The book's authors intended to provide a current and comprehensive explanation of evolution and "its importance in the science classroom".
"[3] The book, published on January 3, 2008, is available as a free PDF file on the National Academies Press website.
"[5][6] The book provides statements from notable biologists and clergy members to support the claim that "attempts to pit science and religion against each other create controversy where none needs to exist.
"[6] The authors of Science, Evolution, and Creationism, who include Francisco J. Ayala and Bruce Alberts, highlight developments in evolutionary biology and its relevance to the study of emerging infectious diseases, the 2006 discovery of the transitional fossil Tiktaalik, and the application of evolutionary theory in many areas of science and engineering beyond biology.
[8] A study at Arizona State University used the book as part of a two-week module, within an introductory biology course, focusing on science, evolution, and religion.