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Are Christianity and science incompatible? If there is a God, is he only an impersonal starter force? An introductory high school biology class first propelled Lee Strobel toward a life of atheism. God and science, he reasoned, were mutually exclusive. When the former legal editor of the Chicago Tribune converted to Christianity, he decided to investigate the science he had once accepted as truth. Did science point toward or away from God? As Strobel interviews a variety of scientists on everything from debunking evolutionary icons to the implications of the Big Bang to the existence of the human soul, he builds his case: scientific evidence points toward Intelligent Design.
Although the discussion often veers into the academic, Strobel works hard to make it accessible to those without scientific training. Throughout the book, he salts interview transcript information with interesting personal stories of his own spiritual and scientific quest for knowledge, as well as sometimes over-detailed descriptions of the actual interviews (right down to the type of beverages consumed). Each chapter contains suggestions for further reading on particular issues of science and faith.
Strobel concludes that, when correctly interpreted, science and biblical teaching support each other. He quotes physicist Paul Davies, "…science offers a surer path to God than religion." Open-minded readers will find that this book, and its questions for reflection and group study, invites conversation and investigation.--Cindy Crosby
Book Description
Lee Strobel investigates the latest scientific discoveries to see whether they form a solid basis for believing in God.
Customer Reviews:
Solid Introduction to Scientific Evidences For God.......2007-09-23
This is a solid introduction to the scientific evidences for the existence of God.
It contains numerous arguments from various disciplines inluding physics, astronomy, cosmology, and biochemistry. The author does a masterful job of poking holes in evolutionary theory and naturalistic explanations of the origins of the universe, life, etc. This is summed up by former Texas A&M University professor Walter Bradley, who said: 'I think people who believe that life emerged naturalistically need to have a great deal more faith than people who reasonably infer that there's an Intelligent Designer.' The truth of this becomes abundantly clear throughout the text of this book.
Although this is basically a general introduction to the topic, Lee Strobel has made a strong case for those who are open minded enough to consider it. It is certainly a reinforcer for those who already believe that God exists and is the Creator. It is a good starting point for open minded skeptics. For those who are steeped in the religiosity of Darwinism and naturalistic beginnings, it may help open their eyes a bit. I recommend it.
Pared down version.......2007-09-21
Stroebel makes some really good points in this book and changed some of my thinking about evolution, and it was a quick read, so I wasn't dissatisfied with it until I saw the non-student version at a book store. Maybe I should have done some more research on the differences between editions, but I really think anyone high school age or above could handle the 300-some pages of the "adult" version, which must contain a lot more information. So I'd recommend this particular version only to younger students or to someone who really just wants a small taste of the evidence.
Good Introductory Material.......2007-09-19
Lee Strobel has made another accessible and fascinating introductory apologetics book. By interviewing leading Christian scholars, including William Lane Craig, J.P. Moreland, and Michael Behe, Strobel lays a solid foundation for belief in a Creator of the universe.
Due to the nature of the material, this book is more technical than "The Case for Christ" and "The Case for Faith." Nevertheless, Strobel makes the book enjoyable and easy to read with his excellent writing style.
This book covers a large scope of issues, mostly dealing with scientific evidence for the existence of God. Craig gives a great defense of the Cosmological Argument while Robin Collins provides an excellent defense of the Teleological Argument (also known as the Design Argument)- including a brilliant refutation of the so-called "multi-verse" theory. Stephen Meyer demonstrates that the origin of life is strong evidence for a Creator, and J.P. Moreland shows that philosophical reasoning and scientific studies support the idea of a soul, which is inconsistent with the materialist philosophy espoused by almost all atheists.
As with all the other books in the "Case" series, Strobel offers some excellent recommended further reading at the end of each chapter for those who wish to pursue the issues further.
The only problem I had with the book was that I felt it focused too much on the issue of evolution. In many cases it seemed that Strobel was equating "Darwinism" and atheism- concepts which are certainly not interchangeable. By implying that evolution entails atheism, Strobel puts an unnecessary stumbling block in front of any person who believes that there is strong evidence for evolutionary theory, yet who could still be convinced on the basis of other evidence that God exists. I think it is unwise to spread the notion that Christianity and evolution are directly incompatible.
Despite this flaw, The Case for a Creator is an excellent resource and a recommended read for everyone.
An eye opening book.......2007-08-31
I would recommend this book for everyone. It deals with the creationism vs. evolution/science debate in a new and fascinating way. He uses science to discredit many of its own theories. Lee Strobel never falls into the trap many creationists do - start with the Bible, and build a scientific theory around it. Instead he uses science, discredits many of the assumptions used today, and shows how science actually supports Biblical principles. I am still excited about this book even though I finished reading it over a month ago.
Repels Reason.......2007-08-29
I have read a number of the prior reviews and agree with many of them so I will not restate their good points. I would only like to say that (having also sat in sermons by Lee Strobel) I found the author's smug approach (he does not realize that the standards of science are vastly more rigorous than either journalism or law) to the subject insufferably frustrating. Instead of approaching the subject humbly and seeking out a balanced set of arguments, he instead relies exclusively (with one exception who's biological irreducibility claims has been discredited in other books such as, Finding Darwin's God, a book written by an actual biologist) on either his close friends or representatives of the Discovery Institute-a known PAC (I encourage you to look up the Discovery Institute on Wikipedia).
I have been a high tech engineer for more than 15 years and I would not recommend this book if you are someone who is sincerely seeking God in truth. I would instead recommend that you first read Finding Darwin's God by Kenneth Miller. Lee Strobel's book only convinced me that most of the people who believe in intelligent design are either ignorant fools or are seeking power for themselves over others.
Book Description
A Journalist Investigates Scientific Evidence That Points Toward God
“My road to atheism was paved by science . . . But, ironically, so was my later journey to God.â€â€”Lee Strobel
During his academic years, Lee Strobel became convinced that God was outmoded, a belief that colored his ensuing career as an award-winning journalist at the Chicago Tribune. Science had made the idea of a Creator irrelevant—or so Strobel thought.
But today science is pointing in a different direction. In recent years, a diverse and impressive body of research has increasingly supported the conclusion that the universe was intelligently designed. At the same time, Darwinism has faltered in the face of concrete facts and hard reason.
Has science discovered God? At the very least, it’s giving faith an immense boost as new findings emerge about the incredible complexity of our universe. Join Strobel as he reexamines the theories that once led him away from God. Through his compelling and highly readable account, you’ll encounter the mind-stretching discoveries from cosmology, cellular biology, DNA research, astronomy, physics, and human consciousness that present astonishing evidence in The Case for a Creator.
Mass market edition available in packs of six.
Customer Reviews:
Unconvincing.......2007-06-20
I had the fortune/misfortune of being born into a very religious family. I grew a little tired of rejecting invitations from friends and family to various religious services and outings. My rejections stemmed from doubts as to the usefulness of religious pursuits as I was skeptical of the bible as an actual and factual recount of history. I was decidedly agnostic (not an atheist; there's a difference) and thought I had to be missing something. I came to this book through a desire to somehow reconcile the world as I saw it around me with a belief in God. I had just completed a book by a young earth proponent which actually served to push me further from a belief in God. This book (which I intentionally refuse to identify here) required the suspension of common sense and the abandonment of logic and reasoning to believe in God. I have since read many other books which include books by self professed atheists, creationists, and evolutionists. I have also read many books on the topic of intelligent design; books on theology, psychology, the human brain, and why we believe what we believe. I have come to several conclusions as a result of my readings. I will list a few of these before I get into my review:
I have the utmost faith in the scientific method and believe that it will ultimately reveal real scientific truths over time.
I do not believe there is a conspiracy in science to deceive or harm people. Having flown on planes, eaten canned foods, driven in cars, had surgeries, taken medications (some of which worked), nuked hot dogs in my microwave, and turned on my TV (with a remote no less) without any fear of death or even harm, I must conclude that the pursuits of science are in general good and benevolent.
I believe that the 99% or so of scientists who believe in evolution really do (that should go without saying, but some people I have spoken to believe they don't but have a hidden agenda), and I believe that they have valid reasons to think the way they do. There is no reason for me to doubt that men capable of putting a robot on Mars would lack the cognitive capacity to draw logical conclusions from thier observations.
I do not believe that anyone should criticize creationism, ID or evolution without first making every attempt to understand each side of the argument. That does not mean asking a creationist to explain evolution to you or accepting an evolutionists explanation of creationists arguments for creation and/or against evolution. I have found that this is the surest way to get misled. Each position should be researched from sources put forth by proponents of each side that reflect the true stance of each camp. That is what I did. Admittedly though, this was probably easy for me as I was looking for truth and not reassurance.
I have an excellent understanding of evolution (from an evolutionists standpoint), and I have an excellent understanding of the arguments against evolution (from a creationists standpoint).
MY REVIEW:
This book has one glaring flaw that must be addressed before any other issue can be dealt with. Throughout this book, Strobel casts himself in the role of the skeptic; an unbiased journalist in search of actual truth who was quite often "shocked" at where the "evidence" led him. I didn't have to read too far into the book to see that the opposite was actually the case. Biased doesn't even begin to describe this book. Strobel neglects to interview anyone with stances antithetic to those of the logically apparent creationist views of his chosen interviewees. I suspect that the conspicuous absence of even one interview with an evolutionist had more to do with strategy than presenting the truth. This ultimately served to detract from the credibility of this book, but somehow I don't think this was a problem for Strobel. Overt one-sidedness notwithstanding, this book actually made a poor case for a creator. There are ostensibly a handful of arguments that creationists invariably reiterate as facts that supposedly invalidate evolution. These are more or less the same arguments put forward in Strobels book. The problem is each and every one of them have sound and convincing refutations in main stream science. I'll admit that I found Behe's irreducibly complex argument a bit novel and a somewhat worthy challenge to Darwinian evolution, but it also has already been effectively refuted. Strobels book really adds nothing new to the whole creation/evolution debate, so if you've already heard the current arguments, then you already know where Strobel is headed.
