Hidden Treasures in the Book of Job: How the Oldest Book in the Bible Answers Today's Scientific Questions (Reasons to Believe) [Hardcover]

Hugh Ross (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: October 1, 2011 | Series: Reasons to Believe

Arguably the oldest book in the Bible, the book of Job has a surprising amount to say about some of the newest scientific discoveries and controversies. Far from a book that is just about suffering, Job is filled with rich insight into both ancient and modern questions about

the formation of the world
the difference between animals and humans
cosmology
dinosaurs and the fossil record
how to care for creation
and more

With careful consideration and exegesis, internationally known astrophysicist and Christian apologist Hugh Ross adds yet another compelling argument to the case for the veracity of the biblical commentary on the history of the universe, Earth, life, and humanity. Hidden Treasures in the Book of Job shows that the Bible is an accurate predictor of scientific discoveries and a trustworthy source of scientific information, and that both the book of Scripture and the book of nature are consistent both internally and externally.

Editorial Reviews

From the Inside Flap

Arguably the oldest book in the Bible, the book of Job has a surprising amount to say about some of the newest scientific discoveries and controversies. Far from a book that is just about suffering, Job is filled with rich insight into both ancient and modern questions about

the formation of the world
the difference between animals and humans
cosmology
dinosaurs and the fossil record
global warming and how to care for creation
and more

With careful consideration and exegesis, internationally known astrophysicist and Christian apologist Hugh Ross adds yet another compelling argument to the case for the veracity of the biblical commentary on the history of the universe, Earth, life, and humanity. Hidden Treasures in the Book of Job shows that the Bible is an accurate predictor of scientific discoveries and a trustworthy source of scientific information, and that the book of Scripture and the book of nature are consistent both internally and externally.

From the Back Cover

Ancient answers to modern scientific questions

"Yet another sparkling gem from the treasure house that is the mind of Hugh Ross! A fabulous and typically thoughtful treatment of many vitally important subjects."--Eric Metaxas, New York Times bestselling author of Bonhoeffer: Pastor, Martyr, Prophet, Spy and Amazing Grace: William Wilberforce and the Heroic Campaign to End Slavery

"This is a brilliant, insightful, and provocative book, filled with nuggets from digging deeply into the hidden treasures of the book of Job."--Norman L. Geisler, Distinguished Professor of Apologetics and Theology, Veritas Evangelical Seminary

"Surprising and accurate scientific insights few consider. Hugh Ross brilliantly analyzes these details with great scrutiny to highlight the fact that Scripture presents compelling information regarding our greatest scientific complexities. I highly recommend this work for those considering the evidence of the Bible's scientific claims."--John Ankerberg, founder and president of The John Ankerberg Show

"This book is an elegant explanation of how Scripture, the scientific facts of nature, and the tragedy of human suffering all point people to God. It's sophisticated and simple and arguably groundbreaking. I can't wait to use it in the classroom."--Sarah Sumner, dean, A. W. Tozer Theological Seminary

"A treasure in and of itself. It is enormously engaging in both its content and its style. It is one of the most up-to-date scientific, as well as biblical, responses in the evolution, creation, young earth debate, yet all offered with clear facts, gentleness of tone, and convincing logic."--Walter C. Kaiser Jr., president emeritus, Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Hardcover: 238 pages
• Publisher: Baker Books (October 1, 2011)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0801072107
• ISBN-13: 978-0801072109
• Product Dimensions: 5.5 x 1 x 8.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 11.2 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (31 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #173,417 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Hugh Ross (Ph.D., University of Toronto) is founder and president of Reasons To Believe, a ministry team devoted to bridging the gap between science and faith. A well-known author and Christian apologist, Ross has addressed students and faculty on hundreds of campuses, churches, and professional groups in the U.S. and abroad. He also serves on the pastoral staff of Sierra Madre Congregational Church, and as adjunct faculty at A.W. Tozer Seminary in Redding, California. He and his wife, Kathy, and their two sons live in Southern California.

