Book Reviews: Science and Technology
Navigating Genesis: A Scientists’ Journey through Genesis 1-11
Dr. Hugh Ross (©2014); Rating: 5
This is an outstanding comparison of the first eleven chapters of Genesis with the latest scientific discoveries, showing that the facts in both are compatible. Dr. Hugh Ross is skilled at researching both science and the original texts of scripture, and presents his findings very convincingly. He explains the fallacies of many theories surrounding the creation account, the age of the earth, the flood, decreasing life spans, fossil fuels and so much more. I’ve been intrigued by both the Bible and science all my life and this book integrates them masterfully. Even the science explanations that were over my head were still worthwhile reading. God’s work is absolutely amazing and science helps us appreciate what he’s done. Whether you agree with all of Dr. Ross’s conclusions – and it’s hard not to – you’ll definitely benefit by reading this with an open mind. I read it relatively slowly to savor each thought. Truth is truth, regardless of where you find it, and it’s fun to watch scientific truth support and confirm biblical truth. As Dr. Ross shows us, the alleged contradictions between the two are the results of misinterpretation or inadequate information. I’d rate this with seven stars, but I’m limited to five.
Hybrids, Super Soldiers & the Coming Genetic Apocalypse, Volumes 1 & 2
Billy Crone (©2020); Rating: 3
These two volumes contain an enormous amount of research. Quotations from articles, transcripts of presentations and more make the book’s premise believable. However, an enormous amount of reading remains after the author makes his points. This is unfortunate, because the material is important to our perspective of Bible prophecy and world events. The author’s work might have been more effective with a non-technical audience if he’d been more selective with the material he presented. The two volumes contain nearly 700 pages! I’d rate the content as a “five” but the presentation is a major obstacle.
Blackout Wars: State Initiative to Achieve Preparedness Against an Electromagnetic Pulse (EMP)
Dr. Peter Vincent Pry; Rating: 4
The author’s information about state initiatives is believable and undoubtedly factual, but seriously disappointing; simply because our government leaders aren’t willing – for whatever reasons – to allocate the necessary resources. Dr. Pry provides anecdotal information to demonstrate how ordinary people can make a difference, which is encouraging.
Murach’s Visual Basic 2015
Anne Boehm (©2015); Rating: 4
As an experienced programmer but new to Visual Basic, I consider this to be an excellent training resource and reference. It uses a topic-based approach that brings related concepts and functions together. Throughout the book, you’ll find descriptions of a topic on the left page, then on the right page you’ll find bullet-point summaries, screen shots, syntax and examples of code from actual applications. It’s self-paced and includes excellent training exercises.
Revision: I originally rated this 5 stars, but the more I used it the more limitations I discovered. For example, the applications I develop require data/line graphics and printing capability. Not in the book. If you specialize in database applications, you’re good; otherwise, you’ll have to find other resources.