Includes bibliographical references (pages 277-286) and index.

Introduction : what's the fuss? -- Looking up to God or the cosmos -- The Tao of physics and other big ideas -- The brain, the mind, and the soul -- Rock, fossil, God -- Darwinism and belief -- The evolution of humanity -- Sex and gender -- Eugenics, genetics, and playing God -- Living on earth -- Bibliographic essay : where to look from here.

"Throughout history, scientific discovery has interacted with religious belief, creating comment, controversy, and sometimes violent dispute. In this enlightening and accessible volume, distinguished historian and Pulitzer Prize-winning author Edward Larson joins forces with Michael Ruse, philosopher of science and Gifford Lecturer, to offer distinctive perspectives on the sometimes contentious, sometimes conciliatory, and always complex relationship between science and religion. The authors explore how scientists, philosophers, and theologians through time approached vitally important topics, including cosmology, geology, evolution, genetics, neurobiology, gender, and the environment. Broaching their subjects from both historical and philosophical perspectives and taking a global, cross-cultural approach, Larson and Ruse avoid rancor and polemic as they address many of the core issues currently under debate by the adherents of science and the advocates of faith. In so doing, they shed new light on the richly diverse field of ideas at the crossroads where science meets spiritual belief"--Dust jacket.