Customer Reviews

Universe by Design

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Dr.Danny Faulkner is a very brilliant man! He is a Professor of cosmology at the University of South Carolina. The book is a must read for all people interested in the really big questions of our universe. Don't let the book description fool you; you can get a lot out of this book even if you are not a christian. If you are a christian, you MUST have this book in your collection. There is not another book out there that has the best that cosmological science has to offer through the eyes of a creationalist. I can not praise Dr. Faulkner enough, having took some of his classes at USC,I have first hand experience of his depth of knowledge and passion for teaching. If you have to buy only one book this year you must make it this one!

"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.

Reviewed by Debbie from Different Time, Different Place book reviews

Dr. Faulkner gives a wonderful overview of the scientific history of cosmology/cosmogony and the Big Bang theory and the evidence that supports God's work in creation. He writes in a kind and respectful manner demonstrating the abundant evidence for God's hand in creation.

After my mom had a class under this professor, she recommednd that I attend the book signing that USC-Lancaster was holding for him and his book. I went and got it (they sold out) and it was a very good choice. This book is awesome. He could've done more elaborating on the Humphreye's outline but he still did a great job.

I liked the presentation style and content to briefly cover a complex topic. If you take the Bible literally as I do, you will like it. If you don't believe in a God or the Bible, you will not. Your choice.

Here's an absolute for ya - this book is absolutely amazing! Phew!

Using the Bible to fill in gaps in his scientific knowledge and crazy theories make this the worst ten bucks I've ever spent... don't buy this book! Flush your money down the toilet instead, it will be more entertaining.

Go ahead and live your religion however you please, but keep it out of the classroom as an easy answer to anything you cannot explain with the scientific method.