Everybody's Story: Wising Up to the Epic of Evolution

This work presents a comprehensive naturalistic worldview centered on the scientific narrative of cosmic and biological evolution as humanity's new unifying myth. Rue argues that the epic of evolution—from the Big Bang through the emergence of galaxies, stars, planets, life, and consciousness—constitutes the most compelling and empirically grounded story available for understanding human existence and purpose. He contends that this scientific narrative should replace traditional religious cosmologies as the foundation for human meaning-making and ethical orientation.

The author develops his argument through an interdisciplinary synthesis drawing from cosmology, evolutionary biology, neuroscience, and comparative mythology. Rue examines how the evolutionary epic reveals humanity's deep continuity with all life forms and the cosmos itself, arguing that recognizing this kinship generates both intellectual coherence and emotional resonance necessary for a viable worldview. He explores how this narrative addresses perennial human concerns about origins, identity, purpose, and destiny without recourse to supernatural explanations.

Central to Rue's thesis is the claim that traditional theistic narratives have lost credibility in light of scientific discoveries and can no longer serve as effective organizing myths for contemporary civilization. He critiques religious worldviews as intellectually obsolete while acknowledging their historical role in providing meaning and social cohesion. The work engages with religious naturalists like Ursula Goodenough and Michael Dowd, positioning itself within broader conversations about finding spiritual significance within naturalistic frameworks.

Rue examines the implications of adopting the evolutionary epic as a guiding narrative, arguing it can foster environmental responsibility, global solidarity, and realistic hope for humanity's future. He addresses potential objections that naturalistic worldviews lead to nihilism or moral relativism, maintaining instead that understanding our evolutionary heritage provides robust grounds for ethics and meaning. The author explores how educational institutions, cultural practices, and even reimagined religious communities might propagate this scientific story as a wisdom tradition.

The work's significance lies in its ambitious attempt to construct a comprehensive naturalistic alternative to theistic worldviews, offering not merely philosophical arguments against traditional religion but a positive vision for human flourishing grounded in scientific understanding. Rue's project represents an important contribution to debates about whether naturalistic worldviews can adequately address existential and spiritual human needs typically associated with religious frameworks.