A display at the Australian Museum in Sydney proudly proclaims that ‘Evolution is a fact’. Christian author, Professor Phillip E. Johnson, calls it ‘the creation myth of our culture’ and refers to evolutionists as the modern day ‘priesthood’ who claim to ‘hold the secrets of the creation story’. Theologian Colin Brown calls evolution, ‘by far the most potent single factor to undermine popular belief in the existence of God in modern times’.
With such passion and diversity of opinion involved, the topic of evolution and the origins of life will always be an intellectual hot potato. Thankfully, in her new book, Kirsten Birkett has bravely taken up the challenge.
The Essence of Darwinism is the latest in Matthias Media’s Modern Belief Series, and will be a valuable resource for anyone wanting to begin, or continue, wrestling with this touchy subject. Like the previous Essence of books on feminism, psychology and the Reformation, Darwinism seeks to provide an introductory thumbnail sketch of the topic, gently moving towards some basic conclusions and offering a well thought out Christian perspective.
The book opens with a look at the basics of evolutionary theory and at current thinking on the subject. By chronicling the history of evolutionary theory – from the 19th century, to the discovery of DNA, through to modern day gurus like Richard Dawkins and Stephen Jay Gould – Dr Birkett points out that even those committed to the concept of evolution are yet to agree on just what the theory is. The monolithic assumption that ‘evolution is a fact’ is revealed to be more rhetoric than substance.
While clearly written, the scientific reading might be heavy going for some (the author admits that some sections can be skipped) while other readers, already familiar with the big picture, may be disappointed that a more bold and in-depth criticism of evolutionary theory is not undertaken. The weaknesses and problems in the evolutionary concept are alluded to, but generally only in passing.
But this should not be allowed to detract from the real value of Darwinism. Dr Birkett’s main interest lies in examining the historical and religious climates that have allowed evolutionary theory to take hold, and in probing why such passion is aroused by something presented as a simple scientific theory.
Along the way there is a helpful account of the political, social and religious climate in which evolution was able to emerge. But it is Dr Birkett’s analysis of the real thinking behind evolutionary theory – and its implications for our view of the world, humanity and God – which is truly eye opening.
An appendix entitled ‘What about Genesis?’ is sure to be controversial, but rightly serves to ground the debate in the Bible. And while remaining on the fence on the big question of whether evolution is true, it is helpfully pointed out that nobody is saved by believing the right thing about Darwin.
The Essence of Darwinism will make a useful primer on the topic or a fine pre-evangelistic book for anyone wooed by the public façade of evolution. It is a valuable addition to the Christian’s collection for challenging the dominant, secular worldview.
