Creation out of Nothing: A Biblical, Philosophical, and Scientific Exploration Book

Copan and Craig, true to their other writings, make you think with this one. I'll have to confess it was a bit over my head at some places, especially the chapter on abstract objects. However, it is a very thorough and very well argued examination of the biblical doctrine of creation ex nihilo (out of nothing), biblically, philosophically, and scientifically. I'm a bit baffled by another reviewer who rated it at two stars because he felt the disciplined reasoning from science and philosophy for creation out of nothing somehow eliminates the need for faith. That's like saying that Jesus' appearance to the disciples after the resurrection eliminated their need for faith in his resurrection. The more that we can demonstrate the reasonableness of Christian faith, the more we can remove unnecessary obstacles to people submitting in faith to God who is revealed in Christ. Copan's and Craig's presentation of the arguments and evidences for creation out of nothing serves to excite the reader with the glorious God who transcends time and space and who is the cause of all that exists outside of himself. Far from diminishing my faith, it excited and expanded it, as I contemplated the greatness of our God who exists beyond our capability to comprehend. Great read, but if you wade in, you'll have to do some serious mental work.