Creation: Facts of Life

Rating:
Summary: Chosen for study group
Review: After reviewing and reading a number of books on creation vs. evolution, I chose this one as a "textbook" for a class on the subject. The book is short and easy-to-read. Parker writes clearly, succinctly, and convincingly. If you ever thought that science had all the facts, and creationists had all the faith, you may discover the roles are reversed!

Rating:
Summary: A great book for your first introduction to Creation!
Review: In his calm and simple manner, Gary Parker lays out a well-written overview of the evidence for creation. He intersperses the examination of the scientific evidence for creation with brief anecdotes about how he gradually gave up his own belief in evolution. Parker outlines the complexities of life that are unsatisfactorily explained (if at all) by evolutionary theory. Evidence from molecular biology, gross anatomy, genetics, mutation and selection, fossils, and geology are compared from an both evolutionary and creation standpoint. An important feature of this book for new readers to the creation/evolution controversy is the discussion of scientific data that creationists and evolutionists agree upon, yet how certain explanations differ. His non-aggresive approach will even allow skeptics to give fair consideration to the evidence without feeling attacked. Parker also shows important contradictions among evolutionists that witness to the weakening of some long-held theories. This book is a great introductory read!

Rating:
Summary: Beware young earth material
Review: While this guide has good, scientifically and Biblically-valid things to say about evolution, it is tainted by scientifically and Biblically unsound teaching about geology and the age of the earth.

Young Earthism is an "ism" that makes schisms! The Prebyterian Church in America (PCA) - arguably the most conservative fundamentalist denomination in America outside of a few "King James Onlyist" pseudo-Baptist groups - recently released a report noting that Young Earth theory has no scientific support and that Biblical support for the position is ruefully lacking. The Chicago Council on Biblical Inerrancy - a gathering of Christian leaders from all over the world - concluded that young earthism is not warranted by the Biblical text. Young Earth societies like the Institute for Creation Research stand outside of the orthodox stream of evangelical Christianity (in addition to young earthism, they promote numerology, a form of Christianized astrology called "the gospel in the stars," and many other silly ideas) and should be ignored.

Fortunately, there are scientifically and Biblically sound alternatives. Check out anything from Reasons to Believe, or a great booklet by a couple of guys named Bruce and Stan. ("Bruce and Stan's Guide to Creation," or something to that effect.) Ignore anything with a young earth bent. If you're getting Young Earthism, you aren't getting Scripture.