Christian Book Notes

The Genius of Ancient Man: Evolution’s Nightmare.  Don Landis, General Editor.  Green Forest: Master Books, 2012.  112 pp.  $16.99.  Purchase at Amazon for less.

Introduction

Pastor Don Landis is the founding chairman of the board of Answers in Genesis as well as a graduate of Moody Bible Institute.  More importantly, he serves as Pastor of Community Bible Church in Jackson Hole, Wyoming where he also is the president of Jackson Hole Bible College.  More to the topic at hand, Pastor Landis has taught on ancient man for many years.

Summary

Rooted in presuppositional apologetics, this work is divided into 12 chapters that provide a mountain of evidence that what commonly think of as an unintelligent ancient man (ancestor of modern man) is actually surprisingly more intelligent than we could ever imagine.  Chapter one offers various perspectives and makes the case that one’s worldview (presuppositions) will determine how one interprets the information presented.  Here, the team from Jackson Hole Bible College make the case for holding to a biblical worldview.  Chapter 2 offers a discussion on presuppostional apologetics as well as a few starting points from which to base the discussion.

Chapters 3-12 offer one piece of evidence after another culminating in a picture of ancient man being far more intelligent than modern man.  Throughout these chapters, a case is made for a biblical understanding of God’s priority of sequence and time as well as a look at the various structures and their precision crafting without the convenience of modern tools and computers.  They look at the music and art from the ancient past as well as their advanced technology and architecture in accordance with astronomy and the seasons of the Earth.

The final two chapters argue that Babel is alive and well today and if we are not careful, we are going to lapse back into forgetting that God exists completely.  The last chapter whets one’s appetite for further study in the subject of ancient man from a biblical perspective.

Review

Not only does this resource show beyond a shadow of doubt that ancient man was, in fact, more intelligent than we care to admit, it shows explicitly how.  Through pictures and scientific evidences, Landis has compiled many instances that have left the worldly scientist baffled.  Consequently, he has also shown how sin has corrupted man’s ability to think and act and be creative.  While not the main thrust of the work, the reader quickly can surmise that when sin came into the world, it’s impact was far more reaching than we thought.  (I speak in general terms.)

I appreciated the timelines and the challenge the evolutionary premise has in trying to understand the evidence in order to fit into there presupposition.  Ultimately, the case is made, successfully in my opinion, that if one were to look at the evidence without any preconceived notions, they would have to, at the very least, accept the truth of a Designer who created all things including man and that something went very wrong somewhere early in the history of this creation.

Recommendation

This is certainly a book to consider purchasing for your high school or college student.  It is not only engaging because of all the information but also the photographs and the charts help in digesting the information being presented.  Also, this work will provide a rudimentary education for the Christian to be able to have a conversation with the evolutionist to the point of showing the he is not a religious fanatic opposed to science.  Rather, he will show that the evidence indeed points to a Creator and that presupposition ought not be jettisoned in light of science and should be considered in the discussion.  I highly recommend this resource to all.

Ham, Ken.  Illustrated by Bill Looney.  The True Account of Adam and Eve.  Green Forest: Master Books, 2012.  60pp.  $15.99.  Purchase at Amazon for less.

Introduction

Ken Ham needs no introduction.  You either love him and the ministry given to him by God or you don’t.  Sadly, that is the way defending the importance of Scripture goes these days.  I have reviewed a number of Ken Ham resources and you can read those here.  This particular resource was written to “instruct readers about the historical account of the first two people, Adam and Eve, and to teach them to think with a Christian worldview…rooted in the Bible.”  Mission accomplished.

Summary

The book begins oddly enough with an account of the biblical view of Creation mixed with an apologetic for a non-evolutionary understanding of how humans and this universe came into existence.  Also, Ham offers an apologetic for the biblical understanding of marriage between one man and one woman.  Afterward, we see how Adam and Eve disobeyed God and committed the first sin.  The rest of the book shows how that one sinful act has decimated the world as it was then to what it is now.  On most every page, the hope of Christ is offered and the Christian worldview is proclaimed as a holistic worldview that should never be compartmentalized.

