As a Pentecostal, I am deeply troubled by Collins’ book. It is not a matter of him being wrong; rather, he boldly dives into what I consider one of the most significant battles between faith and science: evolution.
Unlike many who speak and write on the topic, the author considers it plausible to hold a biblical view of creation while accepting the mechanics of that view to be evolution. Of course, in order to do so, he has to carefully define biblical creation. In Collins’ understanding, evolution is the marvelous mechanism by which God created all life, including humanity. While he allows that there is something unique about humanity, especially in our moral character, his synthesis of the two competing worldviews is weak at best. The integration of scientific evidence with religious beliefs is a complex and contentious issue that has sparked intense debates in the realm of theology and science. Despite the challenges, Collins presents a thought-provoking perspective that seeks to bridge the gap between faith and scientific understanding, encouraging further exploration and dialogue on this intricate and profound topic.
The book is worth reading. If you are of the Evangelical Conservative persuasion, it is guaranteed to rattle you a bit, but I would encourage you to think through the challenges Collins presents. While this may not be the last word on the matter, the questions it raises must be confronted.