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Creation, Evolution, and Intelligent Design
What are creationism, evolution, and intelligent design really about? Has materialism displaced God as the best explanation for our existence? Gonzalez and Richards serve up a guide for the perplexed that shows us the real issues at stake.
Written to equip and strengthen laypeople in their defense of the faith, Christian Answers to Hard Questions challenges contemporary opposition to Christianity with concise, practical answers.
Written to equip and strengthen laypeople in their defense of the faith, Christian Answers to Hard Questions challenges contemporary opposition to Christianity with concise, practical answers.
32 pages, Paperback
First published May 10, 2013
1 person is currently reading
33 people want to read
About the author
Guillermo González
52 books25 followersGuillermo Gonzalez is an Assistant Professor of Astronomy at Ball State University.
He received his Ph.D. in Astronomy in 1993 from the University of Washington. He has done post-doctoral work at the University of Texas, Austin and at the University of Washington and has received fellowships, grants and awards from such institutions as NASA, the University of Washington, Sigma Xi (scientific research society) and the National Science Foundation.
Dr. Gonzalez has extensive experience in observing and analyzing data from ground-based observatories, including work at McDonald Observatory, Apache Point Observatory and Cerro Tololo Interamerican Observatory. He has also published over sixty articles in refereed astronomy and astrophysical journals including Astronomy and Astrophysics, Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society, Astrophysical Journal and Solar Physics. His current research interest in astrobiology focuses on the "Galactic Habitable Zone" and captured the October 2001 cover story of Scientific American.
Another area of his research is focused on analyzing and interpreting ground-based photometric and spectroscopic observations of low and intermediate mass stars in relation to current theories concerning the late stages of stellar evolution and the formation and evolution of planetary systems.
He received his Ph.D. in Astronomy in 1993 from the University of Washington. He has done post-doctoral work at the University of Texas, Austin and at the University of Washington and has received fellowships, grants and awards from such institutions as NASA, the University of Washington, Sigma Xi (scientific research society) and the National Science Foundation.
Dr. Gonzalez has extensive experience in observing and analyzing data from ground-based observatories, including work at McDonald Observatory, Apache Point Observatory and Cerro Tololo Interamerican Observatory. He has also published over sixty articles in refereed astronomy and astrophysical journals including Astronomy and Astrophysics, Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society, Astrophysical Journal and Solar Physics. His current research interest in astrobiology focuses on the "Galactic Habitable Zone" and captured the October 2001 cover story of Scientific American.
Another area of his research is focused on analyzing and interpreting ground-based photometric and spectroscopic observations of low and intermediate mass stars in relation to current theories concerning the late stages of stellar evolution and the formation and evolution of planetary systems.
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Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews
August 20, 2024
Another helpful introduction to questions concerning creation.
October 2, 2013
"Evolution is a fact, fact, fact. Get over it!" If you have ever been a student in a public school/university, then there is a very good chance that you have had at least one Teacher/Professor make the above statement (or at least something similar). How do we, as Christians, respond to such a statement from a Teacher/Professor? How do we interact with our fellow students who believe that such a statement is true? Creation, Evolution, and Intelligent Design by Guillermo Gonzalez was written to help Christians understand exactly what the Teacher/Professor is saying when they make such a statement. A correct definition of the terms creation, evolution, and intelligent design are crucial for everyone involved to be able to have an intelligent conversation about what people really mean when they use these terms. Too often, people throw these terms around and think they know what they mean, but they really don't have a good grasp of what the correct definition of these words really is and how to distinguish them from one another.
Guillermo provides a clear definition of young-earth creationism (God created the earth in six 24 hour days and rested on the seventh) and old-earth creationism (earth was created by God more than 10,000 years ago), the different variations of evolution, and how intelligent design is distinctly different from creationism. This book is by no means an exhaustive work on this subject (it is 32 pages long), but by the time you get to the end of the book you will have a much better grasp of all of the above terms dealing with the creation of earth.
I really liked the fact that Guillermo dealt with some of the major criticisms that evolutionists have against creationists and intelligent design proponents. He admits that we are frequently accused of committing the "God-of-the-gaps" fallacy which, "Supposedly, as our scientific knowledge increases, 'natural' explanations have replaced supernatural explanations of the universe. As we discover more about nature, God is called in to fill in ever-smaller gaps of ignorance. Eventually, the need for God will disappear as the few remaining gaps are filled in by natural causes. Or so the argument goes.". Even though this particular criticism is very frequent, it is also very mistaken. I agree with Guillermo that the only major instance of the "God-of-the-gaps" theory being held by a creationist is "when Isaac Newton seemed to have invoked God's direct action to account for the stability of the orbits of the planets around the sun." The fact is that this was an exception and not the norm for creationists in history, and still is an exception for creationists/id's today. Our belief in an omnipotent and rational Creator causes us to look for "regular natural laws" to explain to us what we witness in nature.
