Thank God for Evolution : How the Marriage of Science and Religion Will Transform Your Life and Our World (Hardcover)

A movement has been growing over the past few decades that takes our shared creation story as revealed by science as the basis for an inspiring and meaningful view of our place in the Universe, individually and collectively. Reverend Michael Dowd, "North America's Evolutionary Evangelist," is at the forefront of this movement.

"Thank God for Evolution!" presents in a lively and accessible manner the reasons why it is now possible to view evolution as a spiritual process; how current science shows that evolution is not meaningless blind chance; practical methods for using evolutionary insights to achieve greater personal fulfillment; and how following 14-billion-year evolutionary trends can guide activists and others hoping to make our world a better place. As a Christian minister, Dowd especially addresses the concerns that Christians have about evolution, but this book contains insights that will appeal to all people of faith and of no faith. Fun and uplifting, Thank God for Evolution! goes beyond the current debate to offer up a whole new way of thinking about science and religion.

"Michael Dowd and his wife, Connie Barlow, have committed their lives to showing that you can be a true Darwinian and a truly spiritual person" -- Robert Wright, author of "The Moral Animal"

"That evolution is a divine force has not been well appreciated, or articulated, up till now." -- Kevin Kelly, Wired magazine Editor-at-Large

"For Catholics who are worried that evolution has nothing to offer them but random Godlessness, this is the book to get." -- Chris Corbally, S.J., Vice Director, Vatican Observatory

"Thank God for Michael Dowd and his passionate, purposeful integration of evolutionary science with revelation." -- Vicki Robin, co-author of "Your Money or Your Life"

"Michael Dowd's 'Thank God For Evolution!' eloquently argues that the bitter conflict between Darwinism and religion is completely unnecessary." -- Peter J. Richerson, Distinguished Professor, Department of Environmental Science and Policy, University of California Davis

"This is a truly original book at the near edge of a deeply hopeful future." -- Tom Atlee, author of "The Tao of Democracy"

"Everyone concerned with the deepest questions of science, religion, who we are, and our place in the Universe absolutely should read this book!" -- Jack Semura, Theoretical Physicist, Portland State University

"[Dowd's] message is open to all faiths, including those who reject faith, and it is a message that is vital for the 21rst century." -- Richard Sosis, Professor, Department of Anthropology, University of Connecticut and Hebrew University of Jerusalem

"This powerful and comprehensive book provides the basis for a new conversation about the relationship between reason and faith, science and spirituality." -- Juanita Brown and David Isaacs, Co-Originators, The World Cafe

"With the passion of a revival preacher, and with grounding in mainstream evolution, Dowd has written a visionary book." -- Rev. Jim Burklo, pastor of Sausalito (CA) Presbyterian Church and author of "Open Christianity"

"The re-visioning of world religions to reflect a cosmic evolutionary perspective is part of a great evolutionary event on our planet--the emergence of conscious evolution" -- John Stewart, author of "Evolution's Arrow: The Direction of Evolution and the Future of Humanity"

"'Thank God for Evolution!' is a seminal work." -- Barbara Marx Hubbard, President, Foundation for Conscious Evolution

"This is a book to read and re-read, but also to share with others and discuss." -- Jim Schenk, editor of "What Does God Look Like in an Expanding Universe?"

"Integrating breakthrough ideas from evolutionary psychology, neuroscience, physics, and evolutionary biology, Dowd makes a compelling case for why the spiritual and religious impulse is not erased but profoundly enriched by our ever-expanding knowledge of self, nature, and cosmos." -- Carter Phipps, Executive Editor, What Is Enlightenment? magazine

"As a pastor, I know the temptation may be to continue in a divided house--evolution versus religion--but Dowd skillfully redefines the terms of the relationship, creating hope and practical ways to awaken to the future of living as part of an integrated family that can tackle the challenges of today." -- Spencer Burke, creator of TheOOZE.com, a leading progressive evangelical website, and former mega-church pastor