cover image DARWIN'S PROOF: The Triumph of Religion over Science

DARWIN'S PROOF: The Triumph of Religion over Science

Cornelius G. Hunter, . . Brazos, $17.99 (176pp) ISBN 978-1-58743-056-5

As a sequel to Hunter's previous effort (Darwin's God: Evolution and the Problem of Evil), this book comes up short. Hunter's original thesis—that Darwinist arguments (past and present) often rely on hidden theological assumptions—certainly deserves further elaboration. But where Darwin's God built a reasonably consistent case, Darwin's Proof offers an assortment of anti-evolution arguments of uneven quality, generally lacking a unifying structure. Two chapters (six and seven) best reflect Hunter's original argument, presenting suggestive historical evidence that the "Creator" rejected by Darwin and Darwinists owes more to Deism and 19th-century natural theology than to traditional Christian religious belief. Unfortunately, most of the text is bogged down in a welter of arguments, argument fragments and biological facts whose relevance to Hunter's overall message is too often unclear. Sporadic duplications and inconsistencies of tone (for example, switching between a posture of religious neutrality and outspoken conservative Christianity) contribute to the impression of hasty or unfinished composition. Readers who are already familiar with recent Darwinism/anti-Darwinism/Intelligent Design literature can find some worthwhile insights here. However, those who are new to the topic, or do not share Hunter's convictions, may lose patience before finishing the first chapter. (May)