I must admit though that I am in total agreement with this book on one major point: evolution is a theory in crisis. Evolutions one possibly (though not likely) fatal flaw is that it dares to contradict a literal interpretation of the bible. There is no doubt in my mind that the bible would be a heck of a lot different had science been at the stage it is now when the passages of the bible were originally written. For those of you who think that evolution is a myth that can be disproved, guess what, you are right. Evolution can be disproved quite easily in fact. If any of the following were found, for example, it would disprove evolution and send the scientific community scrambling for answers:
-Any primate that doesn't carry the gene for vitamin C synthesis.
-Fossils of prehistoric kangaroos in North America (or Mt Ararat for that matter).
-Indigenous cacti in the deserts of Australia.
-Fossil horse ancestors in Antarctica or Australia.
-An australopithecine fossil anywhere outside of Africa.
-Atavistic legs on sharks.
-Atavistic gill slits on whales.
-Atavistic feathers on bats.
-Alligators or magnolias indigenous to anywhere outside of Eastern North America or East Asia.
If you do not know why any of these would disprove evolution, then you don't know enough about it to lable it as false. Take the time to research it conscientiously from sources by mainstream science and not from people like strobel. I am not saying that he is a bad person, but he has a clear agenda, and it is not one that allows him to treat evolution with integrity. Strobel's book summarily states that there is no evidence for evolution. The wanton truth is, however, there is plenty. There is a veritable web of interconnectivity between evolution and virtually every branch of science. Evolution makes many predictions in the areas of geology, genetics, biochemistry, and geography to name a few. If anyone of these predictions cannot be borne out through research or experiment, then the theory would indeed be a bust. I have to believe that many of the "scientists" that claim to have disproved evolution know at least some of these predictions. If they are serious about debunking this 150+ year old theory, I would suggest these predictions might be good starting points. In the mean time I would say this to the average lay person (like me): make an honest attempt to understand evolution. Ask for help if you need it. Science is, afterall, a difficult subject to tackle for most. If after you have done so you still believe there is no basis whatsoever for even entertaining a belief in evolution then wait. Give it some time. There is no greater friend to truth than time. If evolution is a myth, then it will be proven to be so by the unrelenting progress of science. I promise you. One thing though, don't hold your breath.
As for my search for God. I've concluded that it is absurd to think that science can be used to quantify or validate God. God is beyond the empirical and cannot be experienced but through faith. As proof of this I offer the foolish and awkward attempts of young earth creationists to shoe horn natural history and science into compliance with a literal interpretation of the bible. The efforts of old earth creation scientists and IDers might not be as blatantly misguided, but they are just as foolish. To try to justify God through science is to admit weakness. Such endeavors only serve to turn people from God. Even though it might seem like it sometimes, science is not trying to disprove God. Science simply cannot do that and is actually not even equiped to comment on God. All science is trying to do is improve lives through knowledge and understanding. Is it rational to so casually dismiss science in this instance without hearing her story (from those who represent her acurately and honestly) while viewing images of shoemaker-levy 9's collision with Jupiter on the internet or taking an antibiotic for that infection your doctor discovered Through MRI technology? Real faith lies outside the purview of science or empirically measurable experience and is not unreasonablenable. Keep your faith, but not because someone tells you the universe is 15,000 years old. Keep it in spite of the knowledge that it's closer to 15,000,000,000.
This Case You Must Have.......2007-03-08
The Case for a Creator is a tremendously straightforward explanation of powerful evidence to substantiate the existance of The Creator. DNA, Micro-Biology, Darwinism revealed, debunking of popular thinking and presentation of cutting edge scientific thought. The experts are called out to explain how the world got made. And the overwhelming evidence is it as NOT an accident. Only one way to build a mousetrap that works. But where did the parts really come from? Dinosaur evidence is severely lacking to explain evolution and the creation of the thinking process in your head could not have happened by accident. Science cannot account for the fact that you exist, but you do. Wonderful presentation and explains opposing viewpoints with aplomb.
A convincing book, for a layman in scientific field.......2005-11-14
To be honest, I, too, am a layman in many scientific fields. And I must confess that I was almost convinced by this book when I reached Chapter 2 of this book. However, I noticed something lacking in this book. It is the lack of opposite argument that opposes all the scientists that were interviewed by Lee Strobel.
When I reached Chapter 2 and started reading the argument concerning the flaw of Miller's experiment or should we say Miller-Urey experiment, I noticed something strange. The scientist said that there was very little hydrogen within early-earth atmosphere because they escaped into space. How can anything escape into space? How can anything of earth escape earth's gravity? Unless, of course, the object's initial velocity is 11.2 Km/s (while excluding the friction of the atmosphere). So what has propelled the entire Hydrogen atom into space? And after this point, I found it difficult to continue reading.
But for the sake of reading, I continued on and I noticed that for every argument, there is no counter argument. You might say that the entire book itself is the counter argument. And you are right. However, every scientist in the book claimed that the "recent" discoveries of science showed that the previous theories no longer hold. And that the scientists who still hold on the old theories did not even counter these "recent" discoveries. As a journalist, Strobel should also interview the scientists who hold opposite view than the ones he interview in the first place.
I heard from a friend of mine that the book even discredit Stephen Hawking's mathematical model of the universe. And apparently, according to the scientist interviewed by Strobel, it was because Hawking use imaginary number within his equation and did not convert it into real number at the end. Tell you what; imaginary number is as real as any number. However it will be meaningless to apply them in construction or accounting. But applying them into AC circuitry will give a satisfactory answer, even if you do not convert them into real number. Moreover, their real life counterpart can cause harm or damage to either human or other equipment even if they themselves are called imaginary.
