OCCAM'S RAZOR AND INTELLIGENT DESIGN (Part II)

OCCAM’S RAZOR AND INTELLIGENT DESIGN (Part II)

In its simplest form, the logical principle known as Occam’s Razor contends that “When you have two competing theories that make exactly the same predictions, the simpler one is the better.”  That is, the simplest explanation is usually correct.

Although much of the scientific community (not all) has embraced the theory of Darwinian evolution, there is a much simpler way to view the origins of all that we see around us.  The simpler view is INTELLIGENT DESIGN, the idea that “certain features of the universe and of living things are best explained by an INTELLIGENT CAUSE, not by an undirected process such as natural selection. 

In our previous devotional post, we commenced an examination of some of the ‘holes’ in Darwinian theory. theory.   We have discovered at least five major problems with the current theories of biological and chemical evolution.  Two of them, pertaining to the scientific disciplines of genetics and biochemistry, have already been addressed.  Today, we highlight the remaining three.

§  PALEONTOLOGY: The fossil record lacks intermediate fossils.  The fossil record’s overall pattern is one of abrupt explosions of new biological forms, and any possible candidates for evolutionary transitions are the exception, not the rule.  This has been recognized by many evolutionary biologists such as Ernst Mayr who explained in 2000 that “new species usually appear in the fossil record suddenly, not connected with their ancestors by a series of intermediates.”  Similarly, a zoology textbook observed that “Many species remain virtually unchanged for millions of years, then suddenly disappear to be replaced by a quite different, but related, form.  Moreover, most major groups of animals appear abruptly in the fossil record, fully formed, and with no fossils yet discovered that form a transition from their parent group.”  These facts raise serious questions about the Darwinian theory of evolution.

§  TAXONOMY: Biologists have failed to construct Darwin’s so-called “Tree of Life.”  Biologists hoped that DNA evidence would reveal a grand tree of life in which all organisms are clearly related.  It has not done so.  Trees that describe the alleged ancestral relationships between organisms based upon one gene or biological characteristic very commonly conflict with trees that are based upon a different gene or characteristic.   As the journal “New Scientist” explains, “different genes tell contradictory evolutionary stories.”  The eminent microbiologist Carl Woese explained that such genetic conflicts “can be seen everywhere in the universal tree.”  This conclusion implies a major breakdown in common descent, or the hypothesis that all organisms share a common ancestor.

§  CHEMISTRY: The chemical origin of life remains an unsolved mystery.  The mystery of the origin of life is unsolved and all existing theories of chemical evolution face major problems.  Basic deficiencies in chemical evolution include a lack of explanation for how a ‘primordial soup’ for all living things could arise on the early earth’s hostile environment, or how the information required for life could be generated by blind chemical reactions.  As the evolutionary biologist, Massimo Pigliucci, has readily admitted, “we really don’t have a clue how life originated on Earth by natural means.”

While these are important facts that call into question Darwin’s theories, we need to explore the deeper root cause for the scientific perspective that spawned evolutionary theory.  George Gamow, a Russian-born scientist who became an American citizen, was a nuclear physicist and the foremost advocate of what is known as the BIG-BANG THEORY.  This theory states that the universe was formed following a colossal explosion that took place billions of years ago.

One of the foundational arguments for the big-bang theory is that the universe continues to expand in all directions at the speed of light, which is 186,000 miles per second or approximately 299,000 kilometers per second.  The scientific community drew the ‘logical’ conclusion – that a huge explosion must have occurred, causing the accelerated distribution of matter throughout the cosmos.

While their logic seems sound, their conclusions are questionable.  Let’s employ Occam’s razor here.  If indeed an ‘explosion’ did occur, as scientific evidence seems to suggest, why is it necessary to presuppose it to be an entirely spontaneous and random event?  Is it not just as easy and reasonable to conclude that such a primordial event was the FIRST ACT of an INTELLIGENT DESIGN for the universe?

Let’s consider the perspective of the philosopher, Aristotle, who was absolutely convinced that GOD was involved in the formation of the universe.  Aristotle contended that since we live in a universe that is characterized by the governing principles of cause and effect, something must have started the ‘universal ball rolling’, so to speak.  And since no other original cause is either PROVABLE or DEMONSTRABLE, it can just as rationally and rightly be concluded that “GOD is the FIRST CAUSE” or “THE PRIME MOVER” of the universe.  Wow!

So, if indeed there was a primordial explosion that caused the universe to begin and to continually expand, why would it be more probable that a RANDOM EVENT caused it than to believe that ALMIGHTY GOD conceived and executed it?  Why?  I firmly believe that if there was such a primordial explosion, IT WAS GOD WHO SET THE CHARGE AND LIT THE MATCH!

The principle problem underlying Darwinian theory is that it is a GODLESS VIEW OF REALITY.

As I stated at the outset, I believe that, in every case, the WORD OF GOD is right.  The Bible clearly states that “In the beginning, GOD created the heavens and the earth.” (Genesis 1:1) The mere fact that humans cannot comprehend the ‘how’ of divine creation does not render it to be false or untrue.  It is virtually impossible for me to accept the possibility that all that we see (including human beings) is the result of an extraordinary series of random, spontaneously-producing events.

In the interest of intellectual integrity, it is acceptable to allow for legitimate discourse regarding the literal account of creation, as set forth in Genesis.  Indeed, the fossil record could challenge the given time frame (6 days) for creation.  However, this does not at all contradict the foundations of our faith.  How so?  The ways of God are infinitely transcendent, therefore largely unknowable to us.  And, most importantly, GOD’S SCALE OF TIME cannot be reckoned by referencing human clocks and calendars. (Isaiah 55:9 – Psalm 90:4 – II Peter 3:8) Indeed, HE is “the High and Lofty One Who inhabits eternity.” (Isaiah 57:15)  Time is a relative construct that is best understood within the framework of the human temporal experience.

Bottom-line: It is improbable that we will attain full understanding (in our frail and finite world) of the infinite plans and purposes of God.  According to the Apostle Paul, “Now we see through a glass, darkly; but then face to face [with HIM]: now I know in part; but then shall I know even as also I am known.” (I Corinthians 13:12) My conclusion and conviction is that if I am required to make a ‘leap of faith’ based on the option of either embracing the Word of God or the speculations of men (however scientific they may seem to be), I CHOOSE TO BELIEVE GOD.  Indeed, both OCCAM’S RAZOR and my GOD-GIVEN FAITH lead me to this understanding and conclusion.  My friends, it’s my story and I’m sticking to it!

Sisters and brothers, be continually blessed, and please (above all else) MAKE SURE YOU ARE READY TO MEET OUR SOON COMING KING. Maranatha!

OCCAM'S RAZOR AND INTELLIGENT DESIGN (Part I)

OCCAM’S RAZOR AND INTELLIGENT DESIGN (Part I)

Born in the English village of Ockham, a Franciscan friar named William was a 14^th century philosopher and logician.  The famous principle attributed to him (but likely developed earlier by the French monk, Durandus) came to known as OCCAM’S RAZOR (spelled differently than the name of his home village).  In its simplest form, Occam’s Razor says this: “When two competing theories make exactly the same predictions, the simpler one is the better.”  In other words, Occam’s Razor suggests that the simplest explanation for the unknown is usually the right one.

The origin of the universe has always intrigued me.  For centuries, there has been a somewhat controversial competition between the science and faith communities regarding both the origins of the universe and humankind.  While much of the scientific community (certainly not all) has traditionally embraced the theory of Darwinian evolution, there is a much simpler way to view the origins of all that we see.  Occam’s Razor is an appropriate application in this case.

The simpler view for the origins of our universe is known as INTELLIGENT DESIGN, which is the notion that “certain features of the universe and of living things are best explained by an INTELLIGENT CAUSE, not an undirected process such as natural selection.”  Before I go into more detail about Darwin’s theory, allow me to state four general reasons why I am a firm believer in intelligent design.

1.        I believe that, in every case, the WORD OF GOD is right.  The Bible clearly states that “In the beginning, GOD created the heavens and the earth.” (Genesis 1:1) The mere fact that humans cannot comprehend the ‘how’ of divine creation does not cause it to be false or untrue.

2.       It is virtually impossible for me to accept the possibility that all that we see (including us) is the result of an extraordinary series of random events.

