Author: Chris Stassen Subject: FAQ: Book Recommendations Updated: 02/27/92 One of the best

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Author:		Chris Stassen
Subject:	FAQ: Book Recommendations
Updated:	02/27/92
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One of the best ways to learn about the Creation/Evolution debate is to
pick up a few books.  The periodicals (recommended earlier) are useful,
but most assume some level of familiarity with the subject.  Recommended
reading materials:


I. Anti-creationism (books which examine and debunk creationist arguments)
   Note: I don't recommend any general science books.  The creationists'
   field of attack is very broad, and science books tend to be specialized.
   One would have to buy tens of such books to achieve the coverage of a
   single title which is tailored to the creationists' attack.

Strahler, Arthur N., _Science and Earth History_;
	New York: Prometheus Books, 1987.

	This is the "evolutionist's encyclopedia."  It's about 550
	large pages filled with tiny print, and has an awesome index.
	It's a little long to just read, but is the best general
	reference on the topic.

Godfrey, Laurie, Ed., _Scientists Confront Creationism_;
	New York: W. W. Norton & Co., 1983.

	The best reference there was until Strahler's book.  Shorter
	and easier to read.  It's a collection of essays on various
	relevant topics from experts in each field.

McGowan, Chris, _In The Beginning..._;
	New York: Prometheus Books, 1984.

	If I get to only recommend one book from this category to a
	creationist, this is the one I recommend.  It's not as useful
	as a reference, but it's the easiest one to read.

Kitcher, Philip, _Abusing Science_;
	Cambridge: MIT Press, 1986.

	Not recommeneded for creationists, who will likely find it
	offensive.  Kitcher plays hardball with creationist tactics
	and arguments.  [Believed to be out of print.]


II. Anti-evolution (creationist books which whomp on evolution)
    Know thine enemy.  I don't really know any pro-creation books
    per se - except Biblically-oriented ones.

Morris, Henry, _Scientific Creationism_;
	San Diego: Creation-Life Publishers, 1974.
	(Second Edition, 1985)

	This is actually intended to be a student or teacher handbook
	of material to use in science class.  It is THE reference on
	creationist arguments.	If you're only going to own one
	creationist book, it should be this one or the next one.

Morris & Parker, _What Is Creation Science?_;
	San Diego: Master Books, 1982.

	This title is supposed to be an introduction to creation
	science, but (like most other creationist works) concentrates
        mainly on arguments against mainstream science.

        It shares much common material with _Scientific Creationism_.
        Since it's available in paperback (and the above title was not,
        last I checked) buyers on a budget might prefer it.

Gish, Duane, _Evolution: The Challenge of the Fossil Record_;
	San Diego: Master Books, 1985.

	This is a revised and expanded version of Gish's famous book,
        _Evolution: The Fossils Say No!_.  If one is only going to have
        two creationist titles, this is the second one to buy.

Wysong, R. L., _The Creation-Evolution Controversy_;
	Midland: Inquiry Press, 1986.

	While none of the three titles above could be accused of
	sterling scholarship, this one is an example of the bottom
	of the barrel.	I purchased it because *any* really bad
	creationist argument can be found in it (the index is pretty
	good).


III. Titles on the Origin of life

Shapiro, R., _Origins: A Skeptic's Guide To The Creation Of Life On Earth_
	New York: Bantam, 1986.

	This is one of two titles which I've seen for sale in both
	creationist and evolutionist book-ordering services.  It's
	the best introduction to the various abiogenesis hypotheses
	and their strengths and weaknesses.  In my opinion, Shapiro
 	is a little overly skeptical, and in fact would have to eat
	a little humble pie on some of his criticisms -- only seven
	years after his publication date.

Loomis, William F., _Four Billion Years: An Essay on the Evolution
	of Genes and Organisms_; Sunderland: Sinauer, 1988.

	A relatively technical abiogenesis scenario.  Relatively
	long on speculation, especially near the end.  Lots of
	hard-core chemistry in the early going.

IV.  Titles on the Arkansas Trial of Act 590.
     Back in the early 1980s, a bill somehow was passed in Arkansas which
     required equal time for creationism.  It was eventually declared to
     be unconstitutional, in a trial which received television coverage
     and nationwide attention.	Many books from both sides have been
     written on it.

Montagu, Ashley, Ed., _Science and Creationism_
	New York: Oxford University Press, 1984.

	A collection of essays on various topics related to the trial.
	Probably the best single title on the trial, as it contains
	multiple points of view.

Gilkey, Langdon, _Creationism On Trial: Evolution and God at Little Rock_
	Minneapolis: Winston Press, 1985.

	Dr. Gilkey is a liberal theologian who was one of the "theological
	witnesses" for the plaintiffs (who were trying to get the law
	declared unconstitutional).

Geisler, Norman L., _The Creator in the Courtroom_
	Milford: Mott Media Inc., 1982.

	Dr. Geisler is a professor of theology who was one of the defense
	"theological witnesses" (supporting creationism).  It's pretty
	interesting to read both this book and Dr. Gilkey's book.  One
	wonders if they were both at the same trial.


V.  Other topics

Dawkins, Richard, _The Blind Watchmaker_
	New York: W. W. Norton, 1986

	An in-depth examination of the 'argument from design' and a
	look at the 'apparent' designedness of life.

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