In the first chapter of the book, Strobel said that he wanted to explore all possibilities. Alas, he failed miserably. By reading the book, you will wonder why our school textbook still teach the "misguided" and "misleading" information and might be convinced of conspiracy. Well, maybe because the "recent" discoveries itself are not well supported and failed. I have shown you two minor aspect of the book that is flawed, for I know of them. And I bet that any reader with more knowledge than me will be able to point out more flaws within the book. And even if it is only a minor aspect, no hypothesis will survive if one of the assumptions it is build upon is flawed. Such is science.
However, he did write a good book for the conversation within the book is easy to understand. What he failed, however, was to present the other side of the argument. And one must take heed of this fact when reading this book. I was planning to give it one star but seeing how argumentative it is and easy to understand, I will give it 3 stars.
Strobel's Third Book Explores Evolution vs. Creation.......2005-09-30
As a biology student in the 1970's, I was exposed to evolutionary theory in my college education. Not only had I been exposed to it, I was absolutely indoctrinated in it, and I learned that my college professors considered evolution a "fact", not just a theory. I was never fully convinced of the theory of evolution, as it did not explain adequately in my mind how all the different life forms evolved from one single-celled organism. I considered this a tremendous leap of faith, one that took more faith to believe than believing in a Creator. Many of my questions and doubts about evolution were poo-poo'ed by my porfessors, and although they did not have definitive answers to the questions either, they assured me that in time (and with more scientific study) my questions would be answered.
As we enter a new millenium, the theory of evolution is being questioned like never before. Proponents of "intelligent design" claim that the theory of evolution cannot account for the beginning of life from non-living matter, and that the diversity of life is such that unguided "blind" evolution cannot explain it adequately. Although the general public has not yet been informed of this, the theory of evolution is a theory in crisis, not only through those that criticize its faults and weaknesses, but from scientists themselves that no longer find adequate explanation in the theory. Strobel's book takes up these issues and presents a logical discussion on the weaknesses of evolutionary theory and the case for intelligent design. Issues explored are as follows:
Modern Education and Evolution in the Classroom
Doubts about Darwinian Evolution
Cosmology
Physics and evolution
Astronomy and evolution
Biochemistry and evolution
DNA and intelligent design
This is a great resource for the average lay-person who does not want to get bogged down with in-depth discussions on physics and molecular structure. Strobel presents the material in a manner that is easy for all to understand. However, please know that this is not an "easy read". It will require thought on the part of the reader and is not just a book you can pick up and read at leisure. If used as a serious study book, the reader will get far more out of the content than if read casually.
As in Strobel's previous two books on Christ and Christian faith, this is another highly recommended book. It will definately challenge your conceptions on evolution.
Jim "Konedog" Koenig
To Truth.......2005-09-06
I cannot escape the negativity that follows me, or so it seems. Every time I put a review on Amazon, people that, either have no intention to read the book in the first place, or do not like the fact that I am telling the truth, seem to believe that I have no idea what I am talking about. Unfortunately for them, I do.
I have read three books by Lee Strobel, so far. Not because I think that he is the quintessential apologist for the American faction, but because I think that his conversational style reaches people who might otherwise not understand the subject. Strobel's syntax and diction, alone, should gain him a three star rating. That's like me saying that Stephen Jay Gould has no literary ability, while giving him one star. Though I may not agree with everything that Gould says, I certainly have a great deal of respect for his literary prose! If a man can write, let him write!
Now, on to a Case for a Creator. I have read quite a few books on science against evolution, but this one, by far, is the most comprehensive collection of facts, information, and data that deals with evolution that I have read, so far. Strobel tends to have a keen eye for finding experts that, not only know what they are talking about, but are able to relate that information in a consumer friendly form. That being said, the information presented boggled my mind. Having never read anything about our "privileged planet," or anything else on cosmology for that matter, I was truly shocked to learn about how perfect the Earth really is.
Like any other book by Lee, he packs this book with locatable citations, and ends chapters with "for further evidence." While I agree to some extent the Strobel may have taking the ID argument past its intention by mentioning religion, I do not agree that this book was made for Christians, at all! In fact, most of the writers in this books discuss a several million (some billion) year old universe. How then, would this be a literal 7-day interpretation of Christianity? Obviously, it wouldn't. In fact, the fact that Strobel doesn't attempt to counter this fact clearly shows that Christians weren't his only intended audience. What better way to destroy a "science" you think is erroneous, than by asking the EXPERTS (whose credentials are touted by Strobel to erase the myth that religious people are `idiots' as Dawkins loves to suggest), while bludgeoning them with questions that a skeptic would ask.
If you are interested in Intelligent Design, or have some nagging questions about Darwinism, read this book. I promise-- you will not be disappointed. Like I always say, you do not have to agree with someone's views to learn from them; all you do is have to read, and you have done your brain a great service already. Viva informacion
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El Caso Del Creador (The Case for Creator: A Journalist Investigates Scientific Evidence That Points Toward God)
Lee Strobel
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ASIN: 0829743669 |
Book Description
Spanish Edition. In recent years, a diverse and impressive body of research has increasingly supported the conclusion that the universe was intelligently designed. Join Strobel as he reexamines the theories that once led him away from God.
