Improbable Planet
How Earth Became Humanity’s Home
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Are we really just the result of innumerable coincidences?
Or is there a more reasonable explanation?
Most of us remember the basics from science classes about how Earth came to be the only known planet that sustains complex life. But what most people don't know is that the more thoroughly researchers investigate the history of our planet, the more astonishing the story of our existence becomes.
The number and complexity of the astronomical, geological, chemical, and biological features recognized as essential to human existence have expanded explosively within the past decade. An understanding of what is required to make possible a large human population and advanced civilizations has raised profound questions about life, our purpose, and our destiny.
This fascinating book helps nonscientists understand the countless miracles that undergird the exquisitely fine-tuned planet we call home--as if Someone had us in mind all along.
"With his typical clarity, insight, and precision, Ross shows how recent scientific findings undermine naturalism while simultaneously providing evidence that there is a plan, purpose, and design in the universe."--Sean McDowell, professor, Biola University; bestselling author of over fifteen books, including A New Kind of Apologist
"In Improbable Planet, Ross holds readers' hands, leading them in a readable yet gently technical format through a compelling layer-upon-layer argument for the distinctiveness of the planet on which we live and of the preparation for inimitable life on Earth. The text is replete with references from primary scientific articles in some of the most well-respected journals, underscoring the highest academic rigor taken in substantiating the factual claims. Only the shamefully flippant could dismiss this book as being a faith-filled presentation rather than the scholarly work it represents."--James M. Tour, T. T. and W. F. Chao Professor of Chemistry, Rice University; R&D magazine's 2013 Scientist of the Year
"Hugh Ross brilliantly silences those who would claim that this Earth, this solar system, this galaxy, and this universe are nothing but a mere accident. Improbable Planet is technical yet poetic; thoroughly scientific yet faith-inspiring. I commend it to anyone who seriously contemplates the wonder of this planet we call Earth."--Pat Robertson, founder/chairman, The Christian Broadcasting Network, Inc.
"Hugh Ross takes us on a riveting tour of the scientific story, from the beginning of the cosmos to present humankind. He shows how that story pushes us toward the conclusion that purpose has driven the whole story, with the different pieces intertwined and each supporting the production of an ideal habitat for human beings right here and right now. Not only will this commend Christian faith to scientifically minded inquirers, but it will also strengthen the confidence of believers that we inhabit and participate in a meaningful and purposeful story."--C. John "Jack" Collins, professor of Old Testament, Covenant Theological Seminary
"With thorough notations and research, Hugh Ross takes us on a journey through time and space to bring us firmly back to our own planet, formed by one Creator. For those who need a scientific explanation of our universe and the life-forms within it, you will be satisfied. For those who already believe that God's divine hand created the world and all life within, you will be validated. Hugh Ross writes to stretch our intellect and to strengthen our faith. Improbable Planet does the improbable--demonstrates that the language of science does not threaten but instead augments the prose of evangelism."--Ed Young, senior pastor, Second Baptist Church, Houston, TX
Hugh Ross (PhD, University of Toronto) is founder and president of Reasons to Believe (www.reasons.org). He is the author of many books, including More Than a Theory and Why the Universe Is the Way It Is. An astronomer and a member of the pastoral staff of a church near Caltech, Ross has addressed students and faculty on over three hundred campuses in the United States and abroad on a wide variety of science-faith topics. From science conferences to churches to government and private research labs, Ross presents powerful evidence for a purpose-filled universe. He lives in the Los Angeles area.
Endorsements
"In Improbable Planet, Ross holds readers' hands, leading them in a readable yet gently technical format through a compelling layer-upon-layer argument for the distinctiveness of the planet on which we live and of the preparation for inimitable life on Earth. The text is replete with references from primary scientific articles in some of the most well-respected journals, underscoring the highest academic rigor taken in substantiating the factual claims. Only the shamefully flippant could dismiss this book as being a faith-filled presentation rather than the scholarly work it represents."
James M. Tour, T. T. and W. F. Chao Professor of Chemistry, Rice University; R&D magazine's 2013 Scientist of the Year
"This book, Improbable Planet, brings forth from the reader a triumphant shout of thanksgiving to a God who is the Author of our creation. In the process, Hugh Ross brilliantly silences those who would claim that this Earth, this solar system, this galaxy, and this universe are nothing but a mere accident. Improbable Planet is technical yet poetic; thoroughly scientific yet faith-inspiring. I commend it to anyone who seriously contemplates the wonder of this planet we call Earth."
Pat Robertson, founder/chairman, The Christian Broadcasting Network, Inc.
