If the title of the book was like the title of my review, I would give the book 5 stars. I found the Biology and biography part of the book interesting. But the problem is that this book's proclaimed purpose does not match with its contents. It is about what the evolutionary biology and how to educate people about it, not really appealing to anyone to participate in saving the life except calling that someone as a pastor. Why pretending to appeal to someone when you insult them? Protecting the complexity of the ecosystem is something that those who value lives accept without the biological reasoning. I read this book expecting a good scientist arguing it with some valuable insights into other party's position (in this case, pastors) and thereby motivating them to join the force achieving the greater good despite of fundamental differences in opinions(?).

Be honest.

I can't imagine a great pastor writing a book titled as my review and starting the first page with "Dear Biologist", and then forwarding with how the Biology sucks, why the creation makes more spiritual senses, how to educate the general public about the Creation without boring them, and finally how great spiritual leaders the author met in the seminary. And in between the pastor says "By the way, we have to take care of this great evolution and its complexity." If any pastor wrote such a book, I could not call the pastor great in the good conscience.

Read this book if you are interested in the biology, especially the evolutionary biology and its education for the general public. Don't read it if you are looking for a insightful argument for the cooperation between the science and religion for the common great goal.

Thanks for writing this book. It was truly inspiration for me. I don't write many reviews so I'm going to make this short and sweet. I'm about to start my last semester of college and will soon be receiving my B.A. in Psychology. However, I had no idea what I wanted to do with it afterwards.

Typically students try to go to grad school, but I didn't know what field interested me enough to devote two more years too. Then I read this book and heard of Environmental Psychology. I've always been fascinated by our surroundings. How our natural and artificial environments affect who we are as people. In "The Creation", Wilson not only informs the reader that there IS a field of psychology that studies just that, but that many many studies have been done within that field and he mentions plenty.

So thank you Mr. Wilson for writing this book and inspiring me to further my education! This is the only book of yours I have read, but it is certainly not the last. I can't say I will agree with everything you have to say as I learn more about your ideas and theories, but I know for a fact you hold these evidence-supported-ideas and theories with great confidence and passion for your subject and your species, which is DESPERATELY needed today.

Dr Wilson is a master at explaining, in layman's terms, why we need to take care of the whole Earth, not just those organisms that are directly useful to people. This book should be required reading for all high school and college students.

I like Wilson's view that science and faith can and should try to meet on common ground. I didn't get the feeling that Wilson is a racist, misogynist, or eugenicist, as has been alleged by others--just a helluva biologist! I found it fascinating that the total weight of all of the ants is as much as that of all of the humans. Also interesting is the % of undiscovered species, from which so many advances in medicine are waiting to be found.No Time To Kill
Bruce A. Roth
Daisy Alliance
www.daisyalliance.org

Short and straight to the point:

This book may be good as an introduction to conservation and what mainstream biologists think of it. It is nice to read and the concepts are easy to get. Since it is not an expensive book i recommend you to buy.

The downside is that failed "atheism public relations" approach Dr. Wilson tries. If you change the words science and reason for phisicalism then you can really understand what he is saying to the (imaginary?) Pastor, which, in a few words is: "I respect you, but the things you believe are irrational." Is it really respect? He finishes with the played out arguments against Intelligent Design, a subject apparently he knows nothing of. Filter this and you will be fine.

A very readable book written by a leading scientist. Wilson makes an effort to appeal to the conservative religious community by identifying his past association with it. He presents compelling reasons for his thesis that we need to work together to save the planet. He may well lose his religious audience when he declares his views about how the earth was created. Excellent book.

Speedy shipment, order came brand new just as described! Would do business with again!

Speedy shipment, order came brand new just as described! Would do business with again!

Not a lot to say other than I really enjoyed the book and it was a fun fast read.

This book is a plea for cooperation on environmental concerns between scientists and religious leaders. It is styled as a letter to a (presumably imaginary) Southern Baptist Pastor - apparently a reference to the pastors of Wilson's own Christian childhood - but this appears to be a gimmick which even the author soon tires of.

Wilson believes there should be cooperation between scientists and religious leaders on environmental issues. This is all very well, but I suspect that most people of my acquaintance would accept this without question. Is it really worth writing another book about?

