The Biblical Basis for Modern Science
342142
This scholarly book is very information and well written.  It is an excellent reference on Biblical science.
4943960
Miracles are often debated topic, and rightly so. If miracles happen, then they are clear evidence of something or someone intervening into the natural processes of the laws of nature so that a miracle can occur. The possibility of miracles is intimately tied to the question of whether or not God exists. In his new book Miracles, best-selling author Eric Metaxas explores the concept of miracles and does a great job of illustrating their importance and possibility.

The book clearly defines miracles as something God does in the world, and miracles require God's intentional action to occur. Many believe that if miracles ever have occurred, they only occurred long ago, and we live in a different world now. Metaxas is quick to point out, however, that the laws that govern our universe today are the same laws that governed our universe thousands of years ago. Therefore, miracles are either possible at all times or at no time in history. This is an important point because the implications are that the miracles we read about in the Bible are still possible today.

Metaxas deals with the debate of faith versus science and deftly shows that science and faith are both about exploring God's world and discovering more about him and his creation. They aren't mutually exclusive. In fact, he points out, many scientists have been led to faith because of the evidence they've seen in their scientific studies of God's existence.

The book looks at the miracle of life and the most important miracle of all for Christians: the resurrection. The second half of the book shares real-life miracle stories. Metaxas was careful to only include miracle stories that fit a certain number of criteria to qualify as a definitive miracle.

I've always love C.S. Lewis' book on miracles, and it was good to see Metaxas quote Lewis on multiple occasions. This book is written for today's generation, and it's an important exploration of the concept of miracles and why God performs them.

Review copy provided by Dutton Adult
838661
A must read for Christians who want to better understand and defend the biblical account of creation.  This book makes a clear and compelling case that biblical inerrancy leaves no room for evolution, and one must chose one or the other.
192194
This seems to be one of the oldest attempts to reconcile the Bible and evolution that I've found.  (If that's not true, someone please correct me.)  If you've never heard of the theory about the "seven days of Creation" being a metaphor for millions of years -- this is a very well-done and convincing argument in its favor.  Not necessarily the most up-to-date, since Miller is from the 19th century, but a good place to start -- and a wonderful way to learn more about Victorian science.
 It's a good edition, which is NOT true of most of these Internet publishers -- no flaws or typos to drive you crazy and very well-bound.
784241
An unfortunate fact of modern life is that much of the truth about the Bible has been buried beneath massive clutters of faulty eschatology penned by liberal skeptics and misguided conservatives.  In this book, Steve Hawk has prepared a thick tome that focuses on the faulty ideas of many of those who have claimed to be "conservative" defenders of the Bible's integrity, such as those who insist on assigning a late date for the writing of the Book of Revelation in order to throw the fulfillment of its prophecies into the future.  The Bible's prophecies do have much relevance for us today, he amply demonstrates, especially for America, but the understanding of those prophecies has been butchered by people who claimed to be its defenders.

This book contains much sound analysis of biblical prophecy and will serve as a useful reference source for the increasing number of students of the Bible who are catching on to the wrong turns that have been taken in eschatology and want to get on the right road.  It will amply reward the time taken to examine it.
175028
You could take this two ways:
1) it shows how amazing happenings in the Bible are possible thru known science
2) it eliminates the miraculous hand of God
This DVD is done respectfully from a scientific standpoint (by Jewish scholars for the most part), but it strongly alluded to the idea that man (science) knows how humans could've done it...you have to draw from that your own inferences.
I thought it was interesting because I search for the truth in all things and my faith is not diminished when I learn that Elijah may have used information either available at that time from magicians of the day, or from God, to influence the spiritual direction chosen by those who would be lost otherwise...the question is: where did Eliljah get the information? ....you have to choose...
2108086
If you're struggling to integrate modern science with Biblical history, you should definitely read this book. In the very first chapter, Fischer explains why purely symbolic or allegorical Adam is incongruous with both Old and New Testament accounts. Such views are in vogue because modern genetics increasingly steers us away from a single literal "Adam and Eve" as parents of the entire human race.

Here, Fischer explains that Adam was not the first human, but the first Semitic man; the first prophet if you will. Fischer says: Yes, Adam was a real man who lived about 7,000 years ago in Mesopotamia, and yes, the Bible does hint that there were other people around at the time.

Cain kills Abel and is afraid that anybody who meets him will kill him. Hey wait a minute - anybody WHO? (If he and his parents are the only people around, why would he say this?) He flees, marries a woman (from where?) and builds a city (for who?).

Fischer weaves his extensive knowledge of the Ancient Near East, Sumerian and Akadian literature to integrate history with Biblical narrative in a way that's refreshingly different from anything you've seen before. Fisher suggests that the traditions of English translation have significantly erred due to long-standing wrong assumptions about humanity, which the original author of Genesis did not intend to communicate.

