INSTITUTE FOR CREATION RESEARCH

www.icr.org

OCTOBER 2009 ACTSVOL. 38 NO. 10 FACTS & Di n o s a u r DNA Re s e a r c h Is the tale wagging the evidence? Ne w from the In s t i t u t e for Cr e a t i o n Re s e a r c h

Earth’s Catastrophic Past Geology, Creation & the Flood A n d r e w A. Sn e l l i n g

ew from the Institute for Creation Research, the long- With in-depth scholarly research and insight, topics covered in Nawaited update to The Genesis Flood. this two-volume set include:

Written by researcher Andrew Snelling—one of the world’s • The Biblical Record of the Global Genesis Flood leading geologists in the creation science movement—Earth’s • Non-Geological Arguments Used Against a Global Catastrophic Past provides up-to-date geological evidence that Genesis Flood demonstrates the authority and accuracy of the biblical account • Noah, the Ark, and the Animals of creation and the Flood. • The Framework for a Scriptural Geology • A Biblical Geologic Model of Earth History

The two-volume set is only $59.95, plus shipping and handling

To order, call 800.628.7640 or visit www.icr.org/store

FROM THE EDITOR CONTENTS

Dinosaur DNA Research 4 James J. S. Johnson, J.D., Standing in the Gap Jeffrey Tomkins, Ph.D., and Brian Thomas, M.S. ’m writing this month’s column looking School—those who have the credentials and ex- out over the Black Hills of South Dakota. perience to design and teach Christian educators Equipping Teachers What a gorgeous site! Rolling hills, beau- how to fully integrate biblical creation principles 8 with the Truth

tiful pines, and even Mount Rushmore a in science classrooms. Ifew miles away. Vacations have been few and far And don’t forget to register for one of three Made in His Image: between in the last three years with the enormity Demand the Evidence conferences being held 10 The Connecting of our tasks at ICR—relocating our headquar- across the United States in October and Novem- Power of Hands ters to Dallas, expanding our publications de- ber. The cost is just $25.00 ($20.00 if you register Randy J. Guliuzza, P.E., M.D. partment, initiating brand new conferences and early, and $15.00 for students). For more details, seminars across the country, and upgrading our visit www.icr.org/conference. Dinosaur Protein media, just to name a few. Much thanks to Dr. Enclosed in Acts & Facts this month is our 12 Sequences and the and Mrs. Randy Guliuzza for the hospitality of Fall Resource Guide, which keeps expanding as Dino-to-Bird Model their “cabin in the woods.” Dr. Henry Morris’ Au- ICR publishes and acquires many new books, Jeffrey Tomkins, Ph.D. gust 30th devotional “Prepared for You” in Days DVDs, and teaching aids on science, Bible, and of Praise was a reminder that the Lord Jesus has apologetics topics. One of these new items is our A Classic Polystrate prepared a special place—not a vacation home, annual teaching poster, this year titled Fossil Re- 15 Fossil but a permanent residence—for all of us who cord of Noah’s Flood. The iconic images of fos- John D. Morris, Ph.D. have been adopted into His family. Best of all, the sils—normally used in evolution-based geologic reservation is guaranteed! column charts—have been arranged according Squid Fossils, Ancient Speaking of beautiful places on earth, in to Flood geology. Kudos to graphic designer Su- 16 DNA, and a Young Earth September ICR led a fantastic group of adven- san Windsor for her original artwork and stun- Frank Sherwin, M.A. turers on our Yosemite Creation Tour. If you’ve ning design. Science Writer Brian Thomas and never been on an ICR tour, you’re missing out on ICR President Dr. John Morris expertly reviewed Can Life Exist on Other a tremendous blessing. I’ll have a full report for the content for accuracy. This is a great resource 18 Planets? you in our November issue. for science teachers in Christian schools! Danny Faulkner, Ph.D. This is ICR’s busiest time of year at confer- ICR continues to stand in the gap for truth ences and seminars around the country. It also as we confront our culture with the veracity of Letters to the Editor begins the annual ACSI convention season. ICR the biblical record and teach men and women 20 Radio Log speakers are conducting some 70 seminars at how to defend their faith. But we need you to ACSI conventions alone. Read more about this contend for the faith with us. The battle is the Ministry Mindset in on page 8. If you are a Christian school teacher, Lord’s, and your faithfulness as intercessors and 21 the Land of the consider attending one of these regional meet- supporters is needed more than ever. Thank you Midnight Sun ings. The launch of our new Science Education for standing with us. Henry M. Morris IV Essentials curriculum supplements is drawing Lawrence E. Ford much attention from teachers. It is K-12 science Ex e c u t i v e Ed i t o r God’s Holiness De- education from the experts at the ICR Graduate 22 mands a Perfect Creation Henry M. Morris III, D.Min.

Published by Executive Editor: Lawrence E. Ford No articles may be reprinted in Institute for Creation Research Managing Editor: Beth Mull whole or in part without obtaining P. O. Box 59029, Dallas, TX 75229 Assistant Editor: Christine Dao permission from ICR. 214.615.8300 Designer: Dennis Davidson www.icr.org OCTOBER 2009 • ACTS FACTS 3 & Di n o s a u r DNA Re s e a r c h

Is the tale wagging the evidence?

inosaurs are a popular topic of study, whether in the pub- lic imagination or in scientific research. The scientific community, however, has a dirty little secret regarding the manner in which that research is handled. If dinosaur DDNA doesn’t “look like chicken” (or a crocodile), it will most likely be dis- carded as “unreliable data” prior to publication—and thus be effectively censored from public access. James J. S. Johnson, J.D., Why? Because evolutionary scientists are committed to only publish Jeffrey Tomkins, Ph .D., dinosaur DNA data that match their naturalistic tale of origins. Despite the a n d Brian Thomas, M.S. amazing discoveries of soft tissue from dinosaur bones,1 dinosaur DNA research results (and other dinosaur “connective tissue” research) continue to be steered by evolutionary dogmatism.

4 ACTS FACTS • OCTOBER 2009 & Dino DNA Furthermore, Morell reported, “Schweitzer To make sure she’s liberated the right has already extracted a molecule that might molecule, Schweitzer compares the An article published in Science in 1993 be dinosaur DNA.” extracted DNA sequences with those illustrates how and why dinosaur bone research of hundreds of living organisms. If the However, connective tissue ruins and has been chillingly censored. “Dino DNA: The sequence turns out to be similar to that degrades over time, such that DNA should Hunt and the Hype” by Virginia Morell stated of a known fungal gene, for example, she not survive at all, even if the creature only knows the sample has that “several groups are racing to get the first lived 50,000 years ago.3 The existence of been contaminated. DNA out of dinosaur bones, but other research­ 65 million-year-old DNA ers say their efforts are taking attention away is biochemically unthink­ ­ The old-earth evolutionary tale is clearly at from the real scientific value of ancient DNA.” able. In other words, the This article referenced then-recent odds with the fresh dinosaur bone evidence. old-earth evolutionary tale findings of fresh dinosaur tissue: is clearly at odds with the fresh dinosaur That’s how DNA hunters know they’ve Mary Schweitzer, a biology graduate bone evidence. How embarrassing to the student at Montana State University’s gone wrong. But how do they know when academic establishment! This may be why Museum of the Rockies, was examining a they’re on the right track, given that there thin section of Tyrranosaurus rex bone… ongoing dinosaur soft tissue discoveries are are no living dinosaurs to provide a handy when she noticed a series of peculiar generally not broadcast through popular sample of DNA for comparison? The answer is that they rely on paleontological structures. Round and tiny and nucleated, media channels. they were threaded through the bone theory, which (according to most like red blood cells in blood vessels. But researchers) holds that dinosaurs and blood cells in a dinosaur bone should Research Censorship crocodiles came from the same stock, and have disappeared eons ago. “I got goose that the dinosaurs’ only living descendants Evolutionary “damage control” is bumps,” recalls Schweitzer. “It was exactly are birds. Therefore researchers look for like looking at a slice of modern bone. But, observed in the form of “chilling” (i.e., DNA that is similar, but not identical, to 4 of course, I couldn’t believe it. I said to the coerced) censorship of research, with severe DNA from these groups of organisms. lab technician: ‘The bones, after all, are 65 consequences to those who “buck the system.” In other words, only DNA research that million years old. How could blood cells Consider the research flow­chart pictured here survive that long?’”2 provides dinosaur DNA sequences similar to describing the process of extracting dinosaur those of birds and crocodiles is allowed. As the Why was Schweitzer, an eyewitness DNA. Note steps 7 and especially 8. Why must flowchart indicates, all other results are deemed who microscopically observed the insides of the research results be dismissed if the DNA anomalies that should be rejected as though a T. rex bone, afraid to believe her own eyes? extract doesn’t look like birds or crocodiles? they were known contaminants, like fungal Isn’t empirical science all about observation? The answer is evolutionary gatekeeping: genes. This approach is not observation-directed empirical research; this is assumption- driven, theory-dictated censorship— “science” falsely so-called.5

Coerced Spoliation of Evidence

This purposeful pattern of coerced concealment of the nonconforming DNA data from unfossilized dinosaur bones (labeled “an anomaly” on the chart) involves what courtroom lawyers and judges call “chilling” coercion and “spoliation of evidence”—inducing the concealment (and eventual destruction) of embarrassing infor­ mation in order to prevent one’s opponent from using it at trial. Whenever any kind of evidence is concealed, one immediately questions the spoliators’ motives for doing so. The intuitive answer is Flowchart outline of the procedure for extracting, purifying, sequencing, and verifying dinosaur DNA. Adapted from an illustration that they dislike what the information by D. De Francesco, as found in Virginia Morell’s article.2

OCTOBER 2009 • ACTS FACTS 5 & would reveal. Therefore, to spoliate evidence published for public scrutiny? And how will Conclusion suggests that the spoliators’ argument or such data be published at all if “embarrassing” The gatekeeping approach to ancient theory would be weakened, or embarrassed, research results are routinely discarded as DNA research established as a protocol in 1993 by that evidence. This suggestion is so strong, anomalous, simply because they didn’t “look is a product of dogmatic evolutionary theory. forensically speaking, that it is treated as a rule like chicken”? One way to acquire more reliable The 1994 results put the dogma to the test, with of presumptive inference in law courts. In other data in this case would be to repeat the DNA the result that: words, if someone hides evidence in this way, research across multiple labs, until consistent the law presumes that the hidden evidence was results emerge. 1. Ancient DNA, known to be unstable, was damaging to the argument of the spoliator. The In fact, a similar approach was taken extracted from “80 million-year-old” bone. spoliator then bears the burden of proof to in 1994. The winners of the race to sequence 2. The sequence, though it showed evidence show otherwise.6 dinosaur DNA were Scott Woodward and of decay, was no more bird-like than it was A kindred rule to the foregoing…is that his colleagues, who published their results mammal-like. in Science.10 They extracted DNA from a the intentional spoliation or destruction The coerced suppression of the results of evidence relevant to a case raises a purportedly well-preserved dinosaur bone. by the evolutionary scientific community presumption that the evidence would However, they were not rewarded for their has dissuaded anyone else from publishing have been unfavorable to the cause of the victory. The sequence they discovered was not spoliator.…The deliberate destruction of dinosaur DNA research that is not in line with like birds or reptiles, but seemed unique. evidence gives rise to the presumption evolutionary dictates. Such self-censorship These researchers decided not to follow that the matter destroyed is not favorable “chills” empirical research, which prevents the 7 the procedure outlined in the 1993 flowchart, to the spoliator. public reporting of observable DNA sequences which would have “told” them that what they in order to insulate the larger story of particles- found was an to-people evolution from cross-examination. unacceptable Evolutionary “damage control” is observed in the form of Where are the real scientists in dinosaur “anomaly.” Since “chilling” (i.e., coerced) censorship of research, with DNA research who refuse to kowtow to this 1994 DNA evolution’s gatekeepers? severe consequences to those who “buck the system.” did not fit the References evolutionar y 1. Thomas, B. 2009. Dinosaur Soft Tissue Issue Is Here to Stay. This shows that the civil law courts interpretive filter, the authors were raked over Acts & Facts. 38 (9): 18. understand the importance of evidence 2. Morell, V. 1993. Dino DNA: The Hunt and the Hype. Science. the academic coals. Moreover, the objections 261 (5118): 160. spoliation—it points to a willingness to conceal 3. Ibid, 161. (This illustrates the thermodynamic maxim “as to their results were not based on conflicting time increases, chemistry wins over biology.”) or otherwise suppress truth in order to advance 4. Difficulties With Dinosaur DNA, ibid, 161. research results, but appeared in editorials 5. 1 Timothy 6:20. a specific cause. The name Arthur Andersen and reviews. As a result of the uproar from 6. See Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. v. Johnson, 106 S.W.3d 718, 46 comes to mind, as this accounting firm’s Tex. Supr. Ct. J. 685 (Tex. 2003) (summarizing Texas juris- the scientific community, their dinosaur DNA prudence regarding spoliation of evidence), citing Armory shredding of Enron documents hindered SEC v. Delamirie, 1 Strange 505, 93 Engl. Rep. 664 (K.B. 1722) sequence never became a permanent entry in (illustrating how spoliation of evidence, as a legal problem, investigators.8 any public database. In fact, since this very public predates the USA’s existence). 7. Quoting H.E. Butt Grocery Co. v. Bruner, 530 S.W.2d 340, academic flogging, no scientist has attempted to 344 (Tex. Civ. App. – Waco, 1975, writ dismissed by agr’t), Follow the Procedure, or Else citing McCormick & Ray, TEXAS EVIDENCE (2nd ed.), publish any dinosaur DNA research (resulting Volume I, § 103, pages 141-142. in “chilled” academic speech). 8. See, e.g., In re Enron Corporation Securities, Derivative & In suppressed dinosaur DNA research— “ERISA” Litigation, 2003 WL 25508889 (S.D. Tex. 2003) which is a subset of the irrefutable, but hushed, Interestingly, Schweitzer has never (discussing how Arthur Andersen accountants committed spoliation of evidence by shredding Enron documents to dinosaur soft tissue discoveries—the same published any of her purported DNA research hinder the SEC’s investigation of Enron, etc.). on dinosaur tissue, although she has published 9. There are indications that dinosaurs have lived within the issue of evidence spoliation is relevant. Why? last few thousands, and maybe even hundreds, of years. See on tissue analyses and, recently, data on Cooper, B. 1995. After the Flood. Chichester, UK: New Wine Because today’s dinosaur DNA controversy in Press, 130-161, which documents and discusses historical particular, and today’s dinosaur “connective protein sequence. While the tissue analyses records of human encounters with strange creatures during various centuries after Christ, involving detailed descrip- tissue” controversy in general, directly puts at reported over the past decade are nearly tions of wild animals that today would be called dinosaurs. impossible to dispute, this recently published 10. Woodward, S. R., N. J. Weyand and M. Bunnell. 1994. DNA issue the real age of the dinosaurs: Did they live Sequence from Cretaceous Period Bone Fragments. Science. millions of years ago, or in much more recent dinosaur protein sequence from a T. rex came 266 (5188): 1229-1232. under extreme criticism and the data were 11. For more details, see “Dinosaur Protein Sequences and the history on an earth inhabited by humans— Dino-to-Bird Model” on page 12. highly questioned by peers as having been descendants of Adam and Eve?9 Dr. Johnson is Special Counsel at ICR. Dr. Tomkins, ICR manipulated to produce close similarities with Research Associate, worked in academic research in genetics How will anyone really know what and genomics for 18+ years, 12 involving research in cloning chicken and ostrich protein.11 Was this done as and sequencing DNA from a wide variety of plants, animals dinosaur DNA sequences look like until and microbes. Mr. Thomas is Science Writer. per the “paleontological theory and protocol” uncensored data from dinosaur bones are described in 1993?

