Among the Creationists Dispatches from the Anti-Evolutionist Front Line

Why do so many Americans reject the modern theory of evolution? Why does creationism, universally reviled by scientists, retain such popularity among the public? Is the perceived conflict between evolution and Christianity genuine, or is it merely an illusion peculiar to one idiosyncratic form of Protestant fundamentalism? Seeking answers, mathematician Jason Rosenhouse became a regular attendee at creationist conferences and other gatherings. After ten years and several dozen such events he has emerged with a story to tell. It is a story that goes well beyond the usual stereotypes of Bible-thumping fanatics vs. coldly rational scientists. Through anecdotes, personal reflections, and scientific discussion, Rosenhouse presents a more realistic and human picture of modern creationism. More than that, this is the story of one nonbeliever's attempt to understand a major aspect of American religion. Forced to wrestle with his own views about religion and science, God and evolution, Rosenhouse found himself drawn into a world of questions and ideas previously invisible to him. By immersing himself in the culture of creationism he came to a sharper understanding of the reality of science/religion disputes, and how they look to those beyond the ivory tower. Some will find his conclusions disquieting. But regardless of your current opinions on these questions, you will find food for thought in the stories Rosenhouse has to tell.

Jason Rosenhouse is Associate Professor of Mathematics at James Madison University. He is previously the author of The Monty Hall Problem: The Remarkable Story of Math's Most Contentious Brain Teaser and Taking Sudoku Seriously: The Math Behind the World's Most Popular Pencil Puzzle.