Evolutionary Creation: A Christian Approach to Evolution Paperback – Illustrated, June 15, 2008
by Denis O. Lamoureux (Author)
3.5 out of 5 stars 15 ratings
In this provocative book, evolutionist and evangelical Christian Denis O. Lamoureux proposes an approach to origins that moves beyond the "evolution-versus-creation" debate. Arguing for an intimate relationship between the Book of God's Words and the Book of God's Works, he presents evolutionary creation--a position that asserts that the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit created the universe and life through an ordained and sustained evolutionary process. This view of origins affirms intelligent design and the belief that beauty, complexity, and functionality in nature reflect the mind of God. Lamoureux also challenges the popular Christian assumption that the Holy Spirit revealed scientific and historical facts in the opening chapters of the Bible. He contends that Scripture features an ancient understanding of origins that functions as a vessel to deliver inerrant and infallible messages of faith. Lamoureux shares his personal story and his struggle in coming to terms with evolution and Christianity. Like many, he lost his boyhood faith at university in classes on evolutionary biology. After graduation, he experienced a born-again conversion and then embraced belief in a literal six-day creation. Graduate school training at the doctoral level in both theology and biology led him to the conclusion that God created the world through evolution. Lamoureux closes with the two most important issues in the origins controversy--the pastoral and pedagogical implications. How should churches approach this volatile topic? And what should Christians teach their children about origins?
514 pages
June 15, 2008
The Bible & Ancient Science: Principles of Interpretation
Denis O. Lamoureux
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Having traveled a path himself from atheist to young earth creationist to evolutionary creationist, Denis Lamoureux has thought deeply about the intersection of the truths of the Book of Nature and the Book of the Bible. In this remarkable and courageous analysis, he describes how he has found compelling harmony between these worldviews. Though certain literal interpretations of Genesis are rendered untenable, open-minded believers will emerge with their faith refined in the fire of rigorous but loving intellectual argument.
--Francis Collins, Director, Human Genome Project, author of The Language of God (2006)
Here is a book that takes both science and Scripture seriously. In this fascinating guide to Biblical interpretation, Denis Lamoureux argues that the Bible doesn't lie even if the episodes in the first eleven chapters of Genesis never happened. As with a good detective story, it's no fair here to peek at the end without first considering the clues.
--Owen Gingerich, Professor Emeritus of Astronomy and History of Science, Harvard University, author of God's Universe (2006)
Denis Lamoureux is a person of faith and of intellectual integrity. His holistic and integrated view of science and Christian theology springs from both his broad academic training and his deeply held evangelical faith. This book is notable for the manner in which it forthrightly and unflinchingly addresses difficult issues at the interface of science and theology. In doing so, it remains faithful to the authority of scripture, the historical testimony of the church, and the observed record of Creation's history. Denis Lamoureux joins an increasingly long list of evangelical scholars who have shown the the divisive 'warfare' of evolution and Christian faith to be without justification.
--Keith Miller, Research Assistant Professor of Geology, Kansas State University, editor of Perspectives on an Evolving Creation (2003)
Lamoureux seeks to move the public debate on origins beyond the two simplistic choices of either 'evolution' or 'creation.' His passion for deep Christian faith and commitment to Scripture and integrity in science render his bold and provocative synthesis worthy of consideration.
--Randy Isaac, Executive Director, American Scientific Affiliation
What a magnificent understanding of God's creatively sustaining presence reaching far beyond stereotypical received views on evolution and Christianity! This well-informed case, with teeth, defends the compatible and inclusive relationship between revelation and the findings of natural science while exposing false-choice barriers, albeit sincerely erected, between evolution and religious faith.
--Thaddeus J. Trenn, President, Canadian Science and Christian Affiliation
About the Author
Denis O. Lamoureux is Associate Professor of Science and Religion at St. Joseph's College in the University of Alberta. He is the co-author of Darwinism Defeated? The Johnson-Lamoureux Debate on Biological Origins (1999), and author of Evolutionary Creation: A Christian Approach to Evolution (Wipf & Stock, 2008).
Product details
Publisher : Wipf and Stock; Illustrated edition (June 15, 2008)
Language : English
Paperback : 514 pages
3.5 out of 5 stars 15 ratings
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evolutionary creation young earth christian faith denis lamoureux sin-death problem new testament science and history ordained and sustained earth creationism word of god ancient near messages of faith book had to be written science and religion science and the bible evolutionary science creation also human evolution book lamoureux science and christian
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Anthony Maiolo
5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent Contents and IllustrationsReviewed in the United States on April 12, 2009
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This book by Dr. Lamoureux is well organized with 85 illustrations that really help to understand that God created all things by way of His teleological evolutionary hand, "a design-reflecting natural process that He ordained and continuously sustains." For example, the chart on pages 44-45 covers all of the views regarding the Origin of the Universe and Life. The two on the left include Young Earth Creationism and Progressive Creationism (both clearly wrong as Lamoureux explains throughout the book), and two on the right which include Deistic Evolution and Dysteleological Evolution (both wrong as Lamoureux explains). The truth is in the middle of the chart - Evolutionary Creation, incorporating God's ordained and sustained natural processes. Evolutionary Creation also holds to the truth that God is a personal Designer.
