The Evolution of a Creationist: A Layman's Guide to the Conflict Between the Bible and Evolutionary Theory

by Jobe Martin

In his book, The Evolution of a Creationist: A Layman's Guide to the Conflict Between the Bible and Evolutionary Theory, Dr. Jobe Martin chronicles his personal journey from traditional scientist to creationist. He was a traditional evolutionist, but it was his medical and scientific training that would go through an evolution when he began to study animals that challenged the scientific assumptions of his education. Dr. Martin has been exploring the evolution vs. creation debate for the past 20 years. His findings have been fascinating students around the world as he lectures on these remarkable animal designs that cannot be explained by traditional evolution.

Genres: Christian, Science, Nonfiction, Christianity, Religion, Theology

288 pages, Paperback

First published June 1, 1994

Reviews

[Benjamin · Rating 1 out of 5]

I have found that a large part of (primarily Young Earth Creationist) Christian objections to evolutionary theory have nothing to do with the theory itself, and this (Young Earth Creationist) Christian rebuttal of the theory is no different. NOTE TO YOUNG-EARTHERS: Evolution is primarily concerned with explaining biology, both historical and present. Objections about evolution not explaining the origins of life, the origins of the universe, the age of the universe, etc. are entirely disingenuous because evolutionary theory has nothing to do with answering difficulties within those fields -- they are totally separate scientific spheres. What Dr. Jobe Martin (whose primary schooling seems to be in dentistry) is objecting to is about a dozen widely disparate fields (like astronomy, geology, physics, information theory, etc.) that all tend to advance by assuming that there at least are no supernatural forces acting on nature. I think from reading the book that Dr. Martin has been misled by non sequiturs all 'round in areas outside his scientific purview, and took that to mean that Creation must be true, rather than that we need to (as always before) proceed in searching for the hidden factor in the equations.

Many examples he presents are unconvincing, as evolutionary theory (remember, primarily concerned with biology) handily explains their existence (e.g., Bombardier Beetles and the Argument of Design for a specific rebuttal to one of Dr. Martin's examples). Simply pointing to unanswered questions or inconsistencies in a field is not convincing evidence for their falsehood, especially when the field you are asking them to has nothing to do with answering them, or when your understanding of the evidence is faulty from the get-go.

Bonus Content (most offensive quote of the book): "We do not need to accommodate Scripture to what we believe might be factual science.... Men, who have done this most probably in all innocence, violate a basic rule: The Bible must never be subjected to science, but theoretical 'science' must always be subjected to the Bible. " [Emphasis in original:]

One star for the dentist for managing to at least evoke a sense of wonder about the complexity and symbiosis present in nature (something I find evolutionist books tend to forget).

[Timothy Smallwood · Rating 5 out of 5]

I started this book in preparation for a lecture on Evolution vs. Creation. It did not take very long for me to realize that I have much to learn about the “other” side. My background is one that I believe everything in the Bible to be fully trust-worthy, without any error. I still believe that after reading this book, but have a greater appreciation for the true science found in the Bible and seen in God’s wondrous creation. This book will be of great value for anyone on the fence about the debate and I challenge you to read it.

[Connor Kinkade · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great book about evolution and creation. It gives many points on why evolution is false. He explains how he was an evolutionist but the became a christian and became a creationist. That's not the whole story. He explains why a certain animals (actually all, but he gives examples) can't evolve.

[Edie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent book! This book gives solid evidence for a young earth through logic, reason, and examples of created species. Though it stops short on how one becomes a Christian in the addendum, it is a must read for any Christian.

[BookishKelley · Rating 4 out of 5]

Jobe Martin was once a Christian that held to the evolution beliefs he had before coming to a faith in Jesus Christ. When some students challenged him to investigate the possibility that the God of the Bible had created everything in six 24-hour days, he scoffed and immediately set out to prove them wrong.

In this book, Jobe recalls many of the scientific accounts that led him to change his perception and believe in Biblical creation. He explains things in a way that is easy to understand and keeps the reader interested.

[Gulo · Rating 1 out of 5]

Martin seems to shoot right past the fact the theory of evolution does not attempt to state where life itself originates rather, the methods by which we see changes over time. He makes claims that his religious approach to creationism is also scientific yet denies the existence of any - literally any - evidence for evolution. The starting assumption to his belief is the infallibility of the Bible, which is, itself, not solid, scientific bedrock from which to base one's following scientific theories. The author uses numerous strawman arguments and lazy explanations of scientific studies every chapter, and at other times blatantly misrepresents his opposition (ex. the quote below).

All parentheses in original:

"The atheistic evolutionist says there was no God, no higher power, no designer, and no person behind the beginning of life. It was the impersonal (no person, therefore mindless), plus time, plus random chance (or, no one plus nothing equals everything). So, even if the Stanley Miller experiments did prove chemical evolution is possible, which they did not do, you still have a personal designer (Miller) making his creation. Does a personal designer-scientist, doing experiments in a carefully controlled laboratory, prove that the creation of life occurred without any creator designer (no God) in a totally random-chance primordial ooze? NO! Our God is worthy to receive honor and glory and praise because He created all things (Rev. 4:11). We can trust God and His Word, the Bible. Nothing is too difficult for Him (Jeremiah 32:17,27). He is the God of the impossible (Like 1:37)."
-Martin

I chose this quote in good faith because it was formatted as a standalone piece in the book (p.51). There's an example of the above-quoted, insincere drivel on almost every page of this book.

First, an observer is needed to conduct any experiment; if no experiments can sway the author's view then what possibly could? (some would say such is the power of his faith- to which I would say, stop applying your faith post-hoc to matters better explained by science/experimentation; the Catholic church has some great examples of religion treading in scientific territory).
Second, do your own research into the very fine limits of what the Stanley Miller experiments tried, and succeeded in proving.

[Ben Cooper · Rating 4 out of 5]

I think Jobe martin did an excellent job of providing a good defense for the biblical view of creation against the world view of evolution. He dips into some of the scientific proofs of a young earth that many so-called learned scholars reject, even though they have yet to come up with one single proof of macroevolution. Because of his unique position of going from being an evolutionist to becoming a creationist, it is a good book to layout many reliable points of a created world by an intelligent designer. Get it for yourself and then pass it along to someone that needs to "see" that science and the Bible are not at odds.

[Bo · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a terrific book. The title is a bit misleading, but the subtitle is not. He does give some of his history, but the majority of the book is really in defense of creation, and well-defended at that. This book contains a wealth of information, written in a readable way. The short bits between chapters on specific creatures is something you could read to your children. So many marvels in the world around us! Read and be amazed!

There was one brief page near the beginning of the book that I thought was a bit flippant; but other than that, I have nothing but praise for this book. It is a book I will read again and share with others.

[Sherry · Rating 5 out of 5]

When I started this book and was about a fourth through, I thought I would have to pass it on to someone with a more scientific interest. However, so glad I continued. He has absolutely convinced me on Creationism. I am a avid animal lover so all the topics on animals and really intrigued me.

I am passing it along to a neighbor who is a pastor at her church. Her church is not my faith but I know she will get a LOT of sermons out of this.

Read it..... you will get so much out of it !!!

[Dex · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the first books on the subject that I had read as a teen wondering about the same debate of evolution versus creationism. As someone with limited knowledge on the subject matter, I had found the material engaging in how it was written. Points of interest had lead me to do a bit of light research through the internet which had me convinced of a lot of Dr. Martin's findings. Illustrations of various animals were a nice touch of pause in between tackling the heavier part of the material.

[Catherine E. Brock · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is such an excellent read. An apologetics book for scientists and laypeople alike! Dr. Jobe Martin explains so much in everyday language...and my blood was boiling by the end of the book thinking about all of the Christian colleges and high schools that are knowingly (and unknowingly) maligning the truth about God’s word, our Creator and His creation. This is a must read for Christian parents! For everyone. And don’t skip the addendum! 2008 edition.

[Lynley · Rating 4 out of 5]

~3.5 stars~

Good stuff
- This book resulted in me throwing it across the room in confusion multiple times and being forced to go down insane rabbit holes of research.
- This book highlighted the incredible designing capabilities of God.
- This book used a lot of science.
- This book was interesting.

Not so good stuff
- This book seemed to be missing some key citations when referring to groundbreaking scientific info.
- A lot of exclamation points??

[Beka · Rating 5 out of 5]

So much wonderful information that's very helpful to a Christian. I especially enjoyed the chapters on the flood and the water canopy. I don't remember hearing that information before, but it makes so much sense! Definitely a book that every Christian should own and read.

[Matthew Hyde · Rating 5 out of 5]

I felt that the book did a great job covering the creation view of science. The author did a very well in presenting his points and backing them up with logic and science. Great read for those who want to know another side of science.

[Trisha · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic testimony of a college professor that is respectfully encouraged by some students to explore the Truth of God as Creator of our world.

