(2005-06-22) Ruse Evolution Vs Religion

Review of The Evolution-Creation Struggle (Creationism) by Michael Ruse. Then there is the debate about the "methodological Naturalism" that for purposes of scientific investigation restricts explanations to findings about material nature. Does "methodological naturalism" lead inexorably to a "metaphysical naturalism" holding that material nature is in fact the whole of reality? Professor Ruse says no. But he acknowledges that the slippery slope is there. And "though many evolutionists may themselves be willing to make the slide," he writes, "they should not be surprised when others, seeing a slippery slope from methodological naturalism to metaphysical naturalism, stop themselves at the top of the hill."... He entertains hope that Christian and atheistic evolutionists can unite in defense of the "huge overlap" in their scientific positions and in their commitment to a "postmillennial philosophy" of human progress. bah humbug