Review

First, let me say that I am biased at this point.  Ken Ham’s ministry has been extremely influential in my life and ministry.  I have moved from a non-thinking (let me be honest) old earth theistic evolutionist (I had to keep god in there somewhere!) to a critical thinking young earth creationist.  That is not to say that I am correct (though I believe I am) but it is to say that I have found that a young earth creationist understanding of Gen. 1 is the only way I can maintain consistency with the rest of my theology.

Ok, now that that is said, I really enjoyed this work.  Ken wrote it in such a way that he shows the importance and necessity of maintaining a Christian worldview in all areas of one’s faith. Furthermore, Bill Looney’s illustrations are top notch and would make great posters for your child’s bedroom.  He has illustrated one other book with Ken Ham that I have reviewed.  His illustrations are visually stimulating and extremely thought provoking.

The work as a whole is well written and developed.  It offers an excellent introduction to your children about the historicity of the account we read in Genesis 1-3 and beyond.  I liked the most that this book shows how much the fall of man has affected the world today and offers real reasons (and solutions) to the problems we see on our nightly news casts.

Recommendation

As with all of Ken’s books, I highly recommend this resource.  For what it’s worth, this may be one of his finest books to date for children.  This is more because an adult will find it interesting and it may perhaps even strike up a conversation that could lead to a paradigm shift in one’s thinking or even better…an opportunity to share the gospel and lead someone to salvation in Christ.

Comfort, Ray and Jeffrey Seto.  Made in Heaven: Man’s Indiscriminate Stealing of God’s Amazing Design.  Green Forest: Master Books, 2012.  80 pp.  $15.99.  Purchase at Amazon for less.

Introduction

I have been blessed to have many interactions with Ray Comfort from an interview to reviewing many of his books.  He has always been spot on in his writings though I know he and I disagree on a few secondary issues.  Nonetheless, his ministry has had a major influence in mine – especially when it comes to evangelism.

Jeffrey Seto, on the other hand, I have never heard of until now.  If you are like me, then you will be stunned to discover that he works as an aerospace engineer in experimental research and development.  His specialty is supersonic boom suppression, structural and system testing in both civilian and military areas and synthetic vision approach systems.  To be honest with you, what he does is beyond me!

Summary

Divided into 32 chapters over 63 pages of text, this book is fast moving compiling much evidence showing how we have in a very real way stolen from God’s creation to design materials to better our lives.  These two authors look at everything from shark scales to cat eyes and mosquitoes to show how we are looking to creation.  Watch this video to better understand what this resource attempts to show:

Review

My mind was blown thumbing through this book.  I had no idea where some of the inspiration came for many of the items I use every day.  The only criticism I had was the lack of cited resources to support some of the claims but the conclusions drawn were logical nonetheless.  The diagrams were extremely helpful in explaining some of the tougher concepts.  Page after page left me spell bound with God’s creative power and saddened by man’s feeble attempt to play God and not give him any glory whatsoever.  Ray Comfort and Jeffrey Seto offer a resounding apologetic giving God all the glory and helping us to shift our perspective and to seek how we can further give God glory while using every day items in our homes and as we travel.

Recommendation

I have always enjoyed studying science and how we as humans come up with some of the things we do.  Unfortunately, I have never really considered the claims made in this resource.  That has changed.  My mind was blown and I have been challenged to radically change my perspective and for that I am grateful.  This book is highly recommended to all believers and even to non-believers.  This would be an excellent coffee table book in the home or for the Christian business man or even doctor.  It will stimulate your mind and enable to you further worship God in an area (or areas) that you never considered.

IndoctriNation: Public Schools and the Decline of Christianity.  Edited by Charles Laverdiere.  Green Forest: Master Books, 2012.  384 pp.  $14.99.  Purchase at Amazon for less.

Introduction

This book is a companion to the DVD by the same name.  You can purchase the DVD here.  Colin Gunn, Co-Director of the video, states, “In presenting this book as an accompaniment to our film, one of our objectives is to equip the homeschooling public with the ammunition necessary to effectively defend our educational choices….using these resources to graciously challenge our brothers and sisters who are still deceived by the public school system.”

Ultimately, the contributors, directors and editors are seeking to sound an alarm and wake the rest of the world up to what is happening in out public school system.

Summary

Consisting of 23 chapters and 5 appendices over 384 pages, the reader is treated to a fairly in depth study of what is taking place in the public school system.  There is practically no stone left unturned and they certainly hit the ground in a dead sprint.  By the second chapter, the reader is already confronted with the reality of why kids are being drugged (see ADD & ADHD) and how they are being dumbed down (ch. 3).  The rest of the book looks at the various and many ways in which the government is now running the public schools and turning our children into mindless young men and women who are told what to think and become incapable of thinking for themselves all the while proclaiming their independence and ability to think and make decisions for themselves!

Review

Initially, this resource seems to be as though preaching to the choir.  If you are homeschooling, it is more than likely because you are frustrated with the public school system for various reasons – many of which are detailed in IndoctriNation.  Nonetheless, there are so many reasons to not send your child through the public school system that even the most knowledgeable of homeschooling parents may not be aware.  this resource will offer sound reasoning for each “issue” that the parent (and child) will be better equipped to deal with the consistent and continual attacks on the homeschoolers.

While this book (and DVD) does serve as a rally cry and a call to arms as we engage in what amounts to a war for our children and nation, it does not do so disparagingly.  The key word in the above quote by Colin Gunn is “graciously.”  They are able to accomplish this much better than I anticipated.

Recommendation

For those considering homeschooling, I highly recommend this resource.  For those who are homeschooling, I highly recommend owning a couple copies of this resource as you are sure to give away a few copies!  The truth is, we are engaged in a war of worldview and with the massive amounts of resources by the worldly, we must be shrewd and wise in our dealings.  IndoctriNation offers a quality resource that equips the parent, child, and Christian to defend not only their personal decisions, but also to defend the faith given to us once for all.  It starts in the home.  May we be cognizant of this fact.

How Do We Know the Bible is True? Volume 2. Edited by Ken Ham and Bodie Hodge. Green Forest: Master Leaf Books, 2012. $14.99. Purchase at Amazon for less

Introduction/Summary

Ham and Hodge are back defending the authority and authenticity of Scripture.  There first book, How Do We Know the Bible is True, Volume 1 was released in 2011.  You can read my review of that work here.  Whereas in the first book, the editors dealt primarily with Scriptural questions, this second volume looks more questions stemming from scientific, political, and ethical questions aimed at the Christian faith intermingled with questions directed at the Bible itself.  This approach offers a more well-rounded apologetic to Christianity as a whole and not just the Bibleper se.

For example, the first question asked and answered is “Why are young people walking away from our churches?”  They next look at why many Christian colleges are shifting to a secular paradigm and exploring the trustworthiness of the Jesus Seminar.

They also engage the reader in the radiocarbon dating conversation and even the Shroud of Turin.  A few of the other discussions include whether or not Noah’s Ark has been found and what should we make of the so-called “missing” books of the Old and New Testament.

Review

At first glance, given the questions dealt with in this second volume, one might think that the editors and contributors are leaving Scripture all together.  That being said, however, I do not believe this to be the case.  What these men of God are attempting to show is that we, as a culture, have left the Scriptures all together and they are now explaining both implicitly and explicitly what we have to deal with as Bible-believing Christians (are there truly any other “kind” of Christian?).

In other words, we now have to deal with a sort of pre-apologetic before we can actually jump into Christian apologetics and often times even the Gospel presentation.  This is why we have to wrestle with a question on Atlantis (ch. 25).  Fortunately, Ham and Hodge answer why there is a need for apologetics (ch. 6) and conclude the book with a couple  of chapters on evangelism (ch. 18 and 30).

The chapters are short and to the point and offer many cited resources for further development of their thoughts and for the education and equipping of the saints.

Recommendation

As with the first volume, I recommend How Do We Know the Bible is True, Vol. 2 to all Christians.  This particular volume, however, takes a different approach in that it wrestles with the conclusions that many have arrived at after doubting the Christian faith for so many years.  I hope they continue to develop this series thus bringing together a look at what it means to wholly believe in Christ and the Scriptures and what it looks like if we do not.