Customer Reviews:
Too fluffy.......2006-09-14
I had the fortune/misfortune of being born into a very religious family. I grew a little tired of rejecting invitations from friends and family to various religious services and outings. My rejections stemmed from doubts as to the usefulness of religious pursuits as I was skeptical of the bible as an actual and factual recount of history. I was decidedly agnostic (not an atheist; there's a difference) and thought I had to be missing something. I came to this book through a desire to somehow reconcile the world as I saw it around me with a belief in God. I had just completed a book by a young earth proponent which actually served to push me further from a belief in God. This book (which I intentionally refuse to identify here) required the suspension of common sense and the abandonment of logic and reasoning to believe in God. I have since read many other books which include books by self professed atheists, creationists, and evolutionists. I have also read many books on the topic of intelligent design; books on theology, psychology, the human brain, and why we believe what we believe. I have come to several conclusions as a result of my readings. I will list a few of these before I get into my review:
I have the utmost faith in the scientific method and believe that it will ultimately reveal real scientific truths over time.
I do not believe there is a conspiracy in science to deceive or harm people. Having flown on planes, eaten canned foods, driven in cars, had surgeries, taken medications (some of which worked), nuked hot dogs in my microwave, and turned on my TV (with a remote no less) without any fear of death or even harm, I must conclude that the pursuits of science are in general good and benevolent.
I believe that the 99% or so of scientists who believe in evolution really do (that should go without saying, but some people I have spoken to believe they don't but have a hidden agenda), and I believe that they have valid reasons to think the way they do. There is no reason for me to doubt that men capable of putting a robot on Mars would lack the cognitive capacity to draw logical conclusions from thier observations.
I do not believe that anyone should criticize creationism, ID or evolution without first making every attempt to understand each side of the argument. That does not mean asking a creationist to explain evolution to you or accepting an evolutionists explanation of creationists arguments for creation and/or against evolution. I have found that this is the surest way to get misled. Each position should be researched from sources put forth by proponents of each side that reflect the true stance of each camp. That is what I did. Admittedly though, this was probably easy for me as I was looking for truth and not reassurance.
I have an excellent understanding of evolution (from an evolutionists standpoint), and I have an excellent understanding of the arguments against evolution (from a creationists standpoint).
MY REVIEW:
This book has one glaring flaw that must be addressed before any other issue can be dealt with. Throughout this book, Strobel casts himself in the role of the skeptic; an unbiased journalist in search of actual truth who was quite often "shocked" at where the "evidence" led him. I didn't have to read too far into the book to see that the opposite was actually the case. Biased doesn't even begin to describe this book. Strobel neglects to interview anyone with stances antithetic to those of the logically apparent creationist views of his chosen interviewees. I suspect that the conspicuous absence of even one interview with an evolutionist had more to do with strategy than presenting the truth. This ultimately served to detract from the credibility of this book, but somehow I don't think this was a problem for Strobel. Overt one-sidedness notwithstanding, this book actually made a poor case for a creator. There are ostensibly a handful of arguments that creationists invariably reiterate as facts that supposedly invalidate evolution. These are more or less the same arguments put forward in Strobels book. The problem is each and every one of them have sound and convincing refutations in main stream science. I'll admit that I found Behe's irreducibly complex argument a bit novel and a somewhat worthy challenge to Darwinian evolution, but it also has already been effectively refuted. Strobels book really adds nothing new to the whole creation/evolution debate, so if you've already heard the current arguments, then you already know where Strobel is headed.
I must admit though that I am in total agreement with this book on one major point: evolution is a theory in crisis. Evolutions one possibly (though not likely) fatal flaw is that it dares to contradict a literal interpretation of the bible. There is no doubt in my mind that the bible would be a heck of a lot different had science been at the stage it is now when the passages of the bible were originally written. For those of you who think that evolution is a myth that can be disproved, guess what, you are right. Evolution can be disproved quite easily in fact. If any of the following were found, for example, it would disprove evolution and send the scientific community scrambling for answers:
-Any primate that doesn't carry the gene for vitamin C synthesis.
-Fossils of prehistoric kangaroos in North America (or Mt Ararat for that matter).
-Indigenous cacti in the deserts of Australia.
-Fossil horse ancestors in Antarctica or Australia.
-An australopithecine fossil anywhere outside of Africa.
-Atavistic legs on sharks.
-Atavistic gill slits on whales.
-Atavistic feathers on bats.
-Alligators or magnolias indigenous to anywhere outside of Eastern North America or East Asia.
