend it.”
- Edward J. Larson, Pulitzer Prize–winning author of Evolution: The Remarkable History of a Scientific Theory