Dr. Ashton, John F.  Evolution Impossible: 12 Reasons Why Evolution Cannot Explain the Origin of Life on Earth.  Green Forest: Master Books, 2012.  208 pp.  $13.99.  Purchase at Amazon for less.

Introduction

Dr. John Ashton has been a science teacher and researcher for over forty years.  He currently serves as an adjunct professor of biomedical sciences and applied sciences in Melbourne, Australia. You can connect with Dr. Ashton at Facebook and Twitter.

Summary

The book is packed full of information over fourteen chapters and 200 pages.  Each chapter is fairly straight forward and offers a more logical understanding of the evidences we have before us concerning the theory of evolution.  Chapter one deals with just that…evolution is a theory not a fact.  Chapter two offers a synopsis of Darwin’s theory which is the launching point for the twelve reasons why evolution cannot explain life’s origins.

With topics ranging from living cells not being able to arise by chance to what the fossil records really show (hint: it’s extinction not evolution) to evidences both geologically and historically for a global flood all the way to evidences for the existence of an intervening God (not a deistic god), there is enough information here to keep the reader equipped for some time.

Review

I appreciated Dr. Ashton’s straight-forward, common sense approach to the information presented.  While he is obviously biased against evolution, he does not allow that bias to taint the objective facts that are presented.  Furthermore, he does not skew the facts so that his case is made more “effective.”  Rather, he allows the evidence to speak for itself.

For example, his chapter on current erosion rates is well researched and attested and therefore shows logically how millions of years are not possible.  Quite frankly, he simply offers a different framework from which to view the evidence.  Often times, this is all it takes.  If one must jump through hoops to force a square peg through a round peg hole, then one ought to take a look from a different angle at the evidences being studied.  In other words, allowing for ALL possible explanations goes a long way in finding a solution.

Recommendation

I recommend this resource to all who are interested in the discussion on evolution and creation.  There is a lot of information presented in this book making it an extremely useful book for various classwork and apologetic discussions.  If you are in high school or college, this resource will be of great use as you will certainly be asked to defend your views of creationism (that is, if you hold to that view).

Hodge, Bodie, Tommy Mitchell, and Ken Ham.  Answers Book 4 Teens, Vol. 2 – Your Questions, God’s Answers.  Green Forest: Master Books, 2012.  96 pp.  $14.99.  Purchase at Masterbooks.

Introduction

The boys are back and, as they did the last time, they have sought to allow the Scriptures to answer some of the toughest questions teens are asking today. You can read my review of Answer Book 4 Teens Vol. 1 here.  Otherwise, you can check out this introductory video put together by the team at Master Books.

Summary

Hodge and Mitchell (with contributions from Ken Ham) look at another 15 questions that are being asked everyday in schools, homes, and church groups.  Instead of offering their own answers, they let the inerrant Bible give the answer.  The questions range from creation in six days to cavemen and unicorns to slavery.  Along the way, they offer insight into what it means to “go through the motions” of Christianity and the need for true salvation as well as answering the all important question asked by most high school students– What about going to college?

Each chapter is roughly six pages long full of charts and graphs and, most importantly, biblical insight into each subject.

Review

Once again, I believe the MasterBooks team has struck gold.  While their answers, if you have read many of the works being published by MasterBooks and New Leaf Press, may seem rote, suffice it to say that they are not. Unless, that is, you believe the Bible to be rote!  I appreciated the tenderness in which they answered more difficult questions like college and slavery.  Even more, there final question on saving faith is more than a necessary conclusion to this resource as there are many youth (and adults!) whose faith is in something aside from Christ.

While one will not necessarily agree with everything that is written, the reality is the argument is not with the men who wrote this book.  Rather, it is primarily with the Word of God.  Yes, there are areas in which we can agree to disagree, but those areas must be understood as having major ramifications for the essentials of the faith.  Obviously, no one is 100% correct on every issue, but the views must be weighed in light of the inerrant Word of God which, in my estimation, Hodge, Mitchell and Ham do just that.

Recommendation

As the video above stated, this is a great resource for small groups, youth groups, personal study and/or family devotions.  Aside from that, this is also a great resource to help equip any one in the faith to “always be prepared to give an answer for the hope within.”  I highly recommend this resource for anyone who calls on the name of Christ as Lord and Savior.