"Hugh Ross takes us on a riveting tour of the scientific story, from the beginning of the cosmos to present humankind. He shows, from the perspective of cosmology, planetary science, geology, ecology, and biology, how that story pushes us toward the conclusion that purpose has driven the whole story, with the different pieces intertwined and each supporting the production of an ideal habitat for human beings right here and right now. But that isn't the final goal of the story: rather, we were brought here to live eternally with our Maker. Not only will this commend Christian faith to scientifically minded inquirers, but it will also strengthen the confidence of believers that we inhabit and participate in a meaningful and purposeful story."
C. John "Jack" Collins, professor of Old Testament, Covenant Theological Seminary
"Improbable Planet provides sound biblical and scientific support for a Creator. With thorough notations and research, Dr. Hugh Ross takes us on a journey through time and space to bring us firmly back to our own planet, formed by one Creator. For those who need a scientific explanation of our universe and the life-forms within it, you will be satisfied. For those who already believe that God's divine hand created the world and all life within, you will be validated. Hugh Ross writes to stretch our intellect and to strengthen our faith. Improbable Planet does the improbable--demonstrates that the language of science does not threaten but instead augments the prose of evangelism."
Ed Young, senior pastor, Second Baptist Church, Houston, TX
"Hugh Ross is a gift. He belongs to that rarefied and exceedingly small group of people who combine brilliance of mind, an originality of thought that rivals the most creative thinkers, and an encyclopedic knowledge of both the Bible and science. Improbable Planet is the latest expression of these traits. You do not need to know either science or the Bible to understand the book, but the more you know about either, the more impressive you will find the achievement. Anyone would immensely benefit from reading Improbable Planet."
Dennis Prager, nationally syndicated radio talk show host and columnist, New York Times bestselling author, and founder of PragerUniversity.com
"When topics like intelligent design and fine-tuning are being explained, Hugh Ross is one of the beloved and most widely read scientific authors. Adding to Ross's reputation, this book will not disappoint readers. Whether the topic is the mass of the universe, the Milky Way Galaxy, the failures of abiogenesis, or the Cambrian explosion, much of this text reads like the explanations behind the gorgeous photos of space that we often witness. I predict a wide audience!"
Gary R. Habermas, Distinguished Research Professor of Apologetics and Philosophy, Liberty University
"Dr. Ross has done it again! With his typical clarity, insight, and precision, Ross shows how recent scientific findings undermine naturalism while simultaneously providing evidence that there is a plan, purpose, and design in the universe. Whether you are a skeptic or a believer, you will be challenged and equipped immensely by reading Improbable Planet. I highly recommend it."
Sean McDowell, PhD, professor, Biola University; bestselling author of over 15 books, including A New Kind of Apologist
"In Improbable Planet, Hugh Ross presents the most detailed analysis yet of the Goldilocks 'just right' circumstances that make Earth home to all of its inhabitants. The book builds an enthralling tale of the conditions that allow and promote life to exist and thrive here."
Gerald B. Cleaver, professor and head, Early Universe Cosmology and Strings Division, Baylor University
"Improbable Planet is a remarkably researched and detailed account of the geological, chemical, and biological history of Earth. Readers will encounter a fascinating and informative book, even apart from any theological or philosophical implications. An unimaginable series of finely timed and tuned events were required in order for the primordial Earth to develop into a planet capable of supporting higher life forms and allowing an advanced civilization to thrive. The improbability of our planet becoming the paradise that it is provides strong evidence that there is a divine plan and providential design behind it all and that humans and our planetary home have a deep significance in the universe."
Michael G. Strauss, David Ross Boyd Professor, University of Oklahoma
"As one who has spoken to millions of despairing atheists in Russia and Ukraine, I am persuaded that the case for the Creator as proposed by Ross is well nigh irrefutable. Hugh's observation that we find ourselves in a collection of 200 billion stars, in a universe of some 200 billion galaxies, in just the right place, at just the right time, and with just the right view, makes one think that perhaps Someone designed it all. Here is a fact-filled book that will stir the debate about origins while intellectually challenging popular atheistic concepts."
John Carter, president, The Carter Report, Moorpark, CA
"Hugh Ross's proven scientific credentials and his enduring commitment to biblical Christianity qualify him to speak authoritatively in the often raucous encounter between science and theology. The quality of Hugh Ross's work in Improbable Planet is characterized in his stated efforts to respond to Carl Sagan's assertion that 'the cosmos is all there is or ever was or ever will be.' Using scientific evidence, Ross skillfully validates the biblical affirmation that this universe serves as a launching pad for the new creation to come. He powerfully reveals the deep biblical foundations that undergird his extensive scientific explanations, offering a model of thoroughness that should characterize biblical Christianity's interface with science."
Byron D. Klaus, former president, Assemblies of God Theological Seminary
The Author
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Hugh Ross
Hugh Ross (PhD, University of Toronto) is founder and president of international and interdenominational Reasons To Believe ( www.reasons.org). He is the author of many books, including The Creator and the Cosmos, More Than a Theory, and Why...
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