"All professions, all work, all activity in the human world finds its essential meaning in the context of a people's cosmic story."
~ Brian Swimme
"The true evolutionary epic, retold as poetry, is as intrinsically ennobling as any religious epic."
~ Edward O. Wilson
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Books, Journals and Videos on the Epic of Evolution
Epic of Evolution
The Epic of Evolution is the grand story of how the universe has evolved. This story includes the evolution of stars and galaxies, of life as well as cultural evolution. |
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This book covers the grand story of our origins from the Big Bang to now. In it, Chaisson covers all ages of evolution, including particle, galactic, stellar, planetary, chemical, biological and cultural epochs of evolution. "We are agents of the universe -- animated, cultural instruments commissioned by the Universe to study itself," writes Chaisson in his hopeful closing chapter.
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The prose in this this book is so elegant and concise that I let the book speak for itself: "To know one's place in the cosmos is to know something of immense spiritual value," writes the author, a professor of Religion and Philosophy at Luther College. He convincingly argues that "Everybody's problem calls for everybody's story." In this book he shows how the Epic of Evolution constructs "a new wisdom tradition that couples an evolutionary cosmology to an ecocentric morality." This book fulfills the author's goal "to inspire grateful service to the enduring promise of life on this planet."
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This book presents a sweeping chronology of the Epic of Evolution. Written by a mathematical cosmologist and a priest, it tells the story of our universe in mythic terms.
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Molecular biologist Sean Carroll combines his wonderful talents of researcher with the gift of storytelling to present a case for biological evolution that answers that mystery: how are new traits formed?. Although Darwin proposed the idea of evolution by natural selection, he did not have the tools of molecular biology to show how variation in DNA arises. Although this book doesn't provide an overview of the entire Epic of Evolution, it is so good at explaining grand biological evolutionary principles that I put it here.
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Wow! In eloquent, easy-to-understand English, this book tells us about the first theory of the universe that may actually be true. This book seeks to reconcile the cosmology of culture with the cosmology of science, to give us a science based explanation of our place in the universe. The authors share their excitement that "human beings can personally connect in a meaningful way to the real cosmos." NPR chose this book as the only science title in their top 10 summer reading list. This book is a classic in its own time. ISBN#1594489149
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This book presents the sweeping epic of biological evolution on Earth. Margulis and Sagan present evidence against the popular (and wrong) notion that survival of the fittest means exclusively survival of the most ruthless. Instead, they write, "Life did not take over the globe by combat, but by networking." In addition, the authors show that symbiosis is a major source of novelty upon which natural selection works. "Symbiosis, the merging of organisms into new collectives, proves to be a major power of change on Earth." This book tells us that we humans are partners with other creatures on the planet, not lords domineering all. Our symbiotic relationships with other creatures is a "symbiotic, cooperative venture in which partners triumph."
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Evolutionary biologist and master storyteller Richard Dawkins tells the epic tale of evolution beginning with humans and moving backwards in time. On this pilgrimage, Dawkins introduces us to our common ancestors at forty "rendezvous points" until we go back billions of years to meet our original ancestor. This rich story about the Epic of Evolution is entertaining, packed with information, and organized in a way that paints a broad picture that makes the story of evolution come alive.
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Teilhard de Chardin, a priest and anthropologist, was one of the first to tell the Epic of Evolution and human's place in this extraordinary unfolding story. |
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This book eloquently recounts personal stories of people involved in telling the Epic of Evolution. In a way, this is the story of the Epic. Among other stories, she tells of biologist Edward O. Wilson, who coined the phrase "Epic of Evolution." This book makes a strong case for an ecological ethic based on the merger of science and religion.
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This book builds on the ideas of Teilhard de Chardin that evolution moves in a direction of ever greater complexity. "The emergence of organisms who are conscious of the direction of evolution is one of the most important steps in the evolution of life on any planet. Once organisms discover the direction of evolution, they can use it to guide their own evolution. If they know where evolution is going, they can work out what will produce success in the future, and use this to plan how they will evolve."
