Starlight and Time, Solving the Puzzle of Distant Starlight in a Young Universe, by D. Russell Humphreys (Green Forest, AR: Master Books, 1994) 137 pp., paper $5.99

Dr. Humphreys is a young earth physicist who is addressing the question of how the light from stars, many light years away, could be seen from earth if the universe is only a few thousand years old (p. 9). By means of a rather technical discussion of black holes, white holes (pp. 23-28), relativity and gravitational time dilation, among other things, Humphreys believes that clocks tick at different rates in different parts of the universe. “By this effect …God could have made the universe in six ordinary days as measured on earth, while still allowing time for light to travel billions of light-years to reach us by natural means” (p. 54).

Using this theory Humphreys is also able to explain from both a biblical and scientific base what happens on each of the six days of creation (pp. 74-80).

The book contains three appendices expanding Humphreys’ theories. More recently he has published an updated paper further developing these ideas which can be found at: www.icr.org

For those interested in creationism and looking for detailed scientific explanation for difficult issues surrounding the young earth view; Starlight and Time would be a welcomed read.

Reviewed by Gary E. Gilley, Pastor-teacher, Southern View Chapel, Springfield, IL