The Henry Morris Study Bible, King James Version.  Green Forest: Master Books, 2012.  2,215 pp.  $39.99.  Purchase at Amazon for much less.

Introduction

The good men and women at Master Books are at it again. This time, they have  published a study Bible that deals expressly with the importance of a literal 7-day creation understanding of Genesis 1.

For those who are not aware of who Henry Morris (1918-2006) was, he was the author of classic Creationist works such as The Genesis Flood, Evolution and the Modern Christian, and Scientific Creationism among many others. He is perhaps best known for founding The Institute of Creation Research in 1970

The translation used for this particular study Bible is the King James Version.  The goal is to defend the scientific accuracy of a “recent special creation” and seeks to resolve supposed contradictions between history and biblical doctrine.

Summary

Obviously, the importance of this study Bible is that it is a Bible – the inerrant Word of God.  Second, this study Bible seeks to defend a literal seven day Creation account through study notes compiled through extensive study.  At over 2,200 pages, it is clear that there are many notes (10,000+) throughout the entire Bible that points the reader and student back to Genesis 1 as the foundation of our faith.

Each testament and book of the Bible is introduced with cross references found at the end of each verse instead of below in a footer or in the center of the text.  Included are 22 appendices that are extremely beneficial to the student.  For example, the chronology of the Patriarchs in Genesis and the internal designs found in the Bible top the list.

An interesting twist on the appendices, however, is the look outside the Bible.  There is one appendix that lists the many Bible-believing scientists in history and a look at the Creationist faith of the founding fathers of the United States of America.

Review

I was impressed with the study notes found in this Creation-apologetic study Bible.  Many of the notes delved into the original language (tense, mood and person).  This is important as it aids the student to better understand authorial intent and meaning.  While not every study note deals directly with Creation, they all increase one’s understanding that the Word of God has been faithfully transmitted down to us today.

What I found most interesting were the additional appendices that led the reader to move outside the Bible.  The various lists are helpful, especially for the science student looking to defend the Bible in class, even if unique.  For example, appendix five looks at the various global processes that indicate a recent creation.  There are 68.

That being said, arguably the most beneficial appendix in this work is number 11.  Here we have a list of the quotations or allusions to Genesis found in the New Testament.  They list 200.

Recommendation

It is extremely easy to get a study Bible and forget that you are purchasing a Bible – the Word of God. I say that because The Henry Morris Study Bible is an excellent resource because of the plethora of study notes.  This resource is excellent for anyone who is in school (home or not).  If you are a believer in a literal 7-day Creation, you will want to own this book.  If you are taking a science class at the high school or, more importantly, the college level, I believe this particular study Bible would be a most important addition to your apologetic repertoire.

Demolishing Supposed Bible Contradictions, Volume 2: Exploring Forty Alleged Contradictions.  Edited by Ken Ham, Bodie Hodge, and Tim Chaffey.  Green Forest:  Master Books, 2012.  174 pp.  $12.99.  Purchase at Amazon for less.

Introduction

We know that person who says that the Bible cannot be true because it is full of contradictions.  When pressed, however, many are often unable to offer any real legitimate apparent (Important word here) contradiction.  When they do offer one, the believer is sometimes caught off guard.  Instead of fumbling for an answer, let them know that you will look into it and get back with them.  Where will you look?  Where can you go for a quick and ready resource that offers simple answers to some of the apparent contradictions found in Scripture.

Thankfully, Ken Ham, Bodie Hodge, and Tim Chaffey have edited a second volume to their popular Demolishing Supposed Bible Contradictions series.  (You can get the first volume here.)

Summary

This resource deals with 40 supposed contradictions in the Bible.  The editors have arranged them canonical order so that they are a bit easier to find.  They introduce the work with a chapter explaining that a good defense against these charges is to have a good offense.  If you can keep the skeptic off balance then you do not allow him (or her) to string together their pearls of contradictions leaving the believer feeling foolish and doubting.

Review

Fortunately, the contributors and editors do not get so dogmatic as to say that there are not apparent issues with the different accounts of the same historical events or that God seems to be one way in text and another (often completely opposite) in another text.  What they all do extremely well is work from the foundation of 2 Tim. 3:16 and give credence to the inerrancy of Scripture.  This is once again an essential discussion that has to take place in the church today.