The illustrations are truly outstanding. They relate to both science and Scripture. Like most Christians, I do not have advanced training in science. Lamoureax has a doctorate degree not only in science (Biology) but in Theology as well. This is a big plus for the reader as it is evident throughout the book. The biblical and scientific truths presented in the content of the book are simply profound. The book is 493 pages in total with all of the Appendices, Notes, Glossary, etc. The book is 6 x 9 and has a nice Scripture Index in the back that is very helpful as well.
I have about 40 books on evolution and creation to include commentaries on Genesis and this book is one of my favorites. The points that the author makes really enlightened my eyes to the word of God and helped me with my walk with the Lord. When you actually study the scientific facts and combine them with the correct interpretations in Scripture, you will be really thankful for understanding the truth. Through this book, I was blessed to better know my Creator and His ways. My understanding of the book of Genesis has really been magnified. This book would have been useful when I studied the Pentateuch in seminary. However, this book just came out in 2008.
You will also learn specific details about the Ancient Near Eastern misconception of the earth and the universe, and how this is related to passages of Scripture that speak of the firmament (Genesis, Numbers, Job, Jeremiah, Psalms, II Peter, etc.) and the underworld (Exodus, Isaiah, Psalms, Philippians, Revelation, etc.). For example, Job 37:18 refers to the skies that are as strong as a cast metal mirror. As we study the ancient understanding of the universe, it becomes clear that the writers of Scripture believed that God created a solid structure over the earth. Yet there is no firmament above the earth. The Psalmist also believed in a firmament with a body of water above it. Psalm 148:4 says, "Praise Him, you heavens of heavens, and you waters above the heavens!" Jeremiah 10:12 tells us that when God thunders, the waters in the heavens roar.
Let us not be mistaken about what the writers of Scripture believed. The Hebrew word for firmament is raqiya. If the writers of Scripture wanted to express that what God created above the earth was anything but a firmament, they had the ordinary vocabulary at their disposal. God allowed the writers of Scripture to incorporate their false ideas about the structure, operation, and origin of the universe. They clearly thought there was a solid structure above the earth holding the sun and moon in place. They had an ancient understanding of astronomy.
Many Christians will not study the truths in the word of God and the truths regarding scientific facts enough to ever know the truth about creation. They follow the interpretive errors passed on to them and combine it with their lack of education and false beliefs in science. However, if you are a Christian who does not want to ignore scientific facts, and you see the problems with a literal reading of the creation accounts, then you have come to the right book. You may choose to begin with Lamoureux's book "I Love Jesus & I Believe in Evolution" which is basically is a primer for this book.
Lamoureux explains that Christians should be aware of the origins dichotomy between atheism and evolution. This dichotomy inhibits Christians from seeing the scientific evidence for human evolution, and it puts a stumbling block between non-Christians and an understanding of their true spiritual nature. Evolutionary Creation corrects this unbiblical and unnecessary situation.
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Andy
5.0 out of 5 stars Amazing BookReviewed in the United States on July 26, 2014
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Truly an amazing book. Lamoureux does a fantastic job of tackling the origins debate. He's faithful to both Scripture and the natural world. Worth every penny. He defends and outlines the beliefs of evolutionary creation beautifully. The book is laced with helpful graphics or "figures" as the book calls them that helps readers follow along. This is a heavy read. There's a lot of content to wrap your mind around and I found myself re-reading certain sections over and over again in order to fully comprehend what Lamoureux was stating. Be warned that the book can be quite repetitive at times, but this isn't necessarily a bad thing as it helped cement what Lamoreux was saying. The section on the Anthropic Principle was worth the price of the book alone. The Appendix is chock full of helpful sketches and is a great resource to accompany the reading. I now have such an overwhelming peace when it comes to Origins and the Science v. Religion debate. I feel like my belief in Christ is no longer under siege by the discoveries of science.
The package shipped on time, but I have a few minor gripes about the physical book. First, it rarely opens flat, so I had to use a paper weight in order to read it on a desk. I order the paperback. I recommend future buyers spend the extra 10 bucks and get the hardcover. Second, the book had a watermark/smudge at the edge of the pages. But this really didn't bother me too much.
