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The Counter-Creationism Handbook
Those opposed to the teaching of evolution often make well-rehearsed claims about the science that sound powerful and convincing. And many people who support the teaching of evolution―students, teachers, parents, administrators―do not have the background to respond. They know that scientists have thoroughly dismantled these arguments, but they don't have a handy way of responding to these attacks. The Counter-Creationism Handbook is a one-stop resource for addressing over 400 of the most prevalent claims made by creationists. Each claim is followed by a succinct and scientifically valid rebuttal, and the book includes print and on-line resources for further reading and information.
The Counter-Creationism
* Covers claims made about the disciplines of philosophy, biology, paleontology, geology, astronomy, physics and mathematics, history, and more.
* Addresses the claims of Biblical creationism, intelligent design creationism, and some creationism based on non-Christian religions.
* Includes an introduction on how to address creationists in different venues, how to deal with novel claims, and why accurate science is important.
* Is organized thematically, with extensive cross-referencing.
The Counter-Creationism
* Covers claims made about the disciplines of philosophy, biology, paleontology, geology, astronomy, physics and mathematics, history, and more.
* Addresses the claims of Biblical creationism, intelligent design creationism, and some creationism based on non-Christian religions.
* Includes an introduction on how to address creationists in different venues, how to deal with novel claims, and why accurate science is important.
* Is organized thematically, with extensive cross-referencing.
364 pages, Paperback
First published June 30, 2005
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Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
August 22, 2009
This is an interesting resource regarding the creationism-evolution "debate." It might usefully be read in conjunction with Eugenie Scott's "Evolution vs. Creationism," which provides quotations from major works from each sphere, to allow readers to compare arguments. This book has a perspective: it contends that standard arguments by creationists and intelligent design advocates are off the mark.
I would doubt that creationists/intelligent design advocates would even read this. However, it might be worthwhile, to engage substantive discussion. Champions of Darwinism will find this a good piece of work, a source of many counterarguments to contentions by creationists. However, this might be best of all for those who are uncertain, confused, have not thought about the issues involved.
The book's structure is quite straightforward. The author, Mark Isaac, organizes his book along a number of thematic lines (e.g., Philosophy and Theology, Biology, Geology, Physics and Mathematics, Other Creationism). He notes assertions from advocates of creationism/intelligent design. Then, he engaged in a demolition project. For the most part, his comments are not emotionally charged and are worded fairly neutrally. He says (Page xxiii): "The book replies to more than 400 of the most common claims that creationists make. Each creationist claim comes with a brief rebuttal showing faults with and, often, counterevidence against the claim."
Let's take a look at a few examples from this volume, to give a sense about the work itself.
Page 9: "Fairness demands that evolution and creation be given equal time." His response? That's an erroneous equation. Evolution is a scientific approach; creationism has no scientific grounding (in its research or methodology).
Page 18: "Evolution is only a theory." Isaak notes that a theory is a terrific thing. Those who make this assertion simply do not understand science. A theory is special, because it helps to explain facts. Only a theory? Only someone innocent of an understanding of science would assert that.
Page 191: "The second law of thermodynamics prohibits evolution." Isaak points out that this statement is simply inaccurate--and creationists often make statements that violate the second law.
Page 242(Young-Earth Creationist statement): "Man and dinosaurs coexisted." Isaak notes that this is simply incorrect. Moreover, for this to be true, we would have to trash theories and findings from multiple scientific disciplines, such as paleontology, chemistry, physics.
Anyhow, this is an interesting volume, laying out what the disputes are (although not exhaustive, I am sure) and what science says. Of course, if someone does not believe in the scientific method, thre author's points will not be taken seriously. Whatever one's views, this is a useful volume in directly addressing key points in the "debate."
I would doubt that creationists/intelligent design advocates would even read this. However, it might be worthwhile, to engage substantive discussion. Champions of Darwinism will find this a good piece of work, a source of many counterarguments to contentions by creationists. However, this might be best of all for those who are uncertain, confused, have not thought about the issues involved.
