Explore Evolution
Posted by DuaneFeb 12
[Last updated by Duane: 21 February 2010]
A textbook that actually presents the strengths and weaknesses of evolution.
More info, including pdf samples from the book and a table of contents are available at www.exploreevolution.com
[Update: 21 Feb 2010]
Dr. Carl Wieland writes a relatively positive review of the book in the latest Journal of Creation, saying that there is some really useful and well-presented content that could “…round out many a creationist’s knowledge” and that in most areas “…it is one of the best overviews of the arguments currently available.”
However he also has some expected criticisms. For example, he believes that while ID attempts to limit its sphere of involvement to design vs non-design and make no statements for or against Genesis history, comment on the age of the earth is virtually unavoidable when taking on evolutionary theory and the position of the authors is clearly implied by statements such as “530 Ma ago”, intended to be taken as an established fact.
“…a comprehensive exploration of the arguments for and against today’s evolutionary model of origins is simply not going to be coherent if it was to avoid all comment about the history of the earth. That’s why the authors of Explore Evolution, once they set out to deal with such matters as fossil succession, have little option but to state, implicitly or explicitly, where they stand on such areas as the age of the earth. You either believe that the fossils represent a tape-recording of vast ages, or you don’t. Which is another way of saying that you either believe in the global Flood of Genesis or you reject it.”
I was completely aware of these issues when I bought the book and I would join with Dr. Wieland in wishing the book every success, hoping that it would “…serve to overcome some of the naturalistic prejudice in biology in the minds of its readers”, despite its implicit acceptance of the vast geological ages required for evolution to even get off the ground.




5 comments
Comment by Rick Baskett on 14 Feb 2010 at 04:02
Ah thanks for the notice on this Duane. Ill definitely be checking it out!
Comment by Duane on 15 Feb 2010 at 09:42
Just a heads up for you then Rick – keep in mind that this text is not about defending a Christian worldview, but examining the evidence for evolution warts and all. A great resource to have in your library to arm yourself and your children with the tools they need to think critically about the subject.
I'll be posting on another text like it soon, that comes with a teacher's manual and DVD too. So keep an eye out.
Comment by Rick Baskett on 15 Feb 2010 at 22:33
Thanks Duane, I am indeed aware of that about the textbook. I don't remember if it was discovery.org or intelligentdesign.org or some other site, but I remember when it was on the front of that site, but completely forgot about it. Im appreciative of you reminding me about this book :) Ill look forward to the next text!
Comment by Duane on 21 Feb 2010 at 22:02
[Last updated by Duane: 21 February 2010]
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