Theistic Evolution: A Scientific, Philosophical, and Theological Critique

This is a huge book. It has taken me over a month to work my way through it. Although I have a degree in science, it is in physics. I read this book as a lay person, so to speak, without advanced training in the biological sciences. My interest in reading this book came from being taught theistic evolution in a Christian college in the late 1960s. I found out that much has changed in the fields of biology and origins since then.

Most of this book is written in a scholarly manner and may be beyond the interest of many Christians. Some of the essays are answers to critiques of previous articles and books. However, Christians interested in the issues of intelligent design, special creation, or evolution would benefit from carefully reading this book.

The book is a critique of theistic evolution: that God arranged and set everything in motion so that life would evolve without additional intelligent input. The authors define theistic evolution as the sufficiency of the undirected mechanism of mutation and natural selection as an explanation for new forms of life. (59) In other words, God created matter with certain properties so that no further activity from God was required to bring about all living things. (60)

The first part of the book is an in depth critique of the creative power of natural selection and random mutation. The conclusion is that these mechanisms do not have the creative power to generate new genetic information. The authors explain how current research shows a loss of information from such mechanisms instead. This section also includes a critique of the assumption of universal common ascent. They pay particular attention to fossil and DNA evidence.

The next part of the book looks at the philosophical aspects of science and creating theories. The authors explore how one should define science and argue that science should not limit itself to strictly materialistic explanations. Rather than science correcting the Bible, perhaps Scripture should correct our scientific ideas. (707) There have been many scientific “facts” in the past that have turned out to be incorrect. It is also noted that theistic evolution fails to explain the development of moral values in humans and the spiritual nature of mankind.

The last part of the book deals with theological and biblical issues. This section is not about the age of the earth. It is about whether Genesis 1-3 should be taken as historical narrative, reporting events that actually happened. Theistic evolutionists in general say that Adam and Eve were not the first human beings, there was no fall into sin, and God did not place a curse on the world. (778) This seriously affects the truth of the gospel and the meaning of Christ's death. The conclusion is that “belief in theistic evolution is inconsistent with belief in the truthfulness of the Bible.” (776)

I have mentioned just a small part of all of the information included in this book. It is a detailed critique of theistic evolution and the works of those who promote it. I am impressed with the amount of information this book contains. It may be overwhelming for some readers. The chapters do contain summary introductions and conclusions to help readers navigate the text and decide which chapters may be of specific interest.

“ID [intelligent design] is essentially consistent with biblical doctrine, and is supported by many scientists and theologians whose views cannot be lightly dismissed,” Colin Reeves writes. (706) Unfortunately, this book does not contain a presentation of intelligent design.

I do recommend this book to Christians who have an interest in the issues of creation, evolution, and other aspects of origins. Be prepared for a good amount of time studying this topic.

You can watch a very informative book trailer here.

You can find out more about the book, the editors and contributors, and download an excerpt here.

My rating: 4/5 stars.

Crossway, 1008 pages.

Note: I received a complimentary digital ARC of this book. My comments are an independent and honest review. Some of the quotes and page numbers I give may have been changed in the final published edition of the book.

Evolution Scripture and Nature Say Yes! by Denise O. Lamoureux

Lamoureux has brought a very valuable addition to the creation evolution discussion. He calls for the end of the dichotomy of evolution or creation. We don't have to choose. We can have both.

He shares his own story of becoming an atheist after studying evolution. He later found that faith in a creator God is very possible while still maintaining belief in evolution. He has written this book to help students and others who struggle with their Christian faith when confronted with modern science.

He takes readers through the fossil evidence. “Every year there are thousands of new fossils found,” he writes, “and they always show up exactly where scientists expect them to be in the fossil record.” (455/2478) The evidence for evolution is overwhelming, he says.