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This eloquently written book blends science, spirituality and philosophy into rich poetic prose. As a cell biologist and a self-described religious naturalist, Goodenough finds joy and solace in science and sees in it the mystery, awe, and purpose that most people find in religion. The author writes about life from the perspectives of a cell biologist and a woman of spirit. For example, on Origins of Life she writes: "I take the concept of miracle and use it not as a manifestation of divine intervention but as the astonishing property of emergence." For Goodenough, the study of evolution provides a feeling of communion with all creatures. For her, acknowledging bloodier invokes a sense of reverence and dependence on all creatures. "We are called to acknowledge our dependency on the web of life both for our subsistence and for countless aesthetic experiences."
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This scientific understanding of the story of our origins helps give meaning to evolution. This book is beautifully illustrated with photos and illustrations. |
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A great handbook that shows our progress through time. Unfortunately, this awesome reference is out of print.
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Her work in microbiology opens a window that lets us view the possibilities for life everywhere, perhaps not just on planet Earth. As author of the endogamous theory, her great contribution to science is evidence that evolution advances by cooperation and symbiosis. |
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Although written as a natural history of alien life, this thoughtful book has much to say about the Epic of Evolution and the origin of our universe. In order to tell us about extraterrestrial life, the author illustrates the history and future of life on our planet. Written by a space scientist, this book presents the notion of Cosmic Evolution, the story that shows we are on a trajectory "toward higher consciousness and spiritual enlightenment that transpires all over this universe." This view acknowledges that without spiritual enlightenment, technology could destroy us first. I
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ASIN: B0001WTWPG
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Biological Evolution
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This companion to the 7-part PBS Evolution series is a well written and beautifully illustrated reference to evolution. Evolution - "A journey into where we're from and where we're going."
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PBS Evolution Series on 4 DVDs
If you get one video series on evolution, this is it. ASIN#B00005RG6J
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This epic tale of evolution begins with humans and moves back in time. On this pilgrimage, Dawkins introduces us to our common ancestors at forty "rendezvous points" until we go back four billion years to meet our original ancestor.
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Anthology with extracts from more than 60 scientific papers. Authors include Stephen Jay Gould, Richard Dawkins, Theodosius Dogbanes, Francis Crick, Jacques Monod and others.
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see review under Teaching Evolution.
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How did the amazing variety of species come into being? Darwin's Origin of Species puts forth a theory of natural selection, but never tells how the variation was created upon which natural selection could work. Many people struggle to understand how the incredible variety of biodiversity can be explained solely by random point mutations. This book shows that random point mutations is not the whole answer. "We believe random mutation is wildly overemphasized as a source of hereditary variation," write the authors. Instead, this book reveals an important and over overlooked mechanism that is essential for understanding evolution. This is the acquisition of genes, which is an essential aspect in the creation of evolutionary novelty. The authors write "We show that here that the major source of inherited variation is not random mutation. Rather the important transmitted variation that leads to evolutionary novelty comes from the acquisition of genomes." I would substitute the word "genes" for genomes since many species arise without acquiring entire genomes. |
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Astonishingly gorgeous and detailed photos of fossils, bones and other artifacts that help tell the story of our human evolution. Wow. Revised and updated in 2006. ISBN#0743280644
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If you love the Prehistoric Journey exhibit at the Denver Museum of Nature and Science and wished you could take it home with you, well now you can. This full-color book contains the dioramas, paintings, and fossils of the exhibit, and more photos, illustrations and detailed information. ISBN#1555915531
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The Beak of the Finch: A Story of Evolution in Our Time by Jonathan Weiner
0679400036
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A great handbook that shows our progress through time. Although out of print, used copies are still available through Amazon.com.
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Her work in microbiology opens a window that lets us view the possibilities for life everywhere, perhaps not just on planet Earth. As author of the endogamous theory, her great contribution to science is evidence that evolution advances by cooperation and symbiosis.
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Biology by Neil Campbell, Jane B. Reese, and Lawrence G. Mitchell
This outstanding biology textbook for college students is permeated with great information about evolution.
