Ham, Ken. The Lie: Evolution/Millions of Years (Anniversary Edition 25 Years Revised and Expanded). Green Forest: Master Books, 1987, 2012. 236 Pages. Paper. $13.99. www.masterbooks.net (LHP)
Regular readers of QBR are familiar with Ken Ham. We've reviewed his recent books on youth and Christian colleges. We are thankful for the updated edition of The Lie.
Revised & Expanded for this special 25th anniversary edition, Ken Ham once again takes the lead in pointing out the looming precipice too many church leaders are rushing towards: a denial of the full authority and accuracy of the Bible from its very first verse.
In addition, Ken powerfully shows how the ideas of evolution and millions of years are driving young people away from the Christian faith, and provides solid, biblical solutions to turn things around.
Published in 1987, this book took a bold stand which became prophetic. Ken warned the church about the destructive effects of compromise with evolutionary/millions of years ideas. He warned that compromise in Genesis would undermine Scriptural authority in the culture and erode confidence in the infallibility of God's Word. Today, Christians (and those considering the Christian faith) increasingly doubt the Bible's reliability. - Compromising Genesis has led to a generational loss of an acceptance of the absolute authority of the Word of God, and leading to an exodus of young people from the church
- Why Genesis remains critically important in presenting the Gospel
- This slippery slope of reinterpreting Scripture to redefining biblical doctrine
- Discover how your handling of the biblical account of creation impacts your understanding of all of Scripture and your worldview
The issues are of critical importance when you realize that today we have Christians not only confused when it comes to Genesis and the age of the earth, but now even the reality of Hell, Adam as a real person, and Christ's own words about creation, marriage and more are debated in the pulpits across the world. One compromise just leads to another – and it has to end if we want to leave a legacy of faith to future generations.
(Publisher's Website) The need for an update of the 1987 edition is exemplified in how the "castle" diagram has changed over the years as culture battles spread and intensify (198ff.).
The "Lie" that surrounds Christians who confess a young Earth along with Genesis and our Lord (for the sake of the Gospel of Jesus Christ) has also expanded. We now face the lies of gay marriage, the new liberal orthodoxy of global warming, the growth of militant atheism, the challenge of apathetic agnostics, and the popularization of millions/billions of years in texts and exhibits, in addition to the challenge to biblical reliability made by Christians who compromise on Genesis chapter one.
On a personal note, I am encouraged by the impact this one title from our church/school library has made for the strengthening of our young people here in our community. At least once a year, proud parents have told me of interesting parent/teacher conferences with science teachers stymied by the bold and winsome apologetic and confession given by our Junior High and High School students. Add this title to your church and family libraries!
The Rev. Paul J Cain is Pastor of Immanuel Lutheran Church, Sheridan, Wyoming, Headmaster of Martin Luther Grammar School, Yellowstone Circuit Visitor (LCMS Wyoming District), a member of the Board of Directors of The Consortium for Classical and Lutheran Education, Wyoming District Worship Chairman, and Editor of QBR. |
