‘The theory of selection thus destroys much of the foundation on which, a hundred years ago, the argument from design was based. What does it leave untouched?’


This book is based on Arthur Balfour’s Gifford Lectures delivered in 1914. The focus of the Gifford Lectures is on natural theology and Balfour’s lectures provide a study of theology from both humanistic and scientific points of view. Due to Balfour’s great understanding of theological topics, this book was considered to be “brilliant” by T. S. Eliot. It was also named by C. S. Lewis as one of the books that had the most influence on him.


Arthur James Balfour was a British statesman and politician. He served as Prime Minister of the United Kingdom from 1902 to 1905. Today, he is best remembered for issuing the Balfour Declaration while serving as foreign secretary in the Lloyd George ministry.