Bottom line: If you've struggled with Religion v. Science get this book.
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Kevin Short
1.0 out of 5 stars this work is useless to the expert due to the errors committed and ...Reviewed in the United States on April 26, 2016
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I cannot comment on Lamoureux's credibility as a scientist, but he should be considered to lack credibility as a theologian, though it is written in a style that might be convincing to the non-speicialist. For example, the work bases much on the idea that Paul believed in a three-tiered universe in the Kenosis passage (Philippians 2), but Paul was a man of the first century AD not the tenth century BC, he was familiar enough with the Greek Classical writers to know that they had largely proved the earth was spherical, had traveled enough to have likely confirmed their findings (based on the astronomy of the stars) and Paul's reference to the third heaven (2 Corinthians 2) is not consistent with the cosmology that Lamoureux asserts was Paul's. Similarly one of his major data points used to present his theory is the term Raqia' in Genesis 1:6, yet his discussion on this point is a clear example of the root fallacy, an error in the way semantics are presented.
Lamoureux présents a theological position of infallibility without inerrancy as if it is consistent with an inerrantist position, and in this regard he is either ignorant of a basic point in the discussion of theology, or he is being deceptive to raise favorable views of his work, either way it is an additional mark against his credibility in discussing the theology of the Bible itself. There is no discussion of the major passages on discussions of inerrancy, infallibility or inspiration and one is left wondering, if one holds Lamoureux's view how one can believe the Bible is inspired at all. He presents himself as believing the message of the Bible, but his discussion assumes views about the authorship of theTorah that are inconsistent with Evangelicalism, and his discussion of inspiration is closer to the neo-orthodoxy of Karl Barth than to his professed faith.
On the whole, this work is useless to the expert due to the errors committed and the lack of development in his thoughts, and is worthless to Evangelical laymen.
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Victor Ratzlaff
5.0 out of 5 stars It's by far the best book I've read on this subjectReviewed in Canada on November 29, 2014
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Lamoureux dealt with the issue of organic evolution and his Christian faith in a very thorough and sensitive way. His arguments for God using evolution was very convincing. His views on the first 11 chapters of Genesis were a little shocking at first, but he convinced me he was bang on in his understanding of how God chose to allow these Scriptures to be written. His writing is logical and readily understood. It's by far the best book I've read on this subject.
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Paul Bruggink
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November 10, 2016
I naively thought that this book was going to be an expansion of the author's paper "Evolutionary Creation" (available on the Internet), but it turned out to be much more than that.
Denis Lamoureux is Associate Professor of Science and Religion at St. Joseph's College, University of Alberta, has doctoral degrees in dentistry, theology and biology, and is an evangelical Christian.
He has written one of the best (and probably the most provocative) books yet on the compatibility of science and the Bible. He starts by clearly, completely and biblically demolishing scientific and historical concordism as a viable approach to interpreting Genesis 1-11 by making a very strong biblical case for God having accommodated His message to His chosen people in the science of the time (a flat, circular, immovable earth with ends, foundations, an underside, a solid firmament overhead with the sun, moon, and stars set in it, and a sea of water held up by the firmament) and in the approach to history of the time (stylistic). We now know from archaeology, etc. that this was the status of science and history in the Ancient Near East but is not an accurate description of the cosmos and human history as we currently understand it. Therefore, it is clear that the creation story in Genesis should not be taken literally. "In the same way that [God] took on fallible human flesh in the person of Jesus to reveal His love for us, the Creator employed imperfect human ideas about nature to disclose in Scripture that He ordained and sustains the world" (p. 175). Lamoureux summarizes the points he has made in two tables of the failures of scientific and historical concordism (pp. 150 & 242).
He then builds on this foundation to make the case that "most of the events in Genesis 1-11 never literally happened, but that this is not a problem whatsoever to the Christian faith if believers recognize that the attribution of divine and human action is accommodated through ancient categories in order to reveal, as effectively as possible, Holy Spirit messages of faith" (p. 312). "Just as sin was never literally taken away through animal sacrifice, one could argue that sin never literally entered into the world through the first man mentioned in Scripture" (p. 313). "The Church is built upon no one other than Jesus Christ. Adam never died for our sins, but the Lord did. Believers are Christ-ians and not Adam-ites. The Cross should never be conflated with the historicity of Adam, his sin, and judgment" (p. 331).
New Testament references to Adam and Noah are shown to be the same accommodation to the understanding of science and history of the time. In addition, Lamoureux points out that the New Testament references were making theological, not historical, points. Having said that, he clearly defends the historicity of Christ's crucifixion and resurrection. No slippery slope for him!
