This little book is invaluable as a survey of the development of evolutionary theory in the thought of Charles Darwin against the backdrop of the religious influences in his life, whilst at the same time presenting a powerful case for the incompatibility of Darwinism with biblical truth.

The book helpfully traces the historical and personal influences upon Darwin’s life which ultimately led to the formulation of his theory of evolution. Each chapter follows a natural progression, beginning with a chapter on the long history of evolution prior to Darwin, followed by a perceptive narrative of Darwin’s life and thought in the chapters that follow.

The authors provide a close analysis of Darwin’s gradual rejection of Christian truth and, as a corollary, the argument of design in nature – to the extent that eventually ‘he slipped slowly and permanently into agnosticism’. Darwin’s worldview, and that of his successors, is then contrasted with that of biblical creationists and a cogent case made for the Bible’s explanation of origins, in two succeeding chapters.

Finally, the authors address the problem of theistic evolution, examining the various theories in vogue and showing how none of them stand up to close scrutiny in the light of Scripture.

Each chapter contains extensive bibliographical endnotes, enabling the reader to investigate further if he or she has a mind to do so. The authors are to be commended for their scholarly work and the concise manner in which the facts are presented.

I would highly recommend this book to anyone who is seriously interested in discovering the truth that lies behind the development of Darwinism and, more importantly, the eternal truths concerning our Creator and His creation which are revealed in Scripture.

Paul Barnes