There is no shortage of creationist resources today. Groups such as Answers in Genesis, Creation Ministries International, and the Institute for Creation Research have made a plethora of books, videos, and magazines available that discuss creation Biblically and scientifically. But I believe a recent book by Dr. Donald Crowe, Creation Without Compromise, stands apart from the rest. Dr. Crowe weaves together many threads of the creation-evolution debate and forms a wonderful tapestry of history, theology, and apologetics on the subject. He also presents a challenge to the church to have a well-rounded Christian worldview and not to compromise with the world. He states, “In like manner, no compromise is ever enough for the evolutionist because both evolution and Christianity demand to govern every aspect of life and thought.” [1]
Crowe does an excellent job of speaking of the creation-evolution debate in terms of presuppositions. Crowe explains, “For both the creationist and evolutionary worldviews, the presupposed axioms of thought determine what is allowed as evidence and what constitutes proof or truth.” [2] He also explains that evolution must be challenged as a religiously held worldview. Presenting ‘data’ to the evolutionists will not suffice, since at heart the theory is an expression of man’s fallen nature to exclude the Lord from scientific thought.
Rightly so, Crowe also emphasizes the authority of God’s Holy Word. We cannot interpret the Bible using the latest so-called scientific theories. The Bible is the supreme authority and it is the standard by which all things are judged. The extended quote below is one of my personal favorites from the book.
“The straightforward reading of Genesis 5 and 11 prevailed universally in Christendom for more than eighteen centuries. Only when one was convinced by ancient evolutionary thought (Babylon, Greece, or Egypt) or modern evolutionary thought (Darwin), was any other ‘interpretation’ suggested. Most of those today who advocate a non-literal view of Genesis admit that their view did not arise from the text itself (exegesis), but was determined by the outside (‘scientific’) considerations. Those who try to fit millions of extra years into the genealogies, usually also deny the worldwide flood of Noah, and the literal days of Genesis One. These are indications that for them so-called ‘science’ is a higher authority than divine revelation. This triumph of empiricism over Scripture is destructive to maintaining a consistent Christian worldview. It also makes the interpretation of Scripture an impossible task, since they can make a word mean what they want it to mean.” [3]
The book concludes by giving four way Christians can avoid compromise. I won’t give those here, you’ll have to buy the book! But I will say that I found the conclusion humbling and challenging. May the Lord give His people more love for Himself, His Word, and the amazing creation that we live in.
1. Crowe, Donald, Creation Without Compromise, Brisbane: Creation Ministries International, p 65.
2. Ibid., p 275.
3. Ibid., p 159.
Thanks for this review
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Sincerely,
Paul Albert Hansen
Okay to post your review of Creation Without Compromise on my website? See menu item G. Reviews.
Sincerely,
Paul Albert Hansen
You may use it. I would ask you to also provide a link back to the original on my website in your post. Please send me a link to your site after you have posted it. You can email me at: takingeverythoughtcaptive@gmail.com
[...] March 2, 2010 by Dustin Crider I am pleased to offer this article by Dr. Donald Crowe on why he wrote his recent book, Creation Without Compromise. I have recently finished reading this book and highly recommend it. My review of the book is available here. [...]
[...] either my review of the book here or Dr. Crowe’s article on why he wrote the book here (you can read both if you like). Then [...]
I agree w/Dr Crowe. Pre-suppositions and worldviews define the argument. It is definitely not an intellectual battle- but a spiritual one. I have spoken extensively on the topic (recently in Papua New Guinea – just north of Australia) and have found that the authority of scripture is at the very heart of the battle. Am looking forward to reading Dr Crowes new book.