Starting with the premise of a "narrative drive" in human nature as the primary mechanism for how we come to terms, if not understanding, with what we observe, philosophy and religious studies professor Loyal Rue sets forth a quite aesthetically pleasing argument that the story of evolution (radiant energy to matter to atoms to molecules to life to consciousness), offers a truthful and spiritually nourishing epic that not only instructs us on "how things are" but also "what things matter." And just so that you understand "everybody's story," he quite succintly lays out the evolutionary epic from the "big bang" on in language and depth that should not intimidate anyone with the most modest scientific literacy.

Explaining that as many of the propositions and explanations offered to us by the traditional "wisdom traditions" that emanated from the Axial period (Hindu, Buddhist, Christian, Zorasterism,...) have either not stood up to the light of scientific investigations or no longer comport to the realities of the modern human condition, the author supports his contention that the story of evolution, unlike many of the old "wisdom traditions", has the power to unify all of humanity and strengthen both natural and social systems. (Think of the death and enviromental destruction that has occurred over the centuries under the moral guidance of these old wisdom traditions - it would be hard to do much worse!). And regardless of what explanation you find emotionally or intellectually attractive regarding the creation, the author argues that the story of evolution still stands.

Moral guidance is an essential function of any wisdom tradition. The author shows us just how an objective morality is to be found in the "story of evolution." A morality that I found simple, penetrating, broad in scope, and exceedingly useful to man's future prospects.

I've personally felt that everyone should find a belief system that satisfies their own emotional, spiritual and intellectual needs. I'm not here to proselytize nor do I care what a person chooses as long as it's benign and tolerant (remember, they're "belief", not "knowledge" systems). But if you're more of an epiricist and find what is continually being revealed to us by science (an open and democratic investigative process subject to severe critical review) as more attractive than the old mythologies and religions for explaining "how things are," you're going to really enjoy this book.


Incisive--not to miss   December 23, 1999
 25 out of 26 found this review helpful

I don't have time to write at length, but I want to say that this book is another example of Rue's lucid thinking and incisive statement of issues. He captures perfectly the critical need today for re-shaping the basic myths we live by, and he also manages to map one of the most important parts of the territory in which religion and science and interact. Even readers who disagree with Rue's own resolution of the issues will find this book essential reading.