Stephen Jay Gould is professor of Geology at Harvard University, where his field of interest centers on the special evolutionary problems related to species of Bahamian snails – fortunately, that's not what his essay, Nonmoral Nature, is about. Gould has become well known for his essays on science; essays not only written with the clarity needed to explain complex concepts to a general audience, but also informed by a superb scientific understanding. His books have won both praise and prizes.
             "Nonmoral Nature" concerns itself with a supposedly highly controversial issue: the religious "reading" of natural events. Gould has frequently given testimony at legislative hearings in which creationists have insisted that the Bible's version of creation be taught in science courses as scientific fact. Gould opposes this position because he views the account of creation in Genesis as religious, not scientific. He points out that Charles Darwin, the scientist he most frequently praises, did not think there was conflict between his theories and religious beliefs; to add, Darwin was also trained as a minister.
             Gould's primary point in this selection is that the behavior of animals in nature – with ruthless and efficient predators inflicting pain on an essentially helpless prey – has presented theologians with very exacting problems; if God is good and if creation reveals his goodness, how does one account for the suffering of nature's victims? As a person with different beliefs and faith I could dismiss this controversy in the blink of an eye; however, for the sake of understanding other's positions and beliefs as well as taking admiration to Gould's rhetoric, lets investigate the works presented in Nonmoral Nature.
             ...