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Bones of Contention: A Creationist Assessment of the Human Fossils
This is the most complete and accurate critique of the fossils of the so-called 'ape men.' The myth of human evolution is completely demolished. The last chapter, repudiating the compromising views of many modern evangelicals on this subject, is illuminating. Lubenow has made an invaluable contribution to scientific biblical creationism.
294 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1992
30 people are currently reading
308 people want to read
About the author
Marvin L. Lubenow
4 books2 followersMarvin L. Lubenow is a professor of Bible, theology, and apologetics at Southern California Bible College and Seminary in El Cajon, California. He has spent more than thirty-five years researching the human fossil issue and frequently speaks and writes to defend the creationist position.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews
March 15, 2012
Instead of this nonsense, I recommend Bones of Contention: Controversies in the Search for Human Origins by Roger Lewin (1987).
April 21, 2013
"How you hold it depends on your preconceptions."
That's a quotation from the book; more on that later.
The full title of this book is Bones of Contention: A Creationist Assessment of Human Fossils. The author, Mr. Lubenow, states that he is a Young Earth Creationist. So that is his starting point. I'll say "me too" and also state that my interests have ranged widely for many years across many subjects, including theology, philosophy, ethics, history, physics, archaeology, cosmology, and sacred text studies, among many others. I've watched debates and lectures from the likes of William Lane Craig and Gary Habermas (if you're interested, google either name or visit The Veritas Forum website), and I have subscriptions to multiple creation science journals and regularly visit websites such as Evolution News and Views, Creation-Evolution Headlines, Science Daily, and Creation Ministries, which is doing superb work in astronomy, biology, history, paleontology, and social and ethical issues.
It's important for you to know my background because it provides context for my review of Bones of Contention, which I read in its first edition many years ago but am only getting around to now reviewing (in its second and revised edition). Generally, I found this book to be well referenced. Lubenow does an admirable job of quoting peer-reviewed scientific journal articles and books. He provides an excellent and thorough introduction to the history of the field of the study of human fossils (paleoanthropology), making it easily understandable for the layman. As I say, Lubenow is a young earth creationist, but he wisely keeps his focus on the topics at hand and only occasionally brings in his spiritual beliefs.
The first two sections of the book introduce us to the science of studying human fossils, how it developed, major influences and discoveries, and so on. Lubenow covers much ground, moving up through time and up through the evolutionary chain to Homo sapiens. Here Lubenow exposes the false claim of the "human parade", the very familiar graphic showing chimps on the far left progressing to the right with more upright figures until modern man appears on the far right. This human evolution parade is a scientific fraud, a "fiction" (p. 168), as described in a January 2000 article in the science journal Nature.
The middle sections of the book (sections 3 through 5) delve deeply into specific aspects of human fossils in the record. He looks at evolution's racist past; how the fossil evidence actually disputes the mush-heralded Out of Africa model of human evolution; and explores new thinking on Neanderthals (for example, unique features of Neanderthal morphology may be attributable to poor nutrition, rickets, and congenital syphilis). Lubenow makes the claim that Neanderthals were fully human, as evidenced by their culture, one aspect of many being their burial practices. Lubenow provides some very interesting textual analysis from Genesis and the use of caves for burial (p. 252-53).
Section 6 covers specifics of dating methods. The section is only 20 pages long and covers some specifics of radiocarbon dating and other dating methods. Lubenow also provides some details of the RATE (Radioisotopes and the Age of the Earth) study group--a collection of young earth creation scientists who studied various issues in geology, physics, geophysics, and astrophysics--and their findings. The most interesting might be the dating of recently formed rock (<50 year old) to ~3 million years. (For those who have an interest in current dating methods, and how unreliable they are, look online for articles about recent discoveries of soft-tissue [yes, soft tissue!] in dinosaur fossils dated to 70 million years ago.)
Section 7 ends the book. Here Lubenow provides an excellent chapter on how to understand the written accounts in Genesis as being actual, historical accounts. He provides sourced evidence (from Wiseman, 1985, and Harrison, 1969) to suggest that clay tablets were used by our ancestors to record their history: "This is the written account of Adam's line" (Gen. 5:1) (p. 317). There is also a well-referenced chapter on reality vs. imaginative thinking in paleoanthropology. He quotes evolutionist Meave Leakey: "It may never be possible to say exactly what evolved into what" (p. 326). Finally, Lubenow provides details on the discovery of the Laetoli footprints, a series of hominid footprints found in Tanzania dated to 3.6 million years ago. Interestingly, morphological studies revealed these prints to be those of Homo sapiens (modern man), but they *could not be* in that date range *only* because of what evolutionary theory says about the development of man. This is more evidence for the circular reasoning of the evolutionist. Lubenow relates another story on the dating of a skull (1.9 million years old according to evolutionary time scales). Science writer Roger Lewin, associated with Richard Leakey on several projects, is quoted as writing that: "How you held it [the angle of the face attachment to the cranium] depended on your preconceptions" (p. 328-29). In other words, the evolutionist holds the bones according to what he wants it to be.
I highly recommend this book to interested, studious, and open-minded readers. It will provide a solid overview for your understanding of the field of paleoanthropology, how the study of human fossils has developed over time, and how scientists think and write about human origins. I guarantee you will be surprised by what you read. Is Lubenow 100% "right" in *every* claim and in *each* assessment of the evidence? Probably not. No one is. But if you approach this excellent work with an open mind, and leave your preconceptions at the door, you'll be rewarded with what the bones and artifacts can tell us.
That's a quotation from the book; more on that later.
The full title of this book is Bones of Contention: A Creationist Assessment of Human Fossils. The author, Mr. Lubenow, states that he is a Young Earth Creationist. So that is his starting point. I'll say "me too" and also state that my interests have ranged widely for many years across many subjects, including theology, philosophy, ethics, history, physics, archaeology, cosmology, and sacred text studies, among many others. I've watched debates and lectures from the likes of William Lane Craig and Gary Habermas (if you're interested, google either name or visit The Veritas Forum website), and I have subscriptions to multiple creation science journals and regularly visit websites such as Evolution News and Views, Creation-Evolution Headlines, Science Daily, and Creation Ministries, which is doing superb work in astronomy, biology, history, paleontology, and social and ethical issues.
