Larry Witham: Journalist and Author

“Witham knows when to pick up the narrative pace and when to slow down for delicious detail.”—Publishers Weekly

“The sermon is America’s characteristic form of speech, and this book is a brilliant exposition of that form.”—Peter Gomes, author of The Good Book

“An important study worthy of a place in all libraries.”—Library Journal

“A first-rate history of religion in America. … This excellent and provocative book will reward readers in ways they can hardly foresee.”—Edwin Gaustad, co-author of The Religious History of America

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“From the Victorian era to the present, the Gifford Lectures in Scotland in natural theology have been a uniquely prestigious forum for conversations about faith and reason, attracting many of the 20th-century's biggest names in theology, philosophy and history, as well as the natural and social sciences. Witham, a science journalist, develops the story of the lectures into a cameo history of modern ideas about God. … an impressive range of material.”—Publishers Weekly (starred review).

“[A]n ideal framework on which to hang a portrait of the touchy relationship between science and religion in the modern age. Witham has written a popular intellectual history commendable for its engaging style, thorough research, and neutral stance. Highly recommended.”—Library Journal

"[This] book aims to answer the question: is ordained ministry in American Protestant and Catholic circles in a state of 'crisis,' or simply facing up to the challenge of living in 'very interesting times?' … Witham terms his work a “descriptive look at ministerial variety,” and it certainly lives up to that billing.”—Publishers Weekly

“A perceptive and informative book on a part of the culture that is enormously consequential for believers and nonbelievers alike.”—New York Sun

“A balanced and nuanced view of several key aspects of contemporary ministry. … The direction ministry takes will have an effect on millions of churchgoers, and so Witham’s work is both valuable and timely.”—Library Journal

“Witham’s fine study still finds much to say that is new, fresh, and strictly contemporary.”—Philip Jenkins, author of The Next Christendom

“This wonderfully engaging book is about much more than the facts and figures of clergy life. Larry Witham uses the experiences and voices of clergy as a lens through which to interpret the main themes, controversies, and challenges facing American religion.” — Robert Wuthnow, author of America and the Challenges of Religious Diversity

“Witham surveys the ongoing dialogue between scientists and theologians about the relationship between science and religion. Drawing on interviews with key partners in the conversation, Witham provides a helpful guide to the major issues in this dialogue." —Publishers Weekly

“[I]nvites nonspecialists to scrutinize the central tenets of this new-style science and to reflect upon the social effects of a growing dialogue about this science sponsored by such institutions as the Vatican and the Templeton Foundation. A very helpful guide for readers trying to make sense of the science-religion debates breaking out anew on college campuses and in state legislatures.”—Booklist

“Witham’s impeccable reportage, his erudite analysis and his ability to synthesize complex and nuanced strains of thought all make this book an invaluable roadmap of the evolution-creation controversy in America.”—Publishers Weekly

“Drawing on his personal interviewing and impressive research, journalist Witham examines the contentious battles over the origin of life forms on this planet between creationists and evolutionists in the United States. … Engaging, challenging, and informative”—Library Journal

“A virtual playbill that describes the principal actors in this modern passion play. … [T]he author, an experienced journalist, weaves the isolated elements of the conflict into a fabric that connects the flow of ideas, events, and politics. Any scientist tempted to believe that the major figures in the anti-evolution movement are half-hearted, insincere, or simply opportunistic in their assault against mainstream science would do well to read this book. Witham's most valuable insights come in the area of politics.” —Science

“Where Darwin Meets the Bible is the best one-stop account of who’s who (and what’s what) in the creation-evolution conflict.” —Charles Haynes, Senior Scholar, First Amendment Center

“[P]rovides a treasure trove of information about recent discussions of creation, evolution, and intelligent design.” —The Journal of Religion

“An invaluable resource for those seeking to understand the complex and often divisive debate over the legitimacy of Darwinian evolution...the new standard introduction for those interested in familiarizing themselves with contemporary critiques of evolutionary theory, but wary of the propagandist tendencies of many recent popular texts.”—Religious Studies Review

Journalist Witham takes a reporter’s neutral stance in order to examine beliefs held by various participants in the creation- evolution debate. Drawing upon personal interviews with people on both sides of the controversy (as well as those holding the middle ground), he analyzes the strengths and weaknesses of their arguments.—Book News