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Purposeful Design: Understanding the Creation
This book beautifully explains the principles of science that operate our world. It masterfully explains the elements of design that made life possible, and completely presents evidence that a loving Creator God was purposeful in these designs.
96 pages, Hardcover
Published January 1, 2013
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Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
May 19, 2014
Designed and referred to by the author as a “coffee table book," it fits that description well. This is a nicely done book with really good illustrations. The size is not that of a very large “coffee table book” but somewhat smaller. A child can easily pick it up and leaf through it.
While written on a level of basic Biblical and scientific knowledge, it still would benefit the youngsters in the home or classroom from having it read aloud and discussed with them to facilitate their grasp of content. Older children would benefit from their own perusal and study of the contents.
Not meant to be a textbook, it covers the seven days of creation in the broad sense of the word yet is done with some good facts and insight. The moon’s rotation and the tides of the earth were nicely done and I found these pages interesting.
I see this book as an asset to the home (library shelf or coffee table) for adults, teens, and children to enjoy and educate themselves with on how God, our Purposeful Creator, designed each and every aspect of earth. And all of this purposeful design benefits God’s greatest creation – Man.
My husband thoroughly enjoyed perusing this book.
Author: Jay Schabacker, once an engineer on the Apollo Moon Program, and founder of a financial investment firm, is a graduate of Cornell University, with a Masters Degree in Finance & Investments from George Washington University. He now devotes his time to educating children and adults on God's wonderful and purposeful design of this world - and each of us. His passion includes videos, speaking engagements, and now the new coffee table book, "Purposeful Design - Understanding the Creation". Jay's activities over the years have included the chairmanship of Romanian Christian Enterprises helping to bring at risk orphan children out of distress; and the chairmanship of Ken Ham's 1992 "Back to Genesis" Washington, DC Seminar sponsored by the Institute for Creation Research.
DISCLOSURE: I was given a complimentary copy by BookCrash on behalf of the author in exchange for my review. Opinions expressed are solely my own. I was not compensated for this review.
May 9, 2014
The book is a thoughtful exploration of the Creation Week, giving us examples of how to apply it to our lives and thinking. There are seven chapters, each covering principles we can gather from God’s activities each day.
I especially enjoyed his wisdom on the different ways plants and animals make our lives rich and full. He covered the important role the moon has in helping the earth function well for life. Sometimes the focus was on the big picture:
What keeps the universe going?
How are plants useful?
What causes the seasons?
Instincts
What makes people special?
What makes me special?
Sometimes he explored a single example of a principle in action. For example, he seems to really like the moon. He also likes apples, camels, and ice.
This book is not designed to cover any area of creation science in depth. Instead, it reads more like a celebration of God’s handiwork. It’s laid out in a coffee table format with large photos and text broken into bite-sized pieces. In fact, it only took me about an hour to read through the whole thing since I didn’t stop to savor things much.
Where the book shines is in introducing people to what it looks like to think about creation as the Bible shows us. It would work well to give a new believer introducing them to creationist thinking. It also would be great as a starting point for a Sunday School class or to read through during family time.
There are a few things you should be aware of before getting your own copy. The book uses a number of low quality stock photos that show pixelation. It would have been nice if they had been sharper, but you can easily tell what they’re showing. Other than that, the book is a glossy and high quality hardcover.
Disclaimer: I got a free review copy from the author. I wasn’t told what to write; all thoughts are my own.
I especially enjoyed his wisdom on the different ways plants and animals make our lives rich and full. He covered the important role the moon has in helping the earth function well for life. Sometimes the focus was on the big picture:
What keeps the universe going?
How are plants useful?
What causes the seasons?
Instincts
What makes people special?
What makes me special?
Sometimes he explored a single example of a principle in action. For example, he seems to really like the moon. He also likes apples, camels, and ice.
This book is not designed to cover any area of creation science in depth. Instead, it reads more like a celebration of God’s handiwork. It’s laid out in a coffee table format with large photos and text broken into bite-sized pieces. In fact, it only took me about an hour to read through the whole thing since I didn’t stop to savor things much.
Where the book shines is in introducing people to what it looks like to think about creation as the Bible shows us. It would work well to give a new believer introducing them to creationist thinking. It also would be great as a starting point for a Sunday School class or to read through during family time.
There are a few things you should be aware of before getting your own copy. The book uses a number of low quality stock photos that show pixelation. It would have been nice if they had been sharper, but you can easily tell what they’re showing. Other than that, the book is a glossy and high quality hardcover.
Disclaimer: I got a free review copy from the author. I wasn’t told what to write; all thoughts are my own.
May 6, 2014
Wow I can see why this book won the 2013 Bronze Medalist in Education! It was wonderfully put together and extremely informative!