The book's structure is quite straightforward. The author, Mark Isaac, organizes his book along a number of thematic lines (e.g., Philosophy and Theology, Biology, Geology, Physics and Mathematics, Other Creationism). He notes assertions from advocates of creationism/intelligent design. Then, he engaged in a demolition project. For the most part, his comments are not emotionally charged and are worded fairly neutrally. He says (Page xxiii): "The book replies to more than 400 of the most common claims that creationists make. Each creationist claim comes with a brief rebuttal showing faults with and, often, counterevidence against the claim."
Let's take a look at a few examples from this volume, to give a sense about the work itself.
Page 9: "Fairness demands that evolution and creation be given equal time." His response? That's an erroneous equation. Evolution is a scientific approach; creationism has no scientific grounding (in its research or methodology).
Page 18: "Evolution is only a theory." Isaak notes that a theory is a terrific thing. Those who make this assertion simply do not understand science. A theory is special, because it helps to explain facts. Only a theory? Only someone innocent of an understanding of science would assert that.
Page 191: "The second law of thermodynamics prohibits evolution." Isaak points out that this statement is simply inaccurate--and creationists often make statements that violate the second law.
Page 242(Young-Earth Creationist statement): "Man and dinosaurs coexisted." Isaak notes that this is simply incorrect. Moreover, for this to be true, we would have to trash theories and findings from multiple scientific disciplines, such as paleontology, chemistry, physics.
Anyhow, this is an interesting volume, laying out what the disputes are (although not exhaustive, I am sure) and what science says. Of course, if someone does not believe in the scientific method, thre author's points will not be taken seriously. Whatever one's views, this is a useful volume in directly addressing key points in the "debate."
May 10, 2012
A very in depth and handy book to have when debating someone of the religious persuasion. While it doesn't exactly read as a novel and more of a "go to" research book, it was still engrossing.
I've found myself on many occasions in a discussion/debate online and reaching for this book. Mark Isaak did a good job bringing together all the usual arguments against science and reason.
I've found myself on many occasions in a discussion/debate online and reaching for this book. Mark Isaak did a good job bringing together all the usual arguments against science and reason.
March 5, 2013
I liked this book, it is a breakdown of all the science that counters the pseudo science and outright misrepresentations of creation arguments.
January 16, 2012
A Handy Guide To Rebutting Creationist Objections To Valid Mainstream Science
While I believe that there are other, better books currently available which delve into the legal and philosophical issues presented by Intelligent Design and other flavors of creationism (e. g. books written by Scott, Forrest, Kitcher and Pennock), Mark Isaak has created a useful "handy-dandy" reference guide which offers a succinct rejoinder to every absurd creationist claim, covering a wide spectrum of subjects from philosophy to astronomy, and of course, biology. As such it is an invaluable guide for anyone seeking not only to rebut creationist claims, but equally important, to understand the philosophical and religious rationale behind these claims. However, I am quite skeptical that mere refutation of absurd creationist claims like "Evolution is just a theory" or "there are dinosaur and human footprints side by side in some Texas river bank" may be succinct to persuade most creationists, who truly are fundamentalist religious zealots, whether they are Young Earth Creationists or IDiots (Intelligent Design Advocates). And yet I recognize that Isaak's clear, concise, well-written tome is an invaluable resource too for educators and probably deserves to belong on the bookshelves of school administrators and school district superintendents (or chancellors) around the country.
(Reposted from my 2007 review)
While I believe that there are other, better books currently available which delve into the legal and philosophical issues presented by Intelligent Design and other flavors of creationism (e. g. books written by Scott, Forrest, Kitcher and Pennock), Mark Isaak has created a useful "handy-dandy" reference guide which offers a succinct rejoinder to every absurd creationist claim, covering a wide spectrum of subjects from philosophy to astronomy, and of course, biology. As such it is an invaluable guide for anyone seeking not only to rebut creationist claims, but equally important, to understand the philosophical and religious rationale behind these claims. However, I am quite skeptical that mere refutation of absurd creationist claims like "Evolution is just a theory" or "there are dinosaur and human footprints side by side in some Texas river bank" may be succinct to persuade most creationists, who truly are fundamentalist religious zealots, whether they are Young Earth Creationists or IDiots (Intelligent Design Advocates). And yet I recognize that Isaak's clear, concise, well-written tome is an invaluable resource too for educators and probably deserves to belong on the bookshelves of school administrators and school district superintendents (or chancellors) around the country.