Lamoureux is an evolutionary creationist. “God with only one creative act set up the laws of nature for everything in the entire world to self-assemble through evolution.” (571/2478) “Beginning with the Big Bang, God put in motion extremely well-designed natural processes which he used to self-assemble the entire world, including us.” (610/2478) “Evolutionary creationists believe the Creator ordains and sustains all natural processes in the world, including the evolutionary process.” (1465/2478)

He argues that the early chapters in Genesis are ones in which God accommodated humans “and allowed writers to use the science-of-the-day.” (706/2478) He proposes the Message-Incident Principle where Bible statements about nature are to be read through the understanding of ancients. Evolutionary creationists believe real historical events in Scripture begin roughly around Genesis 12 and Abraham. Jesus' statements, such as God creating male and female (Matt. 19:4) are also accommodations to the understanding of the day, Lamoureux claims.

Lamoureux is not a deist, however. He believes God miraculously works in the lives of men and women. It is possible to reject God intervening “in origins and operations of the world but then fully embrace personal miracles as well as the miracles of Jesus and his bodily resurrection from the grave.” (743/2478)

He points out that in light of Romans 1:21-23, it “is evident” that “human sinfulness leads to intellectual dysfunction.” (830/2478) “In other words, sin impacts our ability to think clearly and rationally.” (830/2478) Also, “...sinfulness twists our thought processes into believing falsehoods.” (837/2478) Unfortunately, he fails to explore how this might impair the work of scientists and the conclusions they draw.

Difficulties for Christians believing in evolution include man being created in the image of God and man falling into sin. Lamoureux brushes off these issues by writing that understanding how the Image of God and sinfulness arose in humanity is “ultimately a mystery and beyond our comprehension.” (1478/2478) Not understanding how it came about “has no impact whatsoever” on his belief that we bear the Image of God and are sinners. (1478/2478) The evolutionary issue of how humans became conscious and spiritual beings is one Lamoureux does not tackle, even though I think it is a very important problem.

While this book is a good addition to the discussion on evolution and creation, there is much that yet needs to be covered. One is the area of miracles. Lamoureux says “it is perfectly reasonable” to reject God working in nature in the development of animals and humans yet accept “personal divine action.” (1996/2478) We already saw where Lamoureux accepts personal miracles. But personal miracles are God working in nature, healing, calming the storm, etc. Why should we reject God working in nature in one area (origins) but accept His working in nature in other areas?

Another topic needing further discussion is creation initially being good but then being tainted by sin. Paul says in Romans 5:12 that sin entered by one man and death through sin. How do Christian evolutionists explain that? Paul continues his argument by relating the sin of the one man (Adam) to God's saving grace through the one man, Jesus. (Rom. 5:15) If Paul was wrong about Adam how do we know he was right about Jesus?

And what about when Jesus mentioned the days of Noah and said it will be like that when He returns? (Matt. 24:7) Christian evolutionists do not accept the story of Noah as history so what do we do with Jesus' statement? And what about Peter when he writes about the world being deluged? (2 Peter 3:6) Peter relates that event to the future coming of the Lord and the earth being destroyed by fire. If we think Peter did not get the flood right, how can we trust he gets the coming of the Lord right? And John mentions Cain in I John 3:12. If John wrongly believed Cain was a real person how can we trust the rest he writes?

There are parts of this book I really appreciate. I appreciate Lamoureux's proposal of a fruitful relationship between the Bible and God's work revealed in science. I appreciate his discussion of metaphysics and physics and how one must take a leap from physics to metaphysics and belief in design and a Designer. I think he does an excellent job in discussing when evolution has an end in mind (determined by God) or is blind, as atheists claim. He presents very good arguments discounting atheism.

But there are also issues that still need to be discussed. This book is a good beginning to the topic but may not satisfy all readers, as it did not satisfy me. There still needs to be a great deal more work done on the views of Christian evolutionists and how they maintain the integrity of the Bible as revealing spiritual truths.

I recommend this book to those interested in the creation evolution discussion. Lamoureux clearly identifies how making people choose between science and faith has been detrimental. Many will find within these pages reasons to believe God created through the evolutionary process. I also recommend this book to those who are willing to work through the ideas of Christian evolutionary thought and clear up some of the remaining questions regarding the integrity of the Bible.