I don't mean to trivialise Wilson's concern. I agree that ecological problems are extremely important, and that in the past they have been sorely neglected. As a matter of fact, I have spent a significant part of the last thirty years educating young people about the disastrous effects of habitat destruction and introduced species on environments, particularly the fragile environments of my own country.

Nor do I mean to imply that the book is useless. I admit that I had not really thought sufficiently about the problems of freshwater ecology before reading it, nor was I aware of the magnitude of the SLIMES (subterranean lithoautotrophic microbial ecosystems).

However, I notice that a search on Amazon using the term "Ecology" reveals more than 140 000 books, and while I admit to being completely unfamiliar with well over 99.9% of these, most of those that I have looked at reveal at least some concerns similar to Wilson's. I can also say that in my experience, similar environmental concerns form a significant part of both Geography and Science curricula at primary, secondary and tertiary levels.

Wilson seems to imply that religious ministers should be as concerned about extinctions and endangered species as about theology. As an Australian Catholic, I have no experience with Southern Baptist pastors, but it is my observation that a great many religious ministers are already more worried about ecology than about their own subject. So I can see little point in this book being written.

As an aside, I wonder what would be the response if someone wrote a book arguing that ecologists should give more concern to theological problems.

Biologist and humanist E. O. Wilson's use of the religious symbol of creation reminds us that it is a continuing process and not something that was completed in the first chapter of Genesis. His forging of an alliance between science and religion implements the theme of his earlier book "Consilience: The Unity of Knowledge."

There is consilience in the way that science's "how" complements religion's "why." Wilson eloquently describes the beautiful harmony of contrasts evident in the multitude of species that occupy so many ecological niches. There is also a multitude of religious beliefs that provide meaning and purpose for the diversity of cultures and traditions. Wilson passionately pleads for the communities of religion and science to cooperate in saving our planet.

I heard a sermon based on this book at my church and bought a copy at the book table after the service. Like me, the eminent biologist Wilson is a secular humanist. Unlike me, Wilson has made study and thought about nature his life's work. In "The Creation" he appeals to fundamental Christians (as one of which he was raised) to consider the commonality of their beliefs--that the miracle of creation, whether created by God in seven days, or evolved after the Big Bang over a period of billions of years, is something worth saving. He goes on to demonstrate how humans, the supposed lords of the earth, depend of the rest of the nature for their continued existence.

Wilson's sincere attempt to bridge the gap between religion and science is much appreciated by a reader like me who tries to stay grounded in both worlds. My religious tradition, Unitarian-Universalism, calls the concept described by Wilson as the "interdependent web of life". It's heartening to read some real structure to add to that foundation. I also will follow with interest his effort to create an on-line Encyclopedia of Life (http://www.eol.org/). A prototype edition is due out in mid-2008. Wilson also offers ideas on how biology should be taught to develop a generations of citizen environmentalists who can each do their part in this civilization-saving work. After I read this book, I contacted my daughter's high school biology teacher. To my delight, she responded that Wilson was her hero, and that she assigned another of his books to her advanced placement class.

Whether you come at the subject from the scientific or religious perspective, or from somewhere in between, you'll gain a broad perspective on the issue of global sustainability and mankind's role in the struggle. Highly recommended to all readers--middle school on up--even a 5th or 6th grader with a strong interest in nature could enjoy and learn from Wilson's short but powerful book.

I've seen E.O. Wilson talk, and he is a great and brilliant man. So, I deceided to read the book. As a environmental microbial ecologist, the book is very simple and straightforward. Though, from the view of an uneducated reader, this book offers the chance for individuals to actually make a difference. Though the book does bring in references for the religious, (which is easily understandable) Wilson offers a chance for the individual to make a real difference rather than waiting for God, or nature to make the difference for us.

'"The Creation" represents Ed Wilson's writing at once at its simplest and yet most magnificent. I read it with approximately the same sense of urgency as that with which I jump off railroad tracks when I hear a train whistle. My sense of urgency is similar to that with which I have read half a dozen of Wilson's previous books--generated by the remote sense that I had very much wanted to write such if I were a decent writer myself. This is not said to detract in the least from Wilson's vision, method or perspicacity. He and I have indeed shared many of the same greatest friends and parallel experiences, but Ed Wilson has gone on to participate in true scholarship and refined education, while I have gone my own much lesser way.

