It is not farfetched to say that dinosaurs have been used extensively as an entrance into accepting evolutionary ideas. Many book stores and libraries have multiple listings of books and magazines about the creatures of the misty past. Most place these reptiles into some kind of evolutionary framework. The majority of publications seem intended for consumption by children. There are coloring books, picture(?) books, and stories about them, hoping the young readers can identify with the age of the dinosaurs, an age often assumed to be millions and millions of years ago. In more recent years several books have been published with the hope of bringing balance to this subject. One of these is: "Dinosaurs and Creation", by Dr. Donald DeYoung. Published this year by Baker Book House, this book is comprised of 50 frequently asked question (FAQ) about dinosaurs.

DeYoung chairs the Natural Science Division at Grace College, Winona Lake, Indiana and is president of the Creation Research Society. He is no stranger to the battle between evolution and creation. DeYoung lets his readers know, up front in the introduction, that this 120 page book presents dinosaur material from the creationary perspective. "Clearly the creationist view of dinosaurs," he says, "presented in this book is at odds with the interpretation of most natural history museums," and he gives several points as to what is meant by the creationary view. He notes that the "creation view ...provides many new avenues to explore." While standing firmly on the creationary path, DeYoung encourges his readers to consider an alternative perspective when thinking about dinosaurs.

Dinosaurs and Creation has five parts: Dinosaurs and History, Dinosaurs and Modern Times, The Dinosaur Family, The Biology of Dinosaurs and The Physics of Dinosaurs. In each he begins with asking common questions and providing balanced answers, noting both the evolutionary as well as the creationary stance. The book is not intended for very young readers; their understanding would be limited by the vocabulary but older children, maybe over 10 years of age and parents would benefit from this book. This would especially be true for parents wishing to have good answers when the youngsters come up with some tough questions. Or when an opportunity arises to assist children to appreciate good science, and not fanciful imaginations. There are a few graphics and drawings but the book is largely text.

DeYoung, for example, deals with the possibility of radiometric dating of dinosaurs and where do these creatures fit into biblical history; he looks at the various ideas about dinosaur extinction and dinosaur physiology. There is a list of scripture references to dinosaurian type of creatures, a summary of dinosaur names & a good glossary of words often used when discussing dinosaurs.

It is a generally easy-to-read book and can be a helpful source on an interesting topic. It would be a good item for anyone's bookshelf.

Reviewed: August 23, 2000

Dan Schobert