Geoscience Research Institute Do the Heavens Still Tell? LJ Gibson Geoscience Research Institute www.grisda.org Objectives: To show that evidence of divine activity can be inferred in nature, at all scales, from the universe to the cell. To show that the evidence for divine activity in nature logically justifies faith in the biblical record as against theories based on naturalistic presuppositions. To show that supernatural activity makes long ages of time unnecessary in explaining the world. To show there is more to nature than science can discover.

Purpose of This Talk To describe evidence of intelligent design in the properties of the universe. To show that intelligent design (ID) is the best explanation for the origin of the universe. To show that there is no need for materialistic theories, because evidence for intelligent design shows that there is a Creator God who is powerful enough and intelligent enough to create all things. .

Looking at the Big Picture: A Word of Caution Details and the Big Picture There are many puzzles in the history of this world – many questions we cannot answer. If we focus on what we do not understand, we can easily become cynical. We need to take time to look at the big picture There are some things we can know. The “Big Picture” reveals design throughout.

Patterns in the Big Picture Do the Heavens Still Tell? The Universe Origin Order Fine-tuning The Environment Conclusions Do the Heavens Still Tell?

Do the Heavens Still Tell? The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament shows His handiwork. Psalm 19:1 Do the Heavens Still Tell?

Evidence Of God In Nature “For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even His eternal power and Godhead, . . .” Romans 1:20 In the properties of the universe, we see evidence of God’s eternity, omnipotent power, and supernatural nature.

Patterns in the Big Picture: The Universe Origin Science posits a beginning to the universe The Big Bang The Bible says there was a beginning of the creation Caused by God Photo found by Jamey, I think Science and the Bible are in agreement on this point There was a beginning

Patterns in the Big Picture: The Universe: Origin Issue 1 No cause for the universe can be identified scientifically Naturalists resist the idea of a supernatural cause What options remain? Not my photo; may be iStock or found by Jamey

Patterns in the Big Picture: The Universe: Origin Some propose the universe emerged from a “quantum fluctuation” but this has no scientific evidence. Notice that the order seen in the final result comes from information present at the starting point, (unless more information is added, something denied by materialistic philosophy). Supernatural causation is the best explanation for the origin of the universe.

Patterns in the Big Picture: The Universe: Order Issue 2 – The Universe Is Orderly 2nd Law of Thermodynamics: Disorder increases spontaneously, Yet the universe is orderly. How did the universe start out so orderly that it still appears orderly today? Supernatural action is the best explanation for the orderliness of the universe.

Patterns in the Big Picture: The Universe: Structure Issue 3 – The universe is precisely structured Life requires a universe with numerous finely tuned properties, which ours has. Naturalists have proposed either an infinite number of universes or an infinitely oscillating universe, with the idea that we happen to be lucky. There is no scientific evidence for this. Supernatural creation is the best explanation for the fine-tuning of our universe Uncertain, but probably NASA

Patterns in the Big Picture: The Universe: Designed Conclusions The origin of the universe has no scientific explanation. The universe is orderly, which suggests a cause from outside the universe. The universe has very precise conditions necessary for life, that are not explained by chance or law. The existence, order and special properties of the universe look like design, not chance.

There is no speech nor language where their voice is not heard. Psalm 19:3 I – My hands – stretched out the heavens, and all their host I have commanded. Isaiah 45:12

Patterns in the Big Picture Do the Heavens Still Tell? The Universe The Environment Light and Heat Atmosphere Water Conclusions Do the Heavens Still Tell?

Evidence Of God In Nature “Nevertheless He did not leave Himself without witness, in that He did good, gave us rain from heaven and fruitful seasons . . . “ Acts 14:17 In the fitness of the environment for life we see evidence of intelligent design in providing for production of food and habitat for living organisms.

Created for a Purpose For thus says the Lord, Who created the heavens, Who is God, Who formed the earth and made it, Who has established it, Who did not create it in vain, Who formed it to be inhabited: Isaiah 45:18 Created for a Purpose 1st Point – Universe 2nd Point – Our environment

Patterns in the Big Picture: The Environment: Life Requirements Life requires a special environment with specific ranges of parameters, including: A source of usable energy Raw materials for building cells, etc… Chemistry for energy usage Suitable temperature and pH ranges System for distribution of heat and materials 1st Point – Universe 2nd Point – Our environment

Patterns in the Big Picture: The Environment: Light and Heat Design features Sunlight provides energy for living organisms. The sun’s output is appropriate for life – not too much or too little energy. Earth’s temperature range is suitable for life. Photo may have been found by Jamey, may be NASA

Patterns in the Big Picture: The Environment: The Atmosphere Design features The atmosphere provides materials needed by living organisms. Oxygen is present in an appropriate concentration. Nitrogen provides a safe medium to dilute the oxygen. Toxic gases are rare. Photo may have been found by Jamey, may be NASA Sky. NOAA, Public

Patterns in the Big Picture: The Environment: Water Design features Water is necessary for life. Water is an excellent solvent, and distributes minerals throughout the earth and in organisms. Water moderates Earth’s temperature range to support life. Photo may have been found by Jamey, may be NASA

Patterns in the Big Picture: The Environment: Design Naturalistic Explanation Fortuitous environmental factors: Size and distance of sun and moon Size of earth and speed of rotation Suitable energy output of sun Suitable atmosphere Properties of water Presence of water and land Suitable elements and chemistry

Patterns in the Big Picture: The Environment Conclusions Life requires very specific combinations of environmental conditions. No other planet is known to be able to support intelligent life. The remarkable fitness of our environment for life looks like design rather than chance.

The Land Is Mine The earth is the Lord’s, and all its fullness. The world and those who dwell therein. Psalm 24:1 The Land Is Mine Leviticus 25:23 1st Point – Universe 2nd Point – Our environment

Patterns in the Big Picture Design in Heaven and Earth The Universe The Environment Conclusions Design Not naturalism More to discover Design in Heaven and Earth

Design In Heaven and Earth: Summary: Supernaturalism The big patterns point to creation: Origin of the universe Order in the universe Fine-tuning of the universe Light and heat for life Atmosphere for life Water for life

Design In Heaven and Earth: Conclusions The creation shows clear evidence of divine activity; naturalism is untenable We do not know enough to explain everything within a biblical viewpoint. No theory of origins explains everything; but no theory of origins is better than creation. Photo may have been found by Jamey

There Is More to Nature than Science Can Discover Nature itself points to a supernatural designer whose actions can be best known through special revelation. We will always have unanswered questions The best answer to many of our questions can be found in the life and teachings of Jesus Christ.

In Wisdom You Have Made Them All THE END In Wisdom You Have Made Them All Psalm 104:24