I am beyond appreciative that the entire idea of this book is centered around the truth/fact that God created the Earth and everything in it! Jay delivered this message in a way that their is no doubt that "a Purposeful Designer" made the world and us humans with such love! With each chapter and every picture (which is a lot) in this short read one can't help but be in awe of God in gaining new understandings of creation! He truly had a purpose in even the smallest detail! I also appreciated Him including the Sabbath mentioned in as part of the Creation too because that is equally important!
One thing I would like to mention is that I got this for my son, but the funny thing is that I learned a lot too! Some of things he mentioned I had no idea in how if the Earth was not at a 23.5 degrees tilt, high/low tides, and quiet a few other things that it could affect this world in a big way! God was definitely precise and had a very important purpose for EVERYTHING!
I definitely plan to use this book as the premise of teaching about our world and creation when I start homeschooling! There are few words and ideas that younger ones might need help with, but it doesn't change that idea of this being a homeschooling must have!
I give Purposeful Design: Understanding the Creation by Jay Schabacker a 5 out of 5 stars!
*(I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author through BookCrash in exchange for an honest review! All thoughts expressed are my own and I was not required to write a positive review!)*
I am beyond appreciative that the entire idea of this book is centered around the truth/fact that God created the Earth and everything in it! Jay delivered this message in a way that their is no doubt that "a Purposeful Designer" made the world and us humans with such love! With each chapter and every picture (which is a lot) in this short read one can't help but be in awe of God in gaining new understandings of creation! He truly had a purpose in even the smallest detail! I also appreciated Him including the Sabbath mentioned in as part of the Creation too because that is equally important!
One thing I would like to mention is that I got this for my son, but the funny thing is that I learned a lot too! Some of things he mentioned I had no idea in how if the Earth was not at a 23.5 degrees tilt, high/low tides, and quiet a few other things that it could affect this world in a big way! God was definitely precise and had a very important purpose for EVERYTHING!
I definitely plan to use this book as the premise of teaching about our world and creation when I start homeschooling! There are few words and ideas that younger ones might need help with, but it doesn't change that idea of this being a homeschooling must have!
I give Purposeful Design: Understanding the Creation by Jay Schabacker a 5 out of 5 stars!
*(I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author through BookCrash in exchange for an honest review! All thoughts expressed are my own and I was not required to write a positive review!)*
May 29, 2014
This book is a beautifully illustrated “coffee table book” based on the seven days of creation. It takes the main thing created for each day of creation, one day at a time, and expands on each concept with beautiful photos and illustrations. It uses easy to understand language to explain each concept. For that reason it is suitable for all ages, for the very young, as a read aloud book.
It answers common questions around a Genesis and God-based creation, such as, what if the tilt of the earth was 0 or 50 degrees instead of its 23 1/2 degrees, why does ice float, what keeps the solar system going at the same speed and velocity and how do fish swim.
Other concepts included are the rain cycle, vegetation, seasons, moon phases, ocean tides, birds, fish, mammals, and our amazing human body.
Interspersed throughout are Bible verse quotes appropriate to topic at hand and it also has thanks and praise to God. The whole book can be used as a source of praise to God!
This book would be very good for those interested in an introduction to biblical creation, or for those wanting beautiful inspiration for praise to God for His creation or for Christian school or home school teachers.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the BookCrash blogging for books program. 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 Commision’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
It answers common questions around a Genesis and God-based creation, such as, what if the tilt of the earth was 0 or 50 degrees instead of its 23 1/2 degrees, why does ice float, what keeps the solar system going at the same speed and velocity and how do fish swim.
Other concepts included are the rain cycle, vegetation, seasons, moon phases, ocean tides, birds, fish, mammals, and our amazing human body.
Interspersed throughout are Bible verse quotes appropriate to topic at hand and it also has thanks and praise to God. The whole book can be used as a source of praise to God!
This book would be very good for those interested in an introduction to biblical creation, or for those wanting beautiful inspiration for praise to God for His creation or for Christian school or home school teachers.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the BookCrash blogging for books program. 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 Commision’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
June 18, 2014
Disclaimer: I was provided a copy of this book for my review. No other compensation was received. If you click on the book it will take you to Amazon's purchase page. Once again, I receive no compensation for your decision to purchase.
This insightful look into the reasons for ordering creation would be useful for all ages. The author, Jay Schabacker, has carefully researched many of the events during the first seven days to provide the reader with a accurate representation of what God did and why He did it. Starting with a cute tickler about the Man in the Moon and moving through the Creation story he provides the reader with many stories within the the Story.
Using the Word of the Creator God and scientific fact and theory the Creation comes to life on the pages of this book. Facts, beautiful pictures, quotes, Bible verses, and flowing words fill this book with a solid basis for a Creative, Purposeful, Life-giving, beginning to Earth, the Solar System, and all of the Cosmos.
