Dinosaurs and the Bible

by Brian Thomas

People of all ages are fascinated by dinosaurs. And they have a lot of questions about them There are some people who say dinosaurs lived millions of years ago, long before humans. But if the Bible is correct when it talks about God's creation of the world and universe, then dinosaurs and people both lived on the earth at the same time. Dinosaurs and the Bible explores the historical, scriptural, and fossil evidence about dinosaurs, and shares what we can know after many years of thoughtful, careful research.

Genres: Science, Dinosaurs, Christian, Nonfiction, Creation Science, History

78 pages, Paperback

First published May 1, 2013

About the author

Brian Thomas has a bachelor's degree in biology and a master's in biotechnology from Stephen F. Austin State University in Texas. He taught biology, chemistry, and anatomy at Dallas Baptist University and is the Science Writer at Institute for Creation Research.

Reviews

[George Bunting · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dr Thomas does a phenomenal job offering a brief but detailed argument not only proving the Biblical account of creation best fits the existence of dinosaurs but also disproves the evolutionist theory that dinosaurs are millions of years old.

I’ve been fascinated by and studied this subject for years, looking from both perspectives to discover which best fits into how God created everything. Dr Thomas’s work has done well to deepen my understanding of the proof of Biblical creation.

I recommend this book for anyone looking to broaden their understanding, whether new or well learned on the subject!

[Tracey · Rating 5 out of 5]

This booklet introduced the topic of dinosaurs and how they fit into the Bible. Wow! Interesting! What has me intrigued more is the need to research the accuracy of how scientists date fossils! And the accuracy of carbon-dating! The more I read the more questions I have!!!

[Simon Nørgaard · Rating 1 out of 5]

Wonderfully horrible. Equally concerning and hilarious.

[Kevin Bessey · Rating 3 out of 5]

"Dinosaurs and the Bible" could have also been titled "Dinosaurs in the Bible", as it was a brief 75-page summary as to why Brian Thomas believes that dinosaurs are referenced in the Bible, supporting a Young Earth (YE)/Creationist view of the world. Many questions, arguments, and positions in the book are very clear in showing that this book takes a YE approach, which would also be obvious considering Thomas is a writer and editor at the Institute for Creation Research. It's impressive and worth noting that Thomas provides references to many of his comments, most (more than 95%) of which are based in Creationist literature.

Generally speaking, this book is broken into four chapters: background on dinosaurs, Thomas' experience hunting and explaining fossils, four creatures in the Bible that Thomas believes to have been dinosaurs, and finally two questions that Thomas typically receives on the subject in how dinosaurs "fit" into the Bible.

Without going into too many details, many of Thomas' arguments are typical YE positions: age dating is not trustworthy, science vehemently opposes biblical viewpoints, and illustrative descriptions of beasts in Job, Isaiah, Psalms and Jonah must be dinosaurs since there are no creatures around today that fit the exact definition.

In my opinion, I've always been fine with the vague descriptions of creatures in the Bible and have never needed a real-world counterpart to understand the underlying message of what scripture is conveying to the reader. For example, when Thomas describes the "fish" (as he calls it "ketos") that swallows Jonah, Chapter 2 of Jonah describes the fish as being "appointed" or prepared by the Lord. In this case, I have always assumed the fish could have been supernatural in nature and not needing natural explanation.

I will say that he does raise a good point with collagen being found in dinosaur bones, which happens to be current news even after this book as been published. In the scientific circles where groups are analyzing what looks to be collagen contained in/on dinosaur bones seems to be a point of contention between many groups. Some groups are fully convinced that collagen and even dino-protein is present, and others point out it must be artifact since collagen cannot be preserved for millions of years and does not fit with the evolutionary history of the fossil record.

The beauty of science is that it takes debate, discussion, testing, re-testing, and analysis to build firm conclusions about the world around us. I'm convinced that regardless the amount of evidence and information collected on both sides there will always be a gap between creationists and evolutionists. If we know the argument will never go away, why fight when there can be healthy dialogue between both groups?

Pros: a very quick read to capture Creationist perspective of dinosaurs in the Bible.
Cons: not much depth and detail on the scientific applications of age dating.
Bottom line: worth the read for anyone interested in the creationist outlook on dinosaurs.

[James Blakley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ever wonder how Noah was able to entice dinosaurs to board the ark, let alone feed them? Believers might say that he didn't; that leaving them to die in the great flood of Genesis lore was how they became extinct. And of course non-believers might say that dinosaurs died millennia before mankind existed.

Well author Brian Thomas (degreed in biology and biotechnology) tackles these and other age old questions about dinosaurs, from a biblical perspective, in "Dinosaurs and the Bible".

The book is under 100 pages long, but Thomas doesn't waste a single one. With maps, photos, and charts, it's extremely well-researched (for its economical size). Thomas lays out a case for how dinosaurs and mankind managed to coexist before and after the great flood of Genesis.

Yes, AFTER!

Because not only does this book examine dinosaurs in Middle Eastern antiquity, it also follows them through the rise of European civilization. From European art (such as the Bayeux Tapestry of 1066 AD and Celtic carvings from 800 AD) to some Native American tribes' sightings of thunderbirds, Thomas theorizes that dinosaurs, in one form or another, managed to survive well past "The Age of Reptiles" 65 million years ago.

Thomas doesn't seem to suggest, however, that dinosaurs are amongst modern humanity. So no extrapolation of Loch Ness Monster anecdotes, for example. Instead, he devotes a good deal of time analyzing various methods of studying dinosaur fossils, such as radiocarbon dating.

Skeptics may question Brian Thomas's views on scientific analysis (which generally disagrees that man and dinosaurs coexisted). Believers might feel awakened to a totally new perspective of Genesis and interpretation of other biblical texts.

Overall, author Brian Thomas presents a thoughtful, captivating case for the presence of "Dinosaurs in the Bible" that should be a part of every intellectual's library.

[Elizabeth · Rating 5 out of 5]

I grew up in public school so I learned all about evolution but I didn't believe it. Not just because I grew up in church but because it didn't make sense to me. I didn't know why it didn't make sense either. I studied psychology at a Christian university and my biology professor helped me align my interest in science and my faith, which I didn't know was possible. But he believes in theistic evolution, I have been on the edge about that and a lot of the resources from the Institute for Creation Research, including this book, has been revealing why even theistic evolution is not biblical. As someone who grew up obsessed with dinosaurs but couldn't find a way to reconcile that interest with God, this book is amazing! It causes you to think critically about what the world tells us about creation and what God tells us about creation.

[Brent · Rating 3 out of 5]

Although the book is written in an overtly fundamentalist attitude - the false dichotomy of either science or the Bible! - this short little booklet did have some interesting insights into areas that I have previously done my own research on. These include the historical accounts of sightings of strange beasts, some as late as the 13th century.

Moreover, the book deals with many biblical attestations of strange creatures (not the typical: hey look, Behemoth is a dinosaur) found, for instance, as the 'serpents' in the desert that bit the Israelites in the book of Numbers. If one can get past the fundamentalist approach, this books actually has some good exegetical insights.

Brent McCulley

[Lauren Ware · Rating 5 out of 5]

The idea of dinosaurs is a centuries old curiosity to Christians and non-christians alike. This book was informative, intelligent, and factual. Recommended for those who have general curiosities about dinosaurs and for those who agree with a literal 6-day creation, national flood, and a young earth.

[Jonathan Roberts · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have always struggled with where dinosaurs figured in to the creation/science account. This book while short and to the point as a great summary of how to make sense of the from a Young Earth perspective

[Megan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well-organized, clearly explained, with lots of great notes, it's a good surface-level overview for getting started with the topic. It's a very quick read but covers a wide variety of ground, exposing the weakest points in evolutionary theory and supplying real answers in creationism.

[Chad Hill · Rating 5 out of 5]

A nice concise overview of the subject of dinosaurs, their place in the Bible and in history, and arguments against evolutionary biases which plagues modern science.

I highly recommend for an introduction on the topic, or, if you’re like me, Christian dads with sons who love dinos.

[David Hubbard · Rating 4 out of 5]

Quick and interesting read that is skeptical of scientific dating methods-suggesting dinosaurs lived thousands not millions of years ago.

[Lance · Rating 5 out of 5]

An easy read introduction to Dinosaurs in the Bible. Definitely worth going through.

[JDennis · Rating 3 out of 5]

A short but helpful resource as an apologetic for those holding fast to the literal interpretation of the creation account in Genesis but otherwise lacking education on matters of rock and fossil dating.

"The Genesis creation best explains dinosaur origins by design, and the Genesis Flood best explains dinosaur fossils. And the Bible's clear references to humans and dinosaurs living at the same time best explain the numerous records of flying, swimming, and walking extinct reptiles to which world history attests.

Why do secular scoffers work so hard to avoid history and God's word? Often it's because they wish to ignore a god with the power and holiness to judge sin. Their active ignorance compels them to rewrite history into a form in which man is responsible only to himself."

[Cindy Weeks · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting read

The author provides interesting information much of it is very similar to the last book I read so I was hoping for something new, other than the Ketos which was new and interesting. There is a lot here that I agree with and a few things I didn't that I think require more thought and development. Overall this is a good book with many interesting theories and I am certain I will reread much of the book again to get a better understanding.

[Frieda A. Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dinosaurs and the Bible

I found the book very interesting. I learned a lot about dinosaurs.



I found the book about dinosaurs very interesting. I learned a lot about their history. It inforced my belief in Biblical history.

[Taylor Belt · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a VERY VERY VERY interesting and informative book and it opened my eyes about the historical accuracy and infallibility of the Bible! <3 :D

[Amy Lay · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book!

For the first time ever my questions that I’ve had since I was a young child were answered in a way that makes perfect sense.

[Sav Marshall · Rating 5 out of 5]

As shocked as I was about the facts this book presented, I understand now where dinosaurs come from and how it aligns with my faith.

[Justin Mendoza · Rating 1 out of 5]

This book is definitely an interesting read. The book starts off with justification on how some of the bible's monsters and other creatures described in the bible can be justified as dinosaurs and other extinct animals, but once the first chapter ends, this is when the book really suffers. The book uses the bible as the only right history book and ignores all of the evidence we have to justify how science states the age of the Earth because a few fossils were formed because of water. The rest of the book is just quotes of the bible and how everyone should laugh at science despite all of the evidence we have gotten because of science. If you want a book that is at least interesting, give it a read. If you want a good book about explaining how creationists still believe in the new research that science has brought, then leave this book for another.

[Little Sheepling · Rating 2 out of 5]

Intriguing book in some ways, by a former "Evolutionist" turned young earth creationist that tugs on the diehard Christian's faiths & beliefs and attempts to give Science & Palaeontology a black eye.

It tends to follow many of the YEC's general belief systems - the Earth is thousands of years old and not millions of years old, evidence of "Dinosaurs" in the Bible [Behemoth & Leviathan] (still would like to know which Dinosaur or related large creature could breathe fire, but It didn't mention what that could have been unfortunately. Yes the Bombardier Beetle produces boiling hot liquid, but it's still not fire!), Pterosaurs were likely Dragons (non-fire breathing though presumably?), Noah took onboard a few types of "good Dinosaurs" and other things like carvings, relics, and loose descriptions/tales of things vaguely resembling Dinosaurs, but could likely be absolutely anything etc, as the base of their evidence.

At times the book does put forward some interesting theories that could point to Dinosaurs living more recently, like the "red blood cells" found in a T-rex fossil (which isn't what it is at all, confirmed by the [Christian!] discoverer of it herself! but I want to give them something here just to be nice) and collagen protein. But other times it gets outlandish and noncommittal - "Dinosaurs were once all good and all ate plants" (don't know how the meat eaters would have managed to do that? must have been very painful chewing on food not designed for their teeth, but they did so apparently?) but "went bad" when Adam ate the forbidden fruit (Adam has a lot to answer for!), "some Dinosaurs layed eggs" (...they ALL DID! unless it's a Dinosaur only the author knows about and has been kept very well hidden from Science and the public?) and the Dinosaurs went extinct... but never explained how, why or when, they just... did. Basically this book just trashes all of Science and expects you to wade through the muddy waters of The Bible on blind faith and trust, because Science is wrong and Palaeontologists are crooked yadayada.

It's fair to say this is aimed at Christians and Young Earth Creationists themselves, as I don't know who else this book would appeal to. I'm a curious individual and like to know their (YEC's) take on things. But I found little in this book that's not been repeated many times over and learned nothing much new or helpful to add to my own theories and beliefs of Dinosaurs and their life and extinction.

[Lora · Rating 2 out of 5]

There are several places in the book that the author has mistakes, areas that are inconsistent with "God made creatures" and "man-made creatures"The first two that got my mind was the mule, which is A man-made creature, created by crossing a horse with a donkey, other than the cross of the two animals they are also born sterile incapable of breeding to make more of its own kind; The second creature I noticed that is a "man-made creature" is the Zorse, it is created by crossing the horse and the zebra. While I do not know if they can reproduce or not they seldom ever happen in the wild considering the fact there are very few wild horses around zebras for it to happen.

In the case of the dinosaurs mentioned in the booklet, I can give you passage from the Bible right off hand off to specific types; you can read about them in the Bible in the book of Job chapter 40 is a creature described much like a brontosaurus or a very large leave eating dinosaur. And the book of Job chapter 41 it describes another type of dinosaur, one that is apparently eats meat. And even the Bible proves that they dinosaurs were not wiped out by the flood in Noah's time. Due to the fact that the book of Job takes place after the flood.

However, there are some things that he has written that do follow in sequins with the Bible. But overall, I have to say that this Author needs to go back to school.

[Jaredith Mize · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was skeptical of this book as an apologetics tool, but was hopeful that it would provide some general insight into the subject. I was right on both counts.

The information contained in this book is interesting and useful, but as an apologetics tool, I found it lacking.

The problem arises from the fact that Mr. Thomas criticizes the evolutionary bias of secularists, but continually shows a deep bias toward Creationism that comes across to the critical reader as a double standard.

I am a Biblical Creationist, so I already believe a lot of what I read, but some of the "evidence" was very shaky and would not hold up to the criticism of a well-read secularist.

However, enough of the information is solid and compelling to recommend this book to both Creationists and secularists who are looking for a fresh perspective from the warmed-over evolutionary theory that we have been fed through secular education and culture.

Just a caveat: Give this book to a secularist at your own risk. Be prepared for a sharp critique, but expect some of the stronger points to lodge in the back of their mind and start a nagging, recurring thought to emerge: "What if...?"

[Nina Rasmussen]

Yeah, no. Somewhat entertaining read purely due to its absurdity though.

[Tony Whitman · Rating 1 out of 5]

A