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

61 of 65 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Unique Scientific Insight to the Bible September 14, 2011

By Joseph Wartick

Format:Hardcover

Hidden Treasures in the Book of Job (hereafter HTBJ) by Hugh Ross provides unique insight into one of my favorite books of the Bible, Job. Rather than approaching this book as a treatise on the problem of pain, Hugh Ross dives into it in search of scientific truths. What he finds is surprising.

Ross begins with an exhortation to Christian leaders to stop avoiding the issue of Creation and to come up with a reasonable "strategy of engagement. Christians who take the Bible as a trustworthy revelation from God need to study science and engage with scientists at the highest academic and research levels" (12). I pray Ross's words will not fall on deaf ears.

Ross goes on to point out the historical backdrop of the book. The debaters present, Job, Eliphaz, Zophar, and Bildad were "likely the intellectual powerhouses of their day..." (28). Along with Elihu, who most likely recorded the book, they comprise the major characters. Interestingly, Eliphaz was named as a Temanite. Teman, Ross points out, "was famous in the ancient world for its exceptionally wise scholars" (28). Contrary to some who may accuse Ross of demeaning the historical value of Scripture, it is clear that he affirms the historical realism of the Book of Job.

Interestingly, HTBJ doesn't start with the scientific questions; it dives in to "timeless questions" about God. Ross points out answers given throughout Job about the reason for death (39-40), the shorter lifespans of humans (40-41), blessings for the wicked (43ff), and more. He provides an argument about what is often called "natural evil...." Ross points out Job's rejection of a "direct cause-and-effect relationship between destructive natural events and the people affected by them" and goes on to argue that scientifically, these "acts of God" are necessary for life (49). Hurricanes, for example, bring a number of benefits (51).

Ross quickly moves into scientific questions throughout the book of Job. He argues that God's challenges to Job and friends reject naturalism, deism, evolutionism, and young-earth creationism (54). Job specifically points out that God continually interacts with creation. Perhaps most interestingly, Ross points out that in Job the Bible specifically points towards the Big Bang-with language of God "stretching out the heavens." This, thousands of years before any scientific evidence existed (56-58). Not only that, but the book also alludes to dark matter. Rather than treating darkness as the "absence of light" as was the belief historically, Job points out the actual existence of darkness and its separation from light. Here again there is evidence that Job lines up powerfully with science (60-63). Another fascinating aspect of the Book of Job, argues Ross, is its ability to speak to current situations like Global Warming (63ff).

Central to Ross' argument in HTBJ is the thesis that the book of Job can be used as an interpretive backdrop for the Genesis creation account. Ross argues that Job 38-39 can be read in their entirety as a creation account (72). This opens the gate for interpreting other creation accounts through the lens of Job 38-39. He points out that there are areas of Moses' creation account that Job makes explicit. Some of these points include a correct interpretation of "heavens and earth" (74); an outline of when plants were created (78-79); and perhaps most interestingly, one of the best explanations of the problem of light before the sun I've ever seen (80-84). Ross argues that, contrary to most interpretations, the Genesis account does not explicate that there was no sun before light, but rather that the light had been hidden by the atmosphere (82-83). Again, this would serve as powerful scientific confirmation of the Bible.

Ross is unafraid to pull his punches. He takes on the question of the extent of the flood (92ff) and argues convincingly that the flood was localized to all of humanity. Perhaps the most controversial point Ross makes is in regards to one of the best arguments for young-earth creationism-death and the Fall. Often, the young-earth argument is that the Bible excludes any possibility of death before the Fall. Ross argues that, given Job 38-39's creation account, that interpretation can no longer be valid. He urges that Job 38:39-41 coincides with creation day five, and because these verses include death before the fall, this argument for a young-earth is unsuccessful. Ross's argument here will really depend upon how convincing his assertion is that all of Job 38-39 lines up with the days of creation. Ultimately, I think, most young-earth creationists will remain unconvinced and argue that only the early part of Job 38 is a creation account. In Ross's favor is the continuing tense (it appears as though the verbs throughout the section are in the Qal stem). But Ross doesn't make this argument. Thus, it seems that this part of Ross's argument will be convincing only to those willing to agree that Job 38-39 are, in their entirety, a creation account.

