Science and Earth History: The Evolution Creation Controversy

Features

• Cover Type: Hard Cover with 575 pages
• Published by: Prometheus Books November 1999
• Written in: English
• ISBN 10 Number: 1573927171
• ISBN 13 Number: 978-1573927178
• Book Dimensions: 11.4 x 8.8 x 1.4 inches
• Weighs: 3.4 pounds

From Library Journal
This book assesses the attempts of fundamentalist Christians to blend science and religion into a coherent view of the universe, called "creation science," through a literal reading of the book of Genesis. The author, an emeritus professor of geomorphology at Columbia University, looks at evidence from astronomy to zoology, and shows that creation science does not meet the criteria of the scientific enterprise. He concludes that it is a belief system that constitutes a pseudoscience at best, a fraud at worst. His analysis is reasoned, balanced, and fair, but, in the end, devastating. Strongly recommended for public libraries. Robert Paul, Dickinson Coll., Carlisle, Penn.
Copyright 1987 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Product Review
"a popular overview of earth history and a scholarly anecdote to the fictions of creationism" -- Bulletin of Science, Technology & Society, December 2001

"A book with a whacking lot of material on both sides of the topic. . . . you will imbibe a dose of rationality designed to dispel misinformation, illogic and muddled thinking. Strongly recommended." -- George W. Earley, The Gate, April, 2000

Reader Reviews
With an exhaustive overview of the geologic and evolutionary history of our planet, Strahler vigorously rebuts a multitude of Christian creationist assertions. Strahler takes some effort to expose the faulty logic, poor science and devious methods Christians have used to impair the public's perception of evolution. The author is able to fully detail each creationist assertion and how science refutes them. If there is a pivot point in this presentation, it would be the spurious "human" tracks "found" in a Texas riverbed. Many facets - the age of the earth, the path of evolution and the role of analysis - are exemplified by the circumstances surrounding this artefact. While Strahler leaves no doubt over his view of Christian creationists, he provides such a wealth of their material that the book might well be considered "balanced". It is certainly thorough in presenting a history of modern creationism and its spokesmen [if there are any women active in promoting "creation science" they don't appear here]. Strahler lays a foundation by comparing science and pseudo-science. The contrast between empirical research and declaration from assertion should be apparent to all, but Strahler spells it out carefully and clearly. From this beginning he takes us through a succession of topics, exhibiting the creationist declarations, then depicting the errors in them. In some cases, the errors are simply false, while others are twisted use of words or ideas. Strahler set himself a monumental task in composing this book, but as someone with long experience in the geologic column, perhaps there is no-one better qualified to assess the material. This is a rich trove for almost anyone interested in the planet's history. Most of the line drawings and other illustrations are worthy of close attention. Although set as a counter to false thinking, there is a massive amount of material on such topics as radiometric dating, cosmology, geological processes, fossil analysis and the evolution of humanity. Each area acknowledges the leaders in the research. While crediting good studies, Strahler is careful to note where his fellow scientists have been slipshod or dismissive over word usage in dealing with creationists or simply reporting their science. A worthwhile book for a wide spectrum of readers. [stephen a. haines - Ottawa, Canada]