Lamoureux's approach paves the way for acceptance of biological evolution by evangelical Christians by solving a lot of biblical interpretation problems, but it creates some theological problems. In order for his view of evolutionary creation to become accepted in the Christian churches, theologians and pastors are going to be very busy for a long time.
Throughout the book, Lamoureux compares and contrasts five basic positions on origins: Young Earth Creationism (Creation Science), Progressive (Old Earth, Day-Age) Creationism, Evolutionary Creationism (Theistic Evolution), Deistic Evolution, and Dysteleological (Atheistic) Evolution. He also discusses divine action, intelligent design, and the anthropic principle.
The penultimate chapter is the author's very detailed account of his personal struggle in coming to terms with evolution, from childhood Catholicism to atheism to Young Earth Creationism to Evolutionary Creationism, a struggle which formed the common thread throughout his professional career.
The book has ten appendices, including Sumarian King Lists, Jahwish and Priestly Sources of the Biblical Flood Account (Genesis 6-9), Fossil Pattern Predictions of the Christian Origins Positions, Age of Earth, Carbon-14 Dating and the Archaeological Record, and Human Evolution. It also includes extensive Notes, a brief Glossary, a Subject Index, and a Scripture Index.
I highly recommend this book to any Christian interested in the compatibility of modern science and the Bible, and to any agnostic or atheist interested in an approach to Christianity that does not conflict with modern science.
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Steve Douglas
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January 10, 2011
I have long maintained that we cannot hope for a broad acceptance of evolution among evangelicals until the heavy theological questions are acknowledged and a plausible approach to the theological quandaries evolution creates are sketched out -- followed by rather than in reaction to an explanation of the science behind it. This is what Denis Lamoureux aspires to do in Evolutionary Creation.
This book bears the name of Lamoureux's recommended term for exclusively non-interventionist "theistic evolution". In discussing scientific strengths of evolutionary theory, I especially appreciated how Lamoureux supplements a respectable treatment of genetic evidence for common descent by lending his unique perspective as a dentist to present the considerable paleontological evidence from analysis of teeth and jawbones. His critique of special creationism and intelligent design was clinical and admirably civil, but fervent nonetheless.
Lamoureux spends considerable space presenting a view of the Bible's authority that doesn't take its scientific or even all of its historical claims as accurate. In his memorable terminology, he rejects scientific and historical concordism, the beliefs that an authoritative Bible demands full agreement between the authors' understanding and scientific/historical reality on those matters. This is a good and necessary start, and I found his candor about theological problems and uncertainties commendable. Yet ultimately I found rather weak his basic assumption that a "message of faith", a divinely guaranteed spiritual message, lay embedded within every passage; I found that he offered no compelling rationale for discarding scientific or historical concordism while retaining what appears to be merely nuanced theological concordism.
One more significant component of the book is its detailed account of Lamoureux's "evolution" of thought on these matters, beginning with creationism, leading to evolution acceptance and atheism, then back to creationism, and finally back to theism and acceptance of evolution. One should not underestimate the potential of testimony for creating empathy and so attracting outsiders.
Due to this book's impressive attempt at being a comprehensive volume giving at least an overview of all areas touched by "evolutionary creation", it is not for the casual reader. For someone who wants to delve deep into the theological and scientific issues swirling around the debate, it seems a great introduction, almost textbook-like (indeed, I can see it being used in Christian college environments). Evolutionary Creation will serve as a useful introduction for those wanting a thorough discussion of all these matters.
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Autumn Kotsiuba
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November 23, 2015
Would we rather be proven right or find the truth?
Many Christians attack evolution--not because it goes against the Bible, but because it goes what THEY THINK the Bible says. In reality, scientific concordism fails every time (and, in many cases, so does historical concordism). A teleological evolutionary creationist view, when paired with a genre- and literarily-accurate reading of Genesis 1-11, best displays the work of God, and best explains the existence of a soul, the part that sets us apart from our animalistic kin.
Having been raised young-earth, then flirting with progressive creation in college before accepting evolutionary creation, I understand that this is a sensitive subject (accepting this view, some would claim that I am no longer evangelical--or even go so far as to say I am not a "true believer." But Lamoureux handles the subject beautifully and tactfully. Many Christians claim that the origins debate is inconsequential; while I agree that other theological points are more central to sound doctrine, I know people who have given up their faith because scientific concordism leave gaps for "biblical errors."
If you know anyone who questions their faith because of science or history, or who is willing to put aside their assumptions and study scripture IN CONTEXT, understanding what it's actually trying to accomplish, I'd recommend this book over any other.
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