More than that, we have both watched the ascendancy of molecular studies TO THE TRAGIC DETRIMENT OF environmental and field studies for over forty years; watched with growing anxiety the developing gap between what was NEEDED from field studies to make adequate societal decisions and what was available financially to provide such information. We have both watched, helpless, while education in natural history has been eroded by the molecular imperative--based solely on the notion that (now that scientists admit that biology is all reducible to chemistry and physics) all society really needs to teach in our colleges is chemistry and physics! Absurd notion when first stated in 1963 by Jim Watson (Harvard, pers com), and equally preposterous in 2006 at Wilson's writing. I personally and repeatedly have tried to disabuse several molecular biologists of this egotistic fantasy, but obviously to no avail.

As a scholar, Ed Wilson stands uniquely able to bridge the gap between religious conservatism and scientific conservation. Raised a Baptist in Alabama, he correctly has identified the deeply rooted spiritual connections between the naturalist, loving and studying nature, and the nature-connected religious fundamentalist. Speaking at once informed by his spiritual beliefs and by his profound--almost unique--understanding of the natural world, he eloquently pleads for a cease fire--a new cooperation between science and religion, (such as the Bush administration has fervently sought to abolish). Wilson makes it clear we are at a critical juncture, this is truly for the sake of all future generations.

First, Wilson establishes the fact and the rationale for the emotional links between our psyches and Nature, writ large. We have evolved to possess, he explains, a sense of natural kinship based on evolution during the long (pre-agricultural revolution) hunting-gathering period--likely a period of many million years. Then, Wilson eloquently details our deeper needs, for wholesome self-realization, to commune with a more complex nature than that provided by the suburban lawn or by the urban park. Here, I needed no convincing.

Then Wilson provides the urgency of species loss, of a radical decrease in diversity, globally. He cites numerous studies indicating hundreds-thousands of species dying irrevocably before even being described and cataloged. The solution? Several steps: For religious and scientific leaders to join forces to preserve "The Creation", the ecology that, largely unseen, provides actual support for our fragile human ecosystem.

Lastly, Wilson, award-winning teacher (never mind writer, published naturalist, or author of the socio-biology paradigm-shift), provides thoughtful teaching principles for providing a student with a real foundation in nature studies--ones with which many experienced teachers wilI certainly concur. Early, almost primal contact is urged, with nature and curiosity, tools and self-directed inquiry. Wilson, perhaps characteristically, reaches out, finally, in respect and humility, for help in his reverence to study this "little-known planet." Wilson cites numerous recent studies where experts and amateurs combine forces in concerted volunteer efforts to obtain the missing data--many one-time local population censuses of diverse plant and animal groups.

As a book, I rate this as a "must-read", but after watching the political-religious manipulations of millions of voters for six years with lies on pseudo-issues, I doubt this heroic effort by a genuine scholar will have much affect on those who deliberately self-proclaim their ignorance. At the same time I hope to be proven dead wrong!

It took me a couple of weeks to read this book, because the biology in it requires you to really pay attention. But Wilson's chapter on extinctions is scary and saddening.

It seems that Edward O. Wilson's goal in this book as an open letter to a southern Baptist minister was a persuasion to an enthusiasm in the enjoyment of the diversity of life, to use this to protect "The Creation" which is the biological riches that are still here, and indirectly to share his belief in evolution. Other than the last goal I felt his eloquent writing and passion was quite persuasive. He made me feel a bit guilty for not continuiing on as a biology teacher.

Wilson does mention evolution in the book but his mentioning is not part of an overall arguement in defense of it. I imagine some people that either do not believe in evolution or do and would like it well defended were disappointed in this aspect of the book. I did not feel that it was the main point, despite the title and it's near play on creationism, and I think Wilson's writing and avidity for the diversity of life are the substance of this book.

There are plenty of biological gems illuminated in "The Creation" and I think anyone would be interested and fascinated by such information as the existence of over 700 species of bacteria in the average person's mouth or details of the underground biosphere that could continue existing even with a complete scorching of the earth's surface. Wilson's has learned much about the life of the earth and this small book is a distillation of his learning and thoughts from a life of study. I would recommend it to anyone.

