Dembski’s “The Design Revolution”
First of all, I am now back from a recent trip where I enjoyed some much needed rest and relaxation. So, back to the blog. I have just finished reading The Design Revolution by William A. Dembski. I have shared a few thoughts along the way in previous blogs. I thought I might offer a quick review of the book at this point.
Dembski, of course, is in the forefront of the Intelligent Design movement. He holds a Ph.D. in mathematics and philosophy, as well as degrees in statistics, theology, and psychology. This book approaches ID from a perspective of answering objections offered by its opponents. Each chapter proposes a question and then answers it in a complete, concise manner. It is a thorough work and a good resource for anyone interested in Intelligent Design. He addresses many issues, philosophical and scientific. His arguments are powerful and well-reasoned. Although most of this book can be enjoyed and understood by most anyone, there are some chapters which may be difficult for someone without a background in science or math.
Dembski presents a convincing argument for a new (actually old) paradigm for science. Here are his own words contained at the close of the preface:
But visions endure only so long as they can be grounded in reality. The Darwinian vision of life is fast losing touch with reality and specifically with the design that pervades the world at the biochemical level — a world about which Darwin knew nothing. As with all dying paradigms, Darwinism’s old guard will not, to paraphrase Dylan Thomas, go gently into that good night. Count on them to rage against the dying light. Notwithstanding, the Darwinian vision is on the way out, to be replaced by a new vision that captures our imagination and at the same time is grounded in reality. Intelligent Design is that new vision.