Equipping Center

Body by Design defines the basic anatomy and physiology in each of 11 body systems from a creational viewpoint. Every chapter explorers the wonder, beauty, and creation of the human body, giving evidence for creation, while exposing faulty evolutionistic reasoning. Special explorations into each body system look closely at disease aspects, current events, and discoveries, while profiling the classic and contemporary scientists and physicians who have made remarkable breakthrough in studies of the different areas of the human body. Body by Design is an ideal textbook for Christians high school or college students.It utilizes tables, graphs, focus sections, diagrams, and illustrations to provide clear examples and explanations of the ideas presented.Questions at the end of each chapter challenge the student to think through the evidence presented.

In his typical style, Lee Stroble presents persuasive arguments in favor of an intelligent designer as the responsible agent behind the material universe by way of a compilation of several well articulated interviews. The volume does touch on presuppositional considerations while effectively utilizing empirical evidences availed in modern science. The strength of the book is found in Stroble’s lawyer style examination of evidence and the credentials of the interviewees. Several arguments and strong counter-rebuttals to previously stated arguments are quite helpful. The text is generally accessible and understandable to the non-technical reader, though it is not devoid of technical arguments. The volume is clearly an argument for intelligent design (ID) and not biblical creation according to Genesis. Scripture is not presented as the authority or first object of presupposition, however, a summary of the Case for Christ is presented in the appendix. A helpful resource, especially regarding the most recent counter-rebuttals to ID, however, it is neither technical nor biblically based.

One of the great classics of biblical creationism argued from a credible scientific analysis while still adhering to and upholding a normal literal interpretation of Genesis. It is well researched, well written, and carefully documented. It is considered a scholarly work that does present some fairly technical information at times. Its analysis of the biblical account of the Flood as it relates to geologic formations and evidences apparent today are still compelling. Its treatment of Genesis is commendable, providing a careful examination of the credibility of the account by exploring the scientific possibility of Noah’s ark. There are many points and arguments presented that are still valid and useful, however, the sheer age of the publication limits its helpfulness in the earth sciences categories. This is the 50th anniversary edition, which means that several references and scientific data points are deprecated and require the reader to supplement this volume with more current research. Nevertheless, this work continues to offer much for the thoughtful reader.

This is a valuable asset for any student interested in biblical cosmology. It presents well documented research in an understandable format, addressing a vast array of cosmological considerations. Arguments are framed from a scientific platform, yet the author faithfully demonstrates that objective, empirical, observational science does not contradict the teaching of Scripture but rather supports it. One major focus of the book is placed on the Flood and the author’s “Hydroplate Theory” as superior scientific explanations to current geological phenomena, both of which find their basis in Scripture. The author argues that the division in Peleg’s day was a water division (p. 254) and argues against a canopy theory (pp. 260-268). Both of these issues ought not to be argued dogmatically from a scientific perspective, but should be examined from a careful exegetical analysis of Scripture. Dealing with 137 categories of scientific evidence, this volume is accessible to the non-technical student, yet avails valuable technical data as well for the more serious researcher. A well recommended resource.

This is one of the flagship works that presented a revolutionary challenge to the theory of biochemical evolution from the analysis of a microbiologist. This volume does not argue in favor of biblical cosmology, but rather presents severe challenges to the largely unchallenged allegiance to the theory of evolution within the scientific community. Behe effectively popularized the concept of “irreducible complexity” as an argument for “intelligent design.” He persuasively argues that biochemical systems exhibit irreducibly complex features and systems that preclude the possibility of evolutionary development. The volume is fairly technical, incorporating technical data and research to support his thesis. Behe does argue against wholesale acceptance of Darwinism, however, does not dismiss the possibility of limited evolution (as in micro-evolution). This work does not address the creation of the world overtly, nor does it make any allusions to the age of the earth. It is an important work to consider for any student interested in understanding the intelligent design debate and associated challenges to the theory of evolution at the detailed scientific level.

Another important work from a secular platform that challenges the theory of evolution on the basis of modern scientific evidence and careful scientific scrutiny. Though modern science is certainly employed to pose the strongest arguments against the theory of evolution, this work is not a scientific study. It is authored by a law professor who presents persuasive arguments and impressive research that leverages the statements of scientists and related historical documentation. As with other “intelligent design” material, this volume does not argue for a biblical view, nor does it purpose an authority in the matter, it simply raises objections to the propagation of the theory of evolution on the basis of secular observation. A useful resource to consider, yet it should be noted that it is devoid of any biblical consideration and is limited in its technical credibility.

This is a must read for any student interested in considering scientific objections to the theory of evolution from a secular perspective. Written by an agnostic geneticist, this volume presents a number of very powerful challenges against the theory of Darwinian evolution. One of the chief values of this work is that it is written from a secular perspective that is not interested in a theistic position, yet is willing to acknowledge certain implications. In fact, Denton seems to argue for an alternative view to life’s diversity without having to look to supernatural explanations—he maintains a naturalistic presupposition. This being said, he begins the volume by reviewing the descent of biblical conviction after the enlightenment; he entitles this opening chapter, “Genesis Rejected.” Though some of the material is fairly technical, it is presented in an understandable fashion that should be accessible to most readers. A recommended resource provided a careful discernment regarding Denton’s presuppositions and lack of biblical consideration.