6 ACTS FACTS • OCTOBER 2009 & EVENTS

ICR EVENTS 10.09 n OCTOBER 9-10 n October 11 n October 23-24 Jacksonville, FL – ICR Demand the Dallas, TX – Preston Road Church of Sun Valley, CA – ICR Demand the Evidence Conference Christ Evidence Conference (M. Brunson, H. Morris III, Parker, (Sherwin) 214.526.7221 (J. MacArthur, H. Morris III, J. Morris, Guliuzza) 214.615.8300 Guliuzza) 214.615.8300 n October 17 n October 9-10 Everett, WA – Immanuel Lutheran n October 30-November 1 Seattle, WA – Seattle Creation Church McKinney, TX – Northwest Christian Conference (Vardiman) 425.252.7038 Church (Austin, Vardiman) 206.465.1635 (J. Morris) 972.542.6211

For more information on these events or to schedule an event, please contact the ICR Events Department at 800.337.0375 or [email protected].

Register online today! Demand the Evidence A Creation Apologetics Conference

Oc t o b e r 9-10 Oc t o b e r 23-24 No v e m b e r 13-14 Fi r s t Ba p t i s t Ch u r c h Gr a c e Co m m u n i t y Fi r s t Ba p t i s t Ch u r c h Jacksonville , FL Ch u r c h Da l l a s , TX Su n Va l l e y , CA

SPEAKERS INCLUDE

Dr. Mac Brunson Dr. John MacArthur Dr. Henry Morris III

Dr. John Morris Dr. Randy Guliuzza

To register online or for more information, visit www.icr.org/conference To bring an ICR Conference to your city, please contact [email protected] or call 800.337.0375. 8 ACTS E of Christian Schools International (ASCI) gional conferences held by the Association re- annual the at attendance our been has school systems. combat the errors that are in rampant our God’s Word, of aswell asthe information authority to and accuracy the proclaim & FACTS FACTS Teachers Truth n aeu fr ecig teachers reaching for avenue One •

r wt te ol te ne to need they tools the with ers search. We seek to provide teach- Re- Creation for Institute the of mission primary a is ducation OCTOBER 2009 ACSI CONVENTIONS Equipping Equipping with the with the Dr. PatriciaNason October 15-16:KansasCity, MO Dr. RandyGuliuzza,KeynoteSpeaker October 15-16:Minneapolis,N Dr. JohnMorris,KeynoteSpeaker October 8-9:SouthBend,IN Dr. PatriciaNason October 1-2:Portland,OR ers atthefollowing ACSI conventions: supplements.riculum cur of series new exciting this on hands tendees can visit the ICR booth to get their teachers.At- science and schools ASCI to especially Essentials Education Science Guliuzza inMinneapolis, MN). Morrisin South Bend, IN, and Dr. Randy includingtwo keynote speeches (Dr. John least 70 talks at conventions—the various ACSI meetings, and this fall we will give at more to invited been has ICR years, re - cent In administrators. and teachers for - speak and/or booths have will ICR of launch the see also will fall This -

acsi.org for more information and the the costs involved. and information more for acsi.org www. visit or 719.528.6906 call attend, to like would and non-member a are you If and check the schedule for ICR’s speakers. conventionlocalyour at booth our visit November 23-24:Washington, DC Dr. JohnMorris,Dr. CharlesMcCombs November 23-24:Dallas,TX Dr. GaryParker November 23-24:Orlando,FL Dr. PatriciaNason November 23-24:Anaheim,CA Dr. CharlesMcCombs Dr. PatriciaNason,Dr. GaryParker, November 12-13:Raleigh,NC Frank Sherwin November 12-13:Lexington,KY Dr. JamesJ.S.Johnson,FrankSherwin November 5-6:Sturbridge,MA Dr. PatriciaNason October 29-30:Sacramento,CA Dr. JamesJ.S.Johnson,FrankSherwin October 29-30:Metro NewYork City Dr. CharlesMcCombs October 22-23:Columbus,OH Dr. PatriciaNason October 22-23:Seattle,WA If you are an ACSImember,anare you please If Special Introductory Price

Darwin: The Voyage That Shook the World

n 1831, a young ama- That Shook the World features dramatic pe- teur scientist, Charles riod recreations and stunning nature cinematogra- Darwin, boarded the phy interwoven with scholars, scientists, and Darwin HMS Beagle on an epic five-year voyage of dis- experts who share differing perspectives on the man covery that would shake the world. and the controversy he stirred. I In this expansive documentary, the HMS Beagle once This new DVD is a fascinating and thought-provoking again sets sail as it retraces Charles Darwin’s voyage opportunity to gain new insight into The Voyage That in lavish detail, examining his findings and remark- Shook the World. able conclusions—and their implications—in the Normally $24.95, you can have Darwin: The Voyage light of modern knowledge. That Shook the World for an introductory price of Filmed in South America, the United Kingdom, North $19.95 (plus shipping and handling). America, Australia, and Europe, Darwin: The Voyage

To order, call 800.628.7640 or visit www.icr.org/store Offer good through October 31, 2009

OCTOBER 2009 • ACTS FACTS 9 & The Connecting Power of Hands

Randy J. Guliuzza, P.E., M.D.

boom in affordable housing in the while muscles on the back concurrently relax. infinite and remarkably versatile. A construc­ 1950s was helped by the invention of The reverse happens to straighten them. Both tion worker can easily take one hand and curl a distinctive multifunctional piece of groups can pull simultaneously, working with three fingers around a bucket handle in a looser A equipment: the backhoe. Its strong intrinsic muscles, to hold fingers stiff. “endurance grip,” while the thumb can press a yet relatively slender articulated arm allowed Functions depend on coordinated note card tight to the index finger and the pinky precise yet rapid placement for digging or control and on component arrangement. can hook a plastic sack. At the same time, the lifting. The manipulative device is trim and fast, The tendon to the finger’s middle bone other hand can curl the last three fingers and since hoses transfer power to it from a powerful actually splits apart and allows the tendon press the palm firm over their fingertips locked hydraulic pump within the main chassis. for the bone on the tip to pass through the in a “power grip” to carry a heavy hammer, The “arm” of the backhoe makes many center of it. This allows the fingertip to flex while the thumb and index finger gently pluck people think the equipment design is similar to independently while keeping both tendons up a potato chip without crushing it. a human arm, but what makes it so versatile is tight to the finger bones. When it comes to either passively detect­ that it is actually more like a giant human finger. Compared to animals, human behavior ing or making extremely small movements, the If a valuable piece of equipment mimicking with hand tools is fundamentally distinct. fingers may be great, but the human thumb is just one finger can be so useful, what capability extraordinary. This is due to a forearm muscle is possible in a real human hand? called the flexor pollicis longus (FPL), whose If a valuable piece of equipment tendon independently bends the thumb’s The Formation of Hands mimicking just one finger can tip. The FPL is not present in chimpanzees, gorillas, orangutans, or monkeys. That capability begins as an embryo be so useful, what capability is The human brain employs exquisite reaches the end of the fourth week of gestation. possible in a real human hand? muscle motor commands over the FPL, A special patch of tissue on the budding limbs especially at low levels of effort. Individual stimulates invading cartilage cells to become muscle fiber units can be recruited—in order— templates for future bone. Other signals induce Exclusive elements of hand movement are by very low rates of nerve stimulation to muscle-forming cells to develop a muscle attained only when the unique human hand’s generate a finely graded thumb-tip twitch force mass in the arm and hand. These masses muscular configuration and the brain’s of only 7/100 of an ounce. The same muscle automatically subdivide into twelve muscles of disproportionately large hand sensory and units pull double duty as sensors to accurately the forearm that act on the wrist and fingers, motor function centers are integrated together. estimate magnitudes of extremely low forces and nineteen intrinsic muscles of the hand that against the thumb—which underpins the manipulate only fingers. Grip: Manly or Microforce superior accuracy of the thumb for highly The hands are initially flat plates, with skilled tasks requiring a “precision pinch.” the cells making vital internal structures of The most important element of hand movement is opposition, meaning the ability to fingers. The skin cellsbetween fingers undergo a Fine Finger Movements programmed cell death, allowing the formation squeeze (such as between fingers and thumb or palm and fingers). While some weightlifters Fine manipulation is possible using of five separate digits arranged in the uniquely generate “bone crushing” grips, an average just the fingertips. This results primarily from human hand pattern—right from the start. man’s grip is a respectable 100 pounds of force. combining muscle actions of seven muscles Muscular ability develops fast. By sixteen weeks To grasp something, people must subconscious­ that actuate the index finger, five major muscles an embryo can firmly grip a small rod, and at ly or purposively control three acting forces for unique to the thumb, and even three additional six months the fetal grip is so tight that he can the object, three tendencies for it to twist on an muscles dedicated to the pinky finger. Besides be lifted by it. axis, and six mechanical variables for each finger movement, the muscle-tendon networks of (such as degree of participation). the fingers also store a measurable quantity of Finger Flexing Massive investments in brain capacity elastic energy that is monitored—independent To curl fingers, forearm muscles on the with direct projections to many hand muscles of the nervous system—by analyzing how front pull tendons attached to finger bones means that grip control combinations are much the tendon network is deformed.