If you do not know why any of these would disprove evolution, then you don't know enough about it to lable it as false. Take the time to research it conscientiously from sources by mainstream science and not from people like strobel. I am not saying that he is a bad person, but he has a clear agenda, and it is not one that allows him to treat evolution with integrity. Strobel's book summarily states that there is no evidence for evolution. The wanton truth is, however, there is plenty. There is a veritable web of interconnectivity between evolution and virtually every branch of science. Evolution makes many predictions in the areas of geology, genetics, biochemistry, and geography to name a few. If anyone of these predictions cannot be borne out through research or experiment, then the theory would indeed be a bust. I have to believe that many of the "scientists" that claim to have disproved evolution know at least some of these predictions. If they are serious about debunking this 150+ year old theory, I would suggest these predictions might be good starting points. In the mean time I would say this to the average lay person (like me): make an honest attempt to understand evolution. Ask for help if you need it. Science is, afterall, a difficult subject to tackle for most. If after you have done so you still believe there is no basis whatsoever for even entertaining a belief in evolution then wait. Give it some time. There is no greater friend to truth than time. If evolution is a myth, then it will be proven to be so by the unrelenting progress of science. I promise you. One thing though, don't hold your breath.
As for my search for God. I've concluded that it is absurd to think that science can be used to quantify or validate God. God is beyond the empirical and cannot be experienced but through faith. As proof of this I offer the foolish and awkward attempts of young earth creationists to shoe horn natural history and science into compliance with a literal interpretation of the bible. The efforts of old earth creation scientists and IDers might not be as blatantly misguided, but they are just as foolish. To try to justify God through science is to admit weakness. Such endeavors only serve to turn people from God. Even though it might seem like it sometimes, science is not trying to disprove God. Science simply cannot do that and is actually not even equiped to comment on God. All science is trying to do is improve lives through knowledge and understanding. Is it rational to so casually dismiss science in this instance without hearing her story (from those who represent her acurately and honestly) while viewing images of shoemaker-levy 9's collision with Jupiter on the internet or taking an antibiotic for that infection your doctor discovered Through MRI technology? Real faith lies outside the purview of science or empirically measurable experience and is not unreasonablenable. Keep your faith, but not because someone tells you the universe is 15,000 years old. Keep it in spite of the knowledge that it's closer to 15,000,000,000.
Strobel's Third Book Explores Evolution vs. Creation.......2005-09-30
As a biology student in the 1970's, I was exposed to evolutionary theory in my college education. Not only had I been exposed to it, I was absolutely indoctrinated in it, and I learned that my college professors considered evolution a "fact", not just a theory. I was never fully convinced of the theory of evolution, as it did not explain adequately in my mind how all the different life forms evolved from one single-celled organism. I considered this a tremendous leap of faith, one that took more faith to believe than believing in a Creator. Many of my questions and doubts about evolution were poo-poo'ed by my porfessors, and although they did not have definitive answers to the questions either, they assured me that in time (and with more scientific study) my questions would be answered.
As we enter a new millenium, the theory of evolution is being questioned like never before. Proponents of "intelligent design" claim that the theory of evolution cannot account for the beginning of life from non-living matter, and that the diversity of life is such that unguided "blind" evolution cannot explain it adequately. Although the general public has not yet been informed of this, the theory of evolution is a theory in crisis, not only through those that criticize its faults and weaknesses, but from scientists themselves that no longer find adequate explanation in the theory. Strobel's book takes up these issues and presents a logical discussion on the weaknesses of evolutionary theory and the case for intelligent design. Issues explored are as follows:
Modern Education and Evolution in the Classroom
Doubts about Darwinian Evolution
Cosmology
Physics and evolution
Astronomy and evolution
Biochemistry and evolution
DNA and intelligent design
This is a great resource for the average lay-person who does not want to get bogged down with in-depth discussions on physics and molecular structure. Strobel presents the material in a manner that is easy for all to understand. However, please know that this is not an "easy read". It will require thought on the part of the reader and is not just a book you can pick up and read at leisure. If used as a serious study book, the reader will get far more out of the content than if read casually.
As in Strobel's previous two books on Christ and Christian faith, this is another highly recommended book. It will definately challenge your conceptions on evolution.
Jim "Konedog" Koenig
Average customer rating:
- Unconvincing and biased
- Strobel's Third Book Explores Evolution vs. Creation
|
The Case For A Creator: A Journalist Investigates Scientific Evidence That Points Toward God
Lee Strobel
Manufacturer: Thorndike Press
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Book Description
A New York Times Bestseller
A CBA Bestseller
Could it be that the world looks designed because it really is designed? In his most powerful and fascinating book yet, award-winning journalist and former atheist Lee Strobel uncovers compelling evidence for intelligent design from the fields of cosmology, physics, astronomy, biochemistry, DNA research, and the study of human consciousness.
Customer Reviews:
Unconvincing and biased.......2007-06-20
I had the fortune/misfortune of being born into a very religious family. I grew a little tired of rejecting invitations from friends and family to various religious services and outings. My rejections stemmed from doubts as to the usefulness of religious pursuits as I was skeptical of the bible as an actual and factual recount of history. I was decidedly agnostic (not an atheist; there's a difference) and thought I had to be missing something. I came to this book through a desire to somehow reconcile the world as I saw it around me with a belief in God. I had just completed a book by a young earth proponent which actually served to push me further from a belief in God. This book (which I intentionally refuse to identify here) required the suspension of common sense and the abandonment of logic and reasoning to believe in God. I have since read many other books which include books by self professed atheists, creationists, and evolutionists. I have also read many books on the topic of intelligent design; books on theology, psychology, the human brain, and why we believe what we believe. I have come to several conclusions as a result of my readings. I will list a few of these before I get into my review:
I have the utmost faith in the scientific method and believe that it will ultimately reveal real scientific truths over time.