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This book explores the evolution of macromolecules and provides reconstruction of evolutionary history of genes and organisms.
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Axelrod uses game theory to show how self interest gives rise to cooperative behavior.
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"Let us understand what our own selfish genes are up to, because we may then at least have the chance to upset their designs, something that no other species have ever aspired to." ~ Richard Dawkins 099291152
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Ancient Denvers: Scenes from the past 300 million years of the Colorado Front Range by Kirk Johnson and Robert G. Raynolds.
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Evolution and Religion
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"Without a meaningful evolutionary worldview it's impossible to understand yourself, your world, or what's needed for humanity to survive and thrive in the coming decades," according to Michael Dowd, author, minister and Evolutionary Evangelist. He and his wife, Connie Barlow, travel the country giving lively and inspiring presentations about the Epic of Evolution to churches, schools and community groups. His enthusiasm for sharing the science of evolution is infectious and easily accessible to all. Although Dowd typically addresses an audience typically neglected by authors of books on evolution - religious folks - his message is based on robust scientific evidence which makes his message particularly insightful and empowering for people of all philosophies. To see additional rave reviews for this book that has been endorsed by 5 Nobel Prize winners, and scores of scientific, religious and other cultural leaders, visit Amazon.com. Released June, 2008. Originally published November 2007. For more information, visit www.ThankGodForEvolution.com.
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This collection of essays is a product of the first major public conference organized by the AAAS Dialogue on Science, Ethics, and Religion. Leaders in their respective fields provide scientific accounts of and philosophical and religious commentaries on evolution from the Big Bang through the evolution of human culture.
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This book is from the American Association for the Advancement of Science Dialogue on Science, Ethics and Religion. With colorful illustrations and in plain language, it presents the ideas that evolution does not necessarily disprove the existence of God. It also presents the point of view that Christianity and evolutionary science may interact in mutually enriching ways. 2006. ISBN 0871687097.
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“If God is truly Almighty, He will hardly be threatened by our puny efforts to understand the workings of His natural world.” I love this book because it gets to the heart of the Epic of Evolution, which is that the truth of our existence lies in the exploration of both science and faith. I appreciate that Collins is explains his path to Christianity, yet allows that other spiritual paths may work well for others. He does a great job of explaining work on DNA and the human genome project. 2006. ISBN#0743286391
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Hallelujah! This book should be a breath of fresh air to all those of faith working in biology departments across the country who hear that evolution proves there is no God. Of course this has never made any sense, despite the loud voices who claim otherwise. It's refreshing to hear a clear voice who presents the opposite view. Both the scientific and the religious world views become one rich tapestry of understanding in this book. Roughgarden doesn't compromise on her faith or on her science. Roughgarden's book is so clear about the most important concepts of biological evolution: that everything is related and that all species change through time. 2006.
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Zygon® focuses on the questions of meaning and values that challenge individual and social existence today. It brings together the best thinking of the day from the physical, biological, and social sciences with ideas from philosophy, theology, and religious studies. The journal's contributors seek to keep united what may often become disconnected: values with knowledge, goodness with truth, religion with science. B00006LE9U |
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Tells the Epic of Evolution from a Christian perspective, building on the process theology of Alfred North Whitehead. The views of evolution are those of the scientific establishment. |
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A cell biologist and Catholic, Miller gives compelling evidence for evolution. For him, the study of evolution is about the study of God. ". . . there might even be a smile on the Creator's face -- that at long last His creatures have learned enough to understand His world as it truly is." |
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Teilhard was the first to show how our lives can be improved through an integration of faith and science-based evolution. |
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This book eloquently recounts personal stories of people involved in telling the Epic of Evolution. In a way, this is the story of the Epic. She begins the second chapter with the biologist Edward O. Wilson, who coined the phrase "Epic of Evolution." This book is a plea for an ecological ethic based on the merger of science and religion.
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See above. |
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Evolutionary Christianity. Dowd has "an integral vision of the Christian faith that honors biblical and traditional understandings, conservative and liberal, while enthusiastically embracing an evolutionary world view."
