Volume IV, Issue 4

Tim’s First Book is Published!!

      The wait is finally over!  For the past few newsletters, we have been advertising the release of Tim’s first book.  Well, it is now available through the typical booksellers such as Christianbook.com and Amazon.com and many others.  It is also available through the Answers in Genesis online store and the Master Books online store.

      The book is co-authored by Dr. Jason Lisle, an astrophysicist at Answers in Genesis.  It is called Old-Earth Creationism on Trial and would be a great gift for anyone that struggles with what the Bible teaches about the age of the Earth and the extent of the Genesis Flood. 

      Using correct biblical interpretation and demonstrating a proper use of scientific data, Tim and Jason soundly refute Christians who have argued that Scripture allows for and/or teaches an Earth that is many millions of years old.  In addition, one of the best aspects of this book is the fact that the authors gave a defense with gentleness and respect (1 Peter 3:15). 

We Have Struck a Nerve

            Indeed, we truly have struck a nerve.  A cursory look at humanist reactions to young-earth literature will quickly tell the story.  To see what I mean, visit your favorite online bookseller and, if they display reader reviews, take a few moments to read some of the negative reviews posted for just about any book supporting young-earth creationism.

     There are a few basic approaches that these reviews take.  Perhaps the most popular approach is a form of an ad hominem attack.   Rather than substantively dealing with the text itself, these reviewers usually accuse the young-earth creationists of being brainless or close-minded religious zealots.  Here are a few examples of these types of reviews...

     In some reviews of Tom Vail's Grand Canyon: A Different View we find the following statements...

"Creationists are unwilling to think and learn because they are dogmatic in their 'belief' system which was written for them by people in the bronze age...We need to get serious and mature in this country about life, death, the world etc. or all of the immature fantasies will be our impending doom."

"A collection of religious and scientific prostitutes who are turning their intellectual tricks for pieces of silver and wearing their scarlet letter for all the world to see."

"How can anybody with even a middle school education believe this...?"

     The second type of argument simply mocks or lampoons the young-earth creationist position.  Once again, this is simply a fallacy of distraction.  It does not deal with the issues at hand.  Here is a sampling of these types of reviews...

     While criticizing Taking Back Astronomy by Dr. Jason Lisle, one reviewer stated:

"The Wiccan Books of Shadows tend to be more factual then this poorly written unscientific compilation of lies and half-truths. Putting this book in front of a child should be criminal. Don't get me wrong, I'm Christian myself, but I look for my own conclusions of God's presence, usually drawn firmly from the realm of reality."

Rather than looking for our own conclusions about God's presence, should we not pay attention to what God has revealed to us concerning Himself in the Bible?

     In a review of The New Answers Book, one particular reviewer was quite creative in his "review." 

"Folks, it don' git no better'n `iss. Yesiree, whut we have here is thuh ultimate in scientifical thinkin'. Them thar daggone eevolutionists should be scramblin' fer answers right about now."

     Oftentimes, reviewers make it very clear that they did not read the book or they completely misunderstood it if they did read it.  For example, in a review of Starlight and Time by Dr. Russell Humphrey, we find the following comment:

"This book is based on a fundamentally flawed premise that the speed of light is not constant..."

Had the reviewer actually read or understood the book, he would have realized that Humphreys argues against the idea that the speed of light is not constant.  Instead, he argues that time itself is affected by gravity.

     This article could easily be tripled in length providing several more examples.  There are some real critiques offered by someone who strongly and sincerely disagrees.  These critiques are welcomed if the tone remains civil.  I have also found an example of a negative review of a book that have not even been released yet. 

     As my first book goes on sale, I realized that it would probably soon have its share of negative reviews.  At first, I was frustrated with this prospect but now I am eagerly anticipating them.  Allow me to explain. 

     It is quite obvious that the secular humanists despise the clear teachings of the Word of God.  That is why they are so vehement in their attacks on these books that seek to explain our world in light of what the Bible states. 

     It is interesting that if the humanists were consistent in their worldview, they would realize that they have no basis for claiming that the young-earth creationist position is wrong and that their view is right.  Since they have rejected the Creator and opted for random chance processes acting on inanimate matter, there can be no such thing as right and wrong.  Everything that exists, just is.  Therefore, the humanist  should not be upset with the young-earth creationist.  After all, if the humanist is right, the young-earth creationist has to believe what he does because that is how the chemicals in his brain have forced him to think.  Certain humanists, such as Dr. William Provine, have pointed out some of the depressing, yet logical, conclusions of an evolutionary worldview.  He stated,

"Let me summarize my views on what modern evolutionary biology tells us loud and clear … There are no gods, no purposes, no goal-directed forces of any kind. There is no life after death. When I die, I am absolutely certain that I am going to be dead. That’s the end for me. There is no ultimate foundation for ethics, no ultimate meaning to life, and no free will for humans, either."¹

     There is another important point to consider in all of this.  Jesus stated, "Blessed are you when they revile and persecute you, and say all kinds of evil against you falsely for My sake.  Rejoice and be exceedingly glad, for great is your reward in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you" (Matthew 5:11-12).  Of course, a posting of a negative book review is a far cry from the physical persecutions suffered by Christians throughout the centuries.  Nevertheless, Jesus also mentioned that those who had all kinds of evil falsely spoken against them were also blessed. 

     This is precisely what is happening in these reviews.  The truth of God's Word is being mocked and suppressed in unrighteousness.  I wonder how many people are negatively influenced by these reviews.  As Christians, we have an obligation to continue to speak the truth in love (Ephesians 4:15), give answers with all respect and gentleness (1 Peter 3:15), and do good to those who hate us and pray for them (Matthew 5:44).  

     I am excited about the publication of my first book.  I hope and pray that God will use it to bring people to faith in Christ and to strengthen the faith of those already in Christ.  As I think about the potential negative reviews headed my way, I rejoice like the apostles that I can suffer shame for His name (Acts 2:41).  It is important to remember that if you are trying to serve God and the humanists are diametrically opposed to what you are doing, then there is a good chance that you are doing the Lord's work.  With that being said, bring on the negative reviews!

¹ Provine, W.B., Origins Research 16(1), p.9, 1994.

A Wonderful Month of Ministry Opportunities

      In the last newsletter, I indicated that I had accepted the position of Associate Pastor at Martintown Community Church in Martintown, WI.  This new position has already provided numerous opportunities to proclaim the truth of God’s Word in some new and exciting venues.    

      For example, I spoke at an area-wide lock-in during the first weekend of June.  It was the first time I had ever spoken at a movie theater (and at 3:00 in the morning).  I also had the opportunity to speak to a large group of teens gathered for a benefit for a thirteen-year-old boy in need of a heart transplant.  The youth heard a clear proclamation of the Gospel and were able to help out with a tremendous cause.

Miscellaneous

     As always, if you have any questions, comment, concerns, corrections, ideas, prayer requests, etc., please email us and let us know.  Also, thank you for your prayers.  Please continue to keep us in your prayers throughout this month.

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