Book Review: The Creator and the Cosmos

Author: Dr. Hugh Ross
Spiritual Bias: Christian
Origins Bias: Old Earth Creationist
Rating: Top Shelf
Level: Intermediate/Advanced

Comments: The role of a Bible teacher is to make the Scriptures plain and applicable to others. Ross plays a similar role in his ability and dedication in translating the finds of modern science and in particular astrophysics and planetary science into concepts and notions that lay folk can understand. His role is never made more clear than in "The Creator and the Cosmos." Ross opens his book by addressing the theological implications of Big Bang cosmology. Although the Big Bang is disbelieved by many Christians, Ross shows how this well established scientific model is most consistent with the Biblical Creator. He also decisely counters atheistic arguments such as the "infinite universes" and quantum universes. Hugh then spends the remainder of the book dealing with the anthropic principle, and provides several examples of finely tuned constants which make complex life possible. One example of such is the ratio of the electromagnetic force constant to the gravitational force constant which needs to be precise to 1 part in 10^40. If it was any larger only large stars would form and if it was any smaller only small stars would form. Both large and small stars are necessary since large stars produce life-essential elements and small stars only burn long enough and stably enough to sustain life on a planet. The argument from design is never made more forcefully than in "The Creator and the Cosmos". If I had to choose one apologetics book for my atheist friends to read, it would be this one hands down. It's thorough, based on hard scientific facts, and is well written. Thus it deserves the highest rating that I assign to books. (2/23/02)

Summary Quote: "Wherever we look in the realm of nature, we see evidence for God's design and exquisite care for His creatures. Whether we examine the cosmos on its largest scale or its tiniest, His handiwork is evident. Whether we work in disciplines where simplicity and rigor predominate (for example, mathematics, astronomy, and physics) or in disciplines where complexity and information predominate (for example, biochemistry, botany, and zoology), God's fingerprints are visible."