A book report on                                        CUP.BRF

CREATIONISM'S UPSIDE-DOWN PYRAMID; HOW SCIENCE REFUTES FUNDAMENTALISM,
by Lee Tiffin. Amherst, New York: Prometheus Books, 1994. 229 pages,
index. Hardcover; $29.95. ISBN 0-87975-898-8.

When J. C. Whitcomb's book, THE GENESIS FLOOD, appeared in 1961, it
sparked a debate about geology and Noah's flood that has, more than
thirty years later, still not subsided. Author Lee Tiffin continues the
debate with an analysis of these arguments, as they have appeared in
the writings extending to his most recent book, THE EARLY EARTH, as
well as in ICR publications. The author's credentials include a
master's degree from the University of Maryland and a career as a
pastor in a number of Christian churches (unidentified). The analysis
is primarily on scientific grounds; those familiar with Whitcomb will
remember that his books dwelt also on biblical evidences.

The first section of the book deals with "Issues and Challenges;"
Tiffin takes on the creationist assumptions and methodologies,
developing a set of very strong arguments opposing them. A second
section, more technical than the first, contrasts "Science versus
Creationism;" it is here that Tiffin develops his argument that
"scientific creationism" is not scientific. He closes with an
all-too-brief section (17 pages) on public concerns and
responsibilities. There are good footnotes, primarily referencing the
creationist works by title and page, no bibliography (the footnotes
serve that purpose well) and a short names index.

Whitcomb and Tiffin do agree that if one takes the Genesis account as
literal, the only assumption that fits is "miracle." What Tiffin argues
is that geological evidence does not show such a miracle, and that the
flood geologists have argued incorrectly that it has.

I like Tiffin's suggestion (to the flood geologists) for a research
program (page 33) involving the subjection of a variety of plant
species to various saline solutions at varying depths for a year's time
to see which ones, if any, might survive. He is quite critical of them
for doing so much speculation and so little empirical testing.

The arguments I found most interesting involve the creationist
assumption that the ark held 35,000 "larger animals" and upwards of
1,000,000 insects, all of whom entered in one day (Gen 7:11-13). That's
efficient dock-loading! 2-3 seconds per animal for the big guys
(camels, elephants, turtles, sloths, etc.) and (through the same door?)
twelve insects every second. All of which had to be directed to their
proper place in the ark for their year-long journey by a staff of eight
people.

This is a good book; while it brings little new to the debate, it is an
excellent summary of the arguments which tell most seriously against
the flood geology thesis, and it is done respectfully, the author does
not use pejoratives against the creationists, only against their ideas.
For anyone taking flood geology seriously, this book is the place to
begin. It is a book which other ASA members might consider having
around, as it is an excellent "first answer" to those colleagues and
students who might want to study the creationist thesis.

John W. Burgeson
6715 Colina Ln.
Austin, TX 78759