And just one more thought, this one regarding the title of the book. The title indicates that Scriptures in some way inform readers that evolution occurred. Lamoureux does not show that in this book. The best that can be said is that Scriptures do not say evolution did not happen – if you look at it through the eyes of Christian evolutionary thought. I personally think the title is misleading.

Lamoureux teaches a class on science and faith at the University of Alberta. Readers interested in pursuing this topic can access that class at https://sites.ualberta.ca/~dlamoure/350homepage.html.

My rating: 4/5 stars.

Denis O. Lamoureux is Associate Professor of Science and Religion at St. Joseph's College in the University of Alberta, the first tenure-track position in Canada dedicated to teaching and research on the relationship between scientific discovery and Christian faith. He is the author of Evolutionary Creation: A Christian Approach to Evolution; I Love Jesus and I Accept Evolution; and Darwinism Defeated? The Johnson-Lamoureux Debate on Biological Origins. You can find out more at https://sites.ualberta.ca/~dlamoure/.

Zondervan, 208 pages. (Instead of giving page numbers for quotes, I have given the location in my Kindle edition.)

I received a complimentary egalley of this book from the publisher. My comments are an independent and honest review.

God, Adam, and You edited by Richard D. Phillips

Does it matter if Adam was a historical being? Many Christians today think Adam can be relegated to mythology or symbolism without compromising too much of the Christian faith.

These authors disagree. They hold that Adam was a historical being and that his existence is necessary to our faith and witness. What one believes about Adam's existence makes a difference to how we understand God, mankind, the person and ministry of Jesus, the Bible, and the gospel. It is essential, they argue, to defend the Bible's teaching on creation and Adam.

Derek Thomas writes on the essence of Genesis 1 in one essay and the views on the days of creation in another. Joel R. Beeke argues for a real, historical Adam, using the Bible alone. He also has an essay on Jesus as the second Adam. Kevin DeYoung explores whether man is here by chance or by design. Liam Goligher shares the spiritual ramifications of the first chapters of Genesis. Richard D. Phillips reveals the kind of theology we end up with if we incorporate evolution into it. He also writes on gender and marriage. His third essay is on what was lost in the Fall and when it will be regained. Carl R. Trueman writes on original sin and how the doctrine has been changed by modern theologians.

As is often the case with a variety of authors, the quality of the essays differ and there is some repetition. As a lay person, there were a few of the studies I greatly appreciated. Beeke pointed out the problems of rendering the Bible through the lens of science as well the importance of defending the historicity of Adam. “The denial of the historical Adam brings with it a host of ideas contrary to the Christian view of creation, human nature, human relationships, and the fall of man.”

I really appreciated Phillips' remarks on evolution. “The attempt to show that the Bible, when properly interpreted, makes allowance for evolution simply does not work.” He is very clear about what is lost when a Christian embraces evolution. “Evolution cannot be grafted into the structure of biblical Christianity, but replaces it with a different structure, a different ethic, a different story of salvation, and a different religion altogether.” I also appreciated Phillips' study on gender and marriage. He notes, “...it is vital for Christians to know the difference between biblically prudent accommodations to culture and issues on which we cannot faithfully compromise.”

This is not a definitive work by any means. It is a good introduction, however, to the historic Reformed view of the first few chapters of Genesis. It is also a good reminder of what we loose in doctrine and practical theology when we begin to compromise on the historical nature of that Scripture.

The studies in this book come from the 2013 Philadelphia Conference on Reformed Theology, sponsored by the Alliance of Confessing Evangelicals.

Richard D. Phillips, editor, is the senior minister of Second Presbyterian Church of Greenville, South Carolina.

The Alliance of Confessing Evangelicals is a coalition of pastors, scholars,and churchmen who hold to the historic creeds and confessions of the Reformed faith and who proclaim biblical doctrine in order to foster a Reformed awakening in today's church. You can find out more about their broadcasts at www.AllianceNet.org, their online magazine at www.PlaceforTruth.org, the theological conversation at www.ChristwardCollective.org, and cultural and church criticism at www.reformation21.org

P & R Publishing, 256 pages.

I received a complimentary egalley of this book from the publisher for the purpose of an independent and honest review.

