A Biblical Case against Theistic Evolution (Grudem)
Why the Theory of Theistic Evolution Conflicts with Christian Doctrine
Even Christians strongly debate Scripture’s account of creation, with some declaring that major events in the book of Genesis—from the origin of Adam and Eve to God’s curse on the world—were purely symbolic. Several respected scholars endorse this theory, but is it consistent with the Bible’s teaching?
In A Biblical Case against Theistic Evolution, condensed and adapted from Theistic Evolution, Wayne Grudem and other leading scholars challenge the belief that Genesis is mostly symbolic, rather than a true, historical narrative. Grudem examines 12 specific events in Genesis 1–3 and explains why acknowledging their historicity is critical to understanding the rest of Scripture. He also emphasizes several foundational doctrines, including God’s ongoing involvement in creation, the beginnings of mankind, and the origin of sin and death, to show readers how the theory of theistic evolution undermines essential truths throughout the Old and New Testaments.
Table of Contents:
Introduction: What Is Theistic Evolution? (Wayne Grudem)
Chapter 2: Theistic Evolution Is Incompatible with the Teachings of the Old Testament (John D. Currid)
Chapter 3: Theistic Evolution Is Incompatible with the Teachings of the New Testament (Guy Prentiss Waters)
Chapter 4: Theistic Evolution Is Incompatible with Historical Christian Doctrine (Gregg R. Allison)
Chapter 5: Additional Note: B. B. Warfield Did Not Endorse Theistic Evolution as It Is Understood Today (Fred Zaspel)
Chapter 6: Theistic Evolution Undermines Twelve Creation Events and Several Crucial Christian Doctrines (Wayne Grudem)
Author
Wayne Grudem (PhD, University of Cambridge) is Distinguished Research Professor of Theology and Biblical Studies at Phoenix Seminary. He is a member of the Translation Oversight Committee for the English Standard Version of the Bible, the general editor of the ESV Study Bible, and the author of over twenty-five books.
Endorsements
“Wayne Grudem has assembled an impressive group of biblical and theological scholars to address one of the most important issues of our time. The book is especially valuable for its careful characterization of theistic evolution and the following case that theistic evolution is simply not consistent with the teachings of the Bible. I highly recommend this important book.”
J. P. Moreland, Distinguished Professor of Philosophy, Talbot School of Theology, Biola University; author, The God Question
“In this new streamlined volume critiquing the concept of theistic evolution, Professor Grudem and several other distinguished theologians highlight the many theological problems that arise from trying to synthesize mainstream neo-Darwinian evolutionary theory with any theologically meaningful notion of design or creation. They show that facile claims about how ‘God used the evolutionary process to create’ conceal a host of incoherencies, ambiguities, and theological problems. This is a detailed, dispassionate and scholarly volume.”
Stephen C. Meyer, Director, Center for Science and Culture, Discovery Institute; author, Return of the God Hypothesis
“An increasing number of evangelicals are advocating theistic evolution as the best explanation of human origins, thereby denying the special creation of a historical Adam. Without taking any specific view as to the age of the earth, this important book demonstrates that theistic evolution fails to take proper account of Genesis 1–3 as a historical narrative. Leading scholars argue that theistic evolution is exegetically ill-founded and theologically damaging. Written with an irenic tone toward those it critiques, this book will help guard against false teaching in the church that undermines the gospel.”
John Stevens, National Director, Fellowship of Independent Evangelical Churches, United Kingdom
“The chapters are clear, detailed, and of a tone in keeping with 1 Peter 3:15: ‘with gentleness and respect.’ I consider this a valuable book for any Christian who wants to be able to give compelling answers to others who believe that theistic evolution is compatible with the Bible.”
Richard A. Carhart, Professor Emeritus of Physics, University of Illinois at Chicago
“The theistic evolution solution to the creation-evolution controversy herein encounters a substantial critique from the teachings of Scripture. This is important reading for those who wrestle with the great questions surrounding the origins of life.”
Peter A. Lillback, President, Westminster Theological Seminary
“As the debate over the origins of the universe, earth, and humans continues, and Christians grapple to understand the relationship between science and Scripture, evolution and creation, the voices in this book need to be heard. The big questions about life are simply beyond the reach of ‘objective’ analysis. This volume critiques theologically the flaws of positions that marginalize God from the process.”
James Hoffmeier, Professor Emeritus of Old Testament and Ancient Near Eastern History and Archaeology, Trinity Evangelical Divinity School
“This book offers a much-needed critique of evolutionary creationism (theistic evolution), focusing on its biblical deficiencies.”
Vern S. Poythress, Professor of New Testament Interpretation, Westminster Theological Seminary