I do not have sufficient expertise to critique the fine details of his analysis. But I would suggest that with this book it's possible to integrate modern genetics, anthropology and science into a historical understanding of Genesis that is admirably coherent. You may need to revise your understanding of original sin to more resemble what the Jews have always taught (hint: It's a greatly over-rated issue). The exact timing and nature of "And God said let us make man in our image" will probably remain mysterious. Fisher brings to light commentaries from long before Darwin that discussed pre-Adamic humans. The case for this is strong.

Fisher offers a very sensible interpretation of Noah's flood (a local not worldwide event) and other ancient events as well. Definitely one of the best such books I've encountered. I've gained some very important puzzle pieces from this book.
4362892
Jon Levenson is without doubt one of the most important biblical scholars of our era.  His vast corpus holds a unique place in the field of biblical studies, concentrating not only on the Bible but moreover in philosophical and theological issues at the heart of exegesis.  The relationship of ancient and modern interpretative approaches is central to Levensons thought, a feature that renders it immensely profitable for Jews and Christians alike.  As concerns this particular volume, it is significant that Levenson has proven himself one of the most incisive contemporary voices against the view that Judaisms emphasis upon divine election makes it an inherently particularistic religion.  Countering this, Gary Anderson and Joel Kaminksy recall that their honoree has demonstrated how both Judaism and Christianity embrace the reality of election even as they conceptualize it in different ways. The Call of Abraham is an ambitious volume that sets out to consider this shared affirmation of election theology in light of Levensons opus while building upon it across a wide range of fields.

This text has the distinct advantage of drawing together the work of fifteen authors representingthe Jewish, Catholic, and Protestant traditions.  Like Levensons work itself, this endeavor is of considerable ecumenical importance.  Its editors rightly note at the outset that Levenson never concludesthat a shared affirmation of election theology among Jews and Christians amounts to the same thing; rather, the analogous understanding of election brought into relief by Levenson and by the authors of this volume points out where the differences between our two traditions lie and where continued dialogue needs to head.

Over the course of the volume election is considered under three headings: Hebrew Bible (Part One); reception of the Hebrew Bible in the apocrypha, pseudepigrapha, New Testament, rabbinics, and Christian exegesis (Part Two); and modern theology (Part III).

In sum, the quality essays in The Call of Abraham represent a fitting tribute to an author who has done much to advance our contemporary understanding of the Bible.  By mining the tradition for treasures both ancient and new, the authors of this volume have ably carried forward their honorees legacy and pointed the way for a new generation to walk in his footsteps.  This reviewer can do no better than to join them in acknowledging his debt of gratitude to Levenson and to eagerly anticipate continued enrichment by reflecting on his thought for years to come.
2671884
Over the years, the older I get, the more I need a "larger" explanation of the creation.  My faith is strong, but science has shown to much creatable evidence that we need another explanation than a "literal" Genesis.

