From Genesis to Genetics.. The Case of Evolution and Creationism

John Moore's "From Genesis to Genetics: The Case of Evolution and Creationism" (2002) offers a comprehensive intellectual history of the evolution-creationism controversy, examining how this debate has shaped broader discussions about God, science, and human origins. Moore traces the historical development of both evolutionary theory and creationist responses, situating this conflict within the larger framework of science-religion dialogue that has persisted since Darwin's era.

The monograph employs an intellectual-historical methodology to analyze how both evolutionists and creationists have constructed their arguments over time. Moore examines the transformation of creationist thought from nineteenth-century natural theology through twentieth-century scientific creationism to contemporary intelligent design theory. Simultaneously, he tracks how evolutionary biologists have addressed religious challenges, revealing the complex interplay between scientific discovery and theological interpretation. His analysis demonstrates that neither side operates in intellectual isolation; rather, each position has evolved in response to the other's claims.

Moore engages significantly with design arguments, showing how traditional teleological reasoning has adapted to incorporate modern scientific language while maintaining its core theological commitments. He explores how intelligent design proponents attempt to identify empirical markers of divine action in nature, contrasting these efforts with mainstream biology's methodological naturalism. The work also addresses naturalistic explanations of religion, examining how evolutionary theorists have sought to explain religious belief itself as an adaptive phenomenon, thereby challenging the epistemic foundations of theological claims.

The book's contribution to the God debate lies in its balanced treatment of how scientific and religious communities navigate questions of ultimate causation and purpose. Moore reveals that the evolution-creationism controversy extends beyond narrow scientific disputes to encompass fundamental disagreements about epistemology, the nature of explanation, and the relationship between empirical observation and metaphysical commitment. He demonstrates that both evolutionists and creationists often import philosophical assumptions into their ostensibly scientific arguments, complicating any simple resolution to their conflict.

Moore's work matters because it illuminates how the evolution-creationism debate serves as a crucial battleground for broader questions about God's existence and action in the world. By providing historical perspective on these contemporary disputes, he helps readers understand why certain arguments persist despite repeated refutation and how scientific theories become entangled with religious and anti-religious worldviews. His analysis reveals that resolving the God question requires addressing not merely empirical evidence but also the interpretive frameworks through which such evidence is understood.