Embryology, Finches and Beaks, Tree of Life

Hello, everyone.

Tomorrow night we will continue our analysis of Darwinian evolutionary theory by taking a critical look at several of the evidences given to support it; namely, Haeckel's Embryo's, the Galapagos finches, and the concept depicted by the Tree of Life. We will not be watching the complete Icon's of Evolution video at this time, but will pull the pertinent clips from each. Again, we are not concerened at this point with the cultural significance of evolutionary theory, but are simply focused on the evidence given for and against the theory.

Haeckel's embryo's were not discussed in the PBS series yet, but we are including it since it was discussed in our assigned reading.

God bless you all! I'm looking forward to tomorrow night.

Ricky
worldviewstudy@gmail.com

Cosmological Summary and Evolution Study

Hello, everyone!

I'm sorry I haven't updated the blog in a couple weeks.

Here is what we have observed thus far.

Faith and Reason

1. Faith and reason go hand-in-hand.
2. Everyone lives according to a worldview/life philosophy.
3. Our worldview influences how we interpret scientific evidence.
4. Every worldview includes both evidence and faith.
5. Evidence is that which is objectively obtained; meaning it is knowable by everyone.
6. Faith is that which is required to compensate for the unknown within our worldview.
7. The amount of faith required to be confident of what we hope for is directly proportionate to the amount of truth we know based on the sutdy of the evidence supporting the object of our faith.
8. The question we must ask is, "How much faith is required in each worldview to account for what is unknown?"

The universe had a beginning.

• Multiple hypothesis have been offered to explain the origin of the universe, but only Theism and Deism has the explanatory power to support it.

The universe is "just right" to support intelligent life.

• More than 30 known laws of physics and multiple cosmological and planetary geological cycles are set perfectly to allow for intelligent forms of life.
• The odds are extremely small that intelligent life exists elsewhere in the universe.

Thus far, I find it easier and most logical to place my faith in that which has the most evidence; namely, a transcendent being who has created all things.

We are now headed in a new direction in our class.  To make sure we remain intellectually honest with the subject at hand we are turning to an analysis of Darwinian evolutionary theory.   We will be using the 2001 PBS Evolution series in conjuntion with an opposing viewpoint provided by Discovery Institute (DI) and Institute for Creation Research (ICR).  As Proverbs 18:17 says; "The first to plead his case seems right, until another comes and examines him."  That is what we will be doing.  We will observe the evidences laid out by the PBS series for evolutionary theory.  We will then allow those with the DI and ICR to cross-examine those evidences.  You must then make a determination which, if either, are accurate.

After doing our analysis of evolution we will then begin an exciting study into the information within the cell.  By the way, I've got a great video clip from the ASU Origins conference for next week.  It speaks directly to the nature of DNA and its implications on Darwin's "Tree of Life", the foundation of evolutionary theory.

I don't know about you, but I'm having a lot of fun!

God bless you all.

Ricky
worldviewstudy@gmail.com

How do you strengthen your faith? (03/07/11)

So, how do you strengthen your faith?  Do you immerse yourself in biblical study?  Do you surround yourself with other believers who will encourage you?  Do you pray and ask God for more faith?  Certainly we can nod in agreement that all of these things strengthen our faith.  But I would suggest that one thing that is generally missing, not only in this short litany of faith-building exercises, but in the body-of Christ overall, is just that, the “exercise” of our faith.  Faith is strengthened when it is exercised.  How is that done?  I would like to suggest that we exercise our faith in the same way we exercise our body.  In order to strengthen it, we challenge it to do things it normally does not do.  We stress the muscles and cardio system to enable them to gain the capacity to do more than they are currently capable of doing.  In the moment, the strengthening process is stressful, and can even be painful.  But the process causes the body to move outside its normal comfort zone for a time, thus extending and enlarging the comfort zone in which it can operate.  The same is true when we exercise faith.  In the context of the Worldview Study class, exercise means enduring the stress of moving beyond our comfort zone by exploring new ideas and encountering new arguments that require us to test the limits of our core beliefs; thus expanding the depth and breadth of our faith.  Just as with physical exercise, this is most profitable when done in a controlled environment where there are others to challenge, encourage, and support us; as well as to assure us of our spiritual safety.  Exploring concepts outside our comfort zone which challenge our beliefs and convictions will strengthen those beliefs and convictions if, and only if, they have honest integrity.  Shrinking from the challenge of considering other concepts and points of view inevitably leaves us weaker in our faith and unable to enjoy our freedom in Christ.  We must also understand that those new ideas and concepts do not only come from outside the church, but from within.   Allow me to help you understand what I mean.

In Acts 15 we read the account of how the “new idea” that Gentiles should not have to endure circumcision in order to be included in the kingdom of God was debated among the leaders of the early church.  These early followers of Jesus were exercising their faith and stretching their understanding of both the recorded scriptures and the teaching of Jesus.   The apostle Paul spoke of “new” ideas to the believers in 1 Corinthians 10.  There he highlights the thought that some are made to stumble when they see other believers eating meat offered to idols.  Paul’s instruction is interesting.  He brings this new idea of liberty in Christ and says in verse 23 “All things are lawful, but not all things are profitable.  All things are lawful, but not all things edify.”  He ends his argument with an appeal for restraint in liberty for the sake of the “weaker” brother who cannot tolerate the complete freedom from the law that Christ affords the believer.  Who has the stronger faith?  Paul is clear in saying the one who can enjoy greater freedom from the law is the one who is stronger.  This freedom from the law was a “new idea” for those who grew up in Judaic tradition and believed Jesus was the Messiah.  Paul’s instruction to give preference to the “weaker” brother is simply an expression of love by not causing them to stumble.  He calls on the “stronger” brother to exercise his freedom “not to eat” in order to safeguard the “weaker” brother’s faith.  Paul’s clear understanding is that embracing the “new” idea of freedom from the law is what he would like all believers to do.

As you continue the adventure of establishing your World-View, and how it dictates the way you live, I want to encourage you not to fear exercising your faith.  Exploring new ideas and stressing your “faith muscles” will enable you to operate with greater strength and freedom in your faith.  You are in a safe environment where, while you exercise your faith, you can be confident that you have the support and encouragement of other believers.  At the same time, you must be a Berean in the tradition of Acts 17:11.  You must examine all ideas, both old and new, to determine if they square with scripture; “…test them all; hold on to what is good, reject every kind of evil.”  But do not fear the examination.  The Scripture is your firm foundation.  The New Testament tradition is not to restrict the exploration of new ideas out of fear, but rather to exercise our freedom in Christ to test all of them, holding to that which is profitable and edifying, and rejecting that which is not.  “God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power, love and self-discipline.”

May God bless you all!

Pastor Brad <><

What is Faith - 03/02/11

The next two posts will center on the topic of Christian faith.  The first will focus on the definition of Christian faith.  The next one will be provided by Pastor Brad and will focus on how Christian faith is strengthened.


What is Faith?

Hebrews 11 says, “Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see.”  Note that it does not say faith is blind or that faith is belief in the unseen.  Instead, it tells us that faith is the assurance of what is unseen and the confidence in what we hope for.  The implication of this passage is that Christian faith in the unknown, or unseen, should be reasonable, resting in the confidence and assurance of what is known. (i.e. evidence)  For example, faith in Jesus’ life, death, burial and resurrection should not be blind, as though there is no evidence for it.  Instead, it should rest in the many objective evidences available to all men; namely, prophetic fulfillment, historical accounts and eye-witness reports.  Having not seen Jesus ourselves, our assurance and confidence in the person of Jesus is increased by the study of the supporting evidences, which adds to our assurance that He is who the Bible says He is.

It is also important to note that we exercise this principle in every day life.  For example, barring any major event, I am very confident my house is not going to fall on top of me and my family tomorrow.  Why?  Because I understand the principles of construction and know that they were applied when my home was built.  As a result, I have great faith that my home will continue to stand for years to come. 

Likewise, we should also recognize that every worldview includes a faith component.  But, if what we believe is true, then Christianity’s distinguishing factor, as compared to all other world view systems, would be the amount of evidence supporting its truth claims. (i.e. special revelation (The Bible), general revelation (creation), scientific evidence, historical evidence, literary evidence, archeological evidence, eye witness accounts, etc…)  True Christian faith would therefore not be blind, but based on a reasonable examination of the evidence; thus, it is not based on what is unknown but on that which is known.     

In summary, the amount of faith required to be confident of what we hope for is directly proportionate to the amount of truth we know based on the study of the evidence supporting the object of our faith.  The question to be asked is, “How much faith is required in your world-view system to account for the unknown.”  Based on my own study thus far in the area of science, I submit that Christianity is by far the most reasonable world view in which to place my faith as demonstrated by the amount of evidence available to support its truth claims.  Thus, I reasonably place my faith in the God of Christianity.  However, I do not want you to take my word for it.  You must do your own assessment and make your own determination.

God bless you all!

Ricky

worldviewstudy@gmail.com