Later, Ross soundly demolishes the young-earth argument that Job provides evidence for dinosaurs living with humans. He convincingly argues that the behemoth is a hippopotamus (178-180) and the leviathan a crocodile (180-183).

Ross doesn't leave the book of Job without discussing what seems like its primary question: suffering. He presents evidence that Job argues for both a greater good theodicy along with a free-will defense (190ff). Both of these sections are interesting, if brief.

There are many areas of interest within HTBJ I have left unexplored. Ross focuses extensively on soulish creatures and the differences between humans and animals. Most interestingly is Ross's explication of the list of 10 "soulish" creatures named in Job and their import for humans (150-165). Suffice to say that there is much more content in the book worth reading.

There were times as I read Hidden Treasures in the Book of Job that I was filled with marvel at the magnificence of creation. At one point I stood up and surprised my wife, saying "Can you believe what God has made? And we know it from the Book of Job! Can you believe this!?" as I described some of the things Ross reveals in the book. There are some astounding ways that the Bible lines up with the evidence we have from cosmology, astronomy, biology, and other sciences. While some Christians may remain unconvinced by Ross's argument for interpreting Genesis 1 through the lens of all of Job 7-39, the book deserves a reading and response by even those who disagree. Ultimately, readers of Hidden Treasures in the Book of Job will come away with some powerful evidence from science for the truths of Scripture-and vice versa.

Disclaimer: I was provided with a review copy of this book by Reasons to Believe.

View more book reviews and apologetics/philosophy of religion posts at my site. Read more ›

19 of 21 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars A dangerous book for young earth creationists and atheists October 19, 2011

By Richard L. Deem

Format:Hardcover

The book of Job has long been a book that most Christians tend to avoid reading. Although deep in its theology about pain and suffering and God's providence, the book of Job is a "downer" book compared to many others in the Bible. Most people quit reading long before the point at which God answers Job and his three "friends."

Dr. Hugh Ross of Reasons To Believe has examined the book of Job from a scientific perspective, pulling out the content that God Himself related to Job and His friends about His creation. In no uncertain terms, God told Job and his friends that they didn't know what they were talking about and proceeded to give them an advanced lecture on creation. Why isn't this information widely distributed on creationists websites? For the most part, God's description of His creation does not match the standard young earth paradigm, which atheists love to criticize. So, Hidden Treasures in Job is "dangerous" to both young earth creationists and atheists, since it directly confronts their theology.

For example, God tells us in the book of Job that the stars were in existence before the foundation of the earth, negating Michael Shermer's complaint that Genesis has them created at the same time. In addition, it tells us why the earth was dark in Genesis 1:2--God had created it surrounded by thick clouds that prevented the Sun's light from shining on the "surface of the deep." Job also addresses the atheists' problem with the creation of plants on day 3 "before the creation of the Sun." In addition, Job, along with Psalm 104, clearly shows that the flood was local in geography (though universal in judgment). Job also contradicts the young earth doctrine (though not universally held) that no rain had fallen on the earth before the flood.... Job also shows that the earth is not eternal, but will be destroyed before the new creation. Job shows that animal death occurred before the fall of Adam (nearly all young earth creationists blame Adam's sin for forcing God to make some creatures carnivorous).

Besides creation controversies, Hidden Treasures in the Book of Job examines many questions common to both believers and non believers. For example, it shows that God is both immanent and transcendent. It also examines why death exists, why human lifetimes are relatively short, and what happens after death. It also examines the questions of why God blesses even the wicked and why bad things happen to good people. The book of Job also examines so-called "natural evil" or "acts of God."