It's important for you to know my background because it provides context for my review of Bones of Contention, which I read in its first edition many years ago but am only getting around to now reviewing (in its second and revised edition). Generally, I found this book to be well referenced. Lubenow does an admirable job of quoting peer-reviewed scientific journal articles and books. He provides an excellent and thorough introduction to the history of the field of the study of human fossils (paleoanthropology), making it easily understandable for the layman. As I say, Lubenow is a young earth creationist, but he wisely keeps his focus on the topics at hand and only occasionally brings in his spiritual beliefs.
The first two sections of the book introduce us to the science of studying human fossils, how it developed, major influences and discoveries, and so on. Lubenow covers much ground, moving up through time and up through the evolutionary chain to Homo sapiens. Here Lubenow exposes the false claim of the "human parade", the very familiar graphic showing chimps on the far left progressing to the right with more upright figures until modern man appears on the far right. This human evolution parade is a scientific fraud, a "fiction" (p. 168), as described in a January 2000 article in the science journal Nature.
The middle sections of the book (sections 3 through 5) delve deeply into specific aspects of human fossils in the record. He looks at evolution's racist past; how the fossil evidence actually disputes the mush-heralded Out of Africa model of human evolution; and explores new thinking on Neanderthals (for example, unique features of Neanderthal morphology may be attributable to poor nutrition, rickets, and congenital syphilis). Lubenow makes the claim that Neanderthals were fully human, as evidenced by their culture, one aspect of many being their burial practices. Lubenow provides some very interesting textual analysis from Genesis and the use of caves for burial (p. 252-53).
Section 6 covers specifics of dating methods. The section is only 20 pages long and covers some specifics of radiocarbon dating and other dating methods. Lubenow also provides some details of the RATE (Radioisotopes and the Age of the Earth) study group--a collection of young earth creation scientists who studied various issues in geology, physics, geophysics, and astrophysics--and their findings. The most interesting might be the dating of recently formed rock (<50 year old) to ~3 million years. (For those who have an interest in current dating methods, and how unreliable they are, look online for articles about recent discoveries of soft-tissue [yes, soft tissue!] in dinosaur fossils dated to 70 million years ago.)
Section 7 ends the book. Here Lubenow provides an excellent chapter on how to understand the written accounts in Genesis as being actual, historical accounts. He provides sourced evidence (from Wiseman, 1985, and Harrison, 1969) to suggest that clay tablets were used by our ancestors to record their history: "This is the written account of Adam's line" (Gen. 5:1) (p. 317). There is also a well-referenced chapter on reality vs. imaginative thinking in paleoanthropology. He quotes evolutionist Meave Leakey: "It may never be possible to say exactly what evolved into what" (p. 326). Finally, Lubenow provides details on the discovery of the Laetoli footprints, a series of hominid footprints found in Tanzania dated to 3.6 million years ago. Interestingly, morphological studies revealed these prints to be those of Homo sapiens (modern man), but they *could not be* in that date range *only* because of what evolutionary theory says about the development of man. This is more evidence for the circular reasoning of the evolutionist. Lubenow relates another story on the dating of a skull (1.9 million years old according to evolutionary time scales). Science writer Roger Lewin, associated with Richard Leakey on several projects, is quoted as writing that: "How you held it [the angle of the face attachment to the cranium] depended on your preconceptions" (p. 328-29). In other words, the evolutionist holds the bones according to what he wants it to be.
I highly recommend this book to interested, studious, and open-minded readers. It will provide a solid overview for your understanding of the field of paleoanthropology, how the study of human fossils has developed over time, and how scientists think and write about human origins. I guarantee you will be surprised by what you read. Is Lubenow 100% "right" in *every* claim and in *each* assessment of the evidence? Probably not. No one is. But if you approach this excellent work with an open mind, and leave your preconceptions at the door, you'll be rewarded with what the bones and artifacts can tell us.
December 14, 2012
Bones of Contention: A Creationist Assessment of Human Fossils revised and updated ed., by Marvin Lubenow. Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Books, 2004. 400 pages.
Bones of Contention was written by Marvin L. Lubenow, a (now retired) professor of Bible, theology and apologetics at Christian Heritage College, San Diego. Lubenow holds a Master of Theology in systematic theology from Dallas Theological Seminary, a Master of Science in anthropology from Eastern Michigan University and was awarded an honorary doctorate by Christian Heritage College. By 1995, he had spent over forty years researching and studying in the field of anthropology, often defending creationism from a young earth perspective through oral and literary mediums.
Lubenow wrote this book to show Christians that creationism need not be taken on faith alone nor do they need to hold a Theistic evolutionist world view in an effort to make the Bible “fit” into science. Instead he states that there is “hard evidence that the biblical account of human origins [is] valid and that human evolution [is] false.” (17) The latter statement is the main thesis of Bones of Contention, a book which Answers in Genesis considers “the leading creationist work in fossil study today.” As a young earth creationist, Lubenow believes that the earth is less than 10,000 years old and that the hominids are either direct descendants of Adam and Eve or actually animals. Any variation found in the fossil record is due to deformity, disease or fossilization process.
The book is organized into seven sections. The first two sections focus on the lack of rigorous scientific standards in the fields of paleoanthropology and evolution. “Paleoanthropology is in the awkward position of being a science that is several steps removed from the very evidence upon which it claims to base its findings,” Lubenow writes. (29) The third section focuses on the inherent racism found within evolution. Sections four, five and six are focused on the author’s proof that evolution is false while the final section presents his “reality:” what he believes to be the truth about human origins. He believes that the hominid fossil record is comprised solely of modern humans (i.e., H. erectus) and great apes (i.e., the australopithecines) and completely rejects any dating methods which exceed a young earth worldview.