I appreciated how they drove home the point that context is everything and that the Bible is truly the Word of God without error.  In so doing they lay the foundation of submission to Scripture and a humility in approaching the Word of God that is needed by so many today.

Recommendation

It is a beautiful thing to be able to pick up a book that reinforces THE BOOK.  I am grateful for New Leaf Publishing and the ministry of Ken Ham et al.  While I personally do not always agree with everything that is said or written, I have always benefited deeply from these resources.  Demolishing Supposed Bible Contradictions Vol. 2 is certainly one of those that needs to be on the shelves of all Christians who deal with unbelievers and skeptics.  Even more, you may find that some of your own questions will be answered through reading this book.

Foster, Bill.  Meet the Skeptic: A Field Guide to Faith Conversations.  Green Forest:  Master Books, 2012.  144 pp.  $10.99.  Purchase at Amazon for less.

Introduction

Bill Foster teaches Christian apologetics to believers of all ages.  He holds a B.A. in English and an M.F.A. in Graphic Design from Savannah College.  He owns a brand image and design firm which gives him a unique perspective of how the popular culture perceives and is influenced by the ideas that shape our world.  He believes that understanding the worldviews underlying various objections is essential to reaching the heart of a skeptic’s thinking.  You can read more about the book at MeetTheSkeptic.com.

Summary

This resource is divided into twelve chapters though the more important divisions are found in the four skeptics Foster discusses.  The first four chapters lay the foundation for the entire book — it’s use and how to effectively engage the unbeliever.  Chapter four argues for four basic categories of skeptics upon which the rest of the book, two chapters per category, is dedicated.  The four categories of skeptics are spiritual, moral, scientific, and biblical.

Each category offers a nutshell one page description followed by a few pages of the “root idea.”  In this root idea, you will find common objections to the Christian faith as well as ways in which the believer can counter those objections.  Ultimately, Foster moves the reader to “dig up the root idea” of each spiritual problem.  Once the root idea has been understood, the reader will be taught how to effectively handle the objections without getting sidetracked by the objections.

The second chapter of each category offers red-flag words in which the believer is taught how to circumvent never ending rabbit trails.  Also, the reader is exhorted and cautioned against many other pitfalls to be aware of during the conversation(s).

Perhaps one of the best features of this resource is found on the page opposite the Table of Contents.  On this page, they have a list of pop culture references with page numbers where they are discussed in the work.  This enables the reader to quickly jump to a specific point and be prepared to readily engage the unbeliever.

Review

There is absolutely much to love about this resource.  Bill Foster offers concise and insightful conversation points.  His style of writing is perfect for the new believer just as it is perfect for the seasoned believer.  This book was written in the trenches of the war so to speak.  In other words, Bill Foster is not writing as one who engages in philosophical debates on a college campus.  Rather, he writes as one who is involved in these conversations in every day experiences.  He has obviously been trained by real to life experiences…similar to the ones you and I have each day.  It is that knowledge and experience that makes this book so invaluable to the believer.

While I do believe that the believer ought to study Scripture more than any other world view or apologetic methodology (hey, to better identify counterfeit money, one must study, intimately, the real thing), I found Foster’s work to be refreshing and very real.  It is a resource that will go a long way in equipping the readers to better engage the people we work with and see each day.  It may even prove to be extremely helpful in dealing with your unbelieving family members.   This book is properly subtitled A Field Guide to Faith Conversations.

Recommendation

Apologetics was my first academic love after becoming a Christian.  One of the road blocks, humanly speaking, to my coming to faith was the inability of believers to be able to articulate what they believed and why they believed it.  I have read and reviewed a number of apologetic works and have enjoyed and learned something new from each.  Foster’s book, Meet the Skeptic, has offered something slightly different than the rest of the books in the field of apologetics.  While there are other works of apologetics that I would recommend over Meet the Skeptic because of their specific content or intended audience, this is the first work of apologetics that I see as being a must have on every Christian’s shelf.  This field guide will prove an invaluable resource to the believer.  I highly recommend Meet the Skeptic to all believers without reservation.