Written by Alan Gillen
Published at MasterBooks
About the book
As the world waits in fear, world health organizations race to develop a vaccine for the looming bird flu epidemic--a threat which has forced international, federal, and local governments to begin planning for a possible pandemic, and the widespread death and devastation which would follow. Will the world find an answer in time? Or wil we see this threat ravage populations as others have before 1918 with influenza, in the late 18th century with yellow fever, or the horrific "black "death" or bubonic plague in 1347 A.D.?
Are these [viruses] examples of evolution? ...Did God make microbes by mistake? Are they accidents of evolution, out of the primordial soup? These timely questions are examined throughout this book. -from chapter 1
It seems that a new and more terrible disease is touted on the news almost daily. The spread of these scary diseases from avian flu to SARS to AIDS is a cause for concern and leads to questions, such as:
Professor Alan Gillen sheds light on these and many other questions in this revealing and detailed book. He shows how these constantly mutating diseases are proof for devolution rather than evolution and how all of these germs fit into a biblical world view. Dr. Gillen shows how germs are symptomatic of the literal Fall and Curse of creation asa result of man's sin, and the hope we have in the coming of Jesus Christ.
Who is Alan Gillen?
Alan Gillen, Ph.D., has authored more than 25 papers and two books in biology, microbiology, zoology, anatomy and physiology and medical issues. He brings a biblical perspective to biology and medicine to the classroom. Dr. Gillen is currently working on a college-level biology textbook and is a professor of biology at Liberty University.
My Thoughts
Have you heard of HIV? or Bird Flu? or even anthrax or smallpox? More than likely you did because we keep hearing, reading and being informed of these diseases on a regular basic. But where are they here, on Earth?
The purpose of The Genesis of Germs as quoted from the author is
to describe the world of microbes and how they cause disease. It explains the genesis of pathogens (i.e. germs), infectious disease, and microbiology from a creation, biblical perspective. The book was written to make the reader aware of the unseen world of viruses, bacteria, fungi, and protozoans. It challenges the reader to think of the unseen as relevant to his or her world and to be aware of the wondrous designs in microbes given by the Creator.
When I saw this title available to review, I jumped on it because;
- I am interested in knowing more about the subject, and
- my oldest son has an interest in becoming a doctor.
Having said that, the book start with the basic information about microbes and how Pasteur’s experiments helped to better understand the unseen word of microbes. You will also learn more about the bacteria's which are beneficial to us as well as the ones that are not so beneficial – even deadly. As the reader advance in the book, he/she will learn more about various diseases like malaria for example. Viruses are also covered in this book as well as a detailed explanation on how the immune system works. The book is also packed with images and graphics that will help the comprehension of what has been read.
At the end of the book, each chapter has a series of questions to help the learning process as well as critical thinking questions. I would suggest that mom or dad also read the book as well so that they would know how to stretch the thinking of the student.
The book was written to be a reference for microbiology students. But honestly, in this time and age, I think everyone should read it and learn more about the germs that surrounds us.
The Genesis of Germs is available at your favourite bookstore, even at amazon.ca.
Disclaimer: I was given the book from New Leaf Publishing Group/MasterBooks for review purpose. I was not monetarily compensated for this review. Please note that the review was not influenced by the sponsor in any way. All opinions expressed here are only my own.
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