The Real Origin of the Species by Oscar J. Daniels

Daniels sets out to disprove the theory of evolution and verify the accuracy of the Bible. The result is a rather folksy essay.

He covers the improbabilities of evolution, beginning with interdependency. He notes the unlikeliness of male and female of a species evolving at the same time, let alone that happening 1.8 million times. He writes about the issues of animals and their necessary habitat and food sources evolving all at the exact same time. He defends the geological column as a result of the flood. He critiques carbon 14 dating. He compares creation and evolution, notes the evidence for a Designer, and likens evolution to idolatry. He then defends the Bible and presents a gospel message.

Daniels has provided no documentation in his work, that is, no footnotes. He makes lots of unsubstantiated claims. For example, “...the human genome has remain fixed, unchanged... All other plant and animal genomes have remained unchanged...” (55) He offers no documented proof for such a claim.

He makes sweeping statements: “We cannot trust any of the claims made by scientists regarding the age of the earth or the origins of life. All of their claims are based solely on speculation and theory. There is no scientific proof for any of it.” (23) Quite a statement to make when he himself offers no scientific proof for his claims.

The subtitle of the book is not accurate. What Daniels presents is not new. If you have done any reading at all in the creation evolution debate, you will have read about the information Daniels presents. The information here would be new only to someone who has not read anything by Morris or Ham or any other of the scores of authors writing on the subject. And I did not find the arguments compelling. That was mostly because they were unsubstantiated claims. While I may agree with some of them, they were not presented in a “compelling” way.

Potential readers should be aware that Daniels recommends the Bible commentaries of Ellen G. White, one of the founders of the Seventh Day Adventist Church.

I find it odd that the cover image of the book, a painting by Michelangelo, has been altered. Was it really necessary to spare readers the anatomical accuracy of the original painting?

I would not recommend this book. There are many books, long and short, that are much better on the issue of creation and evolution.

Oscar J. Daniels completed three semesters of theological studies and has a BA in English from the University of New York. He worked for the Government Printing Office where he was a writer of contract specifications. In his retirement, he writes articles and essays defending the claims of the Bible.

TEACH Services, 96 pages.

I received a complimentary digital copy of this book through BookCrash for the purpose of an independent and honest review.

The Adam Quest by Tim Stafford

Stafford has interviewed and tells the stories of scientists who are also Bible-believing Christians. They love the Bible and they love science. The scientists fall into three categories: young earth creationists, intelligent design creationists, evolutionary creationists. Stafford has a final chapter where he identifies what he considers to be the strengths and weaknesses of each position.

Stafford writes much more about the life stories of the scientists than he does on their understanding of the relationship between the Bible and the findings of science, particularly evolution. Some say evolution really isn't science since it is not observable, repeatable and testable. Some compartmentalize their lives. Some “think belief in God is congruent with what evolution reveals.” (180) Many comment that there are unanswered questions and we are still learning.

“My goal,” Stafford writes, “was for readers to get to know them and to understand their points of view.” (199) The idea being, I think, that if we know some of the story of these people we are more likely to be understanding of their positions. Stafford hopes that the dialog around the issue of origins will be one of being faithful to Scripture yet seeing science as a gift from God, all the while realizing that there is so much more yet to learn. (211-212)

I was disappointed in the book. I had hoped to read much more about how these scientists “held on to a strong faith while wrestling with the mystery of human origins” (subtitle). Having read the book, I know each scientist's life story but generally do not know how they reconcile their faith in God with the findings of science.

You can read a chapter of the book and watch a trailer at http://www.theadamquest.com/.

Tim Stafford is senior writer for Christianity Today and the author of more than thirty books. He and his wife have three children and live in Santa Rosa, California.

Thomas Nelson, 240 pages.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher for the purpose of this review.

Darwin's Doubt by Stephen C. Meyer

Meyer centers his book on the “Cambrian explosion,” an event Darwin himself viewed as a “troubling anomaly” and one he hoped future fossil discoveries would eliminate.” (xii)

Meyer has divided his book into three parts. First he looks at the “missing fossils,” the absent ancestors of the Cambrian animals. Next he explores the importance of information to living systems and how that relates to the Cambrian explosion mystery. Meyer then evaluates the current evolutionary theories, assessing their inability to explain the origin of form and information. He also presents intelligent design as a possible solution to the Cambrian mystery.

Meyer notes, “Many evolutionary biologists now grudgingly acknowledge that no chemical evolutional theory has offered an adequate explanation of the origin of life or the ultimate origin of the information necessary to produce it.” (vii-ix)

But the public gets a different story. “Rarely has there been such a great disparity between the popular perception of a theory and its actual standing in the relevant peer-reviewed scientific literature.” (x) Meyer notes that the scientific community wants to ignore, at best, or hide, at worst, the significant problems with Darwinism.

Meyer covers the dating of strata, the impact of the Burgess Shale and the Cambrian fossil record, the Maotianshan Shale, the Ediacaran fauna, the genetic evidence regarding a possible ancestor of the Cambrian animals, variations of the tree of life, punctuated equilibrium, the information required for new forms of life, Shannon information and the possibility of mutations producing new genetic information, Axe's calculations and the improbability of building a Cambrian animal, evaluation of attempts to show how new genetic information arises, calculating “waiting times”, the complexities of building new animal body plans, epigenetic factors, self-organization and other neo-Darwin models.

He ends his book with a look at the current post-Darwinian world. He explores the philosophy of intelligent design, the signs indicating it, and why it is opposed so strongly by the scientific community, noting that in the world of academic freedom scientists advocating intelligent design are unwelcome.

Meyer's conclusion: “The neo-Darwinian mechanism does not account for either the origin of the genetic or epigenetic information necessary to produce new forms of life. Consequently, the problems posed to the theory by the Cambrian explosion remain unsolved.” (286) And, “Neither neo-Darwinism nor a host of more recent proposals (punctuated equilibrium, self-organization, evolutionary developmental biology, neutral evolution, epigenetic inheritance, natural genetic engineering) have succeeded in explaining the origin of the novel animal forms that arose in the Cambrian period.” (337) That, writes Meyer, is reason to consider intelligent design.

This may be a daunting book for the general reader (over 400 pages of text with 40 pages of notes and lots of biology language). Nonetheless, I would encourage every Christian interested in origins to read it. I would think that every science teacher and school board member would want to know what is in this book. It helps take off the peaceful facade of neo-Darwinism and bring to light the troubled state of the theory.

Stephen C. Meyer received his Ph.D. From the University of Cambridge in the philosophy of science after working as an oil industry geophysicist. He now directs the Center for Science at the Discovery Institute in Seattle, Washington. He authored Signature in a Cell and has appeared on many major television a radio programs.

HarperOne, 498 pages.

Hidden Treasures in the Book of Job by Hugh Ross

Ross is a Christian astronomer who doesn't want to avoid issues of origins. He tackles them head on.

“What is needed is a strategy of engagement,” he writes. “Christians who take the Bible as a trustworthy revelation from God need to study science and engage with scientists at the highest academic and research levels.” (12) He encourages Christians to “demonstrate how a creation model provides a more productive stimulus for ongoing research than does naturalism.” (12)

In this book, Ross turns to Job, probably the oldest book in the Bible. “Job helps us resolve nearly all the Genesis creation controversies,” he writes. (13)

That is a tall order and I am not sure he fulfills it.

Ross addresses several issues as he goes through Job and here are a few.

One of the most divisive issues among creationists is whether there was animal death prior to Adam and Eve's sin. Ross suggests there was carnivorous activity, based on Job, before Adam's sin.

Ross challenges naturalistic evolutionary models. He argues that soulish animals, with their innate capacities to serve and please humans, are of supernatural design rather than natural process. He defends the uniqueness of humans among animals, citing scientific studies.