(Reposted from my 2007 review)
October 27, 2008
This book is an ideal "practical" companion to a more philosophical treatment of the creation-evolution "controversy," such as Michael Shermer's Why Darwin Matters. A reference work by design (heh-heh), it comprises an extensive collection of short answers to all the common creationist fallacies, and quite a few unusual ones. Each entry cites several references for further exploration (the bibliography takes up the last quarter of the book!). The Handbook is well organized into major areas of inquiry, including philosophy, biology, paleontology, geology, astronomy, physics and Biblical claims; each main subject is further divided and subdivided as needed. As this implies, the Handbook, while it emphasizes biology and evolution, addresses creationism in every scientific discipline with which it runs afoul.
In all fairness, while I highly recommend this print version as a handy reference, I should mention that all the material in the Handbook, is available on the talk.origins Web site. Moreover, the Web index will contain entries too recent to have been included in the book, and entries omitted from the book due to space limitations.
In all fairness, while I highly recommend this print version as a handy reference, I should mention that all the material in the Handbook, is available on the talk.origins Web site. Moreover, the Web index will contain entries too recent to have been included in the book, and entries omitted from the book due to space limitations.
October 24, 2024
A MASTERFUL COLLECTION OF CREATIONIST ARGUMENTS AND THEIR REFUTATIONS
Author Mark Isaak wrote in the Preface to this 2007 book, “This book replies to more than 400 of the most common claims that creationists make. Each creationist claim comes with a brief rebuttal showing faults with and, often, counterevidence against the claim… This book also covers a variety of philosophical and religious arguments that bear on creationism… Creationists themselves are a diverse group… They have different views about biblical interpretation, the age of the earth, and other issues. This book covers claims from the whole spectrum of creationist views… This book is intended for anyone who is the least bit confused by or skeptical of what creationists say.”
Of the argument that “Creationists are prevented from publishing in science journals,” he gives seven examples of papers written by creationists that WERE published in mainstream, peer-reviewed journals. He also points out, “The main reason that they do not get published in reputable science journals is that they do not try to publish there… In the McLean v. Arkansas Board of Education creationism trial, the creationists… were unable to produce any articles that had been refused publication…” (Pg. 28-29)
Against the assertion that “Most mutations are harmful,” he argues, “Most mutations are neutral… Beneficial mutations are commonly observed. They are common enough to be problems in the cases of antibiotic resistance in disease-causing organisms and pesticide resistance in agricultural pests… Whether a mutation is beneficial or not depends on environment. A mutation that helps the organism in one circumstance could harm it in another.” (Pg. 52)
Of the argument, “The eye is too complex to have evolved,” he lists seven “intermediate stages,” and then notes, “All of these steps are known to be viable because all exist in animals living today. The increments between these steps are slight and may be broken down into even smaller increments… Since eyes do not fossilize well, we do not know that the development of the eye follows exactly that path, but we certainly cannot claim that no path exists.” (Pg. 65)
Of vestigial organs, he points out, “‘Vestigial’ does not mean an organ is useless… Examples from biology include leg bones in snakes, eye remnants in blind cave fish… extra toe bones in horses, wing stubs on flightless birds and insects, and molars in vampire bats. Whether these organs have functions is irrelevant. They obviously do not have the function that we expect from such parts in other animals, for which creationists say the parts are ‘designed.’” (Pg. 70)
Of the use of “half a wing,” he argues, “Half a wing can have several uses: In insects, half a wing is useful for skimming rapidly across the surface of water… In larger animals, half a wing is useful for gliding… In immature chickens, wing-flapping enhances hindlimb traction, allowing the chickens to ascend steeper inclines… In some flightless birds (e.g., penguins), wings are used for swimming… Partial wings may have other useful functions that nobody has thought of yet.” (Pg. 95-96)
Of the contention that “All human fossils would fit on a billiard table,” he observes, “That may have been true at one time, but there are thousands of hominid fossils now. Lubenow found that there were fossils from almost 4,000 hominid individuals catalogued as of 1976. As of 1999, there were fossils of about 150 Homo erectus individuals, 90 Australopithecus robustus, 150 Australopithecus afarensis, 500 Neanderthals, and more…” (Pg. 104-105)