Creation, Evolution, and Intelligent Design is a good primer for those who are interested in these topics, but don't really know where to start. Guillermo will provide you with good definitions for each topic and also a brief look at its historical impact.
Title: Creation, Evolution, and Intelligent Design
Author: Guillermo Gonzalez
Publisher: P & R Publishing (2013)
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the P & R Publishing book review bloggers program on NetGalley. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255 : "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."
Guillermo provides a clear definition of young-earth creationism (God created the earth in six 24 hour days and rested on the seventh) and old-earth creationism (earth was created by God more than 10,000 years ago), the different variations of evolution, and how intelligent design is distinctly different from creationism. This book is by no means an exhaustive work on this subject (it is 32 pages long), but by the time you get to the end of the book you will have a much better grasp of all of the above terms dealing with the creation of earth.
I really liked the fact that Guillermo dealt with some of the major criticisms that evolutionists have against creationists and intelligent design proponents. He admits that we are frequently accused of committing the "God-of-the-gaps" fallacy which, "Supposedly, as our scientific knowledge increases, 'natural' explanations have replaced supernatural explanations of the universe. As we discover more about nature, God is called in to fill in ever-smaller gaps of ignorance. Eventually, the need for God will disappear as the few remaining gaps are filled in by natural causes. Or so the argument goes.". Even though this particular criticism is very frequent, it is also very mistaken. I agree with Guillermo that the only major instance of the "God-of-the-gaps" theory being held by a creationist is "when Isaac Newton seemed to have invoked God's direct action to account for the stability of the orbits of the planets around the sun." The fact is that this was an exception and not the norm for creationists in history, and still is an exception for creationists/id's today. Our belief in an omnipotent and rational Creator causes us to look for "regular natural laws" to explain to us what we witness in nature.
Creation, Evolution, and Intelligent Design is a good primer for those who are interested in these topics, but don't really know where to start. Guillermo will provide you with good definitions for each topic and also a brief look at its historical impact.
Title: Creation, Evolution, and Intelligent Design
Author: Guillermo Gonzalez
Publisher: P & R Publishing (2013)
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the P & R Publishing book review bloggers program on NetGalley. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255 : "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."
November 23, 2017
In the opening of this work the book noted that the three terms in the title is quite controversial today. Both authors Guillermo González and Jay W. Richards has written this helpful booklet to help navigate through the issue of God’s creation and evolution. Both men are aware that they are a lot of heat than light with the subject and they have written in a gracious and informed matter.
The authors wisely began by first explaining the meaning of the terms creation, evolution and intelligent design. This is important since the words can be defined in different ways. For instance concerning evolution there is at least half a dozen meaning. What most people mean by evolution when they are talking about it stands in opposition to creationism is actually Darwinian evolution. Darwinian evolution consists of three components: common descent, natural selection and random mutation. The booklet also clarified the difference between young earth creation and old earth creation but the book advocates intelligent design as the primary argument against Darwinian. While I’m not a fan of intelligent design argument I thought nevertheless this was a helpful summary of ID argument.
My biggest criticism for this book would be that it left the discussion about the relationship between Creationism and Intelligent Design with still much to be desired; given that this booklet is part of the “Christian Answers to Hard Questions” series that include works authored by those of the Presuppositional apologetics’ persuasion I found this booklet’s discussion of intelligent design to be contrary to the spirit of other books and authors in the series with the biggest problem being that it made the God the Bible as merely a probability and something not conclusive concerning His existence. While the booklet did present a good call for Christians to question the consensus of the majority’s adoption of Darwinian Evolution and also summarized the difficulties with theistic evolution along with problems with Darwinian evolution nevertheless I would say this was one of the works in this series that I gave a lower rating.
The authors wisely began by first explaining the meaning of the terms creation, evolution and intelligent design. This is important since the words can be defined in different ways. For instance concerning evolution there is at least half a dozen meaning. What most people mean by evolution when they are talking about it stands in opposition to creationism is actually Darwinian evolution. Darwinian evolution consists of three components: common descent, natural selection and random mutation. The booklet also clarified the difference between young earth creation and old earth creation but the book advocates intelligent design as the primary argument against Darwinian. While I’m not a fan of intelligent design argument I thought nevertheless this was a helpful summary of ID argument.
My biggest criticism for this book would be that it left the discussion about the relationship between Creationism and Intelligent Design with still much to be desired; given that this booklet is part of the “Christian Answers to Hard Questions” series that include works authored by those of the Presuppositional apologetics’ persuasion I found this booklet’s discussion of intelligent design to be contrary to the spirit of other books and authors in the series with the biggest problem being that it made the God the Bible as merely a probability and something not conclusive concerning His existence. While the booklet did present a good call for Christians to question the consensus of the majority’s adoption of Darwinian Evolution and also summarized the difficulties with theistic evolution along with problems with Darwinian evolution nevertheless I would say this was one of the works in this series that I gave a lower rating.