Ross is an “old earth” creationist. Of papers delivered in 2009 (“year of Darwin”), Ross notes, “They reported, for example, that the scientific case for a long history of life on Earth is now beyond doubt, and so is the historical record of life's progression from simple, small-bodied life-forms to more complex, larger-bodied life forms. How many people realize, however, that this scenario exactly parallels what the Bible teaches? The crucial difference … The Bible credits God's creative involvement, not just natural processes, for the big changes scientists observe in the record of Earth's life.” (124)

As with prophecy, I am disturbed when the Bible is seen to reveal a concept, after that concept has happened (prophecy) or been discovered (science). I see Ross doing that. An example is dark matter. Ross looks at Job 38:19-20. “God treats darkness as if it is something that resides somewhere in the universe.” (61) Ross goes on to write of dark stuff, comprising, scientists say, some 99.73 percent of the universe. Ross finds dark matter referenced in the Bible after its discovery. I would rather see a Christian astronomer predict what will yet be discovered, based on a biblical model.

Ross has certainly provided material for discussion. He describes himself as a “public advocate for fact based faith.” (168) In this era when people of faith are forced to address scientific discovery, Ross's work is very valuable.

Hugh Ross (PhD, University of Toronto) is founder and president of Reasons To Believwe (www.reasons.org). He is the author of many books. As an astronomer, Ross has addressed students and faculty on over 300 campuses in the United States and abroad on a variety of science-faith topics. He presents powerful evidence for a purpose filled universe.

Baker Books, 238 pages.

The Evolution of Adam by Peter Enns

Some have recently argued that evolution destroys the possibility of religious faith. Enns' goal in this book “is to focus solely on how the Bible fits into all of this.” (ix)

Regarding the title, he argues that our understanding of Adam has evolved. It must now be adjusted in the light of scientific evidence supporting evolution and literary evidence from the world of the Bible. He calls evolution a “game changer.” “If evolution is correct, we can no longer accept, in any sense of the word 'historical,' the instantaneous and special creation of humanity described in Genesis...” (xiv) Unless one just rejects scientific evidence, adjustments need to be made to the biblical story, he says. This book thinks through what sorts of adjustments those are.

The first part of the book looks at Genesis, the second part at Paul's writings.

Enns accepts the conclusions of biblical criticism (such as that the Pentateuch was not completed until the postexilic period). “There is good reason to believe that the Old Testament as a whole is fundamentally a postexilic document.” (32) The Creation and Fall of Adam can be seen as a parallel to Israel's history. This reading “supports the notion that Adam is the proto-Israelite rather than the first human.” (67) “Israel's creation stories are potent claims about who they were. Understanding those claims against the backdrop of the world in which they were written, in [Enns'] opinion, lays to rest any notion that these writings have any relevance to modern debates over human origins.” (34) The six days of creation reflect postexilic liturgical life. “The creation story was written with Israel's temple and the Sabbath rhythm in mind...” (73)

With Genesis seen in its context, Enns turns to Paul. It would appear that Paul regards Adam as the first human and ancestor of everyone who ever lived. Paul must be read in the context of the first century Jewish theological understanding and culture.

Enns argues that Adam need not be the first created human but can be understood as a hominid chosen by God somewhere in the evolutionary process to be the representative “head” of humanity. As Enns sees it, “...the scientific evidence we have for human origins and the literary evidence we have for the nature of ancient stories of origins are so overwhelmingly persuasive that belief in a first human, such as Paul understood him, is not a viable option.” (122) “By saying that Paul's Adam is not a historical first man, we are leaving behind Paul's understanding of the cause of the universal plight of sin and death. But this is the burden of anyone who wishes to bring evolution and Christianity together...” (123) Enns argues “that the uncompromising reality of who Jesus is and what he did to conquer the objectively true realities of sin and death do not depend on Paul's understanding of Adam as a historical person.” (122)

He writes, “the notion of “original sin,” where Adam's disobedience is the cause of a universal state of sin, does not find clear – if any – biblical support.” (125) He admits he does not have an answer to why humanity is in the condition of sin and death. That an answer cannot be provided, “does not mean that the scientific and archaeological data that raised the problem in the first place can be set to the side.” (126)

Enns uses recent theological writings (like the New Perspective on Paul) to argue his case. You'll have to read him yourself to evaluate his work.

Enns ends his book with a summary chapter, listing nine thesis, such as Thesis 1 Literalism is not an option.