The biggest strength of Bones of Contention lies in the author’s ability to bring to light many of the assumptions found in evolutionary theory and the field of paleoanthropology. For example, many people assume that the hominid fossil record is large, well documented and well researched. Lubenow sets the record straight on this account when he explains that the hominid fossil record mostly consists of small bone fragments which are then locked in vaults, inaccessible to outside study or evaluation. Most research is based off of photographs and molds of these fragments.
Lubenow also focuses on the dubious nature of radiometric dating techniques. The Radioisotopes and the Age of the Earth (RATE) Project – funded by the Institute for Creation Research – is introduced in section six. The author uses a number of studies conducted by RATE which call into question the validity of radiometric dating as a reliable measure of true age.
Lastly, he lays out some concerns about the accuracy of proposed evolutionary trees, repeatedly pointing out that the hominid fossil record proposes species that exist prior to the species from which it allegedly evolved. He proposes an interesting graphic that is used to display the disparity between what one would expect the fossil record to show if evolution were true versus what it actually shows (337). If one were to assume that evolution is true, the fossil record should show a progression from apish creature to modern human.
The book’s biggest weakness is in the author’s staunch young earth stance which will likely never be taken seriously in secular academic circles and plays into the anti-science stereotype many atheists have about Christians. Lubenow is unapologetic about his beliefs and even mentions that the revised edition does not shy away from quoting creation scientists, which he avoided in the first edition (12). This is a positive stance to take in light of his goal of supporting Christians in their creationist views, but will probably not have a warm reception outside of that like-minded audience.
Improvements could be made to the final portion of Bones of Contention, where the book seems to lose steam and direction as the author transitions into his support for young earth creationism. The material is still informative and clearly communicated, but the execution is somewhat awkward. Lubenow does make some good points, however, about the example of miracles and how they may support a young earth literal day reading of the creation account. “If the purpose of God in creation was just to do stuff, then obviously the time involved doesn't matter. However, creation is always used in the Bible as a testimony to God’s power and majesty. Hence, he tells us clearly that the he created the universe in six days.”
This book was written for a creationist audience and as such should prove to be an interesting and thorough “dressing down” of the evolutionary perspective on the hominid fossil record. Bones of Contention is written in a way that is easy to understand and encourages the reader to remain engaged in the material. The last chapter is entirely devoted to charts of the human fossil record that enable readers to grasp the broader picture of the discussion. I would recommend this book to Christians who are unsure about the validity of creationism and have a hard time arguing against evolution. Lubenow provides plenty of ammunition against the commonly held belief in the inerrancy of the doctrine of evolution. Simultaneously, I would caution readers that though the author is very passionate about the material and does provide valid concerns about evolution, he tends to be very dismissive of some scientific research, and that may potentially hamper apologetic work when talking to naturalists. Overall, I believe that this is a valuable resource to have in any human origin library.
Bones of Contention was written by Marvin L. Lubenow, a (now retired) professor of Bible, theology and apologetics at Christian Heritage College, San Diego. Lubenow holds a Master of Theology in systematic theology from Dallas Theological Seminary, a Master of Science in anthropology from Eastern Michigan University and was awarded an honorary doctorate by Christian Heritage College. By 1995, he had spent over forty years researching and studying in the field of anthropology, often defending creationism from a young earth perspective through oral and literary mediums.
Lubenow wrote this book to show Christians that creationism need not be taken on faith alone nor do they need to hold a Theistic evolutionist world view in an effort to make the Bible “fit” into science. Instead he states that there is “hard evidence that the biblical account of human origins [is] valid and that human evolution [is] false.” (17) The latter statement is the main thesis of Bones of Contention, a book which Answers in Genesis considers “the leading creationist work in fossil study today.” As a young earth creationist, Lubenow believes that the earth is less than 10,000 years old and that the hominids are either direct descendants of Adam and Eve or actually animals. Any variation found in the fossil record is due to deformity, disease or fossilization process.
The book is organized into seven sections. The first two sections focus on the lack of rigorous scientific standards in the fields of paleoanthropology and evolution. “Paleoanthropology is in the awkward position of being a science that is several steps removed from the very evidence upon which it claims to base its findings,” Lubenow writes. (29) The third section focuses on the inherent racism found within evolution. Sections four, five and six are focused on the author’s proof that evolution is false while the final section presents his “reality:” what he believes to be the truth about human origins. He believes that the hominid fossil record is comprised solely of modern humans (i.e., H. erectus) and great apes (i.e., the australopithecines) and completely rejects any dating methods which exceed a young earth worldview.
The biggest strength of Bones of Contention lies in the author’s ability to bring to light many of the assumptions found in evolutionary theory and the field of paleoanthropology. For example, many people assume that the hominid fossil record is large, well documented and well researched. Lubenow sets the record straight on this account when he explains that the hominid fossil record mostly consists of small bone fragments which are then locked in vaults, inaccessible to outside study or evaluation. Most research is based off of photographs and molds of these fragments.
Lubenow also focuses on the dubious nature of radiometric dating techniques. The Radioisotopes and the Age of the Earth (RATE) Project – funded by the Institute for Creation Research – is introduced in section six. The author uses a number of studies conducted by RATE which call into question the validity of radiometric dating as a reliable measure of true age.
Lastly, he lays out some concerns about the accuracy of proposed evolutionary trees, repeatedly pointing out that the hominid fossil record proposes species that exist prior to the species from which it allegedly evolved. He proposes an interesting graphic that is used to display the disparity between what one would expect the fossil record to show if evolution were true versus what it actually shows (337). If one were to assume that evolution is true, the fossil record should show a progression from apish creature to modern human.
The book’s biggest weakness is in the author’s staunch young earth stance which will likely never be taken seriously in secular academic circles and plays into the anti-science stereotype many atheists have about Christians. Lubenow is unapologetic about his beliefs and even mentions that the revised edition does not shy away from quoting creation scientists, which he avoided in the first edition (12). This is a positive stance to take in light of his goal of supporting Christians in their creationist views, but will probably not have a warm reception outside of that like-minded audience.
