Why Are There Still Creationists?: Human Evolution and the Ancestors

The evidence for the ancestry of humans among apes is overwhelming, but the concept of ancestors is a powerful and universal one that transcends science and its quest for maximum accuracy. Jonathan Marks argues that the creation/evolution debate is not science versus religion and that thinking perceptively about values and meanings should be a key part of it.

Format: Hardback
Length: 112 pages
Publication date: 02 July 2021
Publisher: Polity Press

The evidence for the ancestry of the human species among the apes is overwhelming. However, it is essential to recognize that the facts are never merely "facts." Human evolution has always been a value-laden scientific theory, and as anthropology makes clear, the ancestors are always sacred. These ancestors may take the form of ghosts, corpses, fossils, or even a naked couple in a garden, but the idea that we are part of a lineage is a powerful and universal one. Meaning and morals are intricately intertwined, transcending the boundaries of science and its pursuit of maximum accuracy.

In his insightful book, "Creationism's Trojan Horse," Jonathan Marks challenges the perception that the creation/evolution debate is solely a conflict between science and religion. He argues that modern anti-evolutionists reject not only scientific evidence of our simian ancestry but also humanistic scholarship about the Bible. Marks emphasizes that creationism is a theological debate rather than a scientific one. He suggests that thinking perceptively about values and meanings should be an integral part of the scientific process, rather than an alternative to it.

Marks widens the horizons of both sides of the debate by demonstrating that creationism is not limited to a specific religious perspective. He explores the historical and cultural contexts in which creationism has emerged and examines the theological implications of various creationist beliefs. He also challenges the notion that thinking about values and meanings should be confined to religious or philosophical discourse and argues that it can be a valuable tool for scientific inquiry.

Through his clear and engaging writing, Marks makes it evident that the creation/evolution debate is not a simple binary of science versus religion. He encourages readers to approach the topic with an open mind and a willingness to consider different perspectives. He emphasizes the importance of recognizing the values and meanings that shape our understanding of the world and the significance of integrating these considerations into scientific inquiry.

In conclusion, "Creationism's Trojan Horse" is a thought-provoking book that challenges the boundaries of the creation/evolution debate. By examining the historical, theological, and cultural aspects of creationism, Marks provides a nuanced and comprehensive analysis of the topic. He encourages readers to think critically about values and meanings and to integrate these considerations into their understanding of science. This book is a valuable resource for anyone interested in exploring the complex relationship between science, religion, and society.

Weight: 350g
Dimension: 221 x 160 x 20 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781509547463