Inspired by emergence of creationism and/or intelligent design as competition with evolution for a place in the schoolhouse
science curriculum, Deloria describes the nature of science, religion, and history from the perspective of a man well-versed in all three. Recognized by Time as one of 11 greatest religious thinkers in America, the author is a retired professor in religious studies, law, political science, and history.
Deloria describes the nature and history of opposing science and religion camps, identifies and illustrates their respective views, and moves them through historical perspective. As the sub-title indicates, he criticizes and inquires -- and it goes in both directions. He draws distinctions between present earth history, based on scientific formulations, and the nature of history, including observations by humans.
DeLoria sees the current fight as based in Western society and uses non-Western and Native American experience and knowledge to create world-wide context. He finds dispute and commonality and urges a discourse among all parties to work toward synthesis, citing areas which could be discussed rationally on the basis of empirical evidence.
Neglecting differences between Western views and representations of history and those of other world cultures and/or philosophies leads both sides to erroneous and incompatible arguments. Creationists and evolutionists alike use linear, uninterrupted historical time in advancing their positions. Neither recognizes sufficiently the impact of disruptions (e.g., catastrophes) that contradict their conclusions.
Using the words religion and science creates fragmentation of knowledge into separate disciplines which virtually destroys the potential for rational discussion. Deloria contends that framing the debate in terms of cultural or philosophical world view – instead of just religion and science – would reduce conflict and facilitate capacity to develop unifying principles. One way would be to compare the energy or power behind natural phenomena and the energy of modern physics. This would make a common definition with which similarities and differences of peoples' views could be identified and distinguished. The current conflict between science and religion , according to this seminary-trained author, is applicable only to intellectual inconsistencies within the Western paradigm.
This work is well documented with extensive footnotes, bibliography, and index. Deloria fills his pages with references to historical happenings, scientific theories and discoveries, and biblical events. His writing is clear and sprinkled with wry humor that sometimes leads to laughing out loud.
This is a book for readers serious about having a mutually respectful approach to what should be a reasonable discussion of creationism, intelligent design, and evolution.
Deloria is a well-known Native American scholar and prolific writer with a portfolio of acclaimed books, including God Is Red, Custer Died for Your Sins, Spirit and Reason, Power and Place, and Red Earth, White Lies. In this time of increasing polarization and tension, his voice is one that could bring productive focus for how earth was created, how humans evolved, what role we play in our world, and how we can learn better ways to live together in this great mystery that we share.