From Genesis to Genetics: The Case of Evolution and Creationism

"From Genesis to Genetics" is one of several easy-to-read books about the debate over evolutionary biology and creationism. John Moore, a science textbook writer and emeritus professor of biology at the University of California, Riverside, tackles a difficult set of goals in this work. Written in an accessible style without reference notes--although there is a bibliography for further reading--it traces in broad overview the history of the debate from its origins in the nineteenth century to the recent past, commenting on its major permutations. It does not offer an extended account of the point/counterpoint of the various arguments in the debate. Moore presents a view from 30,000 feet of the larger landscape of the evolution/creationism debate emphasizing broad synthesis rather than detailed analysis. He seeks to write a general history of the debate between evolution and creationism. But he also seeks to write a defense of evolution and a refutation of creationism. Those two tasks at a fundamental level are mutually exclusive and Moore fails to do either of them justice. As a work of history it takes a straight line trajectory over some two-hundred years of scientific thought, touching on how scientists have dealt with the fossil record, geology and the age of the Earth, the development of biological theory, and more modern themes in the biological sciences such as genetics. Whatever virtues as history "From Genesis to Genetics" might possess, it is a linear overview that excludes any social or cultural factors. Such simplicity baffles historians when reality is always more complex and interesting. Likewise, Moore's discussion of the history of Christianity, the development of creationist arguments, and the nature of higher criticism of the Bible also leaves much to be desired. No doubt, those in creationism's camp will recoil at the one-dimensional depiction of their position relative to religious history and scripture. In seeking also to offer a refutation of creationism and a defense of evolution, the author is equally stereotypical and unsophisticated. Because it is neither fish nor fowl, I found the book less satisfying than other works on the subject. For those seeking a history of the debate between evolutionists and creationists the best book by far is Ronald L. Numbers, "The Creationists: From Scientific Creationism to Intelligent Design" (expanded edition, Harvard University Press, 2006). For those seeking a refutation of the creationist/intelligent design challenge a very good book is Mark Perakh, "Unintelligent Design" (Prometheus Books, 2003). For those wanting to read in an unfiltered way about creationism/intelligent design there are many publications; the most sophisticated of those recently published include the many books by William A. Dembski, Michael J. Behe, and Philip E. Johnson.