Creation and humanity /

This third volume (of a projected five) in Kärkkäinen's "A Constructive Christian Theology for the Pluralist World" series is as superbly thoughtful and articulate as the previous two volumes--Christ and Reconciliation (CH, Dec'13, 51-2031) and Trinity and Revelation (2014). In the first section, Kärkkäinen (Fuller Theological Seminary) focuses on developing a Christian theology of creation. Writing from a solid evangelical base, the author insists theology must engage in dialogue with the natural sciences. In the other major section, "Humanity," he effectively puts traditional anthropology, evolution, and contemporary scientific knowledge in dialogue. As he did in the previous volumes, the author draws on an impressive range of scholars--scientists and theologians--to weave a lucid treatment of his subject. The bibliography is a gold mine, and there are two indexes--authors and subjects. The extensive footnotes allow readers to follow the stream of scholars influencing Kärkkäinen's path. This volume will help readers understand themselves and the world from a fresh perspective. The next volume in the series will take up the spirit. Summing Up: Highly recommended. Lower-division undergraduates through graduate students. --Alan L. Kolp, Baldwin Wallace University