October 21, 2023
While I think that calling this booklet "Intelligent design propaganda" is far too strong of a summary, there are times that it crossed my mind. The beginning was good, a short systematic dismantling of Naturalism and Darwinism. From there, both the creationism (young and old earth) and the theistic evolutionism portions were severely mishandled and misrepresented. Part of a good argument is representing the other side fairly. It ended with a treatise for intelligent design that skimmed over the difficulties and emphasized the strong points. Now, I find ID to be a reasonable approach though I am not an adherent. I just detest purchasing books that are not honest in the title or description. Just retitle it something like "A short case for Intelligent design" or something of that nature.
November 3, 2019
A scientific explanation of creation, evolution and intelligent design by an incredible scientist. Easy to understand and well written! Great place to start for the discussion in science and the Bible! Recommended
October 17, 2020
Boa e breve introdução.
December 7, 2019
Creation, Evolution, and Intelligent Design. These are topics I have studied much in the last few years. My views have been challenged, altered, manipulated, and confirmed from all different angles. Each perspective has its own propagandists who care little about truth and a lot about being right. These folks do not only want you to choose, say, creation over evolution...but it has to be their exact perspective on creation. It has to be 6 literal days, or it has to involve a gap and recreation, or it has to(insert some other nuance). Same thing with evolution or ID.
But, each perspective also has loyal adherents who believe strongly that the view they hold is correct and sincerely want you to come to a knowledge of truth. I like those folks better. They challenge and help and encourage me, even if I disagree with their conclusions.
One of the greatest things I learned as I was exposed to Reformed Theology and the sovereignty of God is this: All truth is God's truth. Truth will not lead a person away from God, it will lead them to Him. This encourages me greatly when dealing with issues, such as evolution/creation/ID, because I can pursue the truth without hesitation. Truth will inevitably lead me to God, who is Truth!
This booklet from P&R does just that, it seeks the truth with the confidence that all truth is God's truth and truth inevitably leads us to God...even if it may alter, challenge, or contradict our interpretations, presuppositions, and traditions.
Gonzalez and Richards do a wonderful job of presenting a thoroughly biblical argument for God as Creator is a respectful, informative, and entertaining manner. The challenge they offer at the end of the book sums up well the intent of the authors and I offer a hearty "amen" to it.
"Anyone who has studied science knows that scientists are not immune to 'herd instinct'. Many false ideas enjoyed consensus opinion at one time....major advances in science often come from a lone scientist going against the consensus view of the day. These pioneering often endanger their careers for defending their views...The lesson is clear. Be skeptical of claims of consensus, especially when there are big political or metaphysical issues at stake. Ask tough questions. Insist on clear definitions. Educate yourself, using multiple sources of information. Do your best to follow the evidence where it leads. And rest assured that the real evidence of science, as opposed to the misleading claims of scientific materialism, will not conflict with the truths of the Christian faith."
I received a review copy from the publisher to review this book.
But, each perspective also has loyal adherents who believe strongly that the view they hold is correct and sincerely want you to come to a knowledge of truth. I like those folks better. They challenge and help and encourage me, even if I disagree with their conclusions.
One of the greatest things I learned as I was exposed to Reformed Theology and the sovereignty of God is this: All truth is God's truth. Truth will not lead a person away from God, it will lead them to Him. This encourages me greatly when dealing with issues, such as evolution/creation/ID, because I can pursue the truth without hesitation. Truth will inevitably lead me to God, who is Truth!
This booklet from P&R does just that, it seeks the truth with the confidence that all truth is God's truth and truth inevitably leads us to God...even if it may alter, challenge, or contradict our interpretations, presuppositions, and traditions.
Gonzalez and Richards do a wonderful job of presenting a thoroughly biblical argument for God as Creator is a respectful, informative, and entertaining manner. The challenge they offer at the end of the book sums up well the intent of the authors and I offer a hearty "amen" to it.
"Anyone who has studied science knows that scientists are not immune to 'herd instinct'. Many false ideas enjoyed consensus opinion at one time....major advances in science often come from a lone scientist going against the consensus view of the day. These pioneering often endanger their careers for defending their views...The lesson is clear. Be skeptical of claims of consensus, especially when there are big political or metaphysical issues at stake. Ask tough questions. Insist on clear definitions. Educate yourself, using multiple sources of information. Do your best to follow the evidence where it leads. And rest assured that the real evidence of science, as opposed to the misleading claims of scientific materialism, will not conflict with the truths of the Christian faith."
I received a review copy from the publisher to review this book.
August 10, 2015
Creation and evolution continue to be prominent topics of discussion, debate, and even evoke hostility. Gonzalez and Richards have written this entry in the “Christian Answers to Hard Questions” series to address these pressing concerns. While helpful in its attempt to clarify definitions and dispel common misunderstandings, the brevity of this booklet prohibits any deep discussion. A decent primer, with helpful questions, yet far too short to delve into the intricacies of the matters at hand.
September 16, 2025
I found this in my schoolbooks for this year but we never used it????
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews