Evolutionary and Molecular Biology: Scientific Perspectives on Divine Action

This collection of twenty-two research papers explores the creative interaction between evolutionary and molecular biology, philosophy, and theology. It is the result of the third of five international research conferences co-sponsored by the Vatican Observatory, Rome and the Center for Theology and the Natural Sciences, Berkeley. The over arching goal of these conferences is to support the engagement of constructive theology with the natural sciences and to investigate the philosophical and theological elements in ongoing theoretical research in the natural sciences. Contents: An extensive introduction (Robert John Russell), two recent statements on evolution and Christian faith by Pope John Paul II, and an interpretive essay by the Director of the Observatory, George V. Coyne, S. J., Section One: Scientific Background -- evolutionary and molecular biology (Francisco J Ayala and Camilo J. Cela-Conde) and the possibility of the evolution of extraterrestrial life (Julian Chela-Flores); Section Two: Evolution and Divine Action -- philosophical analyses of teleology in light of biology from the perspectives of a scientist (Francisco J. Ayala) and a theologian (Wesley J. Wildman), assessments of the evidence for teleology by scientists (Paul Davies and William R. Stroeger), and theological arguments on divine action and evolution focusing on special providence (Robert John Russell) and on process theism (Charles Birch).