CONTENT

Introduction: p. 11
Why write this book? p. 11
Overview p. 17

Chapter I: Universal Evolution p. 24
Section 1: Physical evolution p. 24
Biological evolution p. 28
Darwinism: Variation and selection,
the causation of organismic evolution p. 32
Expanded neo-Darwinism p. 35
Is the neo-Darwinistic view how evolution works materialistic? p. 40
The phenomenon of emergence p. 44
The evolution of new genetic programs p. 47
Mechanisms in genetic complexification p. 49
The evolution of developmental programs p. 52
Is evolution goal-oriented? p. 57
Post-Darwinism p. 66 Section 2: The evolution of societies
Natural selection and society p. 75
The evolution of altruism p. 77
Hominid evolution p. 86
The evolution of art, ceremonies, and religion p. 95
The evolution of morality
Group selection p. 105
The strengthening of group identity p. 107
The emergence of the Golden Rule p. 113
The root of the Golden Rule p. 114

Chapter II: From Morality and Natural Religion to Christianity
Summary p. 116
Adam and Eve, sin and guilt p.116
The revelation of Christianity p. 119
The history of salvation and the history of the world p. 121
Eternity and time in the Old Testament p. 126
Eternity and time in the New Testament p. 131
Fragments of a Christian theodicy p. 139
Deism?
Theism?
God and the experience of evil p. 144
If God has conquered evil, why is there still evil in the world? p.145
Conclusion p. 147

Chapter III: Synthesis, the Creative Cause in Evolution and Art
Summary p. 149
Our mind, a creation of nature p. 154
Complex simplicity, the structure of art p. 161
The emergence of polyphonic music p. 168
Does art evolve? p. 171
Description of nine paintings by Vasily Kandinsky p. 177
Conclusion Synthesis, the creative principle in cosmogenesis and art. p. 187

Chapter IV: The Word of God in Creation and in the Eucharist. p. 192
Summary
God and nature p. 192
Holy Scripture and the Book of Nature p. 197
Universal evolution and God's plan of salvation p. 199
God and creation: faith seeking understanding p. 203
Conclusion p. 207

References: p. 210

Index: p. 212

Credits: p. 232

 

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