I do not believe there is a conspiracy in science to deceive or harm people. Having flown on planes, eaten canned foods, driven in cars, had surgeries, taken medications (some of which worked), nuked hot dogs in my microwave, and turned on my TV (with a remote no less) without any fear of death or even harm, I must conclude that the pursuits of science are in general good and benevolent.
I believe that the 99% or so of scientists who believe in evolution really do (that should go without saying, but some people I have spoken to believe they don't but have a hidden agenda), and I believe that they have valid reasons to think the way they do. There is no reason for me to doubt that men capable of putting a robot on Mars would lack the cognitive capacity to draw logical conclusions from thier observations.
I do not believe that anyone should criticize creationism, ID or evolution without first making every attempt to understand each side of the argument. That does not mean asking a creationist to explain evolution to you or accepting an evolutionists explanation of creationists arguments for creation and/or against evolution. I have found that this is the surest way to get misled. Each position should be researched from sources put forth by proponents of each side that reflect the true stance of each camp. That is what I did. Admittedly though, this was probably easy for me as I was looking for truth and not reassurance.
I have an excellent understanding of evolution (from an evolutionists standpoint), and I have an excellent understanding of the arguments against evolution (from a creationists standpoint).
MY REVIEW:
This book has one glaring flaw that must be addressed before any other issue can be dealt with. Throughout this book, Strobel casts himself in the role of the skeptic; an unbiased journalist in search of actual truth who was quite often "shocked" at where the "evidence" led him. I didn't have to read too far into the book to see that the opposite was actually the case. Biased doesn't even begin to describe this book. Strobel neglects to interview anyone with stances antithetic to those of the logically apparent creationist views of his chosen interviewees. I suspect that the conspicuous absence of even one interview with an evolutionist had more to do with strategy than presenting the truth. This ultimately served to detract from the credibility of this book, but somehow I don't think this was a problem for Strobel. Overt one-sidedness notwithstanding, this book actually made a poor case for a creator. There are ostensibly a handful of arguments that creationists invariably reiterate as facts that supposedly invalidate evolution. These are more or less the same arguments put forward in Strobels book. The problem is each and every one of them have sound and convincing refutations in main stream science. I'll admit that I found Behe's irreducibly complex argument a bit novel and a somewhat worthy challenge to Darwinian evolution, but it also has already been effectively refuted. Strobels book really adds nothing new to the whole creation/evolution debate, so if you've already heard the current arguments, then you already know where Strobel is headed.
I must admit though that I am in total agreement with this book on one major point: evolution is a theory in crisis. Evolutions one possibly (though not likely) fatal flaw is that it dares to contradict a literal interpretation of the bible. There is no doubt in my mind that the bible would be a heck of a lot different had science been at the stage it is now when the passages of the bible were originally written. For those of you who think that evolution is a myth that can be disproved, guess what, you are right. Evolution can be disproved quite easily in fact. If any of the following were found, for example, it would disprove evolution and send the scientific community scrambling for answers:
-Any primate that doesn't carry the gene for vitamin C synthesis.
-Fossils of prehistoric kangaroos in North America (or Mt Ararat for that matter).
-Indigenous cacti in the deserts of Australia.
-Fossil horse ancestors in Antarctica or Australia.
-An australopithecine fossil anywhere outside of Africa.
-Atavistic legs on sharks.
-Atavistic gill slits on whales.
-Atavistic feathers on bats.
-Alligators or magnolias indigenous to anywhere outside of Eastern North America or East Asia.
If you do not know why any of these would disprove evolution, then you don't know enough about it to lable it as false. Take the time to research it conscientiously from sources by mainstream science and not from people like strobel. I am not saying that he is a bad person, but he has a clear agenda, and it is not one that allows him to treat evolution with integrity. Strobel's book summarily states that there is no evidence for evolution. The wanton truth is, however, there is plenty. There is a veritable web of interconnectivity between evolution and virtually every branch of science. Evolution makes many predictions in the areas of geology, genetics, biochemistry, and geography to name a few. If anyone of these predictions cannot be borne out through research or experiment, then the theory would indeed be a bust. I have to believe that many of the "scientists" that claim to have disproved evolution know at least some of these predictions. If they are serious about debunking this 150+ year old theory, I would suggest these predictions might be good starting points. In the mean time I would say this to the average lay person (like me): make an honest attempt to understand evolution. Ask for help if you need it. Science is, afterall, a difficult subject to tackle for most. If after you have done so you still believe there is no basis whatsoever for even entertaining a belief in evolution then wait. Give it some time. There is no greater friend to truth than time. If evolution is a myth, then it will be proven to be so by the unrelenting progress of science. I promise you. One thing though, don't hold your breath.
