Creation Science Book Review:

Scientific Creationism, by Henry Morris

Review by Greg Neyman

© 2006, Old Earth Ministries

Review Published June 2006

Old Earth Ministries Science website

Chapter 1, Part 1:  The Importance of Origins

     Morris starts this first section of the book with a discussion of the importance of knowing where the human race originated.  I agree that this is a vital question, and the answer to this question will dictate how one approaches life.  Morris lists three main reasons for studying origins, with each broken down into three divisions.

     The first main reason is Scientific Reasons.  Science is defined as "knowledge," which is something all of us should seek.  Science is based on "cause and effect" reasoning.  Finally, science is based on natural laws and processes, and a person must have a good understanding of these in order to understand origins.  This is especially true if one is to avoid the pitfalls and falsehoods of young earth creationism.

Chapter 1 - Evolution or Creation?

Part 1 - The Importance of Origins

Part 2 - Impossibility of Scientific Proof of Origins

Part 3 - The Two Scientific Models of Origins

Part 4 - Pedagogical Advantages of the Creation Model

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Chapter 2 - Chaos or Cosmos (4 Topics)

Chapter 3 - Uphill or Downhill? (4 Topics)

Chapter 4 - Accident or Plan? (4 Topics)

Chapter 5 - Uniformitarianism or Catastrophism (4 Topics)

Chapter 6 - Old or Young? (4 Topics)

Chapter 7 - Apes or Men? (4 Topics)

     The third main reason is Personal Reasons.  Morris correctly states that we each need a reason for our existence...a sense of belonging.  A lack of a firm foundation here will lead to drugs, witchcraft, etc, as one seeks to understand their existence.  A good foundation is key to good mental health.   Old earth creationists would agree with all of these issues.

     Morris proceeds to say that teachers must teach creation, and have good resources to teach it, and he refers to this book.  He says that many teachers, and the public, have been indoctrinated into evolutionary teaching.  The purpose of this book is to counter this teaching.  However, since one can be an evolutionist, and a conservative, literal Bible believer, there is no need to counter evolution.  As a Christian, you can take it or leave it...its your choice.  For a proper perspective on evolution and salvation, you only need look at a short paragraph from Billy Graham.

     It is typical of young earth creationists to preach creation and evolution as opposing viewpoints.  Either you believe in one, or the other, but not both.  Millions of Christians, however, testify that you can believe in both.  These theistic evolutionists show that you can have a vibrant, active Christian walk, and believe in evolution.  Need proof?  How about C. S. Lewis, the author of the Narnia series.  He was a great Christian theologian...and an evolutionist.

     If you don't want to be an evolutionist, that is fine as well.  You don't have to believe in evolution.  However, don't argue against other Christians who do believe in evolution.

Purpose of Scientific Creationism

     Morris goes on to describe the purpose of this book.  The goal is to treat the subject of origins from a strictly scientific viewpoint.  Having studied young earth creationist science for many years, and already having looked at this book, Morris fails to fulfill this first goal, as much of his science is false. 

     Morris suggests that all teachers (targeting high school and college) should be given a copy of this book.  In the early days of this book, it was the plan to use it as a textbook.  Fortunately, not many have done this, as its bad science makes it unsuitable, even for home schooling families.  Morris goes on to list several topics and ideas, but we will wait to discuss these when they surface in the following pages. 

     Morris goes on to say that this book will present evidence and arguments for special creation, a young earth, and a global flood.  While I agree on the special creation part, as you will see, the evidence for a young earth and a global flood is flawed.  In reality, it is non-existent.  Hopefully, you will see this as you progress through this review, and it will be supplemented by other articles from this and other websites.

            If you are not a Christian, and you have been holding out on making a decision for Christ because the Church always preached a message that was contrary to what you saw in the scientific world, then rest assured that the Bible is the inerrant Word of God, and you can believe in Christ and receive salvation, while still believing in an old earth.  Click here for more.

    Are you a Christian who believes in young earth creationism?  Now that we have shown the many difficulties of the young earth creation science model in this and many other articles, how does this impact your Christian life?  If you are a young earth creationism believer, click here.