Book Review: The Adam Quest
The Adam Quest: Eleven Scientists Who Held on to a Strong Faith While Wrestling with the Mystery of Human Origins
By Tim Stafford
Published by Thomas Nelson
Book Description
Science and faith should be allies, not opponents, in the search for truth.
But when it comes to understanding the very beginnings of life, it is no easy task to reconcile the history taught in the Bible with the discoveries of the scientific community.
Author Tim Stafford watched the tension between the beliefs of Darwin and the teaching of Genesis shake the faith of his family, ruin friendships, and leave Christians in the field of science feeling as though the doors of the church were closed to their profession.
He believes this civil war can stop. The scientific record and the truth of the Bible aren’t mutually exclusive. The Adam Quest offers a compelling new look at the beginnings of life as Stafford puts questions of dinosaurs, genealogy, and the age of the earth to eleven world-class scientists.
A sweeping book—touching everything from advances in genetics to a particle physicist striving to become Anglican priest—Stafford uses the stories and journeys of these remarkable men and women to provide a new diversity of answers. Scientific progress is carefully detailed, while the struggle toward truth and toward God is humanized.
A deeply informative look at Christians working in science, this book is for both believers and those who harbor doubts—an intersection of faith and science, and a safe place for questions. Whether you believe in a young earth, intelligent design, evolutionary creationism, or something else, The Adam Quest offers a chance to strengthen your faith, deepen your knowledge, and bring science back into the church.
Book Review
I found this book to review shortly after the highly publicized debate between Ken Ham and Bill Nye. In our homeschool and parenting approaches for my son and the children I tutor, Istick firmly to instruction based upon the young Earth and a Biblical historical model. All else is false as far as I am concerned. And in my studies, the more one seeks to disprove the Bible and God, the more proof there is of the Truth and of Him....So, this text intrigued me. There are pieces of Stafford's book that I agree with and parts I really do not...but I will probably use some of the book as a curricula resource in our homeschool studies.
I meet many individuals who think, assume, or acknowledge that Biblical history and science do not confirm each other. I did not necessarily find that this book will settle that debate, but it does give many a firm foundation for which to launch a good conversation on the topic.
Stafford provides an overview of the three worldviews of origin and what scientists think of these views. There is discussion presented of scientists who have faith in Christ. Despite what many argue, I hold steadfast that the Bible is the ultimate authority of all things. I believe we originate from a young Earth, based upon the genealogy presented in Genesis and throughout the other books. I have seen so called brothers and sisters in Christ argue vehemently with one another over these beliefs and views. Stafford presents much useful information to consider. I do not agree with it all, but this is fine. Healthy discussion can bring learning and understanding. Stafford wants to make it evident from the beginning of the text that he is just presenting each party. I think he has a slightly biased tone throughout the text. I will leave that to another reader to determine.
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