3.       It is a fact that the form and structure of what we observe in the macrocosm of the larger universe is repeated identically in the microcosm of the atom, the basic building block of every element, for example hydrogen or carbon.  One simple example of this is the fact that a given number of electrons (depending on which element we are referring to) are set in a systematic revolution around the nucleus of the atom, much like the planets in our solar system revolve in systematic revolution (with phenomenal precision) around the sun.  On a larger and more cosmic level, our solar system is also set in a systematic revolution around the center of our galaxy, the Milky Way Galaxy.  My conclusion: This duplication of form on the macrocosmic and microcosmic level is far to intricate and artful to be random or accidental.  The more logical conclusion is that these forms and structures are intentional, as are their atomic and sub-atomic components.

4.       There are many missing pieces in Darwinian theory, so much so that a huge leap of faith is required to ‘believe’ all that this theory holds to be irrefutable truth.  And if I am left with the choice of making a leap of faith to embrace the perspective of a man or the declaration of Almighty God, then I choose to come down on the side of God.

Now let’s take a closer look at some of the ‘holes’ in Darwinian theory.  Indeed, there are (at least) five major problems with the current theories of biological and chemical evolution.  I will address two of them today.

§  GENETICS: Darwinian theory depends upon random mutations that are naturally selected – with no overall guide or goals.  Many scientists have concluded that such random mutations would actually cause harm to the organisms and would not (as Darwin suggested) lead to more complex organisms over time.  According to Lynn Margulis, a biologist in the National Academy of Sciences, “new mutations do not create new species, they create offspring that are impaired.”  And Pierre-Paul Grasse, a past president of the French Academy of Sciences, draws a similar conclusion: “Mutations have a very limited ‘constructive capacity’ because no matter how numerous they may be, mutations do not produce any kind of evolution.”

Note:  A “mutation” is a sudden departure from the parent type in one or more heritable characteristics, which is caused by a change in a gene or a chromosome.  The word “mutation” also refers to the individual or species resulting from such a departure. (Source: Dictionary.com)

§  BIOCHEMISTRY: Unguided and random processes cannot possibly produce cellular complexity.  Our cells are like miniature factories, but they are much more complex than anything that has ever been constructed by human beings.  Our cells use miniature circuits, motors, feedback loops and encoded language.  Importantly, they contain systems to check for errors, thus protecting and repairing DNA.  Darwinian theory fails to adequately explain how cells become more complex and morph from one biological family (phylum) to another.  According to the noted biochemist, Franklin Harold, “there are presently no detailed Darwinian accounts of the evolution of any biochemical or cellular system, only a variety of wishful speculations.”

As stated previously, if I am required to make a ‘leap of faith’ based on the option to either embrace the Word of God or the speculations of men, I choose to believe GOD.  Stay tuned…more to come tomorrow!

Sisters and brothers, be continually blessed, and please (above all else) MAKE SURE YOU ARE READY TO MEET OUR SOON COMING KING. Maranatha!

THE SPOUSE OF YOUR DREAMS

THE SPOUSE OF YOUR DREAMS

One life relationship that is unquestionably valued by God is the sacramental covenant of MARRIAGE.  It is the centerpiece of THE FAMILY, which is the BASIC BUILDING BLOCK OF THE KINGDOM OF GOD.  Marriage is (at once) the most fulfilling and the most challenging of life experiences.  It provides a rare and precious opportunity for the highest degree of intimacy, integrity and self-awareness.  Because no one knows you like your spouse; and, no one can cause you to know yourself as completely via your shared life experiences. 

Marriage is inherently wonderful and bountifully blessed when both partners share abiding love and loyalty to one another, when both hold fidelity to their sacred vows and when both live out the commitment to elevate their mutual covenant and relationship above all others.

However, some people don’t quite ‘see’ marriage this way.  Their view of marriage is an extremely negative and constrictive portrait of obligation or bondage, more so than mutual sharing and agape love.  In fact, some men even ‘see’ their wives as burdensome “PAINS.”  I read an interesting story regarding that negative marital perspective.  It goes like this:

In Sunday School, they were teaching children how Almighty God created everything, including human beings.  Little Matthew, a five-year-old in the Beginners Class, seemed especially attentive when they revealed how Eve was created out of Adam’s side, from his rib.  Later that week, Little Matthew’s mother observed him laying down on the sofa.  He appeared to be ill, so she inquired with maternal concern, “Matt, what’s the matter?”  Matthew had eaten too much.  Remembering his Sunday School lesson, he responded: “I have a pain in my side.  I think I’m going to have a wife!”  Hmmm.  It’s a cute and rather humorous story, but it is also a clear illustration of the unfortunate image that some people have of their spouses.

Eventually all married persons discover a core and essential truth, i.e. there are no perfect partners and no seamless relationships.  Marriage involves rigorous and intentional work.  Sometimes it feels hard.  Sometimes it seems easy.  But always, it requires dedication, discipline and a firm commitment to unconditional love.  

Over the years, I have attended numerous anniversary celebrations, and I’ve heard two or three spouses saying something like this: “We have been together for ‘x’ number of years, and we have NEVER had a disagreement.”  While I am usually not prone to emotional outbursts, at times such as these I am sorely tempted to jump up and shout the infamous recitation of children-at-play: “Liar, liar, pants on fire!”  Keep on smiling, but know this: NO MARRIAGE, however healthy and loving and strong – NO MARRIAGE escapes times of testing and moments of uncertainty when either or both partners question the validity and wisdom of their original decision.

Admittedly, I am far from a pro in the arena of marriage, but I want to share what some may deem to be valuable and strategic life-lessons:

1. Your spouse will become what you affirm through your words, deeds and prayers (or) your spouse will become what you confirm by your criticisms, put-downs and negative commentary.

2. You will get through the toughest of times if you continually pray, communicate and make the unalterable commitment that failure is not an option.

3. Since disagreements inevitably occur, it is important to learn how to ‘fight fairly.’  That is, to learn how to focus on the issue at hand and not to bring up other issues/problems from the past or present.  Address miscellaneous concerns separately, preferably at another time, and never during the ‘heat’ of conflict.

4. When tempers flare, take a ‘chill pill.’  That is, stop talking for a few moments, breathe deeply, and (if need be) take a time-out in another room so cooler heads can prevail and regrettable words will not be spoken.

5. The most intimate details of your relationship (whether bright or dim) must remain in the special and sacred space of marital privacy.

6. Mutual trust is mission critical to matrimonial success.  Allow space for it and never break it because it is extremely difficult to repair.

7. Forgiveness is a vital component of marriage.  Maintaining a record of past hurts is a destructive and counterproductive force in any marriage.

8. Satan wants your marriage to fail; so do your enemies.  Make all of them liars.

9. The grass sometimes looks greener on the other side of the fence, but never is.

10. Covenant prayer is so essential that you should consider dedicating a room or space for daily prayer with your spouse.

11. Keep doing all the things you did to ‘win’ your spouse in order to ‘keep’ your spouse.  Open the proverbial window-of-creativity in every aspect of your relationship to keep freshness and newness alive.

12. Spend quality time together daily, and not always in front of a television set.

13. Listen carefully when your spouse highlights the events of the day.  Show interest.  You are her/his most valuable sounding board.  Don’t rush in to solve any problem that is presented; just be a good listener and your advice will be sought.

14. Be industrious and make money to take good care of your household, but never allow money to make you.  Be wise stewards of whatever funds you earn or receive.

15. Husbands, show kindness to your wife and be willing to listen to her God-given wisdom.  Don’t ‘lord’ over her.  Wives, remain open to the God-given leadership of your husband and make him feel special and needed.

I hope these insights prove to be helpful for you; they have certainly strengthened Belinda and me, and our sacred marriage covenant.  My friends, God honors marriage so much that He compares the marriage covenant to the sacrificial love of Christ. Hear now the witness of the Word:

Ephesians 5:21-33 (NKJV)

²¹ Submitting to one another in the fear of God. ²² Wives, submit to your own husbands, as to the Lord. ²³ For the husband is head of the wife, as also Christ is head of the church; and He is the Savior of the body. ²⁴ Therefore, just as the church is subject to Christ, so let the wives be to their own husbands in everything. ²⁵ Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ also loved the church and gave Himself for her, ²⁶ that He might sanctify and cleanse her with the washing of water by the word, ²⁷ that He might present her to Himself a glorious church, not having spot or wrinkle or any such thing, but that she should be holy and without blemish. ²⁸ So husbands ought to love their own wives as their own bodies; he who loves his wife loves himself. ²⁹ For no one ever hated his own flesh, but nourishes and cherishes it, just as the Lord does the church. ³⁰ For we are members of His body, of His flesh and of His bones. ³¹ “For this reason a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh.” ³² This is a great mystery, but I speak concerning Christ and the church. ³³ Nevertheless let each one of you in particular so love his own wife as himself, and let the wife see that she respects her husband.

In closing, the “Spouse of Your Dreams” is not a fantasy or fairy-tale persona, not at all.  S/he does not have to be the most intelligent, the most articulate, the best looking, the best cook, the best handyman, the best lover, or anything else one might rate and rank as “the best.”  But s/he must surely be a lover of God, s/he must personify those higher dimensions of love specified in I Corinthians 13, and s/he must be totally dedicated to you and your shared covenant.  Engage and enjoy the spouse of your dreams.  Cherish, honor and love her/him as Christ cherishes, honors and loves you.  It is a true and practical recipe for fulfillment and success.

Sisters and brothers, be continually blessed and please (above all else) MAKE SURE YOU ARE READY TO MEET OUR SOON COMING KING! Maranatha!

PUTTING THE PIECES TOGETHER

PUTTING THE PIECES TOGETHER

You know those times, don’t you?  I’m talking about those situational moments when things seem to unravel at a faster pace than you can put them back in place.  Unquestionably, life has many moving parts, so many known and unknown pieces that sometimes it feels difficult (if not impossible) to juggle all of your tasks, demands and challenges.  But there is a solution.

Wisdom often originates in unexpected places.  How I love this story!

Dad was sitting watching television, when his little boy came running over.  “Daddy, can you play with me?”

Dad enjoys playing with his son, and plans to give him plenty of time, but not just yet.  “Soon, son, soon” says Dad.  “When this program finishes.”

Five minutes later the little boy returns. “Daddy, can we play now?”

“Soon, son, soon.  When this program finishes.”

Two minutes later the little boy returns again. “Daddy, is it time to play yet?”

Dad now realizes he’s not going to get any peace, so he decides to give his son a task that will take some time.  He notices a picture of the world on the front page of a magazine.  He tears the picture out and rips it into small pieces.  “Now son, I’ve got a game for you.  Take the pieces of this picture of the world and put them back together again and then we’ll play together.”

The little boy eagerly takes the pieces away with him and sets to work.  Dad’s relieved that he’ll get to see the last half hour of his TV program.  But to his amazement his young son is back in less than five minutes. “I’ve finished Daddy.  Can we play now?”

The father is stunned when he turns around to see his son holding up the picture of the world, with each piece taped into the right position.  Dad starts wondering whether he has a child prodigy on his hands.

“How did you get that done so quickly?” he asks. “That would’ve taken me a good 20 minutes and I’m an adult.”

“Oh, it was really easy Daddy,” his son replied excitedly.  On the back of the world was a picture of a person.  I put the person together and that’s when the world came together!”

My friend, how do you put your world together?  How do you make sense of your world and manage to find your way through it?

Here is a practical and positive solution for conquering chaotic conditions.  JESUS is on the other side of each and every life-puzzle.  If you will only pause before panicking and SEEK HIS FACE (instead of anxiously searching for your own solutions), HE will endow you with the strength, sensibility and stability to handle it.

When You said, “Seek My face,” my heart said to You, “Your face, Lord, I will seek.” (Psalm 27:8)

But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you. (Matthew 6:33)

Sisters and brothers, be continually blessed, and please (above all else) MAKE SURE YOU ARE READY TO MEET OUR SOON COMING KING. Maranatha!

I WILL REMEMBER NO MORE

I WILL REMEMBER NO MORE

A priest in the Philippines carried the very heavy burden of a secret sin he committed years before.  He had repented, but somehow still had no sense of God’s forgiveness.

One woman in his parish claimed to have visions in which she spoke with the Lord and He with her.  The priest was skeptical, but in order to test her he said, “The next time you speak with Jesus, I want you to ask Him what sin your priest committed while he was in Bible college.”  The woman reluctantly agreed.

A few days later the priest inquired of her, “Well, did Jesus visit in your dreams?”

“Yes He did,” she replied with confidence.

“And did you ask Him what sin I committed while in college?”

“Yes I did.”

“Well what did He say?”

“He said, I DON’T REMEMBER.”

And their sins and iniquities will I remember no more. (Hebrews 10:17)

The only sin that God ever remembers is UNREPENTED SIN.  If indeed you have accepted Jesus Christ as your personal Savior, THE ONE AND ONLY VIEW GOD HAS OF YOU is through THE BLOOD OF JESUS. 

Hallelujah, what a Savior!

Sisters and brothers, be continually blessed, and please (above all else) MAKE SURE YOU ARE READY TO MEET OUR SOON COMING KING. Maranatha!

NOT ALWAYS EASY

NOT ALWAYS EASY

Perhaps the highway of life should be labeled with a road sign that says, ‘It won’t always be easy.’ By now you have certainly noticed. Challenges will come; friendships can change; reversals may occur; loved ones do pass away; and obstacles present themselves at inopportune times and places. It is part and parcel of the human condition.

In 1927, the wife of Arthur Gossip, a Scottish preacher, died suddenly. After burying his wife, he returned to the pulpit and delivered a sermon entitled “When Life Tumbles In, What Then?” In his message, Pastor Gossip compared life’s unexpected crises to observing a plane passing through the sky during wartime. “There you are,” he mused, “lying flat on your back watching that peaceful plane gliding gracefully through a brilliant blue sky when all of a sudden it is blown apart by enemy artillery and falls to earth as a mangled mass of metal. Recently, that ‘gunfire’ was the tragic and unexpected death of my beloved wife.”

Gossip went on to explain that he did not fully understand life, but what he did know for sure was that during this darkest period of his life he needed his faith more than ever. “People in the sunshine MAY believe the faith, but we in the shadows MUST believe it. We have nothing else. Without faith there is no hope.”

My friend, whatever current-in-life you are presently navigating, you must maintain faith in God. Faith is complete confidence in the coming dawn while fully shrouded in the deepest darkness. Faith is a child’s innocent assurance that she is absolutely safe and secure holding onto the strong hand of her father. Faith is the inevitability of victory where lack and loss seem to languish everywhere. Faith is believing what GOD says, no matter what we see.

The Word of God expresses it far better than I:

For we walk by faith, not by sight. (II Corinthians 5:7)

Faith is the substance of things hoped for the evidence of things not seen. (Hebrews 11:1)

And this is the victory that has overcome the world—our faith. (I John 5:4b)

Child of God, always know that you have a FATHER who has never been accused of non-support.

Believe. Wait. Trust. Follow.

Sisters and brothers, be continually blessed, and please (above all else) MAKE SURE YOU ARE READY TO MEET OUR SOON COMING KING. Maranatha!

THE SIMPLICITY OF SALVATION

THE SIMPLICITY OF SALVATION

Alexander III was the Tsar [emperor] of Russia from 1881 to 1894.  His reign was marked by political repression, and particularly by a horrific persecution of the Jews.  On the other hand, his wife, Maria Feodorovna, provided a stark contrast and was known for her generosity to all people in need.  

On one occasion her husband signed an order consigning a prisoner to life in exile.  It read simply “PARDON IMPOSSIBLE, TO BE SENT TO SIBERIA.”

Maria changed that prisoner’s entire life and destiny by simply moving the comma in her husband’s order.  She altered the message to read “PARDON, IMPOSSIBLE TO BE SENT TO SIBERIA.”

Through the atonement of Jesus Christ, the Father forever changed the comma that stood against our freedom and future.  “PARDON IMPOSSIBLE, SEND TO HELL” was miraculously changed to the good news of our eternal salvation: “PARDON, IMPOSSIBLE TO SEND TO HELL.”

The Son of God became a man to enable men to become the sons of God.

Simply receive JESUS CHRIST as SAVIOR and LORD.  That’s all…because CHRIST is ALL.

Sisters and brothers, be continually blessed, and please (above all else) MAKE SURE YOU ARE READY TO MEET OUR SOON COMING KING. Maranatha!