Mapping the contested border between science and faith
Origins Mapping - The book Mapping - Buy the book Origins Mapping - the book Mapping - Reviews
RJS, on Jesus Creed
"Several of the scholars at the [Templeton Foundation] workshop on Evolution and Christian Faith referred to this book and the usefulness of Rau's discussion of models in framing the discussion."
"I recommend this book as an introduction to discussions of origins, for those who are interested, any criticisms are outweighed by the positive aspects of the book."
Jonathan Merritt interviewed Gerald Rau in Religion News:
JM: Why does this matter? What's the importance of figuring out the Earth's and humanity's origin?
GR: One of the main reasons it is important to study this issue is that our understanding of the origin of earth and humans is intimately connected to our understanding of the Bible and how God relates to his creation. If our position in all of those areas is not logically consistent and intellectually defensible, how can we expect to convince others that Christ is the truth? We owe it to ourselves and others to do whatever is necessary to know why we hold a particular interpretation, both of the scientific evidence and of the Bible, rather than merely accepting it because it the church we grew up in taught a certain thing. Many young people from the churches go off to college and don't really know what they believe or why, so they are easily led away from the faith. In today's society, with its emphasis on science and technology, it is important that the scientific evidence be considered along with the Bible, both for our sake and to be able to communicate with those around us.
Matt Reynolds, in Christianity Today
"Written for nonspecialists, the book should appeal both to students and to grown-ups who, like me, daydreamed their way through high-school science courses and never learned much of anything."
John James, Pastor of Helier Chapel, Northfield, Birmingham, Review for Affinity
"[B]ack in the 90s, as a first year undergraduate geology student, having recently come to faith, I know I would have benefited from reading a book like this."
Mapping has been reviewed from many different perspectives. Below you will find all the reviews I have seen. I have not looked at all of the various bookseller sites, so I am sure there are more. The most recent reviews I have seen are added to the top. Just below that are several that I found particularly useful (Apologetics 315, Colossians Forum, Armstrong, Duffy, LePeau). There are reviews from theologians, evangelical (McKnight), and anti-evangelical (LePort), philosophers (Gould), and scientists (Lewis). It has received positive reviews from naturalistic science organizations (NSTA), and at the other end from proponents of old earth (RTB) and young earth creation (Talbot).
In addition to many reviews from the US, there some from England (Garner), Scotland (Fraser), Australia (Vox Reformata) and even one in Dutch (Cultuurshock). Some reviews have included criticism, which I have responded to, in some cases largely agreeing (Claiborne, Travis), in others disagreeing (NCSE, Byl, James), but in all cases thankful for the chance to clarify my position or statements.
In this section you will also find other online discussions about the book that go beyond the strict definition of review, including the seven part series by RJS (with my responses to his critiques) and an interview with Merritt.
It has been gratifying that of all the reviews on (Amazon) the lowest rating I have gotten by anyone who actually read the book was a 4 – an amazing feat for a book in this controversial field.
(All quotes from reviews are copied 'as is' without correction of grammar or spelling.)
(c) 2014 Gerald Rau