The Evolving God

Charles Darwin on the Naturalness of Religion

Nonfiction, Religion & Spirituality, Philosophy
Cover of the book The Evolving God by Professor J. David Pleins, Bloomsbury Publishing
View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart
Author: Professor J. David Pleins ISBN: 9781623568405
Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing Publication: June 6, 2013
Imprint: Bloomsbury Academic Language: English
Author: Professor J. David Pleins
ISBN: 9781623568405
Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing
Publication: June 6, 2013
Imprint: Bloomsbury Academic
Language: English

In focusing on the story of Darwin's religious doubts, scholars too often overlook Darwin's positive contribution to the study of religion.

J. David Pleins traces Darwin's journey in five steps. He begins with Darwin's global voyage, where his encounter with religious and cultural diversity transformed his understanding of religion. Surprisingly, Darwin wrestles with serious theological questions even as he uncovers the evolutionary layers of religion from savage roots. Next, we follow Darwin as his doubts about traditional biblical religion take root, affecting his career choice and marriage to Emma Wedgwood. Pleins then examines Darwin's secret notebooks as he searches for a materialist theory of religion. Again, other surprises loom as Darwin's reading of Comte's three stages of religion's development actually predate his reading of Malthus. Pleins explores how Darwin applied his discovery to the realm of ethics by formulating an evolutionary view of the "Golden Rule" in his Descent of Man. Finally, he considers Darwin's later reflections on the religion question, as he wrestled with whether his views led to atheism, agnosticism, or a new kind of theism.

The Evolving God concludes by looking at some of the current religious debates surrounding Darwin and suggests the need for a deeper appreciation for Darwin as a religious thinker. Though he grew skeptical of traditional Christian dogma, Darwin made key discoveries concerning the role and function of religion as a natural evolutionary phenomenon.

View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart

In focusing on the story of Darwin's religious doubts, scholars too often overlook Darwin's positive contribution to the study of religion.

J. David Pleins traces Darwin's journey in five steps. He begins with Darwin's global voyage, where his encounter with religious and cultural diversity transformed his understanding of religion. Surprisingly, Darwin wrestles with serious theological questions even as he uncovers the evolutionary layers of religion from savage roots. Next, we follow Darwin as his doubts about traditional biblical religion take root, affecting his career choice and marriage to Emma Wedgwood. Pleins then examines Darwin's secret notebooks as he searches for a materialist theory of religion. Again, other surprises loom as Darwin's reading of Comte's three stages of religion's development actually predate his reading of Malthus. Pleins explores how Darwin applied his discovery to the realm of ethics by formulating an evolutionary view of the "Golden Rule" in his Descent of Man. Finally, he considers Darwin's later reflections on the religion question, as he wrestled with whether his views led to atheism, agnosticism, or a new kind of theism.

The Evolving God concludes by looking at some of the current religious debates surrounding Darwin and suggests the need for a deeper appreciation for Darwin as a religious thinker. Though he grew skeptical of traditional Christian dogma, Darwin made key discoveries concerning the role and function of religion as a natural evolutionary phenomenon.

More books from Bloomsbury Publishing

Cover of the book Princess Snowbelle by Professor J. David Pleins
Cover of the book Reeds Vol 12 Motor Engineering Knowledge for Marine Engineers by Professor J. David Pleins
Cover of the book A Perfect Snow by Professor J. David Pleins
Cover of the book Children's Exodus by Professor J. David Pleins
Cover of the book The Question of Painting by Professor J. David Pleins
Cover of the book The British Army of the Crimea by Professor J. David Pleins
Cover of the book The Fifth Gospel (New Edition) by Professor J. David Pleins
Cover of the book The Royal Navy in the Age of Austerity 1919-22 by Professor J. David Pleins
Cover of the book The Collected Works of Edward Schillebeeckx Volume 8 by Professor J. David Pleins
Cover of the book British Paratrooper vs Fallschirmjäger by Professor J. David Pleins
Cover of the book The Tangier Diaries by Professor J. David Pleins
Cover of the book Viridian by Professor J. David Pleins
Cover of the book Why France Collapsed by Professor J. David Pleins
Cover of the book The Language of Brexit by Professor J. David Pleins
Cover of the book Ausonius: Epigrams by Professor J. David Pleins
We use our own "cookies" and third party cookies to improve services and to see statistical information. By using this website, you agree to our Privacy Policy