Donald F. Calbreath PhD

Donald F. Calbreath, Ph.D., is an associate professor emeritus of chemistry at Whitworth University, as well as the author/presenter of numerous papers and articles involving both science and Christianity. Prior to coming to Whitworth in 1984, he directed a hospital chemistry lab in Durham, NC, and occasionally taught laboratory medicine in the physician’s assistant program at Duke University. His writing has been published in such venues as Perspectives in Science and Christian Faith. His current work focuses primarily on issues related to biochemistry and behavior, exploring the scientific, theological, and ethical issues involved.

Book Reviews by Donald F. Calbreath PhD

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Livewired is a challenging and enlightening description of one of the greatest mysteries of our time: the brain and how it functions.”

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False Alarm is a comprehensive analysis of the issues in climate change that represents a reasoned balance between the shrill voices demanding immediate change .

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Lithium provides the reader with an insightful look at the challenges facing the development of effective medications for the treatment of mental illness.”

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Into the Abyss paints a fascinating picture of the ties between mind and body and the complicated ways they interact.”

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“Cracks in the Ivory Tower is a sometimes harsh, but honest indictment of the current state of higher education in the U.S.  It should be required reading for ever

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“Harrington has written a challenging book. The shortcomings of current ideas in the causes and treatments of mental disease are clearly documented.

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“The open-minded reader will definitely find Darwin Devolves to be an enlightening and informative look at a very controversial issue.”

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Daring Chemistry is one of a series of science books designed for young readers (ages nine and up).

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For most people, obtaining a Ph.D in a scientific discipline is a challenging enough task.

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For decades, the residents of the southern Appalachian Mountain region (roughly consisting of parts of Georgia, North and South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia, and Kentucky) lived their lives untouc

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“A Prophet with Honor is an in-depth, honest, and absorbing story of the life of Billy Graham.”

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“as timely as the headlines in the morning newspaper with regard to one of the knottiest issues in modern jurisprudence.”

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“a challenging and informative look at the complex functioning of life processes.”

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“thoroughly researched and well-written journey through some of the key ideas in science and the real stories behind their development.”

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Perhaps no other field of science and medicine has undergone such phenomenal change as the area of neuroscience.

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“a challenging book that covers a wide span of scientific, social, and public policy issues. . . . an excellent resource . . .”

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“a very valuable resource for those who want to understand this problem and move beyond rhetoric to reality.”

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“Kevin Carey has written a challenging book, one that deserves careful attention . . .”

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The Teenage Brain is a valuable resource for parents, youth workers, educators, and anyone involved with teens in any way.

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Secular Government, Religious People provides an excellent overview of the church-state climate today and points to some practical and realistic solutions to the troubling issues

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Voyaging in Strange Seas is an excellent source of information about the history of science.

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The Custom-Made Brain furnishes us with a fascinating narrative about brain structure and development along with some challenging issues related to future developments and possibi

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“The thrust of the book is to develop the idea that a somewhat obscure first century Jewish prophet (Jesus Christ) somehow developed a following that led to Him being declared the divine So

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Mental Biology provides a challenging and thought provoking picture of one of the most complex and confusing issues in modern neuroscience.

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Culture and the Death of God provides a unique perspective on the development of Western thought, exploring both the alternatives developed to replace traditional religion and the

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“. . . an invaluable resource for the study of 20th century popular music.”

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Whether it is about the proportion of taxes paid by different economic groups or the salaries paid to employees, the question “What is fair?” is often raised.

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“The reader will find much to discuss, debate, and disagree with, but the journey is well worth the effort.”

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The Holy Spirit is not a book for those looking for a quick read or a cursory treatment of the subject.

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“Nothing cutting edge just sound and practical principles.”

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“Darwin’s Doubt will give rise to heated discussion and debate.”

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“The Science of Miracles is a worthwhile and challenging book for both the skeptic and the believer.”

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“. . . a groundbreaking new paradigm about how the mind works.”

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“. . . an invaluable asset for anyone wanting to know more about traditional music . . . a very useful travel guide for those who wish to visit the region.”

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“Dr. Stenger’s history of the atom is good. His philosophical arguments and conclusions are inadequate.”

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“Making Scientists is a valuable contribution to the growing debate about how best to education the scientists and citizens of tomorrow.”

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“. . . very academic and interesting, but misses the mark in the real world.”

Same-sex marriage is fiercely debated today.

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Dr. Gilbert Meilander has been at the forefront of the development of Christian bioethics for decades and has made many contributions in both the private and public arenas.

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“The Sacredness of Human Life challenges us, calling on us to rethink our thoughts and ideas . . .”

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“. . . a relaxed, informative, and eminently enjoyable introduction to the field of classical music.”

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“. . . a thought-provoking book clearly challenging the prevailing materialistic paradigm about the nature of the world.”

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“. . . exploring the ways identity studies have debased modern education.”

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“. . . a joy to read and an essential part of the library of anyone who builds guitars or plays them.”

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“. . . a long song of praise for marijuana and a continued puzzlement as to why the drug remains illegal.”

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“. . . a challenging read, but one guaranteed to stretch and inform anyone delving into Phi: A Voyage from the Brain to the Soul.”

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“. . . a needed focus on the complicated debate.”

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“The overall vision cast by Martin Rees is an exciting one . . .”

What would a leading scientist put on his (or her) holiday wish list?

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“The basic theme of the book is that one comes to know God in a learning process. . . . an insightful, sensitive, and compassionate study . . .”

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“Rethinking Depression: How to Shed Mental Health Labels and Create Personal Meaning by Eric Maisel explores some significant issues with the way depression is currently diagnosed

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“Merchants of Despair: Radical Environmentalists, Criminal Pseudo-Scientists, and the Fatal Cult of Antihumanism is a compelling book that challenges some current ideas and program

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“After his ‘retirement’ from the newspaper in 2005, Mr. Barry set out to write books. In Lunatics he has partnered with the well-known television writer Alan Zweibel.

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“Understanding Autism offers an extremely useful overview of many of the issues currently being explored today in connection with autism. . . .

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“Dr. Gazzaniga is careful to explain complex scientific data in terms that those outside the neurosciences can understand.

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“. . . it is clear, as stated on her biography page, that Ms.

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“This book should be read by all “House” fans. . . . All students of psychology . . . Basic issues of personal behavior are covered in a clear, understandable fashion.

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An enigmatic book with a puzzling title, Prayer and Parable explores the lives and thoughts of ordinary people with the assumption that we might learn something from their interactions and