19AR24-12

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AR 24:12 - The limitations of Intelligent Design

In this issue:

ORIGINS - at what point can Intelligent Design "claim to present a serious alternative"?

SOCIAL CONFLICT - when institutional decline precedes that of an entire nation

Apologia Report 24:12 (1,420)

March 21, 2019

ORIGINS

Theistic Evolution: A Scientific, Philosophical, and Theological Critique; edited by J. P. Moreland, Stephen C. Meyer, Christopher Shaw, Ann K. Gauger, and Wayne Grudem [1] -- the abstract of William Hasker's review explains that the book "brings together objections to an evolutionary account of life's history, and especially to theistic evolution, developed by scientists, philosophers, and theologians who prefer the perspective afforded by Intelligent Design." In presenting the main themes of their critique, Hasker (with Huntington University's philosophy department) points out that "the work done to date falls short of providing a genuine alternative to the prevalent evolutionary account."

The book posits that "the growing acceptance of evolutionary views among Christians is ... a serious mistake both scientifically and philosophically, but especially theologically."

Hasker begins with Moreland's essay (in the last half of the book) which is titled "How Theistic Evolution Kicks Christianity Out of the Plausibility Structure and Robs Christians of Confidence that the Bible Is a Source of Knowledge." Moreland contends that widespread scientism has produced an unbiblical epistemological outlook. Hasker discusses this at length.

Several other essays challenge "the adequacy of Darwinian processes...." In response, Hasker explains: "From the very beginning, Intelligent Design was offered as the replacement for Darwinian evolution, a 'new paradigm' which would set things right scientifically and also lay the foundation for a restoration of a Christian and biblical view of the history of the earth and its lifeforms. What we need to see is that *Intelligent Design has never, does not now, and in all likelihood never can fulfill this role."* And Hasker is focused on that role, "the first of many." He finds that ID proponents "refrain from taking a definite position" on the role of the Designer.

Hasker adds: "The book remains uncommitted even on 'young-earth' vs. 'old-earth' accounts of the earth's history, in spite of the absolutely crucial role of this decision in shaping one's understanding to the realm of living things. The scientific essays seem to assume an old-earth view; this is less clear ... in the theological contributions," which present the longest "list of complaints against theistic evolution."

In conclusion, Hasker finds this "an important book for at least two reasons. It brings together in a definitive way many of the criticisms that creationists have developed against the prevailing evolutionary account of life's history. It also reveals clearly the vast distance that has still to be traveled before Intelligent Design can claim to present a serious alternative to that account." Philosophia Christi, 20:2 - 2018, pp581-590.

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SOCIAL CONFLICT

Alienated America: Why Some Places Thrive While Others Collapse, by Timothy P. Carney [2] -- Library Journal (Jul 3 '18): "Commentary editor for the Washington Examiner and well known to viewers of Fox, CNN, PBS, and more, conservative journalist Carney sees the dimming of the American Dream as a result not of economic factors but of a decline in institutions like church and civic life that once held communities together. Working-class communities are particularly affected, he argues, as the educated well-to-do-have their own ties that bind."

HarperCollins: "[H]ard-hitting analysis that identifies the true factor behind the decline of the American dream: it is not purely the result of economics as the left claims, but the collapse of the institutions that made us successful, including marriage, church, and civic life. During the 2016 presidential campaign, Donald J. Trump proclaimed, "the American dream is dead," and this message resonated across the country. ... The standard accounts pointed to economic problems among the working class, but the root was a cultural collapse.... [O]utside of the elites, the central American institution has been religion. That is, it's not the factory closings that have torn us apart; it's the church closings. The dissolution of our most cherished institutions - nuclear families, places of worship, civic organizations - has not only divided us, but eroded our sense of worth, belief in opportunity, and connection to one another. ... Carney provides a framework that will lead us back out of a lonely, modern wilderness."

Booklist (Jan 1 '19): "At his best, [Carney] provokes the reader with nuanced observations. He notes the strength of so-called conservative values, such as marriage and volunteerism, in wealthy liberal suburbs; he emphasizes urban planning and shared community spaces as tools for restoring civil society. But the book stumbles with its scattershot focus and argumentation. Chapters that begin on a focused theme meander from one oblique topic to the next. Nevertheless, Carney delivers an earnest, sometimes stimulating effort to understand the social forces behind Trump."

Kirkus (Dec 15 '18): "Though occasionally repetitive and dry, the author presents a sophisticated analysis that defies easy summary, using an informal style and illustrative stories about individuals and towns to draw readers along. Unfortunately, he concludes that civic alienation cannot be reversed by central government, which is often guilty of crowding out the very local institutions that are needed; it can only be cured from the grassroots up. An approachable and incisive yet discouraging analysis with wide applicability to contemporary political and social challenges."

In the previous issue of AR, we featured a review of Ben Sasse’s related book, Them. In comparison, Alienated America feels especially weak on the apologetics side. - PC

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SOURCES: Monographs

1 - Theistic Evolution: A Scientific, Philosophical, and Theological Critique; edited by J. P. Moreland, Stephen C. Meyer, Christopher Shaw, Ann K. Gauger, and Wayne Grudem (Crossway, 2017, hardcover, 1,008 pages) <www.amzn.to/2Hok4dx>

2 - Alienated America: Why Some Places Thrive While Others Collapse, by Timothy P. Carney (Harper, 2019, hardcover, 368 pages) <www.amzn.to/2FaovoC>

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