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PaGaian Cosmology: Re-inventing Earth-based Goddess Religion
by Glenys D Livingstone
"PaGaian Cosmology brings together a religious practice of seasonal ritual based in a contemporary scientific sense of the cosmos and female imagery for the Sacred," according to the web site. This book is also available for free download at: http://pagaian.org.
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In the chapter on "Evolution, Karma, and the World of Sentience," the Dalai Lama writes that evolution is the "conceptual underpinning of modern biology." |
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Chapter Four of this book, "Creation: What Every Pagan Should Know About Evolution" is a beautiful and succinct overview of biological evolution that stresses the cooperative nature of evolution. |
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Beautiful images from the Hubble telescope with quotations convey the connection between science and religion.
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This book chronicles the evolution of human consciousness in light of the science of the Epic of Evolution. |
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ISBN: 1557788367
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Teaching Evolution
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Investigating Evolutionary Biology in the Laboratory: A complete guide for enhancing laboratory instruction. Edited by William F. McComas. 2006.
The abundant and clearly illustrated evidence book will convince anyone still uncertain about the theory of evolution by natural selection. Published in 2006, this thoughtful book offers more than a large collection of laboratory experiences that examine the evidence for evolution. This book addresses the philosophical, historical and cognitive challenges that students might have in learning about evolution. This is a great resource - like having expert advice on teaching evolution from the 35 or so contributing authors. They include such details as where to get supplies. This is among my favorites because it provides concrete evidence for evolution from many separate disciplines.
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Curriculum guide for 5th - 8th grade students. Gives detailed instructions for creating an aquarium and a terrarium that show what life was like during different times on Earth.
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This book contains concise chapters that give an excellent overview of evolution as well as several chapters of activities for middle-school students.
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Lots of great activities with clear directions and good illustrations for activities for students in grades 5-8. ISBN#9780873552721
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Although it doesn't directly discuss evolution, this book for middle school students provides an overview of the diversity of life on Earth. ISBN# 0132255901
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Epic of Evolution for Kids
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This beautifully illustrated book, for kids of all ages, shows how we are related to all life through our DNA.
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1584690852
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Lots of activities for kids.
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The Cartoon History of the Universe
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This books uses humor, fun illustrations, and interesting details to tell about life during the Carboniferous and Permian. Among other great illustrations, it includes a colorful and winding timeline of life on earth. ISBN #079226326X
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Another great DK book with lots of pictures and information on fossils. ISBN#0756606829
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Almost as zany and even more informative than the TV shows, this book is packed with simple and engaging activities to try at home. ISBN#0786805420
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Walking with Prehistoric Beasts - 0789478293
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This fun and educational book gives detailed instructions on how to create your very own miniature T-Rex skeleton. ISBN #0060952814
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This nicely illustrated, detailed book asks and answers 99 questions about the evolution and fate of dinosaurs. Published 1991. ISBN #0670840556
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Future of Evolution
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Teilhard was the first to show how our lives can be improved through an integration of faith and science-based evolution.
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Evolution moves in a direction of ever greater cooperation and adaptability. "The emergence of organisms who are conscious of the direction of evolution is one of the most important steps in the evolution of life on any planet. Once organisms discover the direction of evolution, they can use it to guide their own evolution. If they know where evolution is going, they can work out what will produce success in the future, and use this to plan how they will evolve."
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Evolutionary Psychology
Understanding the Epic of Evolution has lead to major advances in how people understand themselves and each other. A relatively new field of Evolutionary Psychology helps people understand and successfully overcome many psychological roadblocks.
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Mean Genes: From Sex to Money to Food: Taming Our Primal Instincts by Terry Burnham and Jay Phelan
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Train Your Mind, Change Your Brain: How a New Science Reveals Our Extraordinary Potential to Transform Ourselves by Sharon Begley
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A General Theory of Love
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Biology of Belief
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The Moral Animal
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Other
Life on Earth by David Attenborough (1979) - chronological story of life
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