As for my search for God. I've concluded that it is absurd to think that science can be used to quantify or validate God. God is beyond the empirical and cannot be experienced but through faith. As proof of this I offer the foolish and awkward attempts of young earth creationists to shoe horn natural history and science into compliance with a literal interpretation of the bible. The efforts of old earth creation scientists and IDers might not be as blatantly misguided, but they are just as foolish. To try to justify God through science is to admit weakness. Such endeavors only serve to turn people from God. Even though it might seem like it sometimes, science is not trying to disprove God. Science simply cannot do that and is actually not even equiped to comment on God. All science is trying to do is improve lives through knowledge and understanding. Is it rational to so casually dismiss science in this instance without hearing her story (from those who represent her acurately and honestly) while viewing images of shoemaker-levy 9's collision with Jupiter on the internet or taking an antibiotic for that infection your doctor discovered Through MRI technology? Real faith lies outside the purview of science or empirically measurable experience and is not unreasonablenable. Keep your faith, but not because someone tells you the universe is 15,000 years old. Keep it in spite of the knowledge that it's closer to 15,000,000,000.
Strobel's Third Book Explores Evolution vs. Creation.......2005-09-30
As a biology student in the 1970's, I was exposed to evolutionary theory in my college education. Not only had I been exposed to it, I was absolutely indoctrinated in it, and I learned that my college professors considered evolution a "fact", not just a theory. I was never fully convinced of the theory of evolution, as it did not explain adequately in my mind how all the different life forms evolved from one single-celled organism. I considered this a tremendous leap of faith, one that took more faith to believe than believing in a Creator. Many of my questions and doubts about evolution were poo-poo'ed by my porfessors, and although they did not have definitive answers to the questions either, they assured me that in time (and with more scientific study) my questions would be answered.
As we enter a new millenium, the theory of evolution is being questioned like never before. Proponents of "intelligent design" claim that the theory of evolution cannot account for the beginning of life from non-living matter, and that the diversity of life is such that unguided "blind" evolution cannot explain it adequately. Although the general public has not yet been informed of this, the theory of evolution is a theory in crisis, not only through those that criticize its faults and weaknesses, but from scientists themselves that no longer find adequate explanation in the theory. Strobel's book takes up these issues and presents a logical discussion on the weaknesses of evolutionary theory and the case for intelligent design. Issues explored are as follows:
Modern Education and Evolution in the Classroom
Doubts about Darwinian Evolution
Cosmology
Physics and evolution
Astronomy and evolution
Biochemistry and evolution
DNA and intelligent design
This is a great resource for the average lay-person who does not want to get bogged down with in-depth discussions on physics and molecular structure. Strobel presents the material in a manner that is easy for all to understand. However, please know that this is not an "easy read". It will require thought on the part of the reader and is not just a book you can pick up and read at leisure. If used as a serious study book, the reader will get far more out of the content than if read casually.
As in Strobel's previous two books on Christ and Christian faith, this is another highly recommended book. It will definately challenge your conceptions on evolution.
Jim "Konedog" Koenig
Average customer rating:
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Book notes.(Book Review): An article from: Catholic Insight
Manufacturer: Catholic Insight
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Release Date: 2005-07-31 |
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Title: Book notes.(Book Review)
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Catholic Insight (Magazine/Journal)
Date: June 1, 2004
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Volume: 12
Issue: 6
Page: 39(1)
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The Case for a Creator (Unabridged)
Lee Strobel
Manufacturer: audible.com
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No case at all.(Book review) : An article from: Skeptic (Altadena, CA)
Tim Callahan
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ASIN: B000FIGKME
Release Date: 2006-04-25 |
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This digital document is an article from Skeptic (Altadena, CA), published by Thomson Gale on June 22, 2005. The length of the article is 2972 words. The page length shown above is based on a typical 300-word page. The article is delivered in HTML format and is available in your Amazon.com Digital Locker immediately after purchase. You can view it with any web browser.
Citation Details
Title: No case at all.(Book review)
Author: Tim Callahan
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Skeptic (Altadena, CA) (Magazine/Journal)
Date: June 22, 2005
Publisher: Thomson Gale
Volume: 12
Issue: 2
Page: 64(3)
Article Type: Book review
Distributed by Thomson Gale
Books:
- The Constitution of the Roman Republic
- The Craft of Scientific Presentations: Critical Steps to Succeed and Critical Errors to Aviod
- The End of Faith: Religion, Terror, and the Future of Reason
- The Federalist Papers (Signet Classics)
- The God Effect: Quantum Entanglement, Science's Strangest Phenomenon
- The Intention Experiment: Using Your Thoughts to Change Your Life and the World
- The Language of God: A Scientist Presents Evidence for Belief
- The Language of God: A Scientist Presents Evidence for Belief
- The Last Hours of Ancient Sunlight: Revised and Updated: The Fate of the World and What We Can Do Before It's Too Late
- The Maginot Line 1928-45
Books Index
Books Home
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- Secrets of the Baby Whisperer: How to Calm, Connect, and Communicate with Your Baby
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- Methods, Standards, & Work Design
- Agency, Democracy, and Nature: The U.S. Environmental Movement from a Critical Theory Perspective
- Letters to His Son on the Art of Becoming a Man of the World and a Gentleman, 1749
- Vegetation Science in Forestry: Global Perspective based on Forest Ecosystems of East and Southeast
The Case for Christ: A Journalist's Personal Investigation of the Evidence for Jesus
The Case for Faith: A Journalist Investigates the Toughest Objections to Christianity
Case for Faith--Student Edition, The
Case for Christ, The