He gives various examples of transitional fossils, including “Human ancestry… Lake Turkana mollusk species… Dinosaur-bird transitions… The jaws of mososaurs are also intermediate between snakes and lizards… Transitions between mesonychids and whales… Transitions between fish and tetrapods…” (Pg. 114-116)
About the “geological column is sometimes out of order” argument, he comments, “Folds account for out-of-order strata with sequences such as A-B-C-B-A. Faults create sequences such as B-C-A-B-C. The evidence is so overwhelming that these conclusions should be obvious. In many cases, the folds and faults can easily be seen in cross-sections of the strata… The geologic column is never out of order in areas that have not been greatly disturbed.” (Pg. 158)
He rejects the argument that fossils are sorted “by their ability to escape” [i.e., Flood waters]: “If they were, we would expect to see slow-moving species like sloths and tortoises and every low-elevation plant at the bottom of the fossil record, while fast-moving species… would be at the top. But… in many cases we find just the opposite. For example, in undisturbed strata there has not been a single sloth fossil found below even the highest velociraptor remains, and flowering plants do not appear in the fossil record until after winged insects and reptiles.” (Pg. 235)
He also rejects the Anthropic Principle and the “fine-tuning” argument: “The claim assumes life in its present form is a given… If the universe is fine-tuned for life, why is life such an extremely rare part of it?... If part of the universe were not suitable for life, we would not be here to think about it. There is nothing to rule out the possibility of multiple universes, most of which would be unsuitable for life. We happen to find ourselves in one where life is conveniently possible because we cannot very well be anywhere else… The anthropic principle is an argument against an omnipotent creator. If God can do anything, he could create life in a universe whose conditions do not allow for it.” (Pg. 263)
This is an information-packed, illuminating (or to some, probably infuriating) volume, that will be “must reading” for anyone even marginally interested in the evolution/creation issues.
Author Mark Isaak wrote in the Preface to this 2007 book, “This book replies to more than 400 of the most common claims that creationists make. Each creationist claim comes with a brief rebuttal showing faults with and, often, counterevidence against the claim… This book also covers a variety of philosophical and religious arguments that bear on creationism… Creationists themselves are a diverse group… They have different views about biblical interpretation, the age of the earth, and other issues. This book covers claims from the whole spectrum of creationist views… This book is intended for anyone who is the least bit confused by or skeptical of what creationists say.”
Of the argument that “Creationists are prevented from publishing in science journals,” he gives seven examples of papers written by creationists that WERE published in mainstream, peer-reviewed journals. He also points out, “The main reason that they do not get published in reputable science journals is that they do not try to publish there… In the McLean v. Arkansas Board of Education creationism trial, the creationists… were unable to produce any articles that had been refused publication…” (Pg. 28-29)
Against the assertion that “Most mutations are harmful,” he argues, “Most mutations are neutral… Beneficial mutations are commonly observed. They are common enough to be problems in the cases of antibiotic resistance in disease-causing organisms and pesticide resistance in agricultural pests… Whether a mutation is beneficial or not depends on environment. A mutation that helps the organism in one circumstance could harm it in another.” (Pg. 52)
Of the argument, “The eye is too complex to have evolved,” he lists seven “intermediate stages,” and then notes, “All of these steps are known to be viable because all exist in animals living today. The increments between these steps are slight and may be broken down into even smaller increments… Since eyes do not fossilize well, we do not know that the development of the eye follows exactly that path, but we certainly cannot claim that no path exists.” (Pg. 65)
Of vestigial organs, he points out, “‘Vestigial’ does not mean an organ is useless… Examples from biology include leg bones in snakes, eye remnants in blind cave fish… extra toe bones in horses, wing stubs on flightless birds and insects, and molars in vampire bats. Whether these organs have functions is irrelevant. They obviously do not have the function that we expect from such parts in other animals, for which creationists say the parts are ‘designed.’” (Pg. 70)
Of the use of “half a wing,” he argues, “Half a wing can have several uses: In insects, half a wing is useful for skimming rapidly across the surface of water… In larger animals, half a wing is useful for gliding… In immature chickens, wing-flapping enhances hindlimb traction, allowing the chickens to ascend steeper inclines… In some flightless birds (e.g., penguins), wings are used for swimming… Partial wings may have other useful functions that nobody has thought of yet.” (Pg. 95-96)