Enns does not clain to have found the best path forward in this complex set of issues. He is offering perspectives for readers to begin exploring. (82) He offers a selective bibliography for the reader to do so.

I am one of those Enns mentions at the end of his book. “What makes some uncomfortable is that such a view of the Bible can open the door for all sorts of uncertainty, and most of all to questioning familiar ways of talking about God, the Bible, and much else.” (145) I guess I am committed to the supreme authority of the Bible in all theological matters. I guess I do want the Bible to be historically accurate. I guess I am not willing to leave much room for interpreting the bible in light of extrabiblical information.

Only time will tell, I suppose, whether we are at another Copernican revolution. Am I one of those hanging on the the earth being at the center of the universe (despite scientific evidence), so to speak, when I believe Adam was a historical person?

Peter Enns is senior fellow of biblical studies for The BioLogos Foundation, an organization that explores the integration of science and Christian faith. He has taught at Eastern University, Fuller theological Seminary, and Westminster Theological Seminary and is the author or editor of nine books. To find out more about why he wrote this book, go to: http://www.thebrazosblog.com/2012/01/behind-the-book-peter-ennss-the-evolution-of-adam/

You can read more on this subject and keep up with the dialogue at http://biologos.org/blog

Brazos Press (a division of Baker Publishing Group), 172 pages.

Indivisible by James Robison & Jay Richards

While the future of America may appear gloomy, the authors believe, “God is not finished with us as a country. Decline is not inevitable.” (xix)

The authors call for believers to pray for a historic outpouring of God's Spirit on His Church. Without prayer, there is no hope. But Christian must do more. To see our culture restored, “We must understand the sources of the ideas that ail us as well as their alternatives.” (3) We must think clearly, argue persuasively, apply our convictions in our personal lives, build alliances, and act strategically to influence the people and institutions that shape our culture. They are quick to point out that public witness is linked to personal holiness. “We talk about transforming culture; we should spend more energy on transforming Christians.” (13) They quote Catherine of Siena, “If you are what you should be, you will set the whole world on fire.” (14)

To help Christians think well on policy issues, they review several concepts: law, religious liberty, the authority of the church, the Constitution, war/pacifism, public debt, growth and reach of government, abortion, the importance and meaning of marriage, family (and raising children), education, influencing culture, caring for the poor (and foreign aid), private property, free market (and a lesson in economics), globalization, international trade, immigration (they have a plan), (in)equality, being fruitful (creating wealth), environmental stewardship, and resources.

They provide a great deal of background information on the topics. They write, “...if we can think clearly, we can increase our odds of making the best choices available.” (308)

Their conclusion: “Of course, the most profound cultural change will come from outward expressions of inward change – a moral and spiritual renewal of our hearts and minds, our churches, communities, and cultural institutions. Besides principles and policies, we need people and prayer.” (321)

The material presented in this book is well documented. There are some 40 pages of footnotes. The authors are conservative. Liberal Christians may not like this book. For example, “our environmental problems are not getting worse.” (289) And, “Minimum wage laws eliminate those opportunities [of low-paying, entry-level jobs], and thus favor the politically powerful and fortunate who retain jobs over the vulnerable workers who least can afford it.” (253)

Whether conservative or liberal, there is a great deal of information in this book that is food for thought and action. Reading it will help us be more informed in policy debates. It should also inspire us to prayer and action.

James Robison is the founder and president of LIFE Outreach International and the host of LIFE Today. He is the author of several books and has spoken to millions of people through evangelistic crusades since he entered ministry in 1962.

Jay Richards is a Senior Fellow at the Discovery Institute and is the author of several books. He has been the executive director of several documentaries and has appeared on Larry King Live.

FaithWords (a division of Hachette Book Group), 362 pages.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from FaithWords for the purpose of this review. The opinions expressed are my own.

The Mysterious Epigenome by Thomas Woodward and James Gills

The Human Genome Project was a great success in advancing our knowledge of DNA, but nearly a decade later, the scientists are finding out there is much more to the story.

