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Darwin's Plantation: Evolution's Racist Roots
Join Answers in Genesis president Ken Ham and president of Crossroads Bible College Dr Charles Ware as they examine the racist historical roots of evolutionary thought and what the Bible has to say about this disturbing issue. This fascinating book gives a thorough history of the effect of evolution on the history of the United States, including slavery and the civil rights movement, and goes beyond to show the global harvest of death and tragedy which stems from Darwin's controversial theories. You will also learn what the Christian's view of racism should be and what the Bible has to say about it in a compassionate and uniquely compelling perspective.
196 pages, Paperback
First published November 29, 2007
3 people are currently reading
143 people want to read
About the author
Ken Ham
237 books362 followersDr. Ken Ham is the president of Answers in Genesis USA and is a well-known speaker and author on the subject of Young-Earth Creationism. He received a bachelor degree in applied science (emphasis on environmental biology) from the Queensland Institute of Technology, and a Diploma of Education from the University of Queensland. He has also received two honorary doctorates: a Doctor of Divinity from Temple Baptist College, and a Doctor of Literature from Baptist Liberty University.
He was a director of Creation Science Foundation (CSF) in Australia, an organization which he jointly founded with John Mackay. In 1987 he moved to the United States, still maintaining his links with CSF.
From 1987 to 1993, Ham worked for the Institute for Creation Research, and in 1994 set up what in 1995 became Answers in Genesis (AiG), a creation ministry dedicated to "upholding the authority of the Bible from the very first verse."
In 2008 Ham was described by well known atheist and evolutionary biologist PZ Myers as a "Wackaloon" for carrying out a prayer session with members of the Pentagon. Ham responded regarding the validity of that prayer breakfastand that PZ Myers and other critics were intolerant of his position.
He was a director of Creation Science Foundation (CSF) in Australia, an organization which he jointly founded with John Mackay. In 1987 he moved to the United States, still maintaining his links with CSF.
From 1987 to 1993, Ham worked for the Institute for Creation Research, and in 1994 set up what in 1995 became Answers in Genesis (AiG), a creation ministry dedicated to "upholding the authority of the Bible from the very first verse."
In 2008 Ham was described by well known atheist and evolutionary biologist PZ Myers as a "Wackaloon" for carrying out a prayer session with members of the Pentagon. Ham responded regarding the validity of that prayer breakfastand that PZ Myers and other critics were intolerant of his position.
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
April 30, 2013
There are parts of this book that are much stronger than others, and it is definitely one aimed at believers looking to enhance their own understanding of the topic rather than at skeptics.
Ken Ham deals primarily with scientific facts related to the actual biological differences between "races" -- accurately showing in easy-to-understand terms that the concept of "race" is a modern construct and a misnomer. There is one race -- the human race -- in which any two people, no matter how much their skin looks different, are 0.2% different biologically, and "racial" characteristics account for only 6% of this 0.2%. As others have pointed out, this text does not blame the existence of racism on Darwin, merely noting the fact that this theory allows for easier propagation of the superiority of one skin color over another. Neither are there any punches pulled in relation to the horrific racial wrongs perpetrated by the church throughout the years.
However, I found Dr. Ware's portions of the book to be more frustrating. This is certainly not a thorough treatment of the topic, so I'm sure a discussion with him would resolve many of my objections. There is certainly a need for dialogue about the past misuses of the Bible in the name of segregation and about the racial issues that continue today. However, forced multiculturalism is equally as wrong. There is a certain tone that if a church isn't at least 80/20% split racially, that it's not honoring Christ's mission in the world. When I live in a town that's literally 96% white, I can't change that. There is also never a clear discussion about not sacrificing biblical principles in the name of racial diversity. Sure, you can assume that no believer would argue that, but I want to be told clearly that's the stand you're coming from. Dr. Ware certainly points out that there will be growing pains on the surface (such as worship style), but more text should have been devoted to bringing together true, born-again believers regardless of skin color.
Overall, I really found Ken's discussion of genetics to be very informative and enlightening. I definitely recommend this book to fellow believers.
Ken Ham deals primarily with scientific facts related to the actual biological differences between "races" -- accurately showing in easy-to-understand terms that the concept of "race" is a modern construct and a misnomer. There is one race -- the human race -- in which any two people, no matter how much their skin looks different, are 0.2% different biologically, and "racial" characteristics account for only 6% of this 0.2%. As others have pointed out, this text does not blame the existence of racism on Darwin, merely noting the fact that this theory allows for easier propagation of the superiority of one skin color over another. Neither are there any punches pulled in relation to the horrific racial wrongs perpetrated by the church throughout the years.
However, I found Dr. Ware's portions of the book to be more frustrating. This is certainly not a thorough treatment of the topic, so I'm sure a discussion with him would resolve many of my objections. There is certainly a need for dialogue about the past misuses of the Bible in the name of segregation and about the racial issues that continue today. However, forced multiculturalism is equally as wrong. There is a certain tone that if a church isn't at least 80/20% split racially, that it's not honoring Christ's mission in the world. When I live in a town that's literally 96% white, I can't change that. There is also never a clear discussion about not sacrificing biblical principles in the name of racial diversity. Sure, you can assume that no believer would argue that, but I want to be told clearly that's the stand you're coming from. Dr. Ware certainly points out that there will be growing pains on the surface (such as worship style), but more text should have been devoted to bringing together true, born-again believers regardless of skin color.
Overall, I really found Ken's discussion of genetics to be very informative and enlightening. I definitely recommend this book to fellow believers.
September 20, 2018
This was a fascinating and eye-opening read. I already knew that I fundamentally disagreed with the theory of evolution on many different levels, and this added to my conviction. Mr Ham and Mr Ware combine forces to produce a Biblically accurate, highly informative look at how evolution has fuelled racism over the centuries. The damage that evolution has caused in the area of race relations is incredible, and I was dumbfounded by what I read about how evolution views human beings. I was also encouraged by the ending of this book, where the authors seek to show how the Bible can reconcile those so damaged by racism. It is only through God's grace that we, as a church, as the body of Christ, can overcome the deep wounds caused by racism over the centuries. It's exciting to think what the future of the church could be, if we can come to view humans through the eyes of God and his love, rather than through the eyes of evolution.
June 12, 2017
Ken Ham's chapters were good. I'm not sure I can identify why I didn't care for the other author's writing. The author argued against arguments he identified as emotional arguments but at the same time he seemed to make an appeal to emotions rather than reason. I think the second author is so focused on creating diversity within the church that he fails to see that by creating a multi-cultural church you lose the individual characteristics of each culture. Additionally, not every region has the population base for every church to be multi-cultural. While I absolutely, whole heartedly agree that we must treat our fellow man with love and respect, the argument that churches should be multi-cultural, even when it's not a multi-cultural community, is short sighted. If we merge all cultures into one, we lose the distinction of each culture. As described in Revelation that ones from every tongue tribe and nation will be in Heaven, a day we can look forward to, I'm not sure I can accept his objective that all churches should be multi-cultural.
Mr. Ham's chapters (which were more factual) were good. The other author's chapters which felt more emotional were just okay.
Mr. Ham's chapters (which were more factual) were good. The other author's chapters which felt more emotional were just okay.
October 7, 2023
This book explains how the theory of Darwinian evolution has fueled racism around the world and here in America. Ken Ham uses real life examples such as Ota Benga, an African bushman who was used as a n exhibit at the 1904 St. Louis World's Fair and at zoos. Ham show how there is only one actual race from God's point of view and proven by DNA. The coauthor, Charles Ware, explains in the latter chapters how to have true reconciliation in America's churches.
October 30, 2021
Good read on a tough topic. I believed this would just be on the subject of evolution and how it enforces racial divides. They go further though and "step on the toes" of the church and how misinterpretation of the Bible has caused some racial divisions within the church.
It was good to read an openly honest account of the problem AND solution to the problem of racial divide.
It was good to read an openly honest account of the problem AND solution to the problem of racial divide.
October 31, 2019
Very informative read. Touched on the history of evolution and how racism derives from this belief. Goes into the details of racism in the church, and also details the science of creation. A bit dry at times, but all around well written and engaging. We need more people reading books like this!
February 6, 2021
If you are next to YEC and Evolution debates, read this book.
January 21, 2024
Really great book of the history of racism and the gospel.
March 31, 2013
Ken Ham is a lightning rod of a figure for outspoken atheists, especially for those who use evolutionary biology as the basis for their beliefs about religion. The internet is full of attacks and counterattacks on this topic. Ken Ham gets a lot of attention from people who have really not read his work. Whether you disagree with a person or not, it makes no difference to me, but at least be somewhat familiar with the person's work before you attack it.
Darwin's Plantation: Evolution's Racist Roots , in particular, has attracted some attention, mostly because of its provocative title. So, let me start this review with a general rundown about Ham's theses.
Ken Ham's point in the book is this (made in this quote by a quite famous evolutionary scientist):
"Biological arguments for racism may have been common before 1859, but they increased by orders of magnitude following the acceptance of evolutionary theory." - Stephen Jay Gould (Ontogeny and Phylogeny - 1977)(p. 15)
That's what Ham is saying.
At no point does he remotely excuse the "Christian" excuses for racism that were common in the 18th and 19th centuries.
At no point does he claim that Darwin invented racism.
Ham correctly notes that scientists used any number of ways to measure human racial groupings and rank them (head size, brain weight, etc.) in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Hitler used those biological arguments to justify his genocides against the Jews, gypsies and everyone else he hated.
