Development versus Darwin: How and Why Animal Embryogenesis Profoundly Challenges Evolution
Dr. Paul Nelson, a leader of the Intelligent Design movement from its beginning, will present this next lecture. In his presentation, he will reveal why neo-Darwinian theories are not able to explain the development of multicellular animals from egg to adult form. Basing his case on the finely balanced process of cellular development and specialization, he will show why evolutionary theories will not be able to explain these processes as long as they continue to ignore clues that point to intelligent design.
Dr. Nelson is an Adjunct Professor in the Master of Arts Program in Science & Religion at Biola University, and is a Fellow of the Discovery Institute which is at the forefront of the Intelligent Design movement. Paul A. Nelson received his Ph.D. from the University of Chicago in Philosophy (1998). He is a philosopher of biology, specializing in evo-devo and developmental biology. He’s perhaps best known for his interviews in the films, “Unlocking the Mystery of Life” and “Expelled: No Intelligence Allowed!” For more info, visit: http://creationwiki.org/Paul_Nelson.
Meet us for free coffee and refreshments at 6:45 p.m. on Tuesday, December 6th. The presentation will be from 7:00 to 8:30 p.m., including Q&A. Admission is free, but donations are welcome.
Our spacious, new meeting facility is located at the 25W5650 Building, 25W560 Geneva Road, Carol Stream, IL 60188. The entryway is just west of Gary Avenue on Geneva Road, on the north side of the street. Enter the drive just east of the sign (next to Slide Chart Company) and park behind the building. Enter through the rear door. Handicapped parking is in front, with entrance through the front door.
For more information, visit: www.midwestcreationfellowship.org, email: wscmcf@hotmail.com, or call: (630) 702-9061. While on the MCF web site, check out the supplementary materials which will provide background and additional information.
The subtitle of Darwin’s famous book, “The Origin of Species” is “The Preservation of Favoured Races in the Struggle for Life”. He saw humans evolving from ape-like ancestors over millions of years. This is typically shows as evolving from dark apes to white, Aryan-looking humans.
However, when we examine the fossils in the presumed evolutionary sequence, we find they are either all ape or all human but there are not intermediate forms. See http://creation.com/the-non-transitions-in-human-evolutionon-evolutionists-terms.
The famous fossil “Lucy” is supposed to be a missing link but, see http://creation.com/lucy-isnt-the-missing-link. According to Richard Leakey, quoted in this article, Lucy’s skull is so incomplete that most if it is ‘imagination made of plaster of paris’.
Neanderthals are thought to be pre-human, sometimes called soul-less humans. But there is evidence that Neanderthals were fully human. For a good overview of Neanderthal issues, see http://creation.com/neandertal-manthe-changing-picture and http://creation.com/more-evidence-neandertals-were-fully-human.
In fact, there is genetic evidence that Neanderthals were fully human. See http://creation.com/neandertal-genome-like-ours.
Neanderthals and humans interbred. See http://creation.com/a-new-neandertal-modern-human-fossil-hybrid.
In summary, YEC scientists believe the Neanderthals were descendents of Noah, lived at the end of the Ice Age, and eventually either went extinct or blended with their relatives, the other descendents of Noah.
In February, 2008 Jason Lisle wrote (http://www.answersingenesis.org/articles/tba/splendor-of-creation):
“The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands” (NIV). This beautiful statement from Psalm 19:1 indicates one of the purposes of the created universe: the universe reveals the majesty of itsCreator. Of course, God’s glory can be seen in many different aspects of creation—not just the heavens. Consider the magnificent intricacy of a living cell, the complexity and the amazing diversity of life on earth, and the mathematical precision of the laws of physics and chemistry. These are all indicative of the incomprehensible creativity, intelligence, and power of the Creator.
Why then does the Bible single out the heavens as declaring His glory? Perhaps the heavens declare God’s glory in a special way or to a greater extent. It may even be that the starry universe was specially designed for the purpose of declaring God’s glory to us. We will see that the universe has incredible beauty. This alone would be sufficient reason to praise God for His creation, but not only did God make the universe beautiful, He made it unimaginably large. The range of scales in the universe is truly staggering. The universe contains objects of incredible size and mass at distances which the human mind cannot fully grasp. When we consider the power of the Lord who made all this, we cannot help but feel humbled. Truly, the God who created this universe is glorious and worthy of praise
Follow the link above to read this article which integrates pictures, astronomical text and scripture to help us worship God in his glory.
Here are some books that also help us understand God’s glory in astronomy:
Beauty & Wonder of our Universe Chart – Answers Vol. 3 No. 1
God’s Word describes the phenomena in the universe as “the work of His fingers.” As you view and read about five specific entities, consider what these wonders show about God’s awesome character, creativity, and mercy to mankind!
Created Cosmos: A Creation Museum Planetarium Show
Featuring the acclaimed Answers in Genesis Creation Museum planetarium program (http://creationmuseum.org/whats-here/exhibits/planetarium/) designed by astrophysicist Jason Lisle, this fast-moving DVD probes the reaches of space and back again. Be ready to be astonished and amazed by the awesome power of our Creator!
Astronomy and the Bible
An analysis of the scientific evidence for the age of the solar system, a biblical and scientific analysis of the origin of stars, and a closer look at the evidence being used to support the big bang.
Our Created Moon
Dr. Donald DeYoung displays the latest discoveries of astronomy to analyze flawed views of the moon’s origin.
Clicking on the book titles will take you to the Answers in Genesis bookstore where you can purchase the book.
Enjoy your investigation of the wonderful world of the earth, sun, moon and stars which point to the glory of God!
Welcome to the Midwest Creation Fellowship blog devoted to the Western Suburbs of Chicago. This is where you can go to get meeting information. (This information is also publicized on www.midwestcreationfellowship.org).We know that when you go to a meeting you will often think, “That was interesting. I wonder where I can find more about that subject.” To help you, we’re providing supplementary material for each talk which you can read either before or after the talk.Then you may blog with us to discuss the meetings.
There is a lot of information available on the Ice Age written from a young earth creationist perspective. Here are some questions addressed at http://creation.com/ice-age-questions-and-answers. Check them out – lots of good stuff there!
Was there really an ice age? How long ago did it take place, and what caused it?
The Ice Age and the Genesis Flood (ICR Impact article)
Was There an Ice Age?
Tackling the big freeze: An interview with creationism’s ‘Mr Ice Age’ — weather scientist Michael Oard
Do Greenland ice cores show over one hundred thousand years of annual layers? (Semi-technical)
Hotting up for an Ice Age
Ice cores and the age of the earth (Semi-Technical — ICR Impact 226 1992)
Ice cores v the Flood (response to critic)
Long-age puzzle of thin ice at the edge of the Laurentide Ice Sheet
Out of whose womb came the ice? (Semi-Technical — ICR Impact 254 1994)
Rapid changes in oxygen isotope content of ice cores caused by fractionation and trajectory dispersion near the edge of an ice shelf (Technical)
Greenland ice cores: implicit evidence for catastrophic deposition
Study guides for Life in the Great Ice Age
Were tillites (supposedly glacial debris) caused by an ice age, or could some tillite areas have been caused by other means, such as a global flood? Is there any way to distinguish between the two?
A Classic Tillite Reclassified as a Submarine Debris Flow (Technical)
What about the movies dealing with the Ice Age?
Lots of ice, too much age
Review of The day after tomorrow
What exactly are Mammoths? Did they become extinct because of an Ice Age?
Mammoth: Riddle of the Ice Age (available in Spanish)
See also Q&A Mammoths
How did 90% of large Australian Ice Age animals go extinct?
Astronomy and the Glory of God
In February, 2008 Jason Lisle wrote (http://www.answersingenesis.org/articles/tba/splendor-of-creation):
“The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands” (NIV). This beautiful statement from Psalm 19:1 indicates one of the purposes of the created universe: the universe reveals the majesty of its Creator. Of course, God’s glory can be seen in many different aspects of creation—not just the heavens. Consider the magnificent intricacy of a living cell, the complexity and the amazing diversity of life on earth, and the mathematical precision of the laws of physics and chemistry. These are all indicative of the incomprehensible creativity, intelligence, and power of the Creator.
Why then does the Bible single out the heavens as declaring His glory? Perhaps the heavens declare God’s glory in a special way or to a greater extent. It may even be that the starry universe was specially designed for the purpose of declaring God’s glory to us. We will see that the universe has incredible beauty. This alone would be sufficient reason to praise God for His creation, but not only did God make the universe beautiful, He made it unimaginably large. The range of scales in the universe is truly staggering. The universe contains objects of incredible size and mass at distances which the human mind cannot fully grasp. When we consider the power of the Lord who made all this, we cannot help but feel humbled. Truly, the God who created this universe is glorious and worthy of praise
Follow the link above to read this article which integrates pictures, astronomical text and scripture to help us worship God in his glory.
Here are some books that also help us understand God’s glory in astronomy:
Beauty & Wonder of our Universe Chart – Answers Vol. 3 No. 1
God’s Word describes the phenomena in the universe as “the work of His fingers.” As you view and read about five specific entities, consider what these wonders show about God’s awesome character, creativity, and mercy to mankind!
Created Cosmos: A Creation Museum Planetarium Show
Featuring the acclaimed Answers in Genesis Creation Museum planetarium program (http://creationmuseum.org/whats-here/exhibits/planetarium/) designed by astrophysicist Jason Lisle, this fast-moving DVD probes the reaches of space and back again. Be ready to be astonished and amazed by the awesome power of our Creator!
Astronomy and the Bible
An analysis of the scientific evidence for the age of the solar system, a biblical and scientific analysis of the origin of stars, and a closer look at the evidence being used to support the big bang.
Our Created Moon
Dr. Donald DeYoung displays the latest discoveries of astronomy to analyze flawed views of the moon’s origin.
Enjoy your investigation of the wonderful world of the sun, moon and stars which point to the glory of God!
Genetics not randomly generated since they seem to have intelligent structures like variables. See http://www.answersingenesis.org/arj.
Thanks to all who attended the March meeting! We had a great turnout.
Dave D’Armond, walked us through 3 experiments as we learned how the Bible said it 1st!
Dave D’Armond, is a professional geologist and frequent speaker on a wide variety of Creation science topics. For the last 15 years he has also conducted hands-on science workshops for K-6, 7-12, and adult groups in conjunction with the “Good Science” curriculum from the Institute for Creation Research. He recently completed the Answers in Genesis Creation College II.
If you’d like to learn more about Dave D’Armond, please visit his website: www.davescreationresources.com.
Here are a few photos taken that night:
Dave D'Armond presents, "The Bible Said It First".
Learning that light is "divided" by water
Muscle power versus suction
Dave D'Armond demonstrates the affect of change in air pressure on objects
‘But the Bible’s not a science textbook, is it?’
http://creation.com/but-the-bibles-not-a-science-textbook-is-it
This common objection to believing the straightforward history of Genesis has, in one sense, a simple answer — ‘No, it’s not’. Dr D. James Kennedy correctly says about the Bible, ‘It is not a scientific textbook. It is not a textbook on religion. It is not a textbook at all; it is a revelation from God!’1
But it is a loaded question; most who ask it presume that a ‘no’ answer means that the Bible’s authority does not extend to matters related to science. This is of course illogical. A novel about apple orchards could refer to apples falling down (rather than up) in accordance with the known facts about gravity. It could be completely accurate scientifically without its purpose being to teach science.
One reason put forward for saying that Genesis is ‘non-scientific’ is that the account is brief. But since when does brevity equal inaccuracy? As a minister friend says, when we listen to statements about the weather, we expect them to be based on totally accurate scientific data, despite being brief. ‘We don’t expect lengthy scientific explanations with details on the force of gravity vsthe humidity and wind speed to generate rain fall. We just want to know whether it is going to rain in our area. Yet we expect extensive scientific explanations in the Bible for it to be taken seriously.’2
The Bible’s prime purpose certainly concerns salvation, not scientific explanation. But to use this to evade the clear teaching of origins in the foundational book of Genesis is intellectually illegitimate, if not dishonest. What if that approach were consistently applied? The Bible isn’t a mathematics textbook, either. But does that mean that if the Bible were to insist that ten divided by two equals six, it would make no difference to its ‘message of faith and salvation’?3 Of course it would — a world of difference! What sense would it make to trust it as the Word of the all-powerful Creator who never lies and to commit one’s eternal destiny to its promises in ‘spiritual’ areas? As Jesus said, ‘If I have told you earthly things and you do not believe, how shall you believe if I tell you heavenly things’ (John 3:12)?
Even though the Bible’s purpose is not to teach history as such, the history it teaches is true. It states that Jesus was crucified at a specific moment in real history via a specific person, Pontius Pilate, the Roman governor of Judea. It would be bizarre to claim that it didn’t matter whether these events were true or not, ‘because the Bible’s not a textbook’.
The account of Jesus rising from the dead cannot be classified as only one form of truth; i.e. it cannot be a Christian or ‘religious’ truth without at the same time being a historical truth (unless language loses all of its meaning); and it cannot be historically true unless it is also scientifically true.
The same applies to Genesis events — e.g. the statement that God took a rib and made Eve. As theologian Dr Douglas Kelly makes clear in this issue (p. 24 — see Creation at the academy), Genesis presents such things as plain facts of history. So the question of whether the Bible is a science textbook evades the real issues, which are to do with its claim to total truth and authority. It is meaningless to claim that scriptural authority applies only to ‘religious things’, since the Christian Gospel is all about real things, the real origin, history and destiny of man and the universe. Remove its claim to authority in the realm of science, and you are actually removing it from any relevance to the real world. Sadly, this is exactly what compromise with evolutionism/long-ageism has done in many minds.
Does science support the ‘Big Bang’ theory? Did the universe evolve by chance? Stars that are billions of light years away from the earth, do they proclaim an ancient universe? We will cover these issues and many others. Discover for yourself that the heavens declare the glory of the God!
Mr. Richard Stepanek was taught evolution in school and in church. He believed it until God opened his eyes to creation at a “Discover Creation” seminar. After extensive personal research on the subject, Rich became firmly convinced that the facts support the literal account of Creation found in the Bible. Rich joined Alpha Omega Institute as a full time speaker in 1997. His family often travels with him in the ministry.
