The Bible, Rocks and Time - by Davis A Young & Ralph F Stearley (Paperback)

About the Book

Davis A. Young and Ralph Stearley seek to convince readers of the vast antiquity of the Earth. They point out the flaws of young-Earth creationism and counter the impression by many scientists that all Christians are young-Earth creationists.

Book Synopsis

Davis A. Young and Ralph Stearley seek to convince readers of the vast antiquity of the Earth. They point out the flaws of young-Earth creationism and counter the impression by many scientists that all Christians are young-Earth creationists.

Review Quotes

"How old is the earth, anyway? That's a question that continues to haunt evangelicals, even in the 21st century. Suggestion: an adult Sunday school class at your church, using this book as a text. Invite professors from local colleges for some of the sessions. Yes, you will be asking people to read 500 pages. About geology. And at the end, they will agree it was time exceedingly well spent."

"How old is the earth, anyway? That's a question that continues to haunt evangelicals, even in the 21st century. Suggestion: an adult Sunday school class at your church, using this book as a text. Invite professors from local colleges for some of the sessions. Yes, you will be asking people to read 500 pages. About geology. And at the end, they will agree it was time exceedingly well spent."

--John Wilson, Christianity Today, December 2008

"I am sorry that this book had to be written, but I am so glad that it was written and that it was done in such a splendid fashion."

"I am sorry that this book had to be written, but I am so glad that it was written and that it was done in such a splendid fashion."

--Michael Ruse, Perspectives on Science and Christian Faith, Spring 2009

"It is remarkable to encounter a scientific treatise written in a very interesting style. One should not be intimidated by its 500-page length. One geologist says: "Every church librarian should have this volume available as an essential reference." We agree and are pleased to have a book of this caliber in our collection."

"It is remarkable to encounter a scientific treatise written in a very interesting style. One should not be intimidated by its 500-page length. One geologist says: "Every church librarian should have this volume available as an essential reference." We agree and are pleased to have a book of this caliber in our collection."

--Betty Waller, The Lamplighter, May 2009

"Rigorously argued and well-documented."

"Rigorously argued and well-documented."

--Marcus R. Ross, Christianity Today, April 2009

"Saying that The Bible, Rocks and Time is probably the best book of its kind would not be saying enough, since there really is no other book of its kind: a treatment of the varied and overwhelmingly consistent evidence for the antiquity of our planet, written by Evangelical Christians with the aim of not only making the scientific case for the age of the Earth, but also helping conservative Christian readers navigate the issues of theology and Biblical interpretation that go along with such a conclusion, and all the while pointing out the difficulties and at times dishonesty of the young-earth creationist position. I highly recommend this book for any young earth creationist who is open to encountering an opposing viewpoint. I also recommend it for anyone who is unsure what to think about matters of science and creationism and wants more information. I heartily recommend this book -- all 510 pages of it!"

"Saying that The Bible, Rocks and Time is probably the best book of its kind would not be saying enough, since there really is no other book of its kind: a treatment of the varied and overwhelmingly consistent evidence for the antiquity of our planet, written by Evangelical Christians with the aim of not only making the scientific case for the age of the Earth, but also helping conservative Christian readers navigate the issues of theology and Biblical interpretation that go along with such a conclusion, and all the while pointing out the difficulties and at times dishonesty of the young-earth creationist position. I highly recommend this book for any young earth creationist who is open to encountering an opposing viewpoint. I also recommend it for anyone who is unsure what to think about matters of science and creationism and wants more information. I heartily recommend this book -- all 510 pages of it!"

--James F. McGrath, Exploring Our Matrix (exploringourmatrix.blogspot.com), April 23, 2009

"These men know what they are talking about on this subject. They have put together a nice and readable presentation of the geological evidence for the age of the earth. This book is an excellent resource for and Pastor and any Christian struggling with the issue. I recommend [parts 1 and 2] to everyone interested in the debate and how we got to the current position, especially Pastors and church leaders. Even if you don't care about the scientific details, read this."

"These men know what they are talking about on this subject. They have put together a nice and readable presentation of the geological evidence for the age of the earth. This book is an excellent resource for and Pastor and any Christian struggling with the issue. I recommend [parts 1 and 2] to everyone interested in the debate and how we got to the current position, especially Pastors and church leaders. Even if you don't care about the scientific details, read this."

--RJS, Jesus Creed (blog.beliefnet.com/jesuscreed), November 25, 2008

"This book will prove a useful tool for scientists to explain geologic ideas to the public, and to refute the notion that accepting science necessarily means rejecting religion. It will be especially useful in communicating with evangelical Christians."

"This book will prove a useful tool for scientists to explain geologic ideas to the public, and to refute the notion that accepting science necessarily means rejecting religion. It will be especially useful in communicating with evangelical Christians."

--Steven Newton, Reports, 2009

"This book would be especially helpful for:

• Christian college students with a major or interest in science
• Pastors and youth workers who need a viable, Biblically-sound alternative to young-Earth creationism
• Non-believing scientists, doctors and engineers who reject Christianity because they think faith in Christ is incompatible with science
• Anyone who has an interest in the relationship between science (especially geology) and the Bible

"

"This book would be especially helpful for:

• Christian college students with a major or interest in science
• Pastors and youth workers who need a viable, Biblically-sound alternative to young-Earth creationism
• Non-believing scientists, doctors and engineers who reject Christianity because they think faith in Christ is incompatible with science
• Anyone who has an interest in the relationship between science (especially geology) and the Bible

"--The Geo Christian (geochristian.wordpress.com), September 11, 2008

"This solidly researched book would be a useful reference for anyone interested in the broader issues of the historical development of geology and why geology supplanted the traditional biblical view of Earth history. While all geologists should read this book to learn more about the history of their field, it would be especially valuable for Christian school and seminary libraries as well as university libraries with history of science and religious studies departments."

"This solidly researched book would be a useful reference for anyone interested in the broader issues of the historical development of geology and why geology supplanted the traditional biblical view of Earth history. While all geologists should read this book to learn more about the history of their field, it would be especially valuable for Christian school and seminary libraries as well as university libraries with history of science and religious studies departments."

--S. H. Schimmrich, CHOICE, February 2009

"Well written and comprehensive."

"Well written and comprehensive."

--Hugh Henry, Stone Campbell Journal, Fall 2009

About the Author

Ralph F. Stearley (Ph.D., University of Michigan) is professor of geology and chairman of the department of geology, geography and environmental studies at Calvin College in Grand Rapids, Michigan.

Davis A. Young (Ph.D., Brown University) is Professor Emeritus of Geology at Calvin College in Grand Rapids, Michigan.