Through the eyes and words of this author each creative day had to preceed the next so the finished product, man, could move forward. Sequentially using the movement of the planets, the rain cycle, how the seasons are beneficial , tidal movement and timing, instincts of birds and fish, domesticating animals, and the uniqueness of each human, puts the story into perspective and makes for some very interesting reading.
I highly recommend this book! Either for your coffee table (because it is beautifully made) or as gifts you can't got wrong.
This insightful look into the reasons for ordering creation would be useful for all ages. The author, Jay Schabacker, has carefully researched many of the events during the first seven days to provide the reader with a accurate representation of what God did and why He did it. Starting with a cute tickler about the Man in the Moon and moving through the Creation story he provides the reader with many stories within the the Story.
Using the Word of the Creator God and scientific fact and theory the Creation comes to life on the pages of this book. Facts, beautiful pictures, quotes, Bible verses, and flowing words fill this book with a solid basis for a Creative, Purposeful, Life-giving, beginning to Earth, the Solar System, and all of the Cosmos.
Through the eyes and words of this author each creative day had to preceed the next so the finished product, man, could move forward. Sequentially using the movement of the planets, the rain cycle, how the seasons are beneficial , tidal movement and timing, instincts of birds and fish, domesticating animals, and the uniqueness of each human, puts the story into perspective and makes for some very interesting reading.
I highly recommend this book! Either for your coffee table (because it is beautifully made) or as gifts you can't got wrong.
May 24, 2014
“And, I wish everyone would have an immensely positive view of themselves, of this world that we are in, and of others—“
Jay Schabacker expresses his understanding of the creation through biblical quotes and photographs. He accomplishes this feat by combining the use of scriptures, interpretation of those scriptures, and beautiful photographs.
He discusses the seven days of creation in their respective chapter, ending with the seventh day (the day of rest). The attempt to convey his message of universal creation is prepared with thought provoking words, scriptures, and self-explanatory pictures.
Purposeful Design directs its reader to think about the reasons the earth was created, how we should appreciate our surroundings, and recognize the value of each other as human beings. Jay Schabacker further shares the beauty of our brain and body, physical design and the purpose for its existence.
Purposeful Design: Understanding the Creation is a great coffee table book. In addition, it is a good learning tool for pre-teens and younger children. The displayed format is simple and pleasing to the eye. I would recommend this book as a gifting opportunity to pre-teens as well as adults for conversational topics and friendly debates.
I received this book from the Book Crash Reviewer Program for an honest and unbiased opinion.
Jay Schabacker expresses his understanding of the creation through biblical quotes and photographs. He accomplishes this feat by combining the use of scriptures, interpretation of those scriptures, and beautiful photographs.
He discusses the seven days of creation in their respective chapter, ending with the seventh day (the day of rest). The attempt to convey his message of universal creation is prepared with thought provoking words, scriptures, and self-explanatory pictures.
Purposeful Design directs its reader to think about the reasons the earth was created, how we should appreciate our surroundings, and recognize the value of each other as human beings. Jay Schabacker further shares the beauty of our brain and body, physical design and the purpose for its existence.
Purposeful Design: Understanding the Creation is a great coffee table book. In addition, it is a good learning tool for pre-teens and younger children. The displayed format is simple and pleasing to the eye. I would recommend this book as a gifting opportunity to pre-teens as well as adults for conversational topics and friendly debates.
I received this book from the Book Crash Reviewer Program for an honest and unbiased opinion.
June 4, 2014
Our world was created in seven amazing days. Often we glaze over what really happened on each day of creation. We mention the stars and moon, but we don't really realize all that went into each step in terms of science. The author has taken day of creation and expounded different scientific elements to create a fascinating coffee table book for all ages.
I was incredibly impressed with this book. I enjoyed reading it, but my son really enjoyed it as well. Each page is filled with lots of bright, colorful pages, Bible verses, and science facts about creation. The book ends with the seventh day of creation - the day of rest. My only complaint, and it's a tiny one, is that the Sabbath wasn't given more time. There are quite a few studies that show the benefits of rest on the body. And the author only briefly touched on the last day with some Bible verses. But this didn't keep the book from being a solid 5 stars in my mind. With so many wonderful things about our earth to chose from, I felt the author did a great job of compiling the best things into each day. The book would be a great addition to any school or home library. It would also make a beautiful gift.
I received this book free of charge from Book Crash in exchange for my honest review.
I was incredibly impressed with this book. I enjoyed reading it, but my son really enjoyed it as well. Each page is filled with lots of bright, colorful pages, Bible verses, and science facts about creation. The book ends with the seventh day of creation - the day of rest. My only complaint, and it's a tiny one, is that the Sabbath wasn't given more time. There are quite a few studies that show the benefits of rest on the body. And the author only briefly touched on the last day with some Bible verses. But this didn't keep the book from being a solid 5 stars in my mind. With so many wonderful things about our earth to chose from, I felt the author did a great job of compiling the best things into each day. The book would be a great addition to any school or home library. It would also make a beautiful gift.
