Science vs. religion? - Steve Fuller

For centuries, science and religion have been portrayed asdiametrically opposed. In this provocative new book, Steve Fullerexamines the apparent clash between science and religion byfocusing on the heated debates about evolution and intelligentdesign theory. In so doing, he claims that science vs. religion isin fact a false dichotomy. For Fuller, supposedly intellectualdisputes, such as those between creationist and evolutionistaccounts of life, often disguise other institutionally drivenconflicts, such as the struggle between State and Church to be thesource of legitimate authority in society.

Nowadays many conservative anti-science groups support intelligentdesign theory, but Fuller argues that the theory's theologicalroots are much more radical, based on the idea that humans werecreated to fathom the divine plan, perhaps even complete it. Hegoes on to examine the unique political circumstances in the UnitedStates that make the emergence of intelligent design theory socontroversial, yet so persistent. Finally, he considers thelong-term prognosis, arguing that the future remains very muchundecided as society reopens the question of what it means to behuman.

This book will appeal to all readers intrigued by the debates aboutcreationism, intelligent design and evolution, especially thoselooking for an intellectually exciting confrontation with thepolitics and promise of intelligent design theory.