This a great book.
604749
In this book, James Hoffmeier brings to bear his double expertise in both Egyptology and Biblical scholarship to examine the latest evidence in support of the historicity of the Biblical Exodus.
There has been a recent movement questioning the authenticity of the Old Testament, particularly the older portions, with the extreme group of "Low Chronologists" insisting that all of the books were written much later than previously believed. Some have even referred to the whole Joseph story in Genesis as a "novella", claiming that it was a charming fiction created only a few centuries BCE. Their principal evidence for this claim has been the supposed lack of evidence for the presence of the early Israelites in Egypt, or for their flight from there, as described in the book of Exodus.
Dr. Hoffmeier has examined the evidence in Egypt, especially along the chain of lakes through Suez that are presently joined by the Suez canal. He discusses the "store cities" of Pithom and [Pi-]Ramesses, on which the Bible claims the Israelites labored, and finds that the ruins of such cities have now been identified in the area of the northwest Nile delta known as Goshen, where the Israelites were said to have lived. He traces the route out of Egypt they followed, as described in Exodus, and finds that it makes sense as a route that would have been taken by a group of people who were fleeing Pharaoh's soldiers. They would have avoided the main highway to the north, just as the Bible says they did. Hoffmeier tentatively identifies most of the landmarks mentioned in the Bible, and adds in the latest satellite data and Israeli land surveys that have shown the remains of an old Pharaonic canal that dates back to around 2000 BC. He also points out that the notion of the Israelites crossing the Red Sea is a mistake, based on a mistranslation of the name of the body of water in question. The Hebrew text calls it the "yam suph", which is correctly translated as "Sea of Reeds", not "Red Sea". And indeed, the waters around the edges of Lake Timsah and the Bitter Lakes are thickly grown with reeds and would fit the description of a "Sea of Reeds" quite well.
This is a fascinating book full of the latest and most accurate data bearing on the authenticity of the Exodus. While he has found no flaming inscription saying "Moses was here", Dr. Hoffmeier has certainly verified many of the details described in the book of Exodus, quite contrary to the claims of the Low Chronologists.
4869787
I believe that if anyone can prepare the "modern" church for its critical next step into the future, it is Walter Wink.  His development of the critical use of scientific theory mostly drawn from the "new" physics and the "new" biology, are extremely helpful in providing a guidepost into the integration of theology and science, using a philosophy of science integration.
The is one point that wish to state clearly.  This series of texts is not about "your father's (or mother's) Jesus!" Wink demonstrates a Jesus that is dealing with issues of power and domination.  It seems that little "theological reflection about the nature of the church" is present within the current psychological disposition of the American church.  Wink provides a necessary corrective to this religious culture of psycho-babble.
It will be a difficult read.  Keep a Bible handy.
2386015
A great biblical explanation of the wonders of God and a wonderful reminder of God's intelligent design. I loved the way it expounds on the many references in scripture of the heavens and stars of astronomy.
2685489
As many reviewers have already mentioned, Finkelstein and Siberman are up-standing scientists from respected universities. Their theories relating to the stories of the bible will no doubt commence a chain reaction of hand-waving from the Judeo-Christian fundamentalist community that will last for quite a while. I am confident that at this very moment there are those from the above-mentioned camps that are enlisting archaelogists and writers sympathetic to their cause, feverishly tapping away at their keyboards to formulate a cohesive rebuttal to the "destructive" force that is the "Bible Unearthed".
Some of the theories contained within this volume are indeed very bold, however the arguments are well researched and are backed up with large amounts of physical evidence. Finkelstein is an archaelogist with years of experience under his belt including extensive excavations in the middle-east. From the very beginning I was curious and enticed as to the subject matter to be covered. Although the book spans 12 chapters covering material from the patriarchs right up to the exile and return of the israelites in 440 BCE, I found the most interesting chapters (which unfortunately happened to be the shortest) were the first five relating to the Patriarchs, Exodus and the Conquest of Canaan.
Upon my first reading, I found the authors' arguments pertaining to the above-mentioned topics very convincing. In particular I found Finkelstein's fountain of archaeolgical knowledge extremely impressive. With regards to the Exodus, the reader is simply amazed at the complete lack of evidence that exists for the wanderings of the Israelites. However the attack on the Bible's veracity doesn't end their. Joshua's conquest of Canaan is also discredited by archaelogical evidence which points to the fact that some of the cities that were supposedly destroyed did not even exist or were insiginificantly small at the time that Joshua suposedly lived. Finkelstein and Silberman continue their analysis up to the Davidic and Solomonic period whereby they cast doubt on the size and power of the united monarchy.
Although I found this book to be a gem and I am in agreement with the authors' findings in most areas, I can't help but be a tad bit skeptical. Specifically I refer to the fact that there are still quite a large number of scholars in the fields of archaeology and biblical scholarship that are convinced that the Bible is an authentic historical document. These scholars are referred to as "maximalists". In some cases, the maximalists accuse scientists such as Finkelstein and Silberman of re-writing history. The camp that Finkelstein and Silberman belong to are called "minamalists". I wasn't even aware of this terminology nor of the fierce debate that is alive and well amongst scholars over biblical arcaeology until I read James Hoffmeier's book: _Israel in Egypt_. This book opened my eyes to the fact that no scholar can claim to be certain about events that occured in the biblical period. I personally believe that there is far too much speculation prominent from both the maximalist and minimalist camps. I would therefore recommend that interested readers examine both sides of the story before making any concrete decisions about the historicity or lack thereof of the Bible and its stories.
4631697
Sean Maddox has taken decades of experience and research to produce the most remarkable interpretation of the Bible in recent years. With thought provoking, well-researched explanations and revelations of the inner meaning of classic Biblical tales, the author not only makes the book relevant to today's world, but makes it accessible to those that have long avoided the literature. Combining elements from all world religions, Maddox manages to find not only their fundamental truths, but to show how the Bible, not taken as historical fact, upholds all these messages and can be a guide book for the world we live in today. Whether you're a deeply religious individual, a student of religious practices, or just looking for more out of life, When Time and Enternity Kiss should be the next book you pick up.
2198776
Christians must look beyond the Bible to seek truths about Jesus Christ.  The New Testament and this book on the Gospel of Thomas tell us that the teachings of Jesus are not simple as Christian fundamentalists teach.  Meyer has done a great job.  And, Bloom's reading is a wonderful addition to this book.
My analysis of the New Testament concludes that some of Jesus' teachings are simple.  But, the New Testament has at least two other classes of sayings that are not simple.  These other classes deal with the development of the human mind and the development of God's kingdom.  Thus, unless one is trained with today's scientific literature on the mind and modern creation theories, one will understand only about one-third of Jesus' sayings in the New Testament and in the Gospel of Thomas.  Clearly, Christians untrained in science and mathematics are making too many guesses relative the truths about the sayings of Jesus.
The Gospel of Thomas, like the New Testament and the Hubble telescope,is more proof that Nature has no apocalyptic end.  Thus, the only new world that people can expect after death is the world that Nature's law of reincarnation gives them.
The Gospel of Thomas is an excellent addition to the New Testament because they have many simularities and can thus be  compared. This is a good book to have in any home.
3385112
"For man years, evolution explained our origins by "spontaneous generation". Simply stated, this means that under the proper conditions of temperature, time, place, etc., decaying matter simply turns into organic life. This idea dominated scientific thinking until 1846, when Louis Pasteur completely shattered the theory by his experiments. He exposed the whole concept as utter foolishness. Under controlled laboratory conditions, in a semi-vacuum, no organic life ever emerged from decaying, nonliving matter. Reluctantly it was abandoned as a valid scientific issue. Today no reputable scientist tries to defend it, but it was hallmark of evolution for decades. That is why Webster says it is "now abandoned." Obviously, if spontaneous generation actually did take place in the distant past to produce the first spark of life, it must be assumed that the laws which govern life had to be completely different from what they are now. But wait a minute! This won't work either, because the whole evolutionary theory rests upon the assumption that conditions on the earth have remained uniform throughout the ages" (Croft). Yet so many non-believers argue that life started without a Creator: just chance + time + energy acting upon matter = a mathematical precise cosmos and life.

However Dr. Henry M. Morris III (Chief Executive Institute for Creation Research: ICR) In "The Big Three," contends that the Creation, the Fall, and the Flood have sufficient and necessary explanatory power that chance lacks in explicating the cosmos.

The three chief truths of Christian theism that bring intelligibility to cosmology and history are:
- The creation ex nihilo
- The Fall of man
- Noah's Flood
- As well as the principal renewing force of the death and resurrection of Christ.

Psalms 19:1-4 "The heavens declare the glory of God and the skies announce what his hands have made. Day after day they tell the story; night after night they tell it again. They have no speech or words; they have no voice to be heard. But their message goes out through all the world; their words go everywhere on earth."

Special creation, the Fall, and Redemption accomplished by Christ are not just solid facts, but necessary truths that help make human experience intelligible. Morris has provided a potent and easy-to-understand volume that communicates these essential truths with accuracy and clarity.

Romans 1:20 "There are things about God that people cannot see--his eternal power and all the things that make him God. But since the beginning of the world those things have been easy to understand by what God has made. So people have no excuse."
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3624492
A refreshing, Biblical treatment of a recently controversial topic - God's  Eternity, as it relates to Omniscience, Foreknowledge, Aseity, Infiniteness  and other Scriptural attributes.  Our era is on the threshhold of  potentially unravelling the Biblical portrait of our Whole God (He is  greater than the sum of His attributes) into a 'Reader's Digest' abridged  version of a 'kinder, gentler, user friendly god made in man's image'. What  with process thought, free-will theists and other hybrid theories partially  or radically jettisoning the historical, evangelical exegesis approach to  systematic theology, we seem to have a 'free-will free-for-all'.  This  volume is an invaluable resource to marshal against unbiblical,  neo-evangelical encroachments on the Scriptural understanding of the Person  of God. While His many attributes can be distinguished, they cannot be  detached from each other or His Personhood. Any 'fresh rethinking' of any  one attribute, such as Omniscience (Can God know the future free actions of  created agents as anything but open possibilities?)has involuntary  unforeseen ripple/domino effects on each of the other attributes such as  Omnipresence, etc.  For example, if God cannot know a free-will future as  definite in advance in toto, micro, subatomic level, exhaustively, without  exception, then by definition, God cannot be truly Omnipresent in  space/time reality. God is not only Omniwhere, but Omniwhen; Omnithere and  Omnithen; Omnihere and Omninow. By ruling out God's exhaustive definite  foreknowledge of all future free-will activity, His Omnipresence is in  direct proportion downgraded to Multipresence, Penultimacy,  Quasi-Eternal,Finite. Thus, we have a 'whole new god', not the Bible's  Whole God. Sage, seeker, skeptic, saint - all will be challenged to  re-evaluate just what God is believed in by careful consideration of this  excellent volume. See also Millard Erickson's God the Father Almighty;  Evangelical Left; Norman Geisler's Making God in Man's Image and C.S. Lewis  Mere Christianity.