Of the contention that “All human fossils would fit on a billiard table,” he observes, “That may have been true at one time, but there are thousands of hominid fossils now. Lubenow found that there were fossils from almost 4,000 hominid individuals catalogued as of 1976. As of 1999, there were fossils of about 150 Homo erectus individuals, 90 Australopithecus robustus, 150 Australopithecus afarensis, 500 Neanderthals, and more…” (Pg. 104-105)
He gives various examples of transitional fossils, including “Human ancestry… Lake Turkana mollusk species… Dinosaur-bird transitions… The jaws of mososaurs are also intermediate between snakes and lizards… Transitions between mesonychids and whales… Transitions between fish and tetrapods…” (Pg. 114-116)
About the “geological column is sometimes out of order” argument, he comments, “Folds account for out-of-order strata with sequences such as A-B-C-B-A. Faults create sequences such as B-C-A-B-C. The evidence is so overwhelming that these conclusions should be obvious. In many cases, the folds and faults can easily be seen in cross-sections of the strata… The geologic column is never out of order in areas that have not been greatly disturbed.” (Pg. 158)
He rejects the argument that fossils are sorted “by their ability to escape” [i.e., Flood waters]: “If they were, we would expect to see slow-moving species like sloths and tortoises and every low-elevation plant at the bottom of the fossil record, while fast-moving species… would be at the top. But… in many cases we find just the opposite. For example, in undisturbed strata there has not been a single sloth fossil found below even the highest velociraptor remains, and flowering plants do not appear in the fossil record until after winged insects and reptiles.” (Pg. 235)
He also rejects the Anthropic Principle and the “fine-tuning” argument: “The claim assumes life in its present form is a given… If the universe is fine-tuned for life, why is life such an extremely rare part of it?... If part of the universe were not suitable for life, we would not be here to think about it. There is nothing to rule out the possibility of multiple universes, most of which would be unsuitable for life. We happen to find ourselves in one where life is conveniently possible because we cannot very well be anywhere else… The anthropic principle is an argument against an omnipotent creator. If God can do anything, he could create life in a universe whose conditions do not allow for it.” (Pg. 263)
This is an information-packed, illuminating (or to some, probably infuriating) volume, that will be “must reading” for anyone even marginally interested in the evolution/creation issues.
January 28, 2015
I haven't read the book, but I've read the online compendium, which appears to be identical:
http://www.talkorigins.org/indexcc/li...
Basically it's a thorough list of all young earth creationist arguments (or pretty much all of them anyway), each followed by a brief rebuttal. I used this resource as a diving off point back when I was dealing with these questions, and I highly recommend it as a starting point for anybody investigating YEC claims.
http://www.talkorigins.org/indexcc/li...
Basically it's a thorough list of all young earth creationist arguments (or pretty much all of them anyway), each followed by a brief rebuttal. I used this resource as a diving off point back when I was dealing with these questions, and I highly recommend it as a starting point for anybody investigating YEC claims.
March 7, 2007
Excellent book. Very well organised with many references. Answers the majority of questions brought up by Creationists.
May 30, 2022
Review title: Indexed summary and rebuttals to anti-science claims made by creationists who reject mainstream science
There are many anti-science creationists that make claims that conflict with reality. This book is a compilation of such claims and evidence-based responses to them.
One thing I really like about this book is the respectful approach it takes toward people with religious faith. The responses to anti-science claims are not mocking nor do they try to convince people to reject faith, Christianity, or the belief in God. Instead, this book provides corrections to many false claims, helps readers understand the actual evidence, and offers additional resources for those looking for more in-depth responses and information. When there are theological discussions and insights, they are respectful and remind readers of alternative or more traditional views than the problematic one being discussed. This is especially helpful in the discussion of Intelligent Design, where ID proponents often promote philosophical naturalism by requiring objective material evidence to back up their spirituality. It's helpful to see that historically, Christians have not attempted to "expand materialism into the field of religion" p34.