I received this book free of charge from Book Crash in exchange for my honest review.
September 5, 2014
Our world was created in seven amazing days. Often we glaze over what really happened on each day of creation. We mention the stars and moon, but we don't really realize all that went into each step in terms of science. The author has taken day of creation and expounded different scientific elements to create a fascinating coffee table book for all ages.
I was incredibly impressed with this book. I enjoyed reading it, but my son really enjoyed it as well. Each page is filled with lots of bright, colorful pages, Bible verses, and science facts about creation. The book ends with the seventh day of creation - the day of rest. My only complaint, and it's a tiny one, is that the Sabbath wasn't given more time. There are quite a few studies that show the benefits of rest on the body. And the author only briefly touched on the last day with some Bible verses. But this didn't keep the book from being a solid 5 stars in my mind. With so many wonderful things about our earth to chose from, I felt the author did a great job of compiling the best things into each day. The book would be a great addition to any school or home library. It would also make a beautiful gift.
I received this book free of charge from Book Crash in exchange for my honest review.
I was incredibly impressed with this book. I enjoyed reading it, but my son really enjoyed it as well. Each page is filled with lots of bright, colorful pages, Bible verses, and science facts about creation. The book ends with the seventh day of creation - the day of rest. My only complaint, and it's a tiny one, is that the Sabbath wasn't given more time. There are quite a few studies that show the benefits of rest on the body. And the author only briefly touched on the last day with some Bible verses. But this didn't keep the book from being a solid 5 stars in my mind. With so many wonderful things about our earth to chose from, I felt the author did a great job of compiling the best things into each day. The book would be a great addition to any school or home library. It would also make a beautiful gift.
I received this book free of charge from Book Crash in exchange for my honest review.
September 10, 2015
What a gorgeous book! Its beauty is not only found in the colorful illustrations, but also in the explanation of God’s wondrous creations—the Heavens, Earth, Atmosphere, Water, Land, Vegetation, Sun, Moon, Stars, Birds, Fish, Animals, and Humans.
Jay Schabacker has provided us with a biblical and scientific look at God’s handiwork. I love how he describes our world and incorporates verses from the Bible to show how purposeful God was in creating everything.
What if our Creator set the Earth at a 0 degree tilt, rather than 23.5 degrees? What if our Moon was much larger? What if ice didn’t float? The answers to these questions (and more) confirm that each element of creation was designed with a purpose.
This book is much more than a pretty decoration for your coffee table. It’s interesting, educational, and a remarkable faith-building instrument. (I feel I should note - there are a few editing mistakes.)
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a Review Copy. I was not required to write a positive review. The options I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255
Jay Schabacker has provided us with a biblical and scientific look at God’s handiwork. I love how he describes our world and incorporates verses from the Bible to show how purposeful God was in creating everything.
What if our Creator set the Earth at a 0 degree tilt, rather than 23.5 degrees? What if our Moon was much larger? What if ice didn’t float? The answers to these questions (and more) confirm that each element of creation was designed with a purpose.
This book is much more than a pretty decoration for your coffee table. It’s interesting, educational, and a remarkable faith-building instrument. (I feel I should note - there are a few editing mistakes.)
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a Review Copy. I was not required to write a positive review. The options I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255
May 6, 2014
When understanding the creation of the earth and the solar system's design, there are many questions to how it came to be. Many scientists are skeptic as to what has been done and how. Many rely on what has been written by many in the past that tried to come up with explanations that had nothing to do with the Bible, making so many things wrong and even carbon dating has proved false many times.
When thinking about the creation, it does have a purposeful design. That is what this book is about. It tells of the sun, earth, rotation, axis, the moon and gravitational pull. You'll also learn many other things that it has said so in the Bible. It's purpose is to help you understand and it goes along with Genesis. Jay Schabacker has written this with everything aligning what scientists have tried to all along. It's one of the best reads, very educational and also helps with educating students for how things came to be.
When thinking about the creation, it does have a purposeful design. That is what this book is about. It tells of the sun, earth, rotation, axis, the moon and gravitational pull. You'll also learn many other things that it has said so in the Bible. It's purpose is to help you understand and it goes along with Genesis. Jay Schabacker has written this with everything aligning what scientists have tried to all along. It's one of the best reads, very educational and also helps with educating students for how things came to be.
June 17, 2019
Wonderful book that is both entertaining and informative, with vivid photographs and interesting facts about our planet, Earth. Suitable for all ages! If you believe in the theory of evolution, you definitely should read this book. You will be converted to the fact of Creation.
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews