For centuries, science and religion have been portrayed as diametrically
opposed. In this provocative new book, Steve Fuller examines the
apparent clash between science and religion by focusing on the heated
debates about evolution and intelligent design theory. In so doing, he
claims that science vs. religion is in fact a false dichotomy. For
Fuller, supposedly intellectual disputes, such as those between
creationist and evolutionist accounts of life, often disguise other
institutionally driven conflicts, such as the struggle between State and
Church to be the source of legitimate authority in society.
Nowadays many conservative anti-science groups support intelligent
design theory, but Fuller argues that the theory's theological roots are
much more radical, based on the idea that humans were created to fathom
the divine plan, perhaps even complete it. He goes on to examine the
unique political circumstances in the United States that make the
emergence of intelligent design theory so controversial, yet so
persistent. Finally, he considers the long-term prognosis, arguing that
the future remains very much undecided as society reopens the question
of what it means to be human.
This book will appeal to all readers intrigued by the debates about
creationism, intelligent design and evolution, especially those looking
for an intellectually exciting confrontation with the politics and
promise of intelligent design theory.
