Gaining the High Ground over Evolutionism

In Gaining the High Ground over Evolutionism, Robert J. O’Keefe presents an organized, well-documented and thoughtful case for Biblical creation. As he states in the book’s opening chapter, the debate over the origin of Earth and humankind has been reduced to two opposing viewpoints: the evolutionary or natural thesis, and the supernatural thesis found in Genesis. However, in most communities, the so-called debate has long since been decided in favor of evolution. Politicians, educators at public institutions and even many religious people see a Bible based view of creation as scientifically ignorant. Creation as revealed in Genesis is pushed into religious studies or philosophy classes, if indeed, it is allowed to be taught at all. Without demeaning those with whom he disagrees or condescending to them, Mr. O’Keefe examines the gaps and discrepancies in the natural theory of evolution. In addition, he offers reasoned support for a Bible based explanation of creation.

Gaining the High Ground over Evolutionism begins with a succinct history of the scientific revolution and the events leading up to it. Mr. O’Keefe, then lays out the arguments in favor of the theory of evolution. He separates those arguments into three main groups: geochronology, evolutionary biology and astronomy. The facts underlying the various theses are presented fairly and respectfully. Mr. O’Keefe counters the theories by pointing out their circular logic and the ways in which the theorists break the rules they set even for themselves.

Intelligent design also comes under Mr. O’Keefe’s microscope. While it might be assumed that he would look favorably upon this compromise between evolutionary theory and Biblical creation, the assumption would not be entirely valid. Mr. O’Keefe agrees with the basic tenet of intelligent design (“supernatural causes preceded natural causes”), and he understands the attempt to take the prejudicial religious aspect out of the debate. However, he is at odds with any theistic approach to evolution that strays from a Genesis based model of creation. Additionally, Mr. O’Keefe explores irreducible complexity: the assertion that “even the simplest organisms are far too complex to have evolved through numerous incremental stages.” This concept undergirds much of the case for both intelligent design and a purely Biblical view of creation.

Although tackling a divisive and multifaceted issue, Mr. O’Keefe injects the discussion with personalities and anecdotes that keep the book accessible and at times, humorous. He makes ample use of philosophical quotations from both camps and gives a brief but telling overview of the Scopes Trial. Sir Arthur Eddington’s response when told he is one of the three men who understands general relativity elicits a chuckle, as does the mousetrap tie clasp worn by a trial witness as a jab at irreducible complexity.

Gaining the High Ground over Evolutionism will, by its very title, polarize readers; some of whom will not be willing to crack the book’s cover. However, the work is a well- referenced scholarly approach to an important debate. Those willing to set aside their preconceived notions of Bible based creation will find ample food for thought in this book and people who already adhere to creation as set down in Genesis will find ample support for their beliefs. It will awaken your internal debate in your own mind, as many of us have had in the past, providing an entertaining read while enjoying the entertainment of logic and clarity of O’Keefe’s thoughts.