This is an excellent summary of a very controversial topic in biology today. The author’s purpose is to provide information for high school and college students and teachers on this controversy. The material is complete and even handed, although it is clearly pro-evolution.
The first few chapters provide background on the nature of science, the theory of evolution, the principles of creationism and intelligent design, and the nature of religion. These chapters are factual, descriptive, and void of judgment. Part two of the text analyzes the controversy, from Darwin through the Scopes trial. It discusses the beginning of creation science, intelligent design, and recent court cases and situations. The final sections of the book are specific contentions of creationism and the scientific perspective on these statements. Issues of cosmology, biology, legality, education, and religion itself are all discussed.
This book is a fair, balanced, and comprehensive look at the issue of evolution vs. creationism in this country and is highly recommended for teachers and pre-service biology teachers. The best use of this book is for teachers' professional development. I recommend this book to all biology teachers, but I would not place it in my school library without some pause. There are sufficient controversial topics that come up to create a lightning rod for parents to attack. I would use sections with care with high school students.