Evolution: A Theory in Crisis

by Michael Denton

Book Overview

Explains the problems that trouble Darwinism and the theory of natural selection, looks at alternate theories, and covers new evidence from paleontology to molecular biology.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0917561058
• ISBN13: 9780917561054
• Release Date: January 1986
• Publisher: Adler & Adler Publishers
• Length: 368 Pages
• Weight: 1.61 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.3" x 6.4" x 9.3"

Customer Reviews

Critique of Orthodox Darwinism

It's amazing to me that Denton's book written 15 years ago (1985)has been largely ignored. It is the best book I have ever read in criticism of The Theory of Evolution; and it does it from a purely scientific basis. Denton a Molecular Biologist removes all of the supports (if there ever were any) from Darwin's theory of macro-evolution (continuity of life). Denton blasts all of the previous arguments made by the pro-evolutionists showing that there is essentially no support of macro-evolution in the fossil record. He also, clearly demonstrates that there is no support coming from his specialty molecular biology. In the end the only sound explanation he can make is that life is profoundly discontinous. Denton makes another point that is particularly interesting, he demonstrates that it is the anti-evolutionists (not to be confused with creationists) that have always utilized a scientific approach to their argument while the evolutionists have been guilty of at best pseudo-science. This book is worth reading for anyone who wants to approach the subject matter objectively and scientifically.

Fantastic!

It's been at least seven years since I read the first edition of this book, but I remain impressed by the persuasiveness of Denton's argument. Like some of the other reviewers, I have a strong feeling that the people who have given this book bad reviews have never read it. I gather this not from how they have ranked it, but rather what they've written.This is too bad because Denton provides a good opportunity for building honest, open-minded dialogue between the two opposing camps in the evolution debate. The book is argumentative, but it is also educational (I especially enjoyed learning about the feather - the complexities of which I was previously unaware).I would also recommend Behe's "Darwin's Black Box" as an excellent complementary read, since it explores the relevance of molecular biology to this subject in greater detail.

Heretical, But Wonderful

Denton writes wonderfully about the problems with Darwin's theories. I knew of some of them, but was unaware that one of Darwin's inspirations was Malthus, a cruel and wrongheaded character whose theories were not only repugnant, but have been proven wrong over and over again. Perhaps this is the scientific manifestation of the "domino theory". The vitriol coming from Darwinians is somewhat of a surprise and very disturbing. Where is the love of scientific open inquiry? Thank you, Professor Denton, for keeping scientific discussion open and alive.

Insightful, objective, sweeping, powerfully argued

Denton's book is a first-rate critique of contemporary versions of Darwinism and is filled with original and compelling arguments. The usual suspects have, naturally, attacked the book with the usual generic accusations, but don't be mislead: "Evolution: A Theory in Crisis" is not a defense of "Scientific Creationism" and definitely does not go wrong in easy and obvious ways. It is a penetrating account of features of the natural world that mutation and natural selection are simply inadequate to explain. From biochemistry to the fossil record, Denton systematically demolishes the "fact" of evolution as a sufficient explanation for the world as it is. Denton doesn't deny that evolution occurs; he is, for example, sanguine about the "horse series." He claims, however, that evolution, taken as mutation and natural selection, is no more than a partial answer. His his explication and analysis of the avian respiratory system is as convincing as anything in Mike Behe's book. Some have tried to explain away problems in evolution as owing to the paucity of human imagination, but Denton doesn't merely ask, "How could this have evolved?" e.g., the feather, avian respiration, etc. He argues positively that certain features cannot have evolved, that intermediate forms are not just difficult to imagine, they are impossible. There are those who judge books critical of evolution without actually reading them, evidently considering that to be needless toil. They "know" that evolution is true and explains everything, and therefore "know" that all critics have bad motives and worse education. Those who find that they need actually to read a book in order to fairly judge it will find Denton reasonable, extremely well-informed, clear, readable and thought-provoking. I highly recommend "Evolution: A Theory in Crisis."

A Scientific Examination of Evolution

A must for anyone interested in understanding the fundamentals of Evolution. Mr. Denton performs the near-impossible as he brings the basics of Evolution to a level comprehendable by the layperson. From fossils to microbiology, explore the origins of man as presented by few others. A little foggy on the details? Unable to discuss the subject in an expert manner? This book is a must. Denton may be the most honest scientist in the field today!