Book Review: Origins: Linking Science And Scripture

Author: Dr. Ariel A. Roth
Spiritual Bias: Christian
Origins Bias: Young Earth Creationist
Rating: Top Shelf
Level: Intermediate

Comments: Although Ariel Roth isn't one of the big names in the Creation/Evolution debate these days he has produced an excellent work certainly worth reading. The book "Origins" is broad in what it covers yet detailed where it needs to be. He covers the fossil record, microbiological complexity, the evidence for a global flood, the issue of time/age, and biblical reliability - all with great clarity. Many of the cogent arguments and points he brings up are novel, which is rare, since so many books have been written on this subject. Needless to say I was very impressed. Perhaps the only minor negative thing that I can mention is that from the beginning of the book Roth time and time again couples the concept of creationism with a young earth perspective. This need not be so and he even spends some time towards the end of his book discussing the spectrum of theories that exist between evolution and creation. In any case even through the old earth creationist spectacles that I wear I've considered this book to be just about "must-read" material.

Summary Quote: "I cannot accept the idea that God does not exist. Nature is too complex and existence too meaningful for me to think that all the intricacies and delicate balances I see about me are just accidental. There has to be a Designer. If there is a Designer, I would expect some meaningful communication from Him. It would be an odd kind of Creator who would design our thinking, conscious minds and not communicate at all with us. I expect communication, and I look for that communication. Scripture is the best candidate. Written by more than two dozen authors claiming special revelation, it has unusual internal coherence and unusual external correspondence with history, archeology, and nature."