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 God's 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 God's 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? Who They Were and Why You Should Care"In Laying Down Arms, Gary Fugle combines a tenacious commitment to the truth of Scripture with an expert's 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 Darrel R. Falk"Fugle knows what he's 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 EternityGary 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 Cal