[Don]

Bought in Harrisburg Dec. 2023

[Stephen Davis · Rating 3 out of 5]

the examples of the uniquely created adaptations of animals is fascinating

[Jason Mccool · Rating 3 out of 5]

While the book was an interesting read, and I generally agreed with the author, his approach was so annoying that I couldn't give it above 3 stars. The primary value of the book is in cataloging various obscure resources and quotes from diverse sources. While the author tried to make a reasoned defense of Creation, he appeared to get ahead of himself several times and make assertions that he hadn't really established a foundation for yet. In particular, while I agree with him that unguided evolution is not a plausible explanation for life on earth, and guided (theistic) evolution appears to contradict the Bible and has theological implications regarding sin and the need for Christ's sacrifice, he didn't adequately address the evolutionary ideas he was confronting. In effect, it seemed like he was setting up straw men to knock down, which doesn't help his case. It just makes it look like he's conveniently skipping over arguments for which he doesn't have an answer when he does. But you have to build the argument up step by step. But the various quotes from atheists and evolutionary scientists and philosophers are very informative and help to show that evolution is not as settled as people like Bill Nye would like everyone to believe. The examples throughout the book of unique plants and animals that exhibit characteristics of design and foresight are also useful. Although his tone throughout the book detracted from the arguments he made, I wouldn't throw the baby out with the bathwater, and I'll still keep it in my library.

[Liz · Rating 2 out of 5]

I'm still unsure of what I think concerning evolution and creation. I believe that God created everything, whether He created it by setting everything in place and allowing things to evolve or whether He created absolutely everything one thing at a time. I completely believe the Bible as God's word and do not think anyone will ever know absolutely how God went about creating everything. This book did well in asking some important questions for me to ponder and try to think through. It does lack in factual arguments however, as the author tries to prove creationism with things that are not completely related, which is misleading to someone who is not knowledgeable in science. I read this book with my husband who has two degrees in both physical and biological science, so he has studied geology and many other areas that this book discussed. He pointed out many things that were misleading while we read. I think I will read through Genesis again slowly to think through it.

[Melody · Rating 5 out of 5]

" 'Because it is a difficult job, a tacit understanding has arisen that it would be bad form or unseemly to criticize science or scientists seriously, as if they were a banker who added up sums wrongly or a grocer who forgot to deliver the sausages.
'I reject this tacit consensus. I am a customer for the scientific service that we pay scientists to provide and I have a customer complaint: I am not satisfied with the answers they have provided on the mechanism of evolution and I want them to go back to their laboratories and investigate further.
'I believe it is high time that consumerism finds a voice in the public sector and in the academic world as effectively as it has in industry and commerce. And I do not accept the convention that scientists may be criticized only by their peers.' "

-Richard Milton, atheist and evolutionist, quoted by Mr. Martin in "Evolution of a Creationist"

[Joshua · Rating 5 out of 5]

the definition of the word science has been change to fit the theory of evolution.True Science is made up of laws. Evolutions defies all the laws af Science. It defies the law of biogenesis(only life begets life). It takes more faith to believe evolution than creation. Professing themelves to be wise they became fools. True Science is testable, observable, and repeatable, Evolution fails the test. The Bible says everything reproduces after its own kind. There are no half monkeys/half men of earth. you are either one or the other. The Bible is not a Science book but when it speaks on the subject it is always right.

[Gwen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Granted this book is a bit outdated (2002), but it's an incredible overview of how evolution is also a faith system since there is no possible way that origins can ever be proved. But it also shows how much of the evidence that textbooks and scientists use to teach kids that evolution is fact or law is severely flawed or fraudulent, and that most of the evidence actually supports creationism. It is full of citations to scientific journals and other sources of the authors statements about creationism having better arguments and better support in observations than evolution.

[Sam · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very easy to read summary/overview of creation science. I knew a lot of the material covered, but I still really enjoyed it. I think it would be very worthwhile for any Christian to read. Really exposes Darwinian evolution as hogwash. I especially like the short "Miracle Animal" segments at the end of each chapter.

[Amanda · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book, especially from a scientists perspective. He doesn't delve deeply into the different scientific arguments, however, he does provide a wealth of information/journals/reviews for further study. I would highly recommend this to any Christian or non-Christian that wants to genuinely learn what the Creationist perspective is.

[Allen Clements · Rating 3 out of 5]

cool way to learn about the way others view the theory of evolution and the theory of intelligent design. I try to keep an open mind on these things. Well written and notated.

[Jennifer Mizzi · Rating 5 out of 5]

A worth while read for anyone battling with if God exists or not, or asking...what is the truth?

[Griff · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good reminder of the tenuous basis for evolution