Finally, Hidden Treasures in the Book of Job ends with several chapters related to our spiritual condition. Included are chapters on the problem of suffering, and our greatest need (redemption from sin). In these chapters, as with the other chapters, Dr. Ross gives examples of encounters with the questions from skeptics. These examples point out how important it is to use the answers found in Job to witness to unbelievers.

You are going to be amazed at all the content in the book of Job that you had just passed over and how well Dr. Ross brings this out in a way edifies the believer and challenges the skeptic. This is one of Dr. Ross' best books and is easily accessible to readers of all backgrounds. You won't be disappointed. Read more ›

9 of 10 people found the following review helpful

4.0 out of 5 stars A Refreshing Perspective of Job November 30, 2011

By Dr Conrade Yap

Format:Hardcover

This book uncovers a lot of stuff. It also covers a wide range of reasons surrounding the biblical perspective of the world. It deals with scientific discoveries. It works through the reasons to believe, and that faith is in fact very reasonable. Through Job, Ross leads the reader to engage the Bible in a whole new way on natural history, timeless questions of God's existence, the creation of the earth, suffering, angels, and many more. He makes an assertion that the book of Job is essentially a gathering of the best minds in the world, through the persons of Job, Bildad, Eliphaz, Zophar, and Elihu. He argues that the book of Job itself speaks against the 'basic tenets of naturalism and deism, evolutionalism and young-earth creationism' (54). He explains that the 'Big Bang Universe' itself needs to be held together by an Intelligent Being who makes sure that life is not 'too fast' or 'too slow' (56-57). He goes through the seven days of creation, and instead of letting Genesis defend itself, he says that Job itself complements Genesis by authenticating the first 12 chapters of Genesis. He argues for the unique place of humans in that they are the only creatures with the capacity to 'think, gain understanding and discern what's wise' (107). Man is much more than apes and animals. Much much more. Nearly six chapters are devoted to distinguishing man and animal, that while man rules over animals, the animals do provide wonderful lessons for humans. Animals can teach humans about God, about ourselves, and about relationships too! Of dinosaurs and Jurassic Park, Ross suggests that such creatures are created on the Fifth Day in Genesis, that animals are there not just for our 'survival,' but also for our 'pleasure, joy, and quality of life' (185)....

Finally, and thankfully, Ross deals with the age old topic of suffering. He concludes that Job teaches us not about our suffering or our responses to suffering. It is about God's 'gracious intervention' (200). It is also about how Job's 9 steps in discerning God's redemptive plan, and Elihu's 7 steps in understanding how God redeems.

Closing Thoughts

It is nice to discover a piece of hidden treasure. It is nicer still to realize the treasure is largely undiscovered. As many scientists, philosophers, and theologians continue to dig away at Genesis, few has actually taken the time to dwell in the book of Job. Perhaps, there is a stigma of pain and suffering associated with Job. Perhaps, Job has been largely dismissed as a book of debates between God and the Devil in the heavens, and Job with his friends on earth. Perhaps, there is too much poetry in the book of Job that many living in a scientific and technological world tend to avoid. I am glad that Ross has provided a refreshing contribution to the understanding of creation and the world from the perspective of the Bible, besides Genesis. I find the subtitle of the book overly ambitious. It may lead one to think that Job has been written to answer scientific questions. Far from it. The last part of the book clarifies this by saying that the overall thrust of Job is not about suffering, or about answering scientific questions. Neither is it a text for apologetics. It is about human redemption, how God redeems the world, Job and his friends, and promises that God has consistently asserted throughout the Bible. God's grace and redemption from beginning to end. This message is the greatest treasure that Ross has dug up in this book.

Rating: 4.25 stars of 5.

conrade
"Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc. Available at your favourite bookseller from Baker Books, a division of Baker Publishing Group". Read more ›