10 ACTS FACTS • OCTOBER 2009 & It is altogether fitting for the Lord The Connecting Power Jesus to use the skill, strength, and awesome connecting power of of Hands hands to express His love.

Randy J. Guliuzza, P.E., M.D.

in advance of actually striking the keys. Times between keystrokes are commonly as low as 60 milliseconds. Interestingly, speed is fastest if successive keystrokes are between fingers on opposite hands. So imagine the quantity of mental data processed for a skilled pianist who can play 20-30 successive notes with each hand every second—about 40 milliseconds apart—since the nervous system executes a forward plan Nonlinear mathematical computations, made movement changes about 65 milliseconds right (prescribing speed, direction, pressure, dura-­ at the cellular level to describe the network in a before contact. High speeds are attained as the ­tion, etc.) for every finger simultaneously type of sophisticated “body logic,” act like power nervous system controls only task-relevant and updates all plans after every successive switches to regulate force production. This muscular parameters but allows task-irrelevant finger movement. The plan is compiled in means hand muscles can be directed to perform ones to fluctuate. Neuromuscular control is so the cerebellum, which may, if needed, retain like hydraulic rams, springs, or even force- optimized that performance approaches the memory of the plan (one or several varieties). dampening devices in just the right situations. physical boundary of a hand’s capability. Recall This becomes an integral part of skilled learning. In addition, a seamless “muscle-sensor” this the next time your fingertips squeeze to So far, no limits have been found on the number continuum combines the muscle data with crack an egg with about ten pounds of force of plans that can be kept in memory. additional neural input on information such and abruptly stop within the distance of the as spatial position and pressure from fingertips, shell’s thickness—about 1/100 of an inch. Conclusion nails, and fatty portions of the hand. The The astounding performance of human Finger Speed and Forward Planning fingerprint structure of elevated curved and hands allows them to excel in an even more straight parallel skin ridges is an exquisite sensor Human finger movements excel in powerful way—hands connect. Hands are a that functions like a piece of corduroy fabric in precision and speed. The average time a person main avenue to express creativity and feeling which the ridges provide contact sensation but takes to make a common choice between two (including conveying language), are the primary the directional nature of the fabric in each ridge things is about half of a second. But rapid apparatus to implement a person’s will, and is detectable. finger motions are much faster—in fact even coupled with eyes become the principle sensors This degree of control is vital to handling faster than is physically possible using only for self-awareness. Thus, they are a vital link to things using just fingertips, since fingertips the body’s sensor-to-motor loops. To obtain connect a person’s inner immaterial spirit to must rapidly transition from three mutually the highest possible finger speeds, sensors and their physical body. They can connect a person incompatible actions to pick up objects— conscious thought are augmented in the brain to a loved one with a caress and then to the rest motion toward it, abrupt contact with it, and with an anticipatory function for individual of the world—mostly through work. then an increasing but precisely-directed finger movements called a forward plan, which It is altogether fitting for the Lord isometric force against it. Mathematical models is extraordinarily complex and significantly Jesus to use the skill, strength, and awesome show that the brain devises a time-critical subconscious. Evidence shows that the central connecting power of hands to express His predictive strategy that enables massive neural- nervous system predicts the best outcome of love. He promises that His hand will guide muscular patterns to swap out the fingertip every finger movement several movements (Psalm 139:10), up­ actions from “movement” to “pinch” in only ahead of its current state. hold (Isaiah 41:10), about 60 milliseconds (about 1/6 the time it Thus, skilled typists will visually and faithfully keep His takes to blink an eye). process up to eight characters in advance and own in His powerful The brain calculates exactly how then—in anticipation—the forward plan for grip (John 10:28). long to hold back executing the strategy so muscle movements will commit the finger Dr. Guliuzza is ICR’s National that fingertips start flashing through their muscles to an action about three characters Representative.

OCTOBER 2009 • ACTS FACTS 11 & IMPACT

Dinosaur Protein Sequences and the Dino-to-Bird Model

JEFFREY TOMKINS, Ph .D.

volutionists have maintained that the fossil record supports a long-ages his- tory for earth, but material extracted from dinosaur bones is providing an interesting challenge to that theory. The recent discoveries of soft dinosaur tissues, defined cell matrices, elastic blood vessels, and clearly observable Ecell microstructures such as cell nuclei have been a source of both shock and excite- ment to the paleontology community. The shock comes from the fact that degradative processes somehow did not completely destroy all evidence of tissue from the supposedly millions-of-years old fossils. The excitement comes from the fact that, given the pristine state of these tis-

12 ACTS FACTS • OCTOBER 2009 & sues, scientists should be able to extract macromolecules. These have met with some legitimate criticism from scientists who special- would then be used in studies of molecular evolution to bolster the ize in protein characterization and analysis techniques. evolutionary ideas that are competing for supremacy in the scientific community, such as the currently touted “dinosaur to bird” transi- Protein Sequence Methodology tion model. In order to understand their criticisms, it is important to know In fact, soft tissues from the bones of a Tyrannosaurus rex something of protein sequencing methodology. First, proteins are and a Brachylophosaurus canadensis (duck-billed hadrosaur) isolated and separated into subgroups based on their various masses. did yield protein fragments that were subjected to amino acid Then they are chopped into small fragments using an enzyme called sequence analysis and then used in theoretical computational anal- trypsin. The trypsinized fragments are then run through a highly yses.1, 2 But did the data demonstrate a dinosaur to bird transition, specialized instrument called a mass spectrometer, which determines or was it possibly manipulated in the spirit of academic politics? the mass of each protein fragment (peptide) in the sample.

A tandem mass spectrometer setup will not only determine The First Protein Sequences the mass of the trypsin fragments in the initial sample, but will A protein is a chain of amino acids and, generally speaking, is the also send them through a second mode where they are physically functional end-product of a gene. Evolutionary scientists commonly fragmented further and the mass of these sub-fragments is also de- use both DNA and protein sequences in comparative analyses, com- termined. Peptide mass databases are then searched for matching paring the same type of gene or protein sequence between organisms fragment sizes for all data collected. Using a specialized algorithm to determine how closely related one is to another. Two organisms on the sub-fragment data, it is possible to computationally assemble are considered closely related the actual amino acid sequence of a if they share a high percentage sizeable peptide fragment. of amino acid sequence simi- The first accusation against larity for a certain protein. Did the data demonstrate a dinosaur to the T. rex protein sequences was Evolutionary tree diagrams bird transition, or was it possibly manipu- that they were too small and had can be constructed based lated in the spirit of academic politics? possibly suffered too many chemi- on this concept of sequence cal modifications to be reliable.8, 9 It similarity, with the branches was also pointed out by critics that and grouping of organisms the lab that published the protein supposedly indicating their evolutionary relationships. sequence data did not indicate if or how they controlled error rates, As things stand, the dinosaur proteins that were character- such as the discovery of false positives.9 Establishing the proper exper- ized are largely controlled by the dinosaur-to-bird proponents. Jack imental controls and statistical measures for the presence of false pos- Horner, a world-renowned paleontologist, is a leading figure in this itives is essential to providing an accurate protein sequence, especially group. His faith in the dino-to-bird concept is so strong that he re- for ancient proteins. As one journal article that critiqued the protein cently published a book describing how one might possibly reverse- data stated, “Extraordinary science requires extraordinary proofs.”9 engineer a dinosaur by modifying key developmental genes in the chicken genome.3 Dr. Mary Schweitzer, one of his colleagues and his A Dino-to-Bird Filter former graduate student, is the leading scientist in the United States Based on reported experimental methods and deduced pep- working with dinosaur soft tissue. Dr. Schweitzer and protein bio- tide sequences, error rates would have been unacceptably high for all chemist John Asara have led the effort to research and publish the but one of the sequences the researchers reported. By ignoring error dinosaur protein sequence findings. The first protein sequences to be characterized and analyzed rates, one could choose from among hundreds of peptide fragments were collagen proteins from a T. rex femur bone, in which a number in a database those that most closely resemble bird proteins. In fact, a of papers were published describing both the soft-tissue and protein number of dinosaur protein fragments were chosen with 100 percent data.4,5,6,7 Collagen is a very durable protein that is common to most amino acid similarity to that of chicken collagen. One published cri- 9 animals and is found in skin, bone, and other connective tissue. tique quipped, “Maybe T. rex was a chicken after all.” In general, the scientific community found very little to dis- Those sequences of high enough quality to be usable were pute regarding the presence of real dinosaur tissue such as blood then analyzed using dino-to-bird evolution as a filter.10 Interestingly, vessels and intact bone matrix, clearly defined cell types, and clearly an external laboratory re-analyzed the data using a computational defined cell microstructures such as nuclei and filipodia (osteocyte technique called Neighbor-Net analysis that was better suited to the tendrils). The recently published T. rex collagen sequences, however, type of data collected.8 Their results showed that the T. rex protein

OCTOBER 2009 • ACTS FACTS 13 & grouped more closely with amphibians and did not show a close re- thors do state that the hypothetical ostrich sequence developed was lationship with either chicken or ostrich—two birds that evolution- based on a dino-to-bird transitional model.1 ists like Jack Horner claim actually have dinosaur genomes with just a few minor differences to make them birds. Conclusion

Having said all that, there is no doubt that fragments of real Although the supposedly 90 million-year-old hadrosaur col- dinosaur proteins were obtained, because antibody experiments lagen sequence appears to have been interpreted within the assump- conclusively identified collagen in the tissue samples. The problem tion of dino-to-bird evolution—a concept that a number of other is that the quality of the samples was very poor, fragment identifica- leading evolutionists do not share—the fact that real tissue and pro- tion did not properly account for error, and the evolutionary analy- teins have been found seriously brings into question the whole con- ses appear to have been manipulated to support a politically correct cept of evolution and its required long ages. The remarkable preser- dinosaur-to-bird model. vation of these tissues found in sedimentary rock (sandstone) really The more recent hadrosaur collagen sequencing appears to speaks of only one thing: a rapid burial in a catastrophic worldwide have been handled with more care in the lab side of the project, flood as recorded in the Bible. and peptide sequences of much In fact, even evolutionists larger size were reported and have contemplated the implica- submitted to the public data- The remarkable preservation of these tions, as illustrated in the quote bases.2 So far, there has not been tissues really speaks of only one thing: below from Jack Horner’s recent much time for critical responses book. The setting for this ex- to have been published, but it a rapid burial in a catastrophic cerpt is a conversation between appears that the ancient protein worldwide flood as recorded in the Bible. Dr. Horner and Mary Schweitzer recovery and sequencing tech- when she was his graduate stu- niques have improved. Howev- dent. Schweitzer had just discov- er, once again the dinosaur sequences are represented as being closer ered and verified the presence of intact dinosaur tissue and was re- to chicken and ostrich than even other reptiles. laying the news to her mentor.

Where Is the Data? When Mary was first working on this material, she called me up to say she had found osteocytes. I assumed she meant the At the Institute for Creation Research, a number of prelimi- spaces where the osteocytes would have been, which is what I nary protein alignments have been done using different algorithms suggested. at a variety of alignment/gap parameter settings. In these studies, “No Jack, actually we have the cells and they have filipodia and they have nuclei.” the large T. rex peptide fragment and the hadrosaur protein se- “Mary, the freaking creationists are just going to love you.” quences typically align more closely with a variety of animals other “Jack, it’s your dinosaur.”11 than chicken. The ostrich sequence was generated in-house by the Schweitzer-Asara group and, rather oddly, has never been submitted That about sums it up! to any of the public protein database repositories. This is also the case References 1. Asara, J. M. et al. 2007. Protein Sequences from Mastodon and Tyrannosaurus Rex Re- with the alligator collagen sequence they developed in-house. vealed by Mass Spectromety. Science. 316 (5822): 280-285. 2. Schweitzer, M. H. et al. 2009. Biomolecular Characterization and Protein Sequences of the At the time of this article, DNA/protein database searches at Campanian Hadrosaur B. Canadensis. Science. 324 (5927): 626-631. 3. Horner, J. and J. Gorman. 2009. How to Build a Dinosaur. London: Penguin Books Ltd. both the National Center for Biotechnology Information and the 4. Schweitzer, M. H. et al. 1997. Heme compounds in dinosaur trabecular bone. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences. 94 (12): 6291-6296. European Molecular Biology Laboratory have contained no alligator 5. Schweitzer, M. H. et al. 2005. Soft-Tissue Vessels and Cellular Preservation in Tyrannosau- or ostrich collagen sequence. While it is possible to obtain the ostrich rus rex. Science. 307 (5717): 1952-1955. 6. Schweitzer, M. H., J. L. Wittmeyer and J. R. Horner. 2007. Soft tissue and cellular preserva- and alligator sequence data from material on the Internet posted as tion in vertebrate skeletal elements from the Cretaceous to the present. Proceedings of the Royal Society. 274 (1607): 183-197. supplements to publications, why has the data not been submitted to 7. Schweitzer, M. H. et al. 2007. Analysis of Soft Tissue from Tyrannosaurus rex Suggest the Presence of Protein. Science. 316 (5822): 277-280. any of the major public databases so it can be cataloged, annotated, 8. Buckley, M. et al. 2008. Comment on “Protein Sequences from Mastodon and Tyranno- saurus rex Revealed by Mass Spectrometry.” Science. 319 and curated? This seems a little odd, considering that the research- (5859): 33. ers readily submitted all of the possibly errant T. rex sequence to the 9. Pevzner, P. A., S. Kim and J. Ng. 2008. Comment on “Protein Sequences from Mastodon and Tyrannosaurus public databases. rex Revealed by Mass Spectrometry.” Science. 321 (5892): 1040. Based on comments about hypothetical sequences being uti- 10. Organ, C. L. et al. 2008. Molecular Phylogenetics of Mast odon and Tyrannosaurus rex. Science. 320 (5875): 499. lized during the procurement of the ostrich data (which also includ- 11. Horner and Gorman, How to Build a Dinosaur, 80-81. ed real mass-spec data), how does one know if the ostrich sequence Dr. Tomkins is Research Associate at the Institute for wasn’t manipulated in the process to be more dinosaur-like? The au- Creation Research.

14 ACTS FACTS • OCTOBER 2009 & BACK TO GENESIS

A lassic PolystrateC Fossil Photo credit: Ian Juby

John D. Morris, Ph .D.

ears ago, National Geographic published a remarkable pho- Unfortunately, National Geographic requires a not-insignificant fee for the tograph of a polystrate fossil, a fossilized tree that extended use of its photographs, and only on occasion was this one used by cre- stratigraphically upward through several layers of rock in Ten- ationists. The fossil looked rather fragile, and since many polystrates are nessee. Its roots were in a coal seam, and the overlying deposits known, we never tried to go to the site and relocate this particular one. includedY bedded shale and thin carbon-rich layers. An advocate of any Recently, however, creationist Ian Juby decided to try and track it form of uniformitarianism would believe that it took many, many years to down. Much to his surprise, it was still there, looking even better than ever. deposit this sequence of layers (much longer than it takes for a tree to grow But there’s more—the fossilized tree stood in the neighborhood of nu- and eventually die and decay), yet one vertical fossil extends through them merous other trees. It suggests a significant dynamic event that uprooted, all. This one fossilized tree offered a direct con- transported, and buried many trees in an up- tradiction to the evolutionary mantra that “the right position. present is the key to the past.” Just such an event happened at Mount The specific strata surrounding the fos- St. Helens in 1980, when an eruption toppled a sil provided a history. According to uniformi- standing forest. The tree trunks were deposit- tarianism, many years are required for a thick ed in Spirit Lake. After a few years of waterlog- layer of peat to accumulate in a swampy en- ging, the trunks sunk roots down, in life’s posi- vironment. This type of location is quite dif- tion but not life’s location. Today there are tens ferent from the marine environment in which of thousands of upright trees standing on the tiny shale-sized particles are deposited. Over bottom of the lake. They are being engulfed “millions and millions of years” of heat and by fine particles of volcanic ash and clay, and pressure generated by the subsequently depos- if the underlying organic layer of bark were ited overlying marine sediments, the peat is heated by a future eruption, it would likely thought to have metamorphosed into coal. metamorphose into coal and duplicate the The tree was a mature tree, yet could scenario revealed in the photo. not have grown in the location where the sur- The eruption at Mount St. Helens rounding shale was deposited, since trees don’t taught us much about the effects of dynamic live long under the sea. Furthermore, the time processes. It provided a model for decipher- required for shaley sediments to accumulate Photo credit: Ian Juby ing unseen past geologic cataclysms, and pro- must be added to the tree’s lifespan, as must duced effects which before had puzzled us. the time to deeply bury the coal precursor and create the pressure to gen- Our understanding of possible events during the great Flood of Noah’s erate enough heat to alter the peat into coal. No scenario possible today day was substantially expanded, including that could account for this sequence of events if evolution’s interpretation of rapid deposition of sediments and burial of fossils earth history is true. could be expected during such a deluge. The more Creationists immediately recognized the educational value of this evidence that science uncovers, the more it supports remarkable fossil, but evolutionists routinely ignore it. The name polystrate the biblical account of earth’s history. (“many layers”) is used only by creationists. You will seldom find it in the Dr. Morris is President of the Institute for Creation Research. standard literature, even though the related concepts are easily grasped.

OCTOBER 2009 • ACTS FACTS 15 & BACK TO GENESIS

he field of biology has pro- covered from them have revealed clean vided much support for a DNA sequences.7 Antarctic ice cores may recent creation, and physical reveal more DNA samples. evidence of very young-look- Not only is DNA found where it ingT biological materials from supposedly should not be if evolutionary ages are true, ancient fossils continues to accrue from but still-living microbes have been extract- around the world, and from various ed from ancient earth materials. A leader depths under the earth. in this fascinating field is evolutionist Raul In August of this year, paleontolo- Cano of the California Polytechnic State gists in Trowbridge, Wiltshire, England, University. His work frustrates evolution- made a discovery that astounded the Squid Fossils, ary biologists, who maintain that the earth evolutionary community. A “150 million- is very old, and therefore consider that his year-old” squid was discovered with an in- otherwise astonishing results are actually tact ink sac. “It is difficult to imagine how Ancient DNA, contaminated with recent bacteria. How- you can have something as soft and sloppy ever, other evolutionists have been making as an ink sac…inside a rock that is 150 similar discoveries.8 million years old,” said Dr. Phil Wilby of and a It would seem that many scientists the British Geological Survey.1 Creation- are putting the cart before the horse—em- ists agree and see this as physical evidence bracing long ages before they consider the that clearly points to its recent burial and Young Earth physical evidence that shows otherwise.9 preservation. Pristine DNA from these supposedly an- “Living fossils” present another FRANK SHERWIN, M.A. cient materials is predicted by the creation kind of dilemma for deep time. Sharks, model, which numbers the earth’s years in horseshoe crabs, crinoids, Wollemi pine the thousands rather than millions.

trees, tuataras, crocodiles, vampire squids, sequences can be obtained from Miocene-age References plant remains.”2 And “plants, bacteria, mam- 1. Ink found in Jurassic-era squid. BBC News. Posted on news. chambered nautiloids, brachiopods, clams, bbc.co.uk August 19, 2009, accessed August 19, 2009. dragonflies, lungfish, and hundreds of other mals, Neanderthals, and other archaic humans 2. Kim, S. et al. 2004. DNA sequences from Miocene fossils: An ndhF sequence of Magnolia latahensis (Magnoliaceae) animals and plants have stayed the same over have had short aDNA [ancient DNA] sequenc- and an rbcL sequence of Persea pseudocarolinensis (Lau- 3 raceae). American Journal of Botany. 91 (4): 615–620. “millions of years,” despite significant shifts es identified.” How can DNA be so intact after 3. Criswell, D. 2006. How Soon Will Jurassic Park Open? Acts & Facts. 35 (6). in their environments and supposed eons of so long, with what is known about DNA decay 4. Poinar, H. et al. 1996. Amino Acid Racemization and the rates? 4, 5 Preservation of Ancient DNA. Science. 272 (5263): 864- nature-selecting mutations. But living fossils 866. make better sense when viewed from a young- Other samples of viable DNA have been 5. Willerslev, E. and A. Cooper. 2006. Pathogenic microbial ancient DNA: a problem or an opportunity? Proceedings of earth creation perspective, wherein natural se- extracted from frozen tissue dated thousands the Royal Society. 273 (1587): 643. 6. Ermini, L. et al. 2008. Complete Mitochondrial Genome lection does not generate new forms, and living of years old by evolutionists. The energy pow- Sequence of the Tyrolean Iceman. Current Biology. 18 (21) 1687-1693. creatures ought to look similar to their fossilized erhouse of the cell is called the mitochondria 7. Willerslev, E. et al. 2007. Ancient Biomolecules from Deep and it contains DNA termed mtDNA. In 2008, Ice Cores Reveal a Forested Southern Greenland. Science. relatives. 317 (5834): 111-114. In the past few decades, Darwin- samples of mtDNA were extracted from a 8. Vreeland, R. H., W. D. Rosenzweig and D. W. Powers. 2000. Isolation of a 250 million- unfriendly discoveries have been made of ge- frozen human discovered in the Alps in 1991. year-old halotolerant bac- terium from a primary netic material (DNA) that is supposedly from Called the Tyrolean Iceman, he was dated at salt crystal. Nature. 407 (6806): 897-900. very old sources but is found in relatively pris- over 5,000 years old. The DNA was completely 9. One example of this was and successfully sequenced.6 documented in Yeoman, tine condition. For example, evolutionist Sang- B. Schweitzer’s Dangerous tae Kim discovered DNA sequences from Mio- Speaking of cold temperatures, deep ice Discovery. Discover, April 2006 cores have been taken from southern Green- cene fossils (supposedly over 5 million years Mr. Sherwin is Senior Science old) and said, “This paper confirms that DNA land permafrost. Insect and plant materials re- Lecturer.

16 ACTS FACTS • OCTOBER 2009 & ExplorCreatione the Wonders of Creation The Astronomy Book The Geology Book

One thing we have in common with Our planet is a most suitable home. the ancients is that every generation has Its practical benefits are enhanced by gazed at the night sky and wondered, the sheer beauty of rolling hills, solitary “What’s out there?” The Astronomy plains, churning seas and rivers, and Book will teach you what long-ago majestic mountains—all set in place by astronomers thought about other geologic processes.

worlds, solar system facts, the history of The Geology Book covers topics like space exploration, and much more. what really carved the Grand Canyon, Let The Astronomy Book take you on how sediments become rock, what your own exploration of the cosmos. volcanoes do, and lots more.

The Cave Book The Ocean Book

Slip into the hidden wonders beneath The oceans may well be earth’s final the surface with this illuminating frontier. These mysterious waters cover journey through the mysterious world most of the globe’s surface and have yet of caves. The Cave Book is a thorough to be fully explored. Under the waves, exploration of the beautiful formations, a watery world of frail splendor and thriving ecology, unique animals, and foreboding creatures awaits.

fragile balance of this ecosystem. What keeps the oceans from freezing? With sections on humans and caves, Why do icebergs float? What causes cave life, climates and classifications, the tides? Find the answers to these and and more, this book is a captivating many other questions in The Ocean Book. look at this unseen world.

The Fossil Book The Weather Book

Do fossils support evolution, or do they The earth is a complex world and its verify the truth of Scripture? The Fossil weather patterns affect our lives every Book examines the origin, types, age, day. Whether you live near the equa- and history of fossils and paleontology. tor, a polar region, or somewhere in This exciting book describes not only the between, knowledge of the weather is history of fossils, but also how to collect important.

and preserve your own fossil finds. The Weather Book will teach you why Discover the exciting world of fossils, earth’s exact distance from the sun al- and why even they “declare the glory lows life, how clouds form and how to of God.” identify them, how to build your own weather station, and more.

Each hardcover book is only $15.95 (plus shipping and handling) To order, call 800.628.7640 or visit www.icr.org/store Brian Thomas, M.S.

Can Life Exist on Other Planets?

Danny Faulkner, Ph .D.

any people make a distinction created life here, but He first had to fashion the earth between the origin of life and to be a suitable habitation for life. The evolutionist the evolution of life. In this view, must believe that life is inevitable wherever condi- biological evolution refers to the tions are suitable for life, but creationists understand gradualM development of the diversity of living things that even if conditions on another planet could sus- from a common ancestor, while the ultimate origin tain life, life there is not possible—unless God cre- of life is a separate question. ated life there or permitted life somehow to travel to This is a legitimate point, but evolution is that planet from earth. about much more than just biology. The evolution- While we cannot prove biblically that God did ary worldview is that all of physical existence, both not create life elsewhere, the strong implication of living and non-living, arose through purely natural Scripture is that He did not. These very different pre- processes. With this broad definition of evolution, dictions of the special creation and evolution models abiogenesis—the spontaneous appearance of life mean that the search for life elsewhere amounts to a from non-living matter—is a necessity. If life did powerful test between the two theories of origin. arise on earth by itself, it would be inconceivable that this is the only planet upon which there is life. Other- Looking for Life on Mars

wise, the earth would be a remarkably special place, In recent years, there has been much discus- and that could easily lead to theistic ideas. Conse- sion in astronomy circles over the search for extra- quently, most evolutionists believe that life must exist terrestrial life, so much so that a new term has been elsewhere in the universe. coined for this study: astrobiology. Since there is yet

no evidence that life exists elsewhere, astrobiology is A Powerful Test a science for which there is no data, or at least no data The creation worldview is very different, be- in support of the science. cause, as usual, we start with very different assump- Since there is no support for the contention tions. We believe that life exists on earth because God that life exists elsewhere, much attention has been di-

18 ACTS FACTS • OCTOBER 2009 & While we cannot prove biblically that God did not create life elsewhere, verted to searching for planetary conditions fa- stantial atmosphere than now, an atmosphere the strong implication vorable for life. Mars has been the focus of this that provided enough pressure and warmth to of Scripture is that attention for a very long time. Mars is about sustain liquid water. He did not. half the size of the earth, and it has at least a This has exciting possibilities for cre- thin atmosphere. Water exists on Mars, though ationists. First, secular scientists have conclud- likely not in abundance, and what water it does ed that Mars, a planet with no liquid water, possess is in vapor or solid form. The tempera- once experienced a near global flood, all the ture and atmospheric pressure on Mars are far while denying that such a thing could happen Many scientists now view Europa’s pos- too low to sustain liquid water. on earth, a planet with abundant water. Second, sible subsurface ocean as the most likely place The Viking craft that landed on the sur- many creationists think that the earth’s atmo- in the solar system to find life outside the earth. face of Mars in 1976 contained three very ro- sphere underwent tremendous change at the This ocean, if it exists, is very dark and likely is bust experiments to detect signs of life. Two of time of the Flood. Obviously, at least one other very cold. A few decades ago, living organisms the experiments showed no evidence of living planet did experience a catastrophic change in in such a place would have been unthinkable. organisms; the third experiment had weak its atmosphere as well. However, we have found organisms living but ambiguous data. Even the most optimistic in very hostile environments, such as hydro- searchers for extraterrestrial life agree that these Liquid Water, the Gold Standard thermal vents deep in the earth’s ocean. Fur- slightly positive indications probably were the Notice that water figures prominently thermore, subsurface lakes exist far beneath result of inorganic chemical reactions in the in the study of astrobiology. As the universal the Antarctic ice sheet. The largest and most soil. Besides the bitter cold and sparseness of solvent, water is absolutely essential for life, famous of these is Lake Vostok, 2.5 miles be- water, there are other impediments to life on making up the majority of the mass of many neath the ice. While we don’t know if life exists Mars today. For instance, the thin Martian organisms. And water is one of the most abun- in these lakes, many scientists want to find out. atmosphere provides no protection to solar dant molecules in the universe. While water has They reason that if life could exist in the cold ultraviolet radiation, which is lethal to living been directly detected throughout the universe and dark of these terrestrial lakes, why could life things. With these problems, interest in life on (even in the outer layers of cool stars!), we have not exist inside Europa? Mars has waned, though some hope is still held never found liquid water anywhere in the uni- and many think that life may have existed on verse. Liquid water is the gold standard for liv- Conclusion Mars in the past. ing things, for it appears that life is not possible For a long time, evolutionists thought without it. However, while water is a necessary A Martian Flood that life on earth first evolved in warm, very condition for life, it is far from a sufficient con- hospitable pools and then colonized more dif- In recent years, the Mars Express Orbiter dition for life—much more is required. ficult environments. Now many evolutionists detected methane in the Martian atmosphere. A few years ago, a stir was caused by the think that life began at the margins, in very Methane is a gas frequently produced by living announcement of the possibility of a small hostile locations, and then migrated the other things, though it can also form inorganically. ocean of liquid water beneath the surface of direction to better locations. The gamma ray spectrometer aboard the Mars Europa, one of the larger satellites of Jupiter. Much of the motivation for this complete Odyssey Orbiter detected a significant amount Much of the case for this water relies upon sur- reversal in thinking stems from the need to find of hydrogen in the top few feet of the surface face features of Europa—there are large frac- life elsewhere. As creationists, we ought to wel- of Mars, a likely indication of abundant ice. tured segments that resemble features of polar come the search for extraterrestrial life. We are The famous rovers Spirit and Opportunity ice pack on earth that result from upwelling wa- confident that the experiments will continue to produced conclusive evidence that liquid water ter freezing between fractures. In addition, if the produce null results that verify our theory of once existed on the Martian surface. This latter water were salty, it would help explain Europa’s origin while disproving point is confirmation of what we have known magnetic field. Since then, a similar argument the evolutionary theory for decades—photographs from orbiting has been put forth for Ganymede, another large of origin. spacecraft had shown numerous features that satellite of Jupiter, though that case is not nearly Dr. Faulkner is Professor of are best interpreted as there having been much as strong. Additionally, water vents on Encela- Astronomy/Physics at the University of South Carolina liquid water on Mars in the past. This would re- dus, a medium-sized satellite of Saturn, have Lancaster. quire Mars to have once had a much more sub- implied liquid water beneath its surface.

OCTOBER 2009 • ACTS FACTS 19 & LETTERS TO THE EDITOR This month on “Science, Scripture, & Salvation” We are in agreement and endorse your [Demand the Evidence] confer- ences in October to November. We are in prayer for you, brethren….I W e e k e n d o f Oc t o b e r 3 have been forwarding the Days of Praise daily publication every evening to fifty pastors and workers and they are using it in their ministries. Created Gender — S.F.S., Philippines Did distinct genders start evolving millions of years ago, or did God create male and female in the beginning? Don’t miss this interesting program as we discuss God’s purpose for gender in the family unit and I am an interpretive park ranger….I do programs for thousands of peo- explain why the existence of different sexes in an evolutionary setting ple each year. I was originally a “theistic evolutionist,” but in recent years would not be advantageous to survival. newer research from a Christian perspective, including yours, has helped me to see the sciences with new eyes. I see now how many large holes W e e k e n d o f Oc t o b e r 10 there are in secular theories that I once thought were undisputed in the Columbus and the Flat Earth Myth scientific community. Thank you for your work. Did you know that Columbus did not think the world was flat? Fur- — P.M. thermore, the idea that fifteenth-century people believed in a flat earth was actually made up in 1830! This myth is being used against cre- Thank you so much for Acts & Facts. The articles stimulate my under- ationists, but how? Sail away with us this week as we discover the facts standing of creation science and stir up a heart of praise for God and His about Columbus and the flat earth myth. marvelous works! W e e k e n d o f Oc t o b e r 17 — K.P. Myths We Believe I was a biology major last year and I’m now an environmental science At times we hear stories that seem too incredible to be true. Urban legends have been around a long time, and so have other myths and major and I appreciate every resource I have to help show my professors old sayings that we somehow fall for hook, line, and sinker! Tune in and those around me that God is the Creator of our universe! I love love and discover how some of these myths and superstitions can actually LOVE science, but as long as it gives the glory to God, and Acts & Facts be harmful to us as Christians and to society as a whole. has been a great resource thus far and I hope it will continue to bless W e e k e n d o f Oc t o b e r 24 hundreds upon thousands of people! — C.S. Science Misconceptions You’ve probably heard the old cliché “truth is stranger than fiction.” Last year I taught anatomy and physiology and found that the articles on Perhaps this is one reason why we’re so prone to accept some popu- temperature control in humans and the control of the fetus of its own lar ideas as science fact when they’re really science fiction! Listen development inside its mother were among the articles that were very in as we discuss popular science misconceptions and uncover the helpful. It seems difficult to come by this sort of information at the high truth about these beliefs school level; we see little of it in any of our textbooks. So this is a great ser- W e e k e n d o f Oc t o b e r 31 vice and I shared some information with my classes. It enhanced learning Autumn Leaves for all of us, I believe — G.C. Without doubt, the most awe-inspiring sight in fall is the vibrant colors of plant and tree leaves. What causes this phenomenon and Editor’s Note: If you would like to read “Balancing Body Temperature,” “Hu- why do the northern and eastern states enjoy it the most? Why not man Gestation,” or other articles by Dr. Randy Guliuzza on the complexities grab some apple cider and join us as we learn about changing au- of the human body, visit our website at www.icr.org and type “Made in His tumn leaves and God’s marvelous hand in creation! Image” in the Search field. Visit www.icr.org/essentials for additional K-12 teaching resources. To find out which radio stations in your city air our programs, visit our website at www.icr.org. On the radio page use the station Have a comment? Email us at [email protected]. Or write to Editor, P. O. Box locator to determine where you can hear our broadcasts in your 59029, Dallas, Texas 75229. area. You can also listen to current and past Science, Scripture, & 20 ACTS FACTS • OCTOBER 2009 Salvation programs online, so check us out! & STEWARDSHIP

Ministry Mindset in the Land of the Midnight Sun

Henry M. Morris IV

he opportunities provided by our which began in San Francisco at the kick-off of our church subscribers in that state partner Lord to the Institute for Creation meeting for ICR’s Yosemite Creation Tour, and with ICR to see that our ministry continues. Research never cease to amaze us. then moved to sites in Oregon, Alaska, Wash- Granted, as one of the least populated states in TICR experiences this on a continual ington, and Colorado. the U.S., the number of Alaskan subscribers is basis in a multitude of areas. Whether they are A trip of this magnitude requires much not large to begin with, so this could certainly new opportunities to speak, new educational planning, and our research brought to light be an anomaly. But this naturally begs the ques- programs to teach, or the personal testimonies several fascinating aspects related to Alaska in tion....why does this group support ICR’s work we receive of lives transformed for Christ, we particular. Naturally, we were struck by the utter in higher percentages than good, God-fearing, are blessed and humbled by God’s guidance. immensity of this great state—our home state Bible-believing Christians in other locales? Perhaps His guiding hand is especially seen in of Texas (huge in its own right) would easily Unlike Scripture, derived statistics can His gracious provision for us, which oftentimes fit inside half of Alaska. And the vast distances never provide a sure answer. But we suspect springs forth from the most unexpected places. that lie between our Alaskan supporters, many that our Alaskan supporters may possess a Such was the case when ICR received in remote locations, were also astonishing. ICR more focused perspective on things of eternal most welcome help earlier this year from sev- counts it a privilege to send materials to sub- value—the byproduct of which is a sensitive eral longtime supporters in Alaska. At the time, scribers in Dutch Harbor (of Deadliest Catch mindset for ministries like ICR that uphold the we felt compelled to visit these fellow laborers TV fame) on the southern tip of the Aleutian authority of God’s Word. What are you doing to personally thank them for their generosity, Island chain, to Point Hope on the northwest- to further His Kingdom on this earth while but did not have the opportunity to make such ern coast inside the Arctic Circle, and all points He tarries? May I suggest joining your Alaskan a trip. So this was made an item of prayer, and in between. The good news of our Savior’s mes- brothers and sisters by investing in our minis- “in due season” (Galatians 6:9), the Lord was sage, as seen through the study of His majestic try? I believe they would wholeheartedly agree. faithful to provide a way. And not only did He creation, has indeed spread to the “uttermost Reference present the chance for a group from ICR to fel- part of the earth” (Acts 1:8). 1. Alaska, Denominational Groups, 2000. State Member- ship Report. Posted on lowship with these supporters in Alaska, He And yet, the most surprising discovery thearda.com. According to statistics collected by the also opened doors to visit many other partners was that a significantly higher percentage of Association of Religion Data Archives, only about that were spread across four additional states! Alaskan subscribers support ICR financially 39 percent of Alaska’s resi- Truly, His “thoughts are not your thoughts, than subscribers in the “lower 48” states. Statis- dents were members of re- ligious congregations neither are your ways [His] ways” (Isaiah 55:8)! tically, Alaska is one of the least religious states By the time this article goes to press, we will in the U.S.,1 but nearly 40 percent of our indi- Mr. Morris is Director of Donor Relations. have returