Astronomy and the Bible: Questions and Answers

We are often exposed to "scientific" articles, books and television programs that ignore and even mock the Bible's clear teaching concerning the Creator. Because of this, Christians are sometimes intimidated, especially in a culture which insists that science is the sole propriety of secular humanism; but if the study of Physics, Biology and Astronomy should do anything to the Christian, it should inccrease our own sense of wonder and awe for the One who simply spoke the vast cosmos into existence by His powerful Word (Hebrews 11:3, Psalm 33:6). Instead of avoiding these subjects, Christians must understand that genuine science is the propriety of God, and is therefore to be enjoyed by His children, both for personal edification, as well as for outreach and evangelism to the lost. With this in mind, there is a great need for scientific works that can be used by brethren in order to increase their understanding of the sciences in an age of scholastic misinformation. One such book is Astronomy and the Bible, Questions & Answers, by Dr. Donald B. DeYoung. Dr. DeYoung is Chairman of the Department of Physical Science at Grace College, Winona Lake, Indiana. He holds a B.S., M.S. and Ph.D. in Physics, as well as an M. Div. from Grace Seminary. DeYoung's approach to the subject of Astronomy is clearly Biblical. Refreshingly, he deals with many of the sticky questions that normally surround modern cosmology, but with the priority of Biblical authority. Within the brief span of just 176 pages, DeYoung manages to raise and answer one hundred popular questions dealing with Cosmology and Physics. In particular, he addresses the most common questions dealing with: * Geocentricity (Is the earth at the center of the universe?). * The Anthropic Principle (a term which speaks of the uniqueness of earth's habitable environment). * What is the big bang? * What is the age of the universe? * Should man be in space? * What is background radiation? * What's wrong with studying astrology? This small sample of his one hundred questions provides a preview of DeYoung's very helpful review of Cosmology and Physics. Many of the questions that he raises are designed to bust certain modern myths. Others are designed to clarify matters that are often misunderstood in the popular culture. I find that his simple answers are thorough enough, and yet simple enough, to equip believers for personal edification as well as for sharing the Gospel with others. You don't need a Physics degree in order to read and understand this book! At the same time, this work will certainly challenge your thinking about many discussions that have fallen prey to secular humanism. I offer it to you with my highest recommendation.

Other reviews of this book--the ones that are highly critical--are critical for one reason--they don't agree with the author's stance on a relatively young earth. I've stuidied this subject quite a bit and honestly I'm not sure what to believe about "young" or "old". But then, I wasn't there. I love DeYoung's book however because it answers so many questions in readable fashion. The non-scientist can easily grasp the basic concepts and terms we so commonly hear. It is not overly religious (that's an opinion!) but does assume that there is a God (that's not an opinion!) and that he is the God of the Bible. All books on astronomy espouse philosphical viewpoints--either the viewpoint of athiesm or that "God did it" or something else. I happen to believe the Bible, so although I'm not altogether convinced that God created the earth in 6 days that were precisely 24 hours in length, I am PLEASED by the author's God-centered conception of creation. He writes as one who knows his subject and understands the kind of questions students are asking. The book is well organized and indexed so you can find what you're looking for quickly. I would recommend it as a beginning point for Christians. I wouldn't recommend it for the athiest. The athiest should read anything written by Phillip Johnson on the subject of inteligent design.

Having attended public schools, I learned everything from an evolutionary perspective. We homeschool, and in teaching our children creationist science, I wanted a foundation of knowledge. One thing I really like about this book is the ease of reading. The author does a great job of teaching and explaining in this book through question and answer format.I also appreciate the author's honesty that science cannot explain everything. The following quote, while lengthy, really shows the tone of this book and the author's heart:"Science alone will never have final answers regarding the true origin and purpose of the solar system. Only in Christ the Creator 'are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge . . . ' (Col. 2:3). This does not mean that we must abandon our search for scientific knowledge. It does mean that we must maintain a posture of reverence and spiritual humility in this search. After all, this is God's universe, and it reflects his attributes of perfect power, wisdom, and love."I have not only received a foundation of knowledge, but been led to consider our Creator with awe and wonder.

As a scientist who is also a Christian, I have found it unfortunately difficult to find literature that appropriately deals with scientific facts from a biblical viewpoint. This book is a prime example of what I wish I could find in other scientific fields (including my own). The book deals with a number of current and relevant scientific issues (astronomy, meterological) and gave a balanced biblical perspective. The author of the book was willing to delve into some difficult issues and give a response that was reasonable and concise.Donald DeYoung does not hold back from challenging some Christian thought that delves more on superstition and rumor than on facts. I was both intellectually challenged and encouraged to search scripture for truth revolving around the gospel. In my perspective, this book is a rare find in its readability and scientific basis. It would be a terrific study tool for teenagers college students in Christian schools and for those who are mere laymen in the field of Astronomy.