Making Sense of Evolution
Darwin, God, and the Drama of Life
by John F. Haught

Evolution makes good scientific sense. The question is whether it makes good theological sense as well. Christians who find evolution contrary to faith often do so because they focus solely on the issues of the world’s design and the notion of the gradual descent of all life from a common ancestry. But that point of view overlooks the significance of the dramatic narrative going on beneath the surface. What evolution is has become more important than what it means. Haught suggests that, rather than necessarily contradicting one another, theologians and Darwinian scientists actually share an appreciation of the underlying meaning and awe-inspiring mystery of evolution. He argues for a focus on evolution as an ongoing drama and suggests that we simply cannot—indeed need not—make complete sense of it until it has fully played out.

Ultimately, when situated carefully within a biblical vision of the world as open to a God who makes all things new, evolution makes sense—scientifically and theologically.

Praise for Making Sense of Evolution

“A rich source of useable arguments against the disastrous notion that we have to choose between God and evolution. Free of jargon and full of poetry, this book is a much-needed contribution by today’s leading expert on Christian theology in response to Darwinian evolution."
—Ronald S. Cole-Turner, H. Parker Sharp Professor of Theology, Pittsburgh Theological Seminary

“A very important book. Eliminates the tension between the natural and religious dimension of events.”
—Archbishop Joseph Zycinski, Professor of Philosophy, University of Lublin, Poland

“Haught, a leader in the emerging field of evolutionary theology, deflates the simplistic theology of materialists with a lucid account of where God fits in the drama of evolution. This book will be a boon to scientists and others who struggle to make sense of how God might act in the world."
—Daryl P. Domning, Professor of Anatomy, Howard University; and Research Associate, Department of Paleobiology, National Museum of Natural History, Smithsonian Institution

“A clear and provocative theological vision adequate to the grandeur of the universe science describes.”
—Michael H. Barnes, Professor and President of the College Theology Society 2008-2010, University of Dayton

“Lucidly shows why scientific materialists and promoters of intelligent design are stalemated and satisfyingly shows how Christians can and should be both rigorous scientists and faithful believers.”
—Terrence W. Tilley, Chair of the Department of Theology, Fordham University

“A brilliant synthesis by one of America’s leading experts in the field. Authoritative yet immensely readable, this volume offers a powerful vision of a God big enough to encompass the adventure of evolution.”
—Philip Clayton, Claremont School of Theology and Claremont Graduate University