We are constantly told that evolution can build the genome over time, through chance mutations favored by natural selection. But what if this claim is false? What if the genome is not improving? What if, instead, it is actually degrading over time? Further, what if the scientific community has known this for decades and refuses to acknowledge it because of the damage it would do to evolution? Welcome to the premise of Dr. John Sanford’s book, Genetic Entropy. In the book, Sanford, a former evolutionist and emeritus professor at Cornell University looks at whether evolution, the “primary axiom” as he terms it, can work, using population genetics.
The first thing I will say about Genetic Entropy is that you need to have a firm grasp of the basics of biology for it to make sense. Sanford does include a much needed glossary at the end of the book with definitions of key terms, but the terms are used a lot so it is very helpful to understand their meaning, rather than having to look them up. The book is not written to the average layman. But for those with a biological science background, much of what Sanford says is understandable. He does employ some analogies to simplify certain aspects of the book to a lay level, but much of it will require a basic understanding of biology and genetics.
Once you get past the technical language and concepts, Sanford’s book is masterful. He diligently explains how the primary axiom is supposed to work, through random mutations and selection, then dismantles it piece by piece. He devotes a whole chapter to explaining why random mutations are not good things at the beginning of the book. The rest of the book explains how selection does not have the strength to get rid of all the bad mutations introduced into a population. Once this fact is established, Sanford proceeds to discuss the implications of it; namely that the primary axiom is falsified.
Sanford’s book is exceptionally well cited. He writes like an academic. There are no footnotes. Instead, he uses an extensive reference section at the back of the book. The vast majority of his references are from the secular literature. He is not relying on creationist sources. Very rarely is anyone he cites a creationist and, when he cites them, the papers are from the secular literature. In part, this is because very little population genetics has been published in creationist literature, but I think it is also due to a desire to appeal to the secularists. Unfortunately, as Sanford points out in the afterword, no one in the population genetics field has even acknowledged the book, let alone responded to it. The only response has been from the evolutionist bloggers, and that tends to be heavy on vitriol and light on facts.
The book is well illustrated with graphs explaining what Sanford means. However, illustrations are at the end of the chapter, rather than when they are mentioned which is slightly annoying. That said, the graphs are very useful and explain very clearly and visually that the primary axiom cannot happen. Another helpful feature is, every time he updates the book, he sets the updates apart on their own. Rather than adding them into the text and not mentioning it, each update section is clearly marked with a header explaining when it was updated. This is a very good, honest addition to any book and I wish more authors would do it. It allows the reader to know what was changed and when in multiple different additions of the book.
Sanford’s book is a gem. Genetic Entropy as a book, and as a concept, is a huge piece of evidence against evolution. If the genome cannot be built by selection and mutation, evolution goes out of the window. The evolutionists know this, which may explain why the professionals have not responded to the book in any way. For a creationist who is interested in going deeper into genetics, this book is a must-read. Genetic Entropy explains why evolution fails in a way that will be understandable to a basic biology/genetics student, yet retains the depth of thought that should attract the professional scientist. This one should be in your library. You can get it numerous places, including CMI, Answers in Genesis, and ICR for $25.00. CMI offers slightly worn copies at a slightly lower price as well so if you don’t mind a little wear, save yourself a few dollars and buy there. If you buy through my referral link, I get a small percentage of the sale as commission. Whether you use that link or not, definitely consider picking this book up.
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