Evolutionary History in Theological Perspective - by Mario Anthony Russo (Hardcover)

About the Book

Evolutionary History in Theological Perspective: Exploring the Scientific Story of the Cosmos argues, with a new theological interpretive lens, that Christian theological interpretations make more compelling sense of evolutionary history than naturalistic or spiritual ones.

Book Synopsis

Evolutionary History in Theological Perspective: Exploring the Scientific Story of the Cosmos argues, with a new theological interpretive lens, that Christian theological interpretations make more compelling sense of evolutionary history than naturalistic or spiritual ones.

Review Quotes

Even when Christians have come to terms with evolutionary theory, they often see it as something that sits uneasily with their faith. Mario Russo goes beyond the usual apologetic posture by asking, more constructively, how Christians might make proper sense of evolution in light of their faith? He answers this question by means of a fascinating comparative analysis of the different ways in which atheists, religious naturalists and Christian theists tell the grand story of the universe. In doing so Russo compellingly shows that when seen in a trinitarian and pneumatological perspective, this story becomes deeply meaningful.

In this groundbreaking synthesis of faith and science, Russo masterfully bridges the gap between evolutionary theory and Christian theology, offering a profound and compelling interpretation that enriches both fields. This work not only addresses the longstanding debates but also provides a fresh, insightful lens through which the evolutionary process can be understood as a divine narrative of redemption and creation. Building on the work of John Haught and Celia Deane-Drummond, Russo proposes a new synthesis of scientific understanding of evolution and key Christian doctrines of creation, sin, and eschatology. Essential reading for theologians, scientists, and anyone interested in the dialogue between faith and science.

Insightful and engaging, this book delves into whether theology can enrich our understanding of evolution's epic tale. It's a thoughtful addition to the ongoing conversation between science and faith.

Is there is a Christian way to understand the evolutionary history of the universe? In contrast to those who use this history to support atheism, or some Christians who reject it completely, Mario Russo uses his expertise in both science and theology to interpret evolutionary history from a fully trinitarian perspective. In doing so, he challenges both those within and outside of Christian faith to recognise that the central question of our place in the cosmos can be illuminated both by science and by God's plan of redemption in Christ.

This book by Mario Anthony Russo is a magnificent resource for understanding one of the most important aspects of the interface between science and religious faith - the theology of evolutionary histories. Russo's writing style is clear, comprehensive and comprehensible to specialists and laypeople alike. He addresses each topic with care and thoroughness, in a way that keeps the reader's attention as complex subjects in science, philosophy and religion are brought to light and discussed in depth.

After two introductory chapters laying out the basic viewpoints of different ideologies related to the history of the cosmos, humanity and everything, Russo delves deeply into the various alternative ways that scholars have come to view evolutionary history. Chapter 3 on Big Histories was a revelation to me, and reading it made the writings of several people including some not mentioned in the text understandable. Russo's own comments were well thought out, and in my view very well supported and perfectly on target.

The rest of the book delves into different theological views of evolution, including detailed discussions in one chapter each of the work of philosophical theologians John Haught and Celia Deane Drummond. Again, the reader comes away with new insights on how the divine nature of God incarnate in the person Jesus Christ interacts with the earthly reality of evolutionary history. Finally, the author presents his own views (strongly backed up by the work of many scholars) as to how the Holy Spirit intervenes in the necessary sufferings and evils accompanying the evolutionary process.

This is among the most accessible books I have read on complex subjects in theology, and while some parts required paying very close attention by this rank amateur in the field, I was able to learn a great deal, and have had my horizons broadened. I believe, at least from own point of view as a biological scientist and a devout Christian, that this book makes an important contribution to the theological understanding of God's role in the creation of an evolutionary pathway for our world of life, and for human flourishing.

About the Author

Mario Anthony Russo is founder of the Dortmund Center for Science and Faith in Dortmund Germany.