Intelligent design creationism and its critics : philosophical, theological, and scientific perspectives /

"Intelligent design" (ID) or "intelligent design creationism" (IDC) is the latest incarnation of creationism, or "creation science." Some of this compilation's 37 chapters (by 24 contributors) are previously published articles, others responses written for this volume. Leading IDC proponents state their cases, and their critics show those positions to be poor science as well as poor philosophy and theology. They also show that, despite disclaimers, IDC is primarily a literalist Christian position. Two authors, Plantinga and Nelson, say little about ID but attempt to discredit evolution as science. They and the proponents of IDC typically display little understanding of current evolutionary studies. The ID chapters do not deal successfully with the theodicy problem, and are generally vague about what ID specifically is. Reasonable believers will find Van Till's, Peacocke's, and Murphy's insights helpful, and open-minded skeptics may find them instructive; clearly, faith and methodological materialism are foes only in the minds of those choosing to make them so. This book is essential reading for philosophers, theologians, social and natural scientists, responsible journalists, and any who counsel those who perceive conflicts between faith and science. Upper-division undergraduates through professionals. E. B. Hazard emeritus, Bemidji State University