This book can be read cover to cover or used as a reference to look up responses to common anti-science assertions. The book is divided into sections by subject and is very extensive. Each of the following larger categories contains sub-sections too: Philosophy and Theology, Biology, Paleontology, Geology, Astronomy and Cosmology, Physics and Mathematics, Miscellaneous Antievolution, Biblical Creationism, Intelligent Design, and Other Creationism. I do feel that the title is a little simplistic since the book is not against all creationism but just versions like Young Earth Creationism, Old Earth Creationism, and Intelligent Design, which deny evidence-based science and make assertions that conflict with well-established mainstream science. The author even commends resources like BioLogos for offering creationism perspectives that don't conflict with the actual way the universe is.
Even though this book isn't new, it was published in 2007, it's still very relevant since anti-science creationist propaganda doesn't change much over time and the same bad arguments pop up over and over despite the fact that they are neither evidence-based nor particularly biblical. The book is well researched and has 50 pages of citations in the bibliography. Updates and additional material are available at the affiliated Talk Origins website.
I think my favorite sections were Intelligent Design and Philosophy and Theology. But more than the excellent content, I appreciated the thoughtful and respectful tone of the author encouraging readers not to alienate or scorn those with other views and to be discerning in having conversations on these topics, choosing to engage when the conversation is likely to be fruitful. This is definitely a useful reference resource. Although there is a nice introduction, the book just ends after the last category without any type of conclusion or final summary. I highly recommend this book to those interested in science and faith discussions. As a Christian, I appreciated that there was no hostility nor animosity towards people of faith and the goal was educational, countering false and anti-scientific assertions made by certain types of creationists.
There are many anti-science creationists that make claims that conflict with reality. This book is a compilation of such claims and evidence-based responses to them.
One thing I really like about this book is the respectful approach it takes toward people with religious faith. The responses to anti-science claims are not mocking nor do they try to convince people to reject faith, Christianity, or the belief in God. Instead, this book provides corrections to many false claims, helps readers understand the actual evidence, and offers additional resources for those looking for more in-depth responses and information. When there are theological discussions and insights, they are respectful and remind readers of alternative or more traditional views than the problematic one being discussed. This is especially helpful in the discussion of Intelligent Design, where ID proponents often promote philosophical naturalism by requiring objective material evidence to back up their spirituality. It's helpful to see that historically, Christians have not attempted to "expand materialism into the field of religion" p34.
This book can be read cover to cover or used as a reference to look up responses to common anti-science assertions. The book is divided into sections by subject and is very extensive. Each of the following larger categories contains sub-sections too: Philosophy and Theology, Biology, Paleontology, Geology, Astronomy and Cosmology, Physics and Mathematics, Miscellaneous Antievolution, Biblical Creationism, Intelligent Design, and Other Creationism. I do feel that the title is a little simplistic since the book is not against all creationism but just versions like Young Earth Creationism, Old Earth Creationism, and Intelligent Design, which deny evidence-based science and make assertions that conflict with well-established mainstream science. The author even commends resources like BioLogos for offering creationism perspectives that don't conflict with the actual way the universe is.
Even though this book isn't new, it was published in 2007, it's still very relevant since anti-science creationist propaganda doesn't change much over time and the same bad arguments pop up over and over despite the fact that they are neither evidence-based nor particularly biblical. The book is well researched and has 50 pages of citations in the bibliography. Updates and additional material are available at the affiliated Talk Origins website.
I think my favorite sections were Intelligent Design and Philosophy and Theology. But more than the excellent content, I appreciated the thoughtful and respectful tone of the author encouraging readers not to alienate or scorn those with other views and to be discerning in having conversations on these topics, choosing to engage when the conversation is likely to be fruitful. This is definitely a useful reference resource. Although there is a nice introduction, the book just ends after the last category without any type of conclusion or final summary. I highly recommend this book to those interested in science and faith discussions. As a Christian, I appreciated that there was no hostility nor animosity towards people of faith and the goal was educational, countering false and anti-scientific assertions made by certain types of creationists.