Scientists are now finding a complex system instructing DNA called the epigenome. (from the Greek, epi, having the nuance of “over” or “above.”) “The epigenome refers to the entire coordinated system of 'control information' that resides above and beyond the bare DNA sequences.” (54) The authors liken the epigenome to the director of the DNA orchestra.

The authors focus on two areas: the latest news from the world of DNA, and how science stumbled upon the control system of our DNA. The theme of human health is emphasized throughout the book.

The authors reveal the complexity of the cell. The E. coli, about two-millionths of a meter, has DNA with about 4.5 million pairs, 4.5 megabytes of information with over four thousand files. Human DNA? 3.1 billion letter-pairs, the equivalent of 14,000 books of 250 pages each. Some plants have even more, such as the Paris japonica, having the record at 149 billion letters per cell. Even a species of wheat has five times as much DNA as the human cell.

But the biggest surprise? The record is held by a single-cell species, Polychaos dubium, with about 670 billion letters of DNA. And Darwin knew nothing of it.

What is the role of the eipgenome system? Its central function is to control the expression of DNA. But the picture is not complete. Research on the epigenome is accelerating, and scientists around the world are delving into both the molecular structure and the functional roles of the epigenome's sections and layers.” (69) The methyl tags seems to silence that gene. Other tags and proteins seems to determine of the DNA is “locked” away or open for use. Histone tags are thought to also work as triggers, signals or switches to the DNA.

One ongoing mystery has been how a stem cell, specifically, a fertilized human egg cell, can differentiate into all the types of tissues in the body. The epigenome has been shown to be the key. In the developmental stages, each cell is directed to its unique use of the DNA files by the epigenetic system.

Each human carries some two hundred versions of the epigenome. The diversity is needed because humans have at least that many cell types (blood, skin, nerve, bone, etc.). “It is now clear that each cell type has a unique set of epigenetic software, whose instructions are tailored precisely for that cell.” (74) Unlike DNA, mapping the epigenome would mean doing so for more than two hundred different informational systems. (The first step in the process has begun.)

The authors use the image of the DNA molecule being a massive filing cabinet. “In that cabinet are tens of thousands of master blueprint files (genes), from which duplicate copies can be made (RNAs), which are then sent to the machine shop, where skilled workers produce a myriad of tools and building parts (the proteins). Under the direction of the chief engineer [epigenome], these molecules interact in intricate ways to produce every form of life.” (76)

With over two hundred different versions of the epigenome, how did they become established in the first place? Or, how do two hundred epithegenetic directors unfurl from a single fertilized egg cell? Somehow, the epigenome knows how to direct the stem cell to produce dozens of different types of tissue. But what system directs the rewriting of the epigenetic system itself?

Some scientists suggest the DNA rewrites the epigenome when needed and then the epigenome in turn directs the DNA in new ways, producing new cell types. (A little circular...)

When the zygote is poised for cell division, the structural goal, whether human or whale, is somehow contained within the cell. It is not the DNA alone that contains the building plans, some argue.

The authors conclude their book with and investigation into the relationship between the epigenome and evidence for a creator. They note that the epigenome “overflows with examples of irreducible complexity...” (114) I'll let you read the book and find the rest of their evidence. You'll also find information on the relationship of the epigenome and DNA to Darwinism. Overlapping messages in some genes caused one scientist to declare that their existence is “virtually impossible by chance.” (123) You'll also find out that pseudogenes have a function after all.

In the end, the authors report, “Thus, a reasonable conclusion is that an intelligent being was the source of life.” (141) Whether you agree or not, you might want to read this book before you make up your mind for good.

This book is an excellent introduction to the ongoing studies of the complexity of the cell.

Thomas Woodward, PhD, is a professor at Trinity College of Florida.  He is the author of two books about Darwin.  He is founder and director of the C. S. Lewis Society, and lectures in universities on scientific, apologetic, and religious topics.

James Gills, MD, is founder and medical director of the St. Luke's Cataract & Laser Institute in Tarpon Springs, Florida.

You can go here to read a sample chapter of the book.

Go here to order the book from the publisher.

Kregel Publications, 160 pages.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Kregel Publications for the purpose of this review.