In my master's program that I completed two summers ago I saw similar research done to explain low achievement rates by African-Americans in school. Seriously. I think it's junk but it's out there.
Even the co-discoverer of DNA, Dr. James Watson weighs in with a bit of old-fashioned scientific racism: ...
Read more at: http://dwdsreviews.blogspot.com/2011/...
Darwin's Plantation: Evolution's Racist Roots , in particular, has attracted some attention, mostly because of its provocative title. So, let me start this review with a general rundown about Ham's theses.
Ken Ham's point in the book is this (made in this quote by a quite famous evolutionary scientist):
"Biological arguments for racism may have been common before 1859, but they increased by orders of magnitude following the acceptance of evolutionary theory." - Stephen Jay Gould (Ontogeny and Phylogeny - 1977)(p. 15)
That's what Ham is saying.
At no point does he remotely excuse the "Christian" excuses for racism that were common in the 18th and 19th centuries.
At no point does he claim that Darwin invented racism.
Ham correctly notes that scientists used any number of ways to measure human racial groupings and rank them (head size, brain weight, etc.) in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Hitler used those biological arguments to justify his genocides against the Jews, gypsies and everyone else he hated.
In my master's program that I completed two summers ago I saw similar research done to explain low achievement rates by African-Americans in school. Seriously. I think it's junk but it's out there.
Even the co-discoverer of DNA, Dr. James Watson weighs in with a bit of old-fashioned scientific racism: ...
Read more at: http://dwdsreviews.blogspot.com/2011/...
Read
September 3, 2016I felt like I was reading two books in one. The first book is about the science and theology of "race." Ken Ham does an excellent job of explaining that there is one race. What we refer to as race is actually better described as people groups. (One could even substitute cultures and subcultures.) He is careful to point out that racism is not CAUSED by Darwinism, but was a flash point for racist agendas. Ham also details the historic church's misuse of Scripture and culpability in propagating racism.
The second part (book) was about ways in which churches can and should become centers of multiculturalism. I can see how this would be useful for church leaders for whom multicultural congregations as an ideal is new. It was not particularly useful for me.
Appendix A is a statement about homosexuality. Issues of right or wrong aside, the Appendix is poorly constructed and lacked the force of a cohesive argument.
The second part (book) was about ways in which churches can and should become centers of multiculturalism. I can see how this would be useful for church leaders for whom multicultural congregations as an ideal is new. It was not particularly useful for me.
Appendix A is a statement about homosexuality. Issues of right or wrong aside, the Appendix is poorly constructed and lacked the force of a cohesive argument.
August 13, 2012
At first I was going to just give the book a three. But let's get a couple things out the gate. First I am a believer and I believe that's actually the target audience here. This isn't a book you would give to a skeptic, or one that would possibly sway a seeking skeptic (do they exist?). I think the other author (Charles Ware) is what endears me to this book. I don't really like Ken Hams approach. I think he spends way too much time blaming evolution for racism, where Charles tends to give the whole picture much better (laying blame on the church as well). I'm only 1/3 of the way through so I will have to see how it goes from here... Personally I think I'd rather read a book from Charles Ware on racism in the church and confronting it (and I'm white btw) I think than Ken's take on things. I have read other books by Ken that I think come across far better.
February 11, 2013
Did you know that the genetic differences between two people, even from the same people group, amount to basically .2%? "'Racial' characteristics account for only about 6% of this 0.2 percent variation. That means that the 'racial' genetic variation between human beings of different 'race' is a mere 0.012 percent" (p. 112-13). Ken Ham and A. Charles Ware make a powerful, biblical case for the abandonment of the idea of "race" as an indicator of anything to do with cultural or physical differences. They also examine how evolutionary theory has had such a strong influence on racism throughout history. A very helpful and insightful read. Also very easy to read and understand, so please don't shy away from it based on scientific or historical content.
September 23, 2008
Wow! A non-fiction book that is not a biography or about polygomy. I feel so smart! Seriously, this book took a look at evolution and how it has led to racism and discrimination over the years. Very informative and an interesting read. The subject matter was weighty, but it was easy to read and understand.
August 13, 2010
This is a book I would highly recommend to anyone. In my opinion it is one of Ken Ham's best works (and I have read a lot of Ken Ham) and is definitaly Charles Ware's best. It is full of great information.
June 7, 2012
An important read for the Christian apologetic. Ham and Ware persuasively demonstrate a tight theoretical and logical link between Darwin's evolutionary beliefs and racist ideologies. This book is even more insightful on this point than is Ben Stein's documentary, "Expelled." I highly recommend it.
December 10, 2016
Similar content to 'one blood' by the same author. This one expounded a bit on the history around the evolutionary fuled racisim.
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews