Product Description

Can creationists be effective scientists? Leonard Brand says yes. In this patient and accurate explanation of the mission of science, Brand models his conviction that "above all, it is essential that we treat each other with respect, even if we disagree on fundamental issues."

One of Brand's goals is to present constructive thinking about origins and earth history-to show how to analyze the available scientific data and how to approach unsolved problems. If we have confidence in Scripture we don't need to be afraid of data, but can contribute to progress in understanding earth history. This is one of the first books on this topic written from the point of view of an experienced research scientist. A published biologist and paleontologist, Brand brings to this well-illustrated book a rich assortment of scientific examples. This book is used as a college text and appeals to the educated layperson as well.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #1171724 in Books
• Published on: 1997-06-01
• Original language: English
• Binding: Paperback
• 332 pages

From the Author
"[The book] present[s] an overview of how the scientific method works, and then apply that understanding to an analysis of data in biology and earth science to illustrate how a scientist who is a creationist thinks, finally outlining an alternate interpretation of earth history. . . A central thesis of this book is that a creationist can indeed be an effective scientist and that that thesis is supported by personal experience and observation of individuals who are creationists and are also productive scientists."

About the Author
Leonard Brand, Ph.D., completed his doctorate in ecology and evolutionary biology. He has been teaching biology and paleontology at the university level for 27 years. He has also maintained an active research program during that time and has published a number of research papers in professional scientific journals in the fields of paleontology, animal behavior, and ecology.

Customer Reviews

The current Best-in-Class
Texts by creationists range from excellent books by acclaimed scientists to downright awful offerings from overenthusiastic laymen. Dr. Brand's work is among the very best. After reading it I see why Dr. Kurt Wise recommended it above all others.
This book is something seasoned warriors of the creation/evolution controversy can sink their teeth into, yet it can be readily understood by anyone with a decent education. Brand is extremely fair and patient in his handling of topics and careful not to make unwarranted claims. Anti-creationists expecting to score easy points against this book may find themselves learning a few things and rethinking their positions instead. Likewise, overenthusiastic creationists who have been a little too fast and loose with facts will hopefully mature a little by reading this book.
The only significant shortcoming I see is that Brand has apparently little awareness of creationist thinking and research found in two peer-reviewed journals; the Creation Research Society Quarterly and Creation Ex Nihilo Technical Journal. However, this does not detract from the quality of what *is* covered. Two thumbs up!

An extremely well-written book on earth history.
This is unquestionably the best book I have ever read on earth history. Believers in the literal Biblical creation story and followers of the evolutionary theory have for decades been miles apart, with no seeming common ground for civil discussion. "Believers" in either theory will be equally pleased with this incredibly informative book written in a very lucid style which can be appreciated by scientist and non-scientist alike. Although personally a "believer" in the Biblical story of creation and the catastrophic flood, I have always been disappointed and embarrassed by the frequent lack of respect shown by other creationists toward scientists working within the framework of the "naturalistic paradigm", or evolutionary theory. I have also always desired more "data" in an understandable form that I could judge for myself. Leonard Brand has very effectively bridged this "respect gap" and "data gap". He promotes the notion that each camp is looking for understanding just as earnestly as the other, although with their own unavoidable inherent biases, and there is no reason for lack of respect for the other. He explains in extraordinary clarity the scientific process, it's usefulness, and it's weaknesses and the history of present theories of earth origins. The chapter on the relationship between "faith" and science has long been needed to put both in their proper perspective. He goes on to present in extremely lucid terms the major available data on microbiology, cell biology, speciation, microevolution, and geologic record and fossil data, pertinent to the earth history, supplemented with excellent and understandable charts and illustrations. In this context he goes on to explain the evolutionary theory, both past and present, including the newer ideas originating from this camp. He then explains an alternative paradigm which he calls "informed intervention", which is a theory that the geological record can be interpreted in a way consistent with the literal Biblical story of Genesis, including special creation and a catastrophic flood. He fairly points out the problems and strengths of both theories with areas suggested for potential future research. Throughout, he appeals to both camps for equal fairness and mutual respect as they work side by side in the field as scientists to understand this incredible planet we live on.

The best yet
Brand is to be congratulated for a sane presentation of the biblical creationist case, certainly the best general presentation so far. With appealing candour he seems to take care to point out evidence that fits with his paradigm only with more difficulty. He believes in micro- and some macro-evolution, which he distinguishes from mega-evolution. The boundary is still vague needing more research. The book may seem to take a while to get going because initial sections are taken up with important discussions of history and philosophy of science. These sections could have been better introduced as illustrations of a particular empirical problem introduced up front. This would have had the advantage of illustrating the necessity of these philosophical sections. But if you're empirically minded be patient and you will be rewarded. I hope that the tone of Brand's discussion and the seeming quality of his citation and interaction with the work of others, serve as a model to other creationist writers.