Very detail analysis of issues. I hope our leaders are required to read such material

The book didn't quite live up to its billing. I'd expected something that was not at all incendiary or overtly driven by scientific (evolution theory dogmatic) beliefs. Instead, the book came across much more as smelling of sarcasm with tones of "surely everyone knows this stuff". This is certainly scientific apologetics, without apology to its supposed intended audience. Staunch marcoevolutionists will smirk at the veiled selfaggrandizement. Creationists will find nothing new in the "others'" view. Those with feet in both camps still await the Rosetta Stone that bridges the gulf.

The book is written as an "impassioned letter to a Southern Babtist Pastor". I'm not sure that this letter would convince a "Southern Babtist Pastor" to help in efforts to save the bioshpere. He does have good arguments that would convince persons in the scientific community that we must save the biodiverity of the earth.

E. O. Wilson is a gifted author and keeps it interesting.

I enjoyed this book. It moved me; it contained a wealth of interesting information; it was exquisite writing. It fell short of it's goals.

Wilson is a phenomenal writer. Like few others living today he can take the uninteresting and make it interesting to both scientist and layman. When you read him you actually get excited about bacteria living 2 miles under the surface of the Earth. He is passionate about his craft, natural history, and communicates that passion with excellent pedagogy.

Wilson has clearly shown, in this book and others, how urgent it is to change the way we treat the planet, and work to save the Earth. We are at a crux, where things are going horribly wrong as we enter the 6th and greatest Mass Extinction Event. But it is still possible to change the future, if we act now, and radically alter how we treat the rest of the life. Wilson's approach is to show how closely we are integrated with life, and one with the biosphere. For instance, Wilson points out how we are ecosystems in ourselves, with more bacterial cells in one human than there are human cells, seriously calling into question what it means to be human. What happens to one then happens to all.

Another theme of Wilson's is the incredible complexity of biology, by far the science of the 21st century in importance. There is the myriad of millions of species, most unknown. There is the level at which they interact, in complex ecology that is greater than the sum of it's parts. And that ecology is constantly changing and evolving through time, so biology can not come close to being understood without looking through the billions of years past, and looking towards the future.

This was a wonderful book. I enjoyed it. And yet it fell short of the mark. In one minor point, Wilson uses Literal Creationist language of something being "only a theory", as if it were not proven. It is unconscionable that a scientist of Wilson's stature should misuse the term theory like that, compounding the common error of the laity in thinking that a theory is less than a law.

The bigger problem is Wilson's stated purpose, and the modus operandi of the book, that being to convince the archetypal Southern Baptist Pastor who believes in Literal Creationism. Wilson wants this pastor (and all those like him) to come to care for the environment. Wilson wants to argue that the pastor should do so because the Bible makes it clear that the Earth is important, and creation is beautiful. He hopes to capitalize on his past experience attending Baptist churches as a child.

Yet it would seem those past experiences are long forgotten. For he comes across as dismissive and even attacking on Literal Creationism and even basic Christian beliefs. Rather than fully embracing the call of God and the Bible to care for the environment, he pays lip-service to this, and in the process insults the beliefs of those he's trying to convince. This is not a way to get people to your side. I say this as one who was once in the darkness of Literal Creationism, and is still a committed Christian. I was able to look beyond the statements Wilson made to enjoy the biology of what he presented, because I am committed already to biology, the environment, and evolution. But from knowing many who are still in the Literal Creationist camp, and from my own experiences, I know that what he said was deeply offensive to them. Wilson doesn't try to bridge or speak to the needs and issues of the other. He is simply dismissive and patronizing in his tone towards Christians and Literal Creationists. Wilson even goes so far as to argue that science convincingly shows that evolution is the path that was used, and that there seems to be little need of a Deity. The former is true, the latter simply his opinion, but both are not helpful if one's stated aim is to convince the Literal Creationist or someone who dearly loves their Deity.

I highly recommend this book. But Wilson would be wise to rewrite and reprint it, with a completely different objective. That would fit better with what is actually written.