Reason in the Balance, The Case Against Naturalism in Science, Law & Education

by Phillip E. Johnson

InterVarsity Press

Phillip Johnson, author of Darwin on Trial, takes the issue of evolution versus creationism to a deeper level in this book where he contrasts the truth claims of naturalism (the worldview behind Darwinism) and theistic realism (Johnson’s term for his own worldview which says that “God is objectively real”). Johnson brilliantly makes a case against naturalism, along the way demonstrating the validity of theistic realism. He draws on current events, legal decisions, science, and common sense to make his case. He builds a strong case proving that naturalism is the established religion in America. He then also shows how Christianity, and even theism in general, is now viewed with contempt. He delves into the concept of natural law based upon a belief in God as the law maker and the rejection of natural law based upon naturalistic assumptions that there are no eternal truths or absolutes.

Reason in the Balance is a must read for parents, but I also highly recommend it for teens. However, this is a challenging book, so save it for the final years of high school. Read it in sections, followed by discussion. Johnson includes research notes on each chapter at the end of the book. Most of them are enlightening, so check them out as you read each chapter.