Faith & Doubt: Science and Religion in the Search for Truth

David Wollert is an associate professor of biology at Chattanooga State Community College who teaches Darwinian evolutionary theory. But as a committed Christian, Wollert differs dramatically from someone like the prolific Richard Dawkins, who argues that science and religion are incompatible. In this documentary—which is essentially an illustrated lecture blending science, philosophy, and theology—Wollert offers a rejoinder to those, such as Dawkins, who argue that atheism is the logical and indeed necessary outcome of Darwin's theory. Wollert begins with the Aristotelian categories of causation, suggesting that while science attends to the first three (the material, formal, and efficient causes), it cannot, or chooses not to, consider the fourth—the final cause. Religion—and Wollert holds an expansive view, embracing faith systems other than Christianity—can fill that gap. Wollert then turns to epistemology, considering the nature of truth and the means through which certain knowledge can be achieved, quoting a variety of secular and theological thinkers to buttress the argument that science and religion should be considered complementary—instead of rival—avenues to truth, with the latter presumably having the edge in addressing ultimate verities. Faith & Doubt is clearly a labor of love, and Wollert's commitment can hardly be doubted, but the sober blend of narration, graphics, found footage, and stills can't avoid the feel of an old-style educational film designed for classroom use. Still, Wollert offers sincere and intelligent discourse in a subject area that is too often characterized by inflamed rhetoric. And on that basis, this can be recommended. Aud: C, P. (F. Swietek)