Yesterday I challenged Christian blogger Mark Tetzlaff to a book duel. I said that because it appeared that he had not read Richard Dawkins’ “The Greatest Show on Earth,” he must read it in full and write an entire review on it. Then — and only then — would I validate his review and have a conversation with him about it.
I took it a step further and I said that in exchange, I’d read — not one — but TWO books of his choice. I would review his recommend on my blog and he would have to review Dawkins’ book on his blog.
Well, he took the challenge. So far, he’s only recommended one book. The book he chose?
“Evolution, the Grand Experiment,” by Dr. Carl Werner. Tetzlaff chose this book because he claims it is fair and balanced in contrast to one-sided Richard Dawkins and his despotic views of evolution and evolution only.
I would like to refrain from making any judgements about the book until I have a chance to read it and digest it. After reading through some comments on Amazon, I’m anxious to see what it says myself. I want to remain as unbiased as possible and approach this challenge with an open mind. At least as open as I can muster.
For the record, I grew up in a fundamental Christian home. I went to school from 5K to through high school and then on to a college at Christian schools. My elementary to graduation was at a school called Wesleyan Christian Academy in High Point, NC. I have a bachelors degree in English Communication from Montreat College. Most of my education has been from a Christian background with an emphasis on creationism.
I don’t have a background in evolution. In fact, I’ve read as much as I can on both topics. Creationism pales in comparison to evolution on many levels, which is why I made the switch from creationism to evolution.
That’s just a little background for Tetzlaff and for those interested in following this conversation.
Once I get the book, the challenge begins.
From the book.
“If jawless fish are the evolutionary predecessors of other fish, one would expect them to be extinct, according to the idea of survival of the fittest.”
Good luck man.
despotic views? that’s just stupid. you’re more patient than i am.
“despotic” was my descriptor. Sure, I’m patient.
I’m personally tired of debating people who don’t take time to research all angles. I saw this as an opportunity.
Did you look up the book? He threw a softball. i’m waiting on the second book recommendation today.
all in all, i have to be honest… as i read about the book, it just looks to me like a more subtle version of the same old creationist tripe. i would say, “why bother?” but that would defeat the purpose of this whole book duel thing, wouldn’t it?
good luck anyhow. i’ll keep an eye out for your review.
Wesleyan Christian Academy Rocks! Go Trojans! Go, Fight, Win!
Kielbasa, baby.
This should prove to be rather interesting! I’m anxious to see the outcome of this “duel”.
I’m looking forward to this as well.
It’ll be extremely interesting to see how Tetzlaff approaches his end of the challenge.
Great idea — I can’t wait to hear your review — and his too.
Jezza comes up with all the great ideas ..humpf…I just get christian-o-hate-mail on facebook <>
but then I’d find it hard to read creationist nonsense without any of the following happening.
1. Crying with laughter at their utter inept stupidness
2. Crying with horror at their manipulation of facts and making things fit to the book of bronze age fairy tales
3. Throwing the stupid book in the nearest bonfire because of 1 and 2
and finally
4. My head exploding from the creepiness of it all
Petursey!!!
[...] Christian Book Duel Update Mark Tetzlaff and I are having a bone fide book duel. Read more about it here and here. [...]
Wot did I say to warrant 3 exclamation marks ???
It was excitement, because i haven’t heard from you in a while.
LOL
anyway you can tell from the front cover that it’s a creationist book….bad design usually equates to god-squaddiness…. cool design = cool scientific stuff
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