Other REcommended Reading

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On Science—

Darwin's Black Box: The Biochemical Challenge to Evolution (1996, 2006), by Michael Behe, professor of biochemistry at Lehigh University.  Sometimes technical, but mostly written for the "layman," the general idea in this book is that some components of life are too complex to have evolved — evolution cannot account for their most reduced, most basic useful structure.

Darwin Devolves: The New Science About DNA That Challenges Evolution (2019), also by Michael Behe, professor of biochemistry at Lehigh University.  The main point in this book is that the preponderance of evidence supports what is often called "micro" evolution but not "macro" evolution.  Furthermore, it suggests that changes associated with the "micro" evolution of a creature reduce its ability to make changes on the "macro" level.  This is to say, the "evolution" that is supported by the preponderance of evidence is "micro" evolution; and this (micro) evolution has a limiting effect, not an un-limiting effect: The tool for making "small" changes itself prohibits "big" changes.

Darwin's Doubt: The Explosive Origin of Animal Life and the Case for Intelligent Design (2013), by Stephen Meyer, PhD, Cambridge University.  A review of evidence, or lack of, for Darwinian Evolution; a look at the role of information in life (in DNA and elsewhere); and a look at "Intelligent Design" — the hypothesis that this type of information implies that intelligence played a part in the existence of life and its many forms.  This is not an argument of gaps, but an argument from evidence.

Science and Its Limits: The Natural Sciences in Christian Perspective (2000), by Del Ratzsch, PhD. University of Massachusetts.   A philosopher's brief but informative survey of the history of "science" from the 1600's until the book's production — from "Modern" to "Post-modern" even to the turn of the century, specifically tracing the scientific community's pursuit of the ever-elusive complete empiricism, objectiveness and rationality in "Science."

The Devil’s Delusion: Atheism and Its Scientific Pretensions (2009), by David Berlinski, PhD, Princeton University.  An agnostic philosopher discusses the shortcomings of science, modern neo-Darwin synthetic theories, etc.

Theistic Evolution: A Scientific, Philosophical, and Theological Critique (2017), by Moreland, Meyer, Shaw, and Guager.  While this book is primarily a critique of the "theistic" part of "Theistic Evolution," there is much in it that is valuable for understanding the limits of science.  With about 1,000 pages, it's very thorough!  (It can be read in sections.)

On "Theistic Evolution"—

Theistic Evolution: A Scientific, Philosophical, and Theological Critique (2017), Moreland, Meyer, Shaw, and Guager.  This book qualifies to be under two of our headings because, while there is much in this book that is valuable for understanding the limits of science, it is really a critique of "Theistic Evolution" — the position that God used evolution as the means of creating life and its many forms.  With about 1,000 pages, it's very thorough!  (It can be read in sections.)

On Skepticism, Atheism, and Agnosticism; and Evidences and Aplogetics—

I Don't Have Enough Faith To Be An Atheist (2004), by Norman Geisler and Frank Turek.  An easy, logical, clear read.

The New Evidence That Demands A Verdict: Evidence I & II  (1999), by Joshua McDowell.  Is the Bible historically accurate?  Is the Old Testament inspired?  Is the New Testament inspired?  Was Jesus a real man?  Was Jesus really crucified?  Was there really an empty tomb?  This book takes a really serious look at these issues and more.

On the Canon, the Sixty-six Books of the Bible—

The Canon of Scripture, by F. F. Bruce, PhD, University of Aberdeen and Cambridge University.  A thorough yet easy-to-read discussion recognizing that the books of the Bible were recognized as Holy Scripture from very early on.

On Reading and Understanding the Literature Style(s) in the Bible—

Hermeneutics (1961), by D. R. Dungan.  "Hermeneutics" is a big word referring to understanding (interpreting) literature and other communication. Understanding the Bible can be daunting.  And while the keys include prayer and patience, God also gave us teachers (Ephesians 4:11): This book does a good job of pointing out specifics of the English language in general and in the Bible.  Give this book a once-over to familiarize yourself with what it's about, and then refer back to it from time to time for some clear thinking through those sticky wickets.

On Interpreting the Bible, Focusing on Discovering God’s New Testament Traditions —

SCENI (2021), by Lee Tosti.  How can I know what God wants me to do to be saved? to live morally? to worship Him? How can I have unity with other Christians? How are congregations supposed to look and what are they supposed to do? Is there anything we should not be doing?  These are some of the questions discussed in SCENI.

“SCENI” is an acronym. The acronym is not in the Bible, but the principles represented are. SCENI examines the ways, the methods, the principles (compare: hermeneutics) that the people in the Bible itself, including Jesus Himself, used when reasoning from scripture. When we use the same methods they used, we should come to the same understanding. This is God’s plan. SCENI is about accurately using the Bible, God’s Word, to be better servants of the Word. First, it is about using the Bible to receive the gift of salvation. Second, it is about using the Bible in the most efficient way for improving our character and conforming to the image of Christ. Third, it is about following the religious traditions God gave to His disciples and congregations, which are given not only to worship Him the right way, but also to build up faith. And fourth, it is about using the Bible to establish and maintain unity—scriptural, Word-based unity—with other believing disciples. It is about knowing God’s revealed will for what to do and what not to do. It is about accuracy. It is about consistency. It is about patience. It is about living and speaking the truth in love. It is about grace. Available on Amazon in paperback and ebook.