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 2:  Impossibility of Scientific Proof of Origins

     Morris claims that it is "impossible to prove scientifically any particular concept of origins to be true."  In this statement, he is absolutely correct.  There will always be doubt about models of creation and origins, since we are dealing with scientific theories, and not scientific facts.

     However, one key fact needs to be said.  Although you cannot prove a model of creation/origins is correct, science will allow us to disprove models of creation/origins.  It is here that I can say that science has disproved that the earth is young.  What I cannot say, as Morris goes on to state, is whether or not evolution is correct.  It is a scientific theory, and cannot be proven beyond any doubt.  However, we know beyond doubt that the earth is old.

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)

     Morris goes on to say that creation cannot be proved.  He says it is not taking place now, and thus is inaccessible to the scientific method.  Secondly, he says that it is impossible to do a scientific experiment to describe the creation process.  This is not completely accurate.  If the world were young, this would be true.  However, we can observe, and test certain elements of the creative event, the Big Bang.  Thus, while we cannot observe creation directly, we can observe and measure its effects.

      Morris then says that evolution cannot be proven either.  Again, he is only partially correct.  There are elements of evolution, microevolution, that can be observed.  Morris alludes to this in his point number two, and he is correct that we cannot prove that these would drive macroevolution.  He says these changes are irrelevant, but they are not, for the basis of evolution hinges on these minor changes.  True, they cannot prove evolution, but they do support evolution.  Finally, Morris says that even if scientists create life from non-life in the laboratory, this would not prove that life arose by this method via completely random processes outside of the lab.  I agree, but I would have to see the data first.  If the lab experiments simulated real-world conditions, then we could not rule it out.

Evolution Operates too Slowly to Observe

     Morris gives a short quote from an evolutionist to support this claim.  It is mostly true on a macroevolution level, although microevolution changes can be observed, and it is these micro changes that add up to produce macroevolution.

Evolution is a Dogma Incapable of Refutation

    If this is true, then why do creationists, led by Jonathan Sarfati, the author of Refuting Evolution and its sequel, believe it is refuted?  Morris uses quotes to support his claim that the theory of evolution cannot be refuted.  He is partially correct, because as a theory, it can constantly be adjusted for new discoveries.  The quote says that evolution is "outside of empirical science."  As a whole (macro) this is true, as we cannot observe enough (micro) changes to see a new species arise.  However, microevolution is within the realm of empirical science, as these changes can be observed.

    It should also be noted that evolutionists have pointed out examples of new species, although young earth creationists are adamant in refusing these new species, as they would prove evolution.  Thus, they are argued against on the basis of necessity, and not on the basis of science.

Evolution is an Authoritarian System

     Morris gives several more quotes from evolution...quotes from 1949, 1965, and 1903.  These quotes show how dated this book is.  In the second quote, it is said that paleontology equally supports divine creation.  As a blanket statement, this is true.  However, paleontology clearly argues against young earth creationism, and only fits with old earth creationism.  As you will see later in this book review, the fossil record contradicts a six 24-hour day creation.

     Evolution does indeed have a foothold, and it is "to be believed," as taught by the world's educational systems...and this is the point of this section by Morris.

The Reason for Favoring Evolution is not because of the Scientific Evidence

     Morris uses a good quote from a 1929 publication.  It states that evolution is accepted not because of evidence, but because the alternative, special creation, is "clearly incredible."  Unfortunately, this author was considering the young earth view of special creation.  Clearly, the evidence is against the young earth viewpoint, so it is no wonder that this person would favor evolution over creation. 

     However, when properly understood, an old earth with special creation is a perfect fit with the Bible, and with science.  Progressive creationism, or theistic evolution, provide a much better, rational answer to creation than does young earth creationism, which falls flat on its face scientifically.  It is no wonder that scientists such as the author of this 1929 publication reject young earth special creation. 

     The preaching of young earth creationism has probably done more harm to the church in the last century than any other topic.  As Christians mature, they are faced with the evidence from science.  Having been taught that either you accept God and 24-hour creation days, or you are an atheist, many abandon their beliefs due to the cold hard facts of an old earth.  Morris' son, John, even hits on this in his writings, although he would not publicly admit that young earth creationism is to blame.

     This tragedy can be avoided by teaching that you can believe in an old earth, and in an inerrant, infallible Word of God.  You can be a conservative Christian and believe in an old earth.

            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.