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Design
Universe by Design by Danny Faulkner
The universe was created with purpose and reason; and modern science with all of its experiments, exploration, and sophistication has never proven otherwise. In fact, as author Dr. Danny Faulkner makes plain, advanced science argues more for a created cosmology than a big bang. Written for the upper-level student through the well-read layman, Universe by Design explores the universe, explaining its origins and discussing the historical development of cosmology from a creationist viewpoint.
Paperback
First published September 1, 2004
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About the author
Danny R. Faulkner
17 books12 followersDr. Danny Faulkner holds an MS in physics from Clemson University, an MA and a PhD in astronomy from Indiana University, and he taught at the University of South Carolina—Lancaster for over 26 years. He has published over 100 papers in various journals.
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Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews
August 24, 2010
"Universe by Design" is an educational book about the developments in cosmology from the ancient Greeks to modern times. The author explained why these various ideas were developed (what evidence they were based on), so it was easy to follow the reasoning and remember the idea. He then explained what evidence overturned those ideas and what new ideas replaced them.
He also briefly explained, among other things, quantum mechanics, general relativity, the string theory, the cosmological constant, the Hubble constant, dark matter, and dark energy. For modern cosmology, he discussed the Big Bang in detail and, more briefly, the Steady-State model and the Plasma Universe model. He maintained a respectful tone and was careful to accurately represent the model even when he didn't agree with the idea.
The author started by making it quite clear that he holds to a "God created about 6,000 years ago" view. He presented current Bible-based cosmological ideas--both their strengths and weaknesses--and suggested possible ideas to explore in the development of future models. He also spent a chapter explaining common misunderstandings about what modern cosmological ideas say so that the reader can intelligently discuss these models with those who hold them.
Overall, the information was clear, easy to follow, and easy to understand and remember. However, I did have to re-read and think over the sections on the constancy of the speed of light before I understood it (apparently, all it means is that the speed of light through space is always the same--it's not influenced by the speed and direction of the source or of the observer). I also never understood his argument for how Inflation worked since matter would move (in relation to itself and other matter) even if it's space that's expanding.
Overall, I'd highly recommend this book to high schoolers and adults interested in the history of cosmology, modern cosmology, and the strengths and weaknesses of current universe-origins models.
I received this book as a review copy from the publisher.
He also briefly explained, among other things, quantum mechanics, general relativity, the string theory, the cosmological constant, the Hubble constant, dark matter, and dark energy. For modern cosmology, he discussed the Big Bang in detail and, more briefly, the Steady-State model and the Plasma Universe model. He maintained a respectful tone and was careful to accurately represent the model even when he didn't agree with the idea.
The author started by making it quite clear that he holds to a "God created about 6,000 years ago" view. He presented current Bible-based cosmological ideas--both their strengths and weaknesses--and suggested possible ideas to explore in the development of future models. He also spent a chapter explaining common misunderstandings about what modern cosmological ideas say so that the reader can intelligently discuss these models with those who hold them.
Overall, the information was clear, easy to follow, and easy to understand and remember. However, I did have to re-read and think over the sections on the constancy of the speed of light before I understood it (apparently, all it means is that the speed of light through space is always the same--it's not influenced by the speed and direction of the source or of the observer). I also never understood his argument for how Inflation worked since matter would move (in relation to itself and other matter) even if it's space that's expanding.
Overall, I'd highly recommend this book to high schoolers and adults interested in the history of cosmology, modern cosmology, and the strengths and weaknesses of current universe-origins models.
I received this book as a review copy from the publisher.
May 22, 2015
"Universe by Design" does an excellent job of explaining modern cosmology and the main assumptions that it has been built upon. The book is oriented toward finding a biblically compatible cosmology. For the most part alternatives are suggested and discounted because of disagreements with proven observations. However, Faulkner offers suggestions where further research may reveal some answers; I found Russ Humphreys' model to be particularly intriguing.
This is an excellent book for high school students (or others) interested in astronomy, cosmology, or general relativity.
This is an excellent book for high school students (or others) interested in astronomy, cosmology, or general relativity.
July 28, 2015
After reading Lawrence Krauss's Universe from Nothing I decided to explore also the creationists' point of view on the cosmology and cosmogony of our Universe. It was a good decision and the time spent with the book was not completely futile. To me as an atheist, this important book of the creationists is a very good proof of how the book of Genesis can serve as a mental exercise only. Faulkner draws a good picture of the state-of-the-art in science and discusses the recent cosmological theories. However, when it comes to criticism of the secular science, Faulkner offers nothing more than a speculations of controversial scientists. These, howsoever interesting and mind-blowing, cannot hold in the light of recent scientific facts and findings. The creationist science is only reactive; the one and only thing it brings is theories on how to fit scientific facts into the story of creation known from the Bible. These speculations are as good as contemplation about how big must have been the wolf that swallowed the Little Red Riding Hood.
Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews