Science is the supreme authority in society. If there is a
dispute, science arbitrates it. If a law is to be passed, science must
ratify it. If truth is to be taught, science must approve it. And when
science is ignored, storms of protest are heard in the media, the university
and local coffee shops.
Yet a society ruled by science (and the naturalistic
philosophy that undergirds much of it) faces major problems. Science speaks
so authoritatively in our culture that many are tempted to use its clout to
back claims that go beyond the available evidence. How can we spot when such
ideological sleight of hand has taken place?
More importantly, while we may learn a great deal from
science, it does not offer us unlimited knowledge. In fact, most scientists
readily acknowledge that it cannot deal with ultimate purposes and meaning
in life. So to what authority will we turn for these? The deficiencies in
science and naturalism call for a cognitive revolution, a fundamental change
in our worldview and thinking habits. And it all begins with the Wedge of
truth.
The Wedge of truth does not abandon a foundation of rational
thought but acknowledges that reason encompasses more than science can
provide. Johnson wants to put back on the table for public debate issues
that have often been ruled out of court. In splitting the foundations of
naturalism, Johnson analyzes the latest debates about science and evolution.
He incisively pinpoints philosophical assumptions and counters the
objections to intelligent design raised by its most recent critics. In the
end, Johnson prophetically concludes that the walls of naturalism will fall
and that the Christian gospel must play a vital role in building a new
foundation for thinking--not just about science and religion but about
everything that gives human life hope and meaning. This is a book for anyone
who thinks these foundational questions are important and who would like to
be an informed participant in the ensuing public debate.
Review:
"As you read this book, look to the evidence and breathe
the fresh intellectual air that nourishes genuinely opened minds." Dallas
Willard