John Whitcomb
Recommendation: 5/5
Description of author: Dr. John Whitcomb is a well-known theologian and author who is especially known for his work along side Henry Morris in Biblical creationism. He taught theology and Old Testament at Grace Theological Seminary from 1951-1990. See his website at http://www.whitcombministries.org/.
Comments: According to Genesis 6-8, God destroyed all human and animal life on the earth by a flood with the exception of Noah, his family, and the animals which were on the ark. John Whitcomb, in this book, explains what the Bible records in regard to the flood and argues that much of what we see in the earth’s geology can be explained by this world-wide catastrophe. The four chapter titles summarize very well the thesis and argument of the book: (1) God Destroyed the World – Supernaturally; (2) The Flood Destroyed the Entire World; (3) The Effects of the Flood Are Visible Today; (4) The Basic Issue: Is the Bible Truly God’s Word? It is not surprising that secular geologists mock ‘flood geologists’ as Whitcomb and Henry Morris are often referred to. Yet many evangelical Christian scientists also distance themselves from Whitcomb and Morris as well. This is more difficult to understand. Whitcomb, in the last chapter, explains very convincingly, why it is absolutely necessary to accept what the Bible teaches in regard to history. If the Bible is not historically and scientifically accurate, how can we trust it in regard to theology. This is especially true since the theology of the Bible is squarely grounded on historical facts – for example the creation and fall of the first man and his wife (Adam and Eve), and the physical resurrection of Christ from the dead. The Gospel rests on these historical facts (and others as well). If they did not take place in history, the Gospel is false and of no value whatsoever. This book is an excellent introduction to the subject of the Genesis flood.