Chaffey, Tim and Jason Lisle. Old-Earth Creationism on Trial: The Verdict Is In. Green Forest, AR: Master Books, 2008. 207 Pages. Paper. $12.99. http://www.masterbooks.net/ (N)
This volume is an in-house correction/discussion guide for Christians when they disagree about creation and evolution. Some are overt evolutionists, denying Genesis outright. Others think God used macro evolution to "create," a problematic position at best. A few speak of "day ages" contrary to the clear Hebrew word. Chaffey and Lisle have a helpful book for Christians, pastors, and congregations in my own Lutheran Church--Missouri Synod. They support the Bible's clear teaching of a seven day creation (actually six as they point out with the day of rest).
Old-Earth Creationism on Trial tries and convicts well-meaning fellow Christians for teaching the "millions" and "billions" beliefs espoused by countless books, public school science curricula, and museum after museum.
Martin Luther is among those quoted positively over and against modern authors (74ff).
I particularly appreciate the insight that the eight who survived the Flood used names they knew of the pre-Flood world to describe and name the renovated world. Re-use of the names "Tigris" and "Euphrates" don't refer to the same rivers of early Genesis as they do after the Flood (88).
Objections are handled point by point in alternating prosecution and defense chapters in the book.
And the authors propose a way forward to a proper, honest, and important discussion for Christians.
Read and use this book to help prepare your family and friends (especially young people) to respond to the biases of what passes for modern science.
The Rev. Paul J Cain is Pastor of Immanuel Lutheran Church, Sheridan, Wyoming, Headmaster of Martin Luther Grammar School, Wyoming District Worship Chairman, and Editor of QBR.