Improvements could be made to the final portion of Bones of Contention, where the book seems to lose steam and direction as the author transitions into his support for young earth creationism. The material is still informative and clearly communicated, but the execution is somewhat awkward. Lubenow does make some good points, however, about the example of miracles and how they may support a young earth literal day reading of the creation account. “If the purpose of God in creation was just to do stuff, then obviously the time involved doesn't matter. However, creation is always used in the Bible as a testimony to God’s power and majesty. Hence, he tells us clearly that the he created the universe in six days.”
This book was written for a creationist audience and as such should prove to be an interesting and thorough “dressing down” of the evolutionary perspective on the hominid fossil record. Bones of Contention is written in a way that is easy to understand and encourages the reader to remain engaged in the material. The last chapter is entirely devoted to charts of the human fossil record that enable readers to grasp the broader picture of the discussion. I would recommend this book to Christians who are unsure about the validity of creationism and have a hard time arguing against evolution. Lubenow provides plenty of ammunition against the commonly held belief in the inerrancy of the doctrine of evolution. Simultaneously, I would caution readers that though the author is very passionate about the material and does provide valid concerns about evolution, he tends to be very dismissive of some scientific research, and that may potentially hamper apologetic work when talking to naturalists. Overall, I believe that this is a valuable resource to have in any human origin library.
September 30, 2018
“There is a myth that the question of origins is not important. Even some Christians embrace this myth. It may be possible to study the world and life without considering origins, but it is not natural to study the world and life without considering origins. God himself has decided that the question of origins is important (Gen. 1-2; Rom. 1:18 -20). In reality, the question of origins has a direct bearing on our nature, our destiny, our concept of God, and our philosophy of life. It is without question one of the most profound matters an individual must face. It is the difference between zero and infinity.”
Marvin Lubenow wrote this book to give us a glimpse into the controversy-riddled world of paleontology. He does not accept the evolutionary age for the fossils discussed, but for the purpose of this book, he discussed them as if they are valid. He is trying to demonstrate that, within the evolutionary worldview, the dates ascribed to different fossils have created chaos in the evolutionary timeline. He wants us to see that despite the dogmatic and united theories presented to the public in museums and on television there is a great deal of debate among evolutionist about the dating and classification of hominid (human, or pre-human) fossils.
In the first section of this book, he tells us about the debate that has raged, somewhat behind the scenes, since many of them were discovered. He details the debate over the identification, classification, and dating of numerous fossils. That makes the beginning chapters a little technical, but he does a good job of defining or explaining the terms and processes in an understandable manner. I didn’t take the time to study out every detail but was still able to grasp the main concepts.
The last chapters are a discussion of the philosophical, moral, and theological implications of the Creation vs. Evolution debate. By necessity, they cover a broader range of subjects. For example, chapter 17 shows us how the cultural shift from a Creation based philosophy to an Evolution-based one has had implications for medicine, family, and life itself. Then chapter 18 shows us how an evolutionary cosmology (view of the origins of the cosmos) has hampered the interpretation of astronomical data. That was well documented not just by Recent Creationist but also in Evolutionist literature.
Chapter 19 does not deal directly with the science or philosophy of evolutionary paleontology. It is a side note about the history of the writing and inspiration of Genesis. He shows how even our assumptions of the literary abilities of ancient man has been affected by the evolutionary view of history. Without undermining the inspiration and authority of the Bible, he tells us how there may be evidence that Moses compiled Genesis from written records left by Adam, Abraham, and Joseph. Thereby removing the uncertainty of oral traditions from its transmission.
In chapter 20 we understand why he took the time to establish Genesis’s credibility. This is one of the longest chapters in the book. Here he directly addresses the theologians who attempt to creatively interpret Genesis to include enough time to accommodate current evolutionary theories. He is very eloquent in the defense of God’s inspired Word from the very first word. He demonstrates the unnecessary contradictions and complications their insistence on the compromise creates. He concluded that section with this quote. “It is the task of the wise to take complex concepts and make them simple. Unfortunately, many who claim to be wise have taken God’s very straightforward statements about his nature and his creation and made them very foggy. The biblical doctrine of creation with all of its implications is ours to accept or reject. It is not ours to change.”
The Appendix is a more detailed look at the convoluted dating methods used on one of the most famous and oldest of human fossils. He chose this one because it admirably demonstrates the convoluted massaging of data that is required to maintain the current view of human history. There are some technical details about various dating methods, but again Lubenow makes it clear and simple to understand.
I would recommend this book to everyone especially to anyone interested in ancient human fossils. It was encouraging to read a book by a scientist who isn’t ashamed of the Word of God. The author doesn’t present his theories as absolute truth, but he does point us to an alternative interpretation that does fit with the Biblical timeline. That is his ultimate goal, to encourage in us a deeper love for and trust in God’s Word.
Marvin Lubenow wrote this book to give us a glimpse into the controversy-riddled world of paleontology. He does not accept the evolutionary age for the fossils discussed, but for the purpose of this book, he discussed them as if they are valid. He is trying to demonstrate that, within the evolutionary worldview, the dates ascribed to different fossils have created chaos in the evolutionary timeline. He wants us to see that despite the dogmatic and united theories presented to the public in museums and on television there is a great deal of debate among evolutionist about the dating and classification of hominid (human, or pre-human) fossils.
In the first section of this book, he tells us about the debate that has raged, somewhat behind the scenes, since many of them were discovered. He details the debate over the identification, classification, and dating of numerous fossils. That makes the beginning chapters a little technical, but he does a good job of defining or explaining the terms and processes in an understandable manner. I didn’t take the time to study out every detail but was still able to grasp the main concepts.
The last chapters are a discussion of the philosophical, moral, and theological implications of the Creation vs. Evolution debate. By necessity, they cover a broader range of subjects. For example, chapter 17 shows us how the cultural shift from a Creation based philosophy to an Evolution-based one has had implications for medicine, family, and life itself. Then chapter 18 shows us how an evolutionary cosmology (view of the origins of the cosmos) has hampered the interpretation of astronomical data. That was well documented not just by Recent Creationist but also in Evolutionist literature.
