Science, Evolution, and Religion ─ A Debate About Atheism and Theism

The science-religion debate is a hot topic in academic circles and contemporary culture, and evolution makes the subject particularly contentious. Does modern science tip the scales toward atheism? Or does religion have resources to support its credibility and relevance? And how does evolution influence both worldviews?

Comprehensive, balanced, and engaging, Science, Evolution, and Religion provides a dynamic yet respectful introduction to the science-religion debate, framed as a conflict between theism and atheism and structured around the impact of evolution on both perspectives. Philosophers Michael Peterson and Michael Ruse argue for theism and atheism, respectively. Peterson occasionally draws from Christian doctrine to supplement theism; Ruse often supports his atheism with elements drawn from the larger context of philosophical naturalism. The result is a rich dialogue on the nature and history of science, cosmic origins, biological origins, the anthropic principle, the foundations of morality, human uniqueness, the meaning of life, and other important topics in this area.

Michael Peterson is Professor of Philosophy at Asbury Theological Seminary. He is the author or editor of several books, including Philosophy of Religion, Fifth Edition (OUP, 2014), and Reason and Religious Belief, Fifth Edition (OUP 2012). He is also managing editor of the journal Faith and Philosophy and winner of Templeton grants in science/religion.

Michael Ruse is Lucyle T. Werkmeister Professor and Director of the Program in History and Philosophy of Science at Florida State University. He is the author of Atheism: What Everyone Needs to Know (OUP, 2015) and is well-known for his work on the relationship between science and religion. He is also founding editor of the journal Biology and Philosophy.