Jesus and the Genome
The Intersection of Christology and Biology

An interdisciplinary exploration of Christology and evolutionary biology to provide new insight into the Incarnation and our own humanity.

Michael L. Peterson (Author), Timothy J. Pawl (Author), Ben F. Brammell (Author)

9781009268615, Cambridge University Press

Hardback, published 28 November 2024

260 pages
23.5 x 15.9 x 1.9 cm, 0.51 kg

'The authors do not seek wishy-washy compromises or simplistic solutions to real problems, but prefer to tackle the big questions head on and find plausible answers to them. … the often startling assertions require careful thought and reflection.' Gerald Bray, The Global Anglican

Is a coherent worldview that embraces both classical Christology and modern evolutionary biology possible? This volume explores this fundamental question through an engaged inquiry into key topics, including the Incarnation, the process of evolution, modes of divine action, the nature of rationality, morality, chance and love, and even the meaning of life.  Grounded alike in the history and philosophy of science, Christian theology, and the scientific basis for evolutionary biology and genetics, the volume discusses diverse thinkers, both medieval and modern, ranging from Augustine and Aquinas to contemporary voices like Richard Dawkins and Michael Ruse. Aiming to show how a biologically informed Christian worldview is scientifically, theologically, and philosophically viable, it offers important perspectives on the worldview of evolutionary naturalism, a prominent perspective in current science–religion discussions. The authors argue for the intellectual plausibility of a comprehensive worldview perspective that embraces both Christology and evolution biology in intimate relationship.

1. What Has Christology to Do with Biology?
2. The Encounter Between Christianity and Science
3. The Classical Doctrine of the Incarnation
4. Evolutionary Biology and Christian Responses
5. Christology and Genomics
6. The Grand Miracle and Empirical Science
7. Reflections on Jesus and Evolutionary Theory
8. Christology and Genetics in the Christian Worldview
Epilogue: The Impact of Our Study.

Subject Areas: Philosophy of religion [HRAB]