Chapter 19 does not deal directly with the science or philosophy of evolutionary paleontology. It is a side note about the history of the writing and inspiration of Genesis. He shows how even our assumptions of the literary abilities of ancient man has been affected by the evolutionary view of history. Without undermining the inspiration and authority of the Bible, he tells us how there may be evidence that Moses compiled Genesis from written records left by Adam, Abraham, and Joseph. Thereby removing the uncertainty of oral traditions from its transmission.
In chapter 20 we understand why he took the time to establish Genesis’s credibility. This is one of the longest chapters in the book. Here he directly addresses the theologians who attempt to creatively interpret Genesis to include enough time to accommodate current evolutionary theories. He is very eloquent in the defense of God’s inspired Word from the very first word. He demonstrates the unnecessary contradictions and complications their insistence on the compromise creates. He concluded that section with this quote. “It is the task of the wise to take complex concepts and make them simple. Unfortunately, many who claim to be wise have taken God’s very straightforward statements about his nature and his creation and made them very foggy. The biblical doctrine of creation with all of its implications is ours to accept or reject. It is not ours to change.”
The Appendix is a more detailed look at the convoluted dating methods used on one of the most famous and oldest of human fossils. He chose this one because it admirably demonstrates the convoluted massaging of data that is required to maintain the current view of human history. There are some technical details about various dating methods, but again Lubenow makes it clear and simple to understand.
I would recommend this book to everyone especially to anyone interested in ancient human fossils. It was encouraging to read a book by a scientist who isn’t ashamed of the Word of God. The author doesn’t present his theories as absolute truth, but he does point us to an alternative interpretation that does fit with the Biblical timeline. That is his ultimate goal, to encourage in us a deeper love for and trust in God’s Word.
April 23, 2016
They try their hands at "science" but, ultimately, it's all about jamming square pegs into round holes, making "facts" gathered randomly fit the biblical narrative. I wanted to see how they go about their deceptive craft, so I read it. I was not surprised by Lubenow's arguments. He is a former "professor" of Bible, theology and Christian Apologetics at Christian Heritage College.
He should apologize for this embarrassing hodgepodge of pseudo-science.
He should apologize for this embarrassing hodgepodge of pseudo-science.
September 8, 2016
Lubenow knows a lot about fossils. Unfortunately, he doesn't know much about evolution.
Lubenow makes an excellent point about hominid fossils being extremely hard to get hold of and the anthropologists limiting access to them far too much, and I admire the way he acknowledges that this is at least partly because they are each unique, priceless and extremely fragile.
But the way he tries to equate evolution with racism is just, well, ridiculous. Evolution states that we all come from the same place and are all equal. Nobody who knows anything about evolution thinks that some species are 'more evolved' than others, and haven't for decades.
It is interesting the way he gets a bunch of his students to research particular fossils (and I would be very interested to learn which fossils he allocates), but he betrays his ignorance of evolution when he tries to get the various species and genus in a single line to show how they overlap and contradict evolution.
It is called the Tree of Life for a reason, as it branches off and diverges. These different species and genus were separate populations existing at overlapping points in time in different areas.
I was very disappointed when I got the '8 questions evolutionists can't answer' part in chapter 2. I haven't finished my university degree, but I have studied evolution as a personal passion for several years, so while I cannot refer to myself as an expert, I am at least a very-well-informed layman. I could give concrete answers to five of those questions and make a stab at the other three.
I am quite disappointed in this book, because I had been told it was a well-researched rebuttal to evolution and I was looking forwards to hearing the arguments, but instead found the usual hash of dismissal and strawmen arguments.
Lubenow makes an excellent point about hominid fossils being extremely hard to get hold of and the anthropologists limiting access to them far too much, and I admire the way he acknowledges that this is at least partly because they are each unique, priceless and extremely fragile.
But the way he tries to equate evolution with racism is just, well, ridiculous. Evolution states that we all come from the same place and are all equal. Nobody who knows anything about evolution thinks that some species are 'more evolved' than others, and haven't for decades.
It is interesting the way he gets a bunch of his students to research particular fossils (and I would be very interested to learn which fossils he allocates), but he betrays his ignorance of evolution when he tries to get the various species and genus in a single line to show how they overlap and contradict evolution.
It is called the Tree of Life for a reason, as it branches off and diverges. These different species and genus were separate populations existing at overlapping points in time in different areas.
I was very disappointed when I got the '8 questions evolutionists can't answer' part in chapter 2. I haven't finished my university degree, but I have studied evolution as a personal passion for several years, so while I cannot refer to myself as an expert, I am at least a very-well-informed layman. I could give concrete answers to five of those questions and make a stab at the other three.
I am quite disappointed in this book, because I had been told it was a well-researched rebuttal to evolution and I was looking forwards to hearing the arguments, but instead found the usual hash of dismissal and strawmen arguments.
August 17, 2013
If one is interested in the Evolution vs. Creation debate, this is a great book outlining both beliefs with written facts and illustration. Lubenow unveils the evolutionists' attempts to prove that man was not created, rather evolved through millions of years from non-matter. He uses direct quotes and the writings of evolutionists to expose their lies and even their hatred of Creationists/Christians. Although it is not the easiest read--unless one is a paleontologist or anthropologist--it is a must read for Creationists in order to combat the farce of evolution and to strengthen their personal faith.
July 30, 2025
I was intrigued by the title and wanted to know what creationists make of the very clear fossil evidence on this topic. This book contained no useful information or interesting arguments. Reviewing this feels unsporting, frankly, as it feels like shooting fish in a barrel. Dead fish in a barrel. A giant, stinking, rotting tuna fish in a barrel.
Besides the obvious problems here, the book is quite dated, but that can be excused. The bulk of this is just the same creationist arguments you've always heard. This was not written to persuade anyone but to reassure the faithful. Contains numerous misconceptions about evolutionary theory and human ancestry, the most glaring and obnoxious being Lubenow's repeated contention that evolution requires the total extinction of the "parent" species. This is not true, and it is not clear at all why it even would be true. The only reason he says this is because it is a key premise in his "falsification" argument. He thinks that if he can show that "primitive man" existed alongside or after "true humans" it would falsify evolutionary theory. Not only is this not really true (gracile ancient hominids are not all Homo sapiens as it appears today), but it would not actually disprove anything. This is what happens when you try to reason your way to a desired conclusion instead of going with what your own eyes and ears and brain tell you.
He also spends many pages kvetching about dating issues on different sites, but this is all in bad faith as he subscribes to a "young earth" creationism that rejects all of those dates and dating methods anyway.
The most annoying section is the one in which he critiques evolutionary biology for not being truly "self-correcting" which is immediately followed by several chapters on early paleoanthropology sites and the findings of the initial researchers which have of course been revised or rejected in the hundred years since... in other words, self-correction.
The most revealing part is near the beginning as he complains of "evolutionists" starting from their conclusion and then seeking out evidence to support it. He turns around at the end of the book to make arguments from biblical sources because it is the word of god and therefore must be true...
Just terrible. I was inclined to give him some credit for at least actually engaging with the evidence, but I quickly lost patience with his sophistry.
December 5, 2018
I was kind of surprised how much I liked this book. I can’t even remember why I put it on my wish list, but once I got it, I realized it wasn’t what I expected, and I thought it’d be boring. I’ve always felt like focusing on the “evolution of man” is like ignoring a hundred mile journey while obsessing on the last half inch. Some of the people involved are interesting – and the Piltdown cricket bat has got to be one of the finest scientific jests ever – but as any sort of proof for or against evolution, it’s kind of a waste of time.
Ever since 1967, scientists have known that evolution is mathematically impossible by any known or imagined natural process. Even the multiverse theory doesn’t give us enough time, so they’re trying to figure out a way to make our universe “bounded” or “limited” or in some other way designed for life, while at the same time never letting in the evil “G-word” – God. Aliens who evolved according to some rules we haven’t figured out yet, who then designed our kind of protein-based life form, are preferable – and sometimes invoked. But until and unless alien scientists show up, science is helpless to explain how and why we evolved, while insisting ‘evolution must have happened, because we’re here.”
But the question under dispute is, how did we get here? So the Isaac Asivovian routine, “Look how evolution beat the odds! Isn’t it wonderful?” just doesn’t go very far with those skeptical of evolution. And I was skeptical going back to grade school. I might’ve been less skeptical if they didn’t keep telling me that fossils and such like were the result of “slow processes lasting eons,” since the school version of evolution was extremely gradualist (I never even heard of Lake Missoula until I was full adult), but there was no way I was ever going to believe that fish buried under seasonal varves remained intact long enough to make such beautiful fossils. Nature is not that wasteful; even in most of the ocean, things have to be buried fairly deeply before decay and scavengers leave them be.
But despite my general disinterest in the later stages of human evolution, as someone who used to read Asimov and Stephen Jay Gould cover to cover, and who occasionally goes on a search for another author I’d enjoy just as much, I was familiar with pretty much everything Lubenow discussed, at least somewhat, except for Eileen O’Brien’s very cool theory on hand axes. And, while I was familiar with the concept of the Great Chain of Being, I was more familiar with it from the medieval era; Lubenow gives it context I hadn’t considered. And I don’t believe I realized before that Darwin thought Bishop Usher’s date for creation was actually part of the Bible! Although I should have, because Darwin certainly wasn’t the only one to make that mistake, and for the same reason.
And, while I was aware of the fossil overlap, Lubenow’s charts lay it out in stellar fashion. Which sort of characterizes the book in general. Nothing spectacularly new, but he goes deeper and presents things in a clear and interesting fashion.
Ever since 1967, scientists have known that evolution is mathematically impossible by any known or imagined natural process. Even the multiverse theory doesn’t give us enough time, so they’re trying to figure out a way to make our universe “bounded” or “limited” or in some other way designed for life, while at the same time never letting in the evil “G-word” – God. Aliens who evolved according to some rules we haven’t figured out yet, who then designed our kind of protein-based life form, are preferable – and sometimes invoked. But until and unless alien scientists show up, science is helpless to explain how and why we evolved, while insisting ‘evolution must have happened, because we’re here.”
But the question under dispute is, how did we get here? So the Isaac Asivovian routine, “Look how evolution beat the odds! Isn’t it wonderful?” just doesn’t go very far with those skeptical of evolution. And I was skeptical going back to grade school. I might’ve been less skeptical if they didn’t keep telling me that fossils and such like were the result of “slow processes lasting eons,” since the school version of evolution was extremely gradualist (I never even heard of Lake Missoula until I was full adult), but there was no way I was ever going to believe that fish buried under seasonal varves remained intact long enough to make such beautiful fossils. Nature is not that wasteful; even in most of the ocean, things have to be buried fairly deeply before decay and scavengers leave them be.
But despite my general disinterest in the later stages of human evolution, as someone who used to read Asimov and Stephen Jay Gould cover to cover, and who occasionally goes on a search for another author I’d enjoy just as much, I was familiar with pretty much everything Lubenow discussed, at least somewhat, except for Eileen O’Brien’s very cool theory on hand axes. And, while I was familiar with the concept of the Great Chain of Being, I was more familiar with it from the medieval era; Lubenow gives it context I hadn’t considered. And I don’t believe I realized before that Darwin thought Bishop Usher’s date for creation was actually part of the Bible! Although I should have, because Darwin certainly wasn’t the only one to make that mistake, and for the same reason.
And, while I was aware of the fossil overlap, Lubenow’s charts lay it out in stellar fashion. Which sort of characterizes the book in general. Nothing spectacularly new, but he goes deeper and presents things in a clear and interesting fashion.
