God After Darwin: A Theology of Evolution (Second Edition) (Book)
John F. Haught, Author.  Boulder, CO: Perseus Books, 2008.

"Evolutionary science has dramatically changed our understanding of the world, and so any sense we may have of a God who creates and cares for this world must take into account what Darwin and his followers have said about it." God After Darwin seeks to refine our notions of God and God's actions in the world—not in conflict with evolutionary science, nor separate from it, but fully engaged with Darwinian theory and knowledge.

Theologian John Haught notes that Darwinism poses two "dangerous ideas" for religious thinkers: that evolutionary processes involve "accidental" and random events, and that "natural selection" favors the strong over the weak and appears indifferent to suffering. Haught especially notes the challenges posed by such popular anti-theists as Richard Dawkins and Daniel Dennett, who have seized upon these ideas and concluded that the universe is inherently meaningless.

Drawing on the thinking of Alfred North Whitehead, Hans Jonas, and others, Haught presents his understanding of how Darwin's ideas do not inevitably lead to a conclusion that the universe is meaningless. Rather, they are consistent with the conclusion that God "does not fix things in advance, nor hoard selfishly the joy of creating. Instead God shares with all creatures their own openness to an indeterminate future."

Congregational leaders seeking to delve more deeply into the connections between biblical faith and evolutionary science will appreciate Haught's sensitive yet clear ideas. This book would be good for adult classes focused on evolution and faith.

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