May 22, 2024
Whether you are an atheist attempting to refute anti-evolutionary claims or an anti-evolutionist looking to find out what an atheist will use to counter an argument, this book covers almost everything about the topic of creationism from a scientific viewpoint. He cites the source of the claim and in a succinct few paragraphs refutes the claims. He follows this with sources that support his refutation.
March 2, 2011
Counter-Creationism Handbook / 978-0-520-24926-4
I first encountered most of these counter-creationism arguments online, on the TalkOrigins website, and found all of the arguments to be well-reasoned, superbly researched, and very helpful. I was happy to buy this companion volume (which documents most, but not all, of the online material) in order to have a handy hard-copy reference available around the house.
I cannot help but be very grateful to this book and its authors because I must confess that I first encountered most of the actual creationism arguments provided in this book years ago, when I was a child, taught in the "Bob Jones" curriculum provided to me in the private schools I briefly attended. Although 'Creation Science' was only a small portion of the school year (indeed, the curriculum seemed desirous to speed through the whole messy business as quickly as possible), it was defined largely in terms of what it *wasn't* - i.e., not evolution. Most of the arguments refuted in this book were provided as 'evidence' against evolution, including the 'Darwin's Complex Eye' dilemma - an argument which I can only assume now is perpetuated in ignorance or duplicity. It is distressing to see that so many of the arguments and quotes provided to me as a child were taken so blatantly out of context, and I extend my thanks to Mark Isaak and the TalkOrigins authors for helping to set me straight on so many levels.
This book is a fantastic resource for learning more about evolution for anyone coming from a creationism back-ground who has heard only half the story so far.
~ Ana Mardoll
I first encountered most of these counter-creationism arguments online, on the TalkOrigins website, and found all of the arguments to be well-reasoned, superbly researched, and very helpful. I was happy to buy this companion volume (which documents most, but not all, of the online material) in order to have a handy hard-copy reference available around the house.
I cannot help but be very grateful to this book and its authors because I must confess that I first encountered most of the actual creationism arguments provided in this book years ago, when I was a child, taught in the "Bob Jones" curriculum provided to me in the private schools I briefly attended. Although 'Creation Science' was only a small portion of the school year (indeed, the curriculum seemed desirous to speed through the whole messy business as quickly as possible), it was defined largely in terms of what it *wasn't* - i.e., not evolution. Most of the arguments refuted in this book were provided as 'evidence' against evolution, including the 'Darwin's Complex Eye' dilemma - an argument which I can only assume now is perpetuated in ignorance or duplicity. It is distressing to see that so many of the arguments and quotes provided to me as a child were taken so blatantly out of context, and I extend my thanks to Mark Isaak and the TalkOrigins authors for helping to set me straight on so many levels.
This book is a fantastic resource for learning more about evolution for anyone coming from a creationism back-ground who has heard only half the story so far.
~ Ana Mardoll
January 24, 2011
This book is very well described by its title. It is an encyclopedia collection of claims made by various creationist and intelligent design writers, together with brief responses from the scientific community. He truly covers all bases in this controversy.
Isaak admits, in his introduction, that he doesn't expect a lot of readership from the creationist-intelligent design community, but he correctly points out that if anyone from this community (or anyone else, for that matter) thinks that they have a strong argument against the prevailing scientific theories of evolution and cosmology, they need to read the appropriate entries in this book. There is no point in investing time, effort or goodwill in defending a view that has been thoroughly demolished. At the least, this book should help sharpen the debate.
Isaak admits, in his introduction, that he doesn't expect a lot of readership from the creationist-intelligent design community, but he correctly points out that if anyone from this community (or anyone else, for that matter) thinks that they have a strong argument against the prevailing scientific theories of evolution and cosmology, they need to read the appropriate entries in this book. There is no point in investing time, effort or goodwill in defending a view that has been thoroughly demolished. At the least, this book should help sharpen the debate.
February 25, 2009
I liked it! It's a great reference tool that enables you to summarize your thoughts and generalizations about evolution in a coherent manner. It is written in a helpful format whereby you can search for a particular topic you want to learn more about and read just that snippet of information. Highly recommend.
March 30, 2015
Just awful. Wow.
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July 15, 2016good
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