May 3, 2021
This is not a book that anyone with an evolutionary world view is going to like because it completely demolishes the fallacy that the fossil record ‘proves’ evolution. Far from it, when examined honestly and without trying to force it to fit a preconceived hypothesis, it is plainly evident that in reality the fossil record completely DIS-proves evolution.
An expert in his field, Lubenow presents the truth of the evidence by allowing the fossil record to speak for itself and show just how blatant and dishonest the evolutionists are in their interpretation.
I am a layman in these matters but I understand evidence and logic. Lubenow presents the material in such a clear, lucid and straightforward way that the only way you can not be convinced by the data is by approaching it with a closed mind, the classic ‘My mind is made up - don’t confuse me with the facts!’ And because the die-hard evolutionist cannot allow God a foothold in the door.
The first edition of this book in 1992 was excellent but this updated, expanded edition is even better, presenting, as it did originally, the more clear and plain interpretation of the fossil record but with even more evidence, whilst inviting the reader to consider why the record supports the young-earth creationist worldview far better than it does the evolutionist world view. And without lies.
An expert in his field, Lubenow presents the truth of the evidence by allowing the fossil record to speak for itself and show just how blatant and dishonest the evolutionists are in their interpretation.
I am a layman in these matters but I understand evidence and logic. Lubenow presents the material in such a clear, lucid and straightforward way that the only way you can not be convinced by the data is by approaching it with a closed mind, the classic ‘My mind is made up - don’t confuse me with the facts!’ And because the die-hard evolutionist cannot allow God a foothold in the door.
The first edition of this book in 1992 was excellent but this updated, expanded edition is even better, presenting, as it did originally, the more clear and plain interpretation of the fossil record but with even more evidence, whilst inviting the reader to consider why the record supports the young-earth creationist worldview far better than it does the evolutionist world view. And without lies.
February 27, 2025
"There is a myth that the question of origins is not important.
Even some Christians embrace this myth. It may be possible to study the world and life without considering origins, but it is not natural to study the world and life without considering origins. God himself has decided that the question of origins is important (Gen. 1-2; Rom. 1:18 -20). In reality, the question of origins has a direct bearing on our nature, our destiny, our concept of God, and our philosophy of life. It is without question one of the most profound matters an individual must face. It is the difference between zero and infinity."
Lubenows book explores the controversial world of paleontology, focusing on the chaotic dating and classification of hominid fossils within the evolutionary framework. It’s probably the most comprehensive book that tackles human paleontology from a non-evolutionary perspective. While he does not accept the evolutionary timeline, he discusses these fossils as if their dates are valid to highlight the debate among evolutionists. The first section dives into the ongoing disputes over fossil identification, dating, and classification. Though technical at times, Lubenow explains terms clearly, making complex concepts accessible. The final chapters address the philosophical, moral, and theological implications of the origins debate
Even some Christians embrace this myth. It may be possible to study the world and life without considering origins, but it is not natural to study the world and life without considering origins. God himself has decided that the question of origins is important (Gen. 1-2; Rom. 1:18 -20). In reality, the question of origins has a direct bearing on our nature, our destiny, our concept of God, and our philosophy of life. It is without question one of the most profound matters an individual must face. It is the difference between zero and infinity."
Lubenows book explores the controversial world of paleontology, focusing on the chaotic dating and classification of hominid fossils within the evolutionary framework. It’s probably the most comprehensive book that tackles human paleontology from a non-evolutionary perspective. While he does not accept the evolutionary timeline, he discusses these fossils as if their dates are valid to highlight the debate among evolutionists. The first section dives into the ongoing disputes over fossil identification, dating, and classification. Though technical at times, Lubenow explains terms clearly, making complex concepts accessible. The final chapters address the philosophical, moral, and theological implications of the origins debate
February 28, 2022
In the realm of origins, both creationists and evolutionists often lament that criticism of evolutionary theory is rarely offered on the basis of science (as opposed to conceptual or philosophical critiques). Lubenow’s work is a robust, thorough, extremely well-researched challenge to the evolutionary account of human origins.
Lubenow’s main contention is that the fossil evidence does not merely present gaps in the expected timeline, but directly refutes it by presenting Homo sapiens fossils far too early.
I had some frustrations with the book. First, it is riddled with prejudicial and needlessly critical characterizations of evolutionists (eg “logic has never been a strong point for evolutionists”). Repeated accusations of political interests and the like feel as if he is preaching to the choir rather than trying to convince. Second, it covers a whole lot of ground in a scattershot manner. It feels like a massive, rambling conversation in which he says “and another thing” over and over again. Third, the main thrust of the book is not clearly expressed or pressed home often enough.
On the whole, it was helpful and eye-opening, but now I feel as if I need to read about the human fossil record from an evolutionist. 3.5.
Lubenow’s main contention is that the fossil evidence does not merely present gaps in the expected timeline, but directly refutes it by presenting Homo sapiens fossils far too early.
I had some frustrations with the book. First, it is riddled with prejudicial and needlessly critical characterizations of evolutionists (eg “logic has never been a strong point for evolutionists”). Repeated accusations of political interests and the like feel as if he is preaching to the choir rather than trying to convince. Second, it covers a whole lot of ground in a scattershot manner. It feels like a massive, rambling conversation in which he says “and another thing” over and over again. Third, the main thrust of the book is not clearly expressed or pressed home often enough.
On the whole, it was helpful and eye-opening, but now I feel as if I need to read about the human fossil record from an evolutionist. 3.5.
December 4, 2020
Bones Of Contention
A good book to pair with this reading might be – The Darwin Effect, Jerry Bergman.
The dating of the fossil record is not as concrete as it’s made out to be, claims the author of this book. In fact, the discoveries themselves have been shrouded in much mystery due to seemingly contadictory evidence and the fragile nature of the fossils that do not allow for further study – the plaster casts of which are not appropriate substitutes for close examination. One taxon, the Homo habilis, seems very much to be a dumping ground of those fossils that seem to have Neandertal features and yet are dated to the timescale of the early Homo sapiens, and yet, those ‘Neandertal’ features may not be as ‘Neandertal’ as one might think. The consequences of the Ice Age, the sophisticated Acheuleun and Olduwan tools, the doubts of Lucy and Piltdown Man, and the quotations of confessions by the leading paleoanthropologists and paleontologists of the scientific community make up for this book a very interesting read.
A good book to pair with this reading might be – The Darwin Effect, Jerry Bergman.
The dating of the fossil record is not as concrete as it’s made out to be, claims the author of this book. In fact, the discoveries themselves have been shrouded in much mystery due to seemingly contadictory evidence and the fragile nature of the fossils that do not allow for further study – the plaster casts of which are not appropriate substitutes for close examination. One taxon, the Homo habilis, seems very much to be a dumping ground of those fossils that seem to have Neandertal features and yet are dated to the timescale of the early Homo sapiens, and yet, those ‘Neandertal’ features may not be as ‘Neandertal’ as one might think. The consequences of the Ice Age, the sophisticated Acheuleun and Olduwan tools, the doubts of Lucy and Piltdown Man, and the quotations of confessions by the leading paleoanthropologists and paleontologists of the scientific community make up for this book a very interesting read.
January 27, 2021
Lubenow does an accurate easy to understand comparison of the theories of creation and evolution. He lays out the bones side by side and tells who found them and where. He also tells who interpreted them, when, how, and in what light they were cast. He puts the two views forward in an enjoyable to read way, no prior knowledge needed to enjoy the book. We homeschool and I'm reading it so I can answer my kids' questions about the theory of evolution; the same questions I never got answers to as a youth. Lubenow is a creationist and believes that God created man, this book is fun and filled with the stories of the bones. A perfect science read for a teenager.
October 7, 2020
I didn’t miss the irony that, in this almost 30 year old book, the author states scientific theory has about a 20 year life expectancy. While some of the information he presented was dated, the big picture is still clear. For most of the book, the author writes plainly enough for a layman such as myself to turn page after page. A few chapters drag slightly and have some redundancies. However, as an introduction to the evolution vs creation debate, this book accomplished what I expected it to. I do not agree with all of his conclusions, but I appreciate his passion.
January 15, 2025
I read this book my freshman year of college, and I recommend it for ALL college students! Whether you’re a Christian or not, this book provides a new perspective concerning how evolution is proven. It’s a great reminder to question what we are taught, and research on our own! The flaws in the theory of evolution are matter of fact laid out for readers, in an educated and well phrased way. I can’t praise this book enough for college students of today!
March 21, 2021
This book is EXCELLENT for anyone interested in the academic research for creation vs evolution. I felt the author, a creationist, worked to present the opposing parties in a fair light. This book is so well researched and full of facts, yet it also is enjoyable to read. (Not like a textbook). Highly recommend.
May 6, 2018
I do not recommend reading this book. The argumentation is poor.
March 21, 2024
Amazing proof for a young earth and being created fully formed
September 9, 2025
The book contains plenty of data and proof for a young-earth, but the book can be very boring at times. I found myself "in the weeds" plenty of times.
December 14, 2012
There were some interesting episodes and insights here. I didn't know, for instance, that most paleoanthropologists never work with, and many times have never seen, the actual bones of primeval men. Some have spent decades trying to access rare bones but have never seen more than plaster casts. Also interesting is the fact that when you line up all the fragments and chronologies, no coherent narrative emerges. Unfortunately, the author writes with an all-too-common creationist bravado that is more likely to offend than to convince.
January 1, 2022
Alright, this one was a little dry. But also, it has lots of information you won't find very easily. It is true I think, that the evolutionists are overbold in their claims. And they make unwarranted leaps. But also, there's a lot of compelling evidence for evolution. If you want to make up your mind about the issue I think this book will help. But also in some ways, I think the issue is not settle-able. For me at least.
December 5, 2010
Very informative, not trying to shove his opinion down your throat either. You can do your own research and confirm how money motivated the continuation of the lie that is evolution. From the fraud who was Dr. Eugene Dubois to the fraud who was Darwin. If you are a creationist or an open minded person when it comes to this subject I'm sure you will enjoy this book. It is written so that is fairly easy to understand even on such an intricate subject.
Read
July 25, 2011A fascinating book that helps clear up some of the confusion about numbers of fossils, dating techniques and many other obscure things related to paleoanthropology. Also has an interesting take on the authorship of Genesis. I bought the Kindle edition so the charts were too small to see clearly. This would be better read in hardback if you want to follow the charts, footnotes and illustrations..
March 21, 2008
It's quite a heavy book, but it does lend some interesting arguments to the old earth/new earth theories, exactly who it was who wrote Genesis, and how the Evolution Theory is indeed just theory, riddled with holes and functioning as an entire Faith of its own.
July 14, 2017
i have learned so much from this book. it really opens up my eyes about the evolutionist and how their thinking works. as one of the biggest 12 year old creationist, i have to say this is the best book evr!!!!
December 7, 2012
Really well written argument until the last few chapters the argument turns from a reasoned evidence driven paper to a philosophy paper. Till that point it is some pretty interesting data that is not often brought into the debate of the fossil record.
March 8, 2015
An exceptional analysis of human fossils. Lubenow refutes the conjectures, lays bare the assumptions, and reveals the inconsistencies of the evolutionary interpretation of the hominid fossil record to human ancestry.
October 28, 2019
Most books are rated related to their usefulness and contributions to my research.
Overall, a good book for the researcher and enthusiast.
Read for personal research
- found this book's contents helpful and inspiring - number rating relates to the book's contribution to my needs.
Overall, a good book for the researcher and enthusiast.
Read for personal research
- found this book's contents helpful and inspiring - number rating relates to the book's contribution to my needs.
March 27, 2023
A fascinating and informative book that equips one to understand paleoanthropological findings and the support of the Creation argument. I highly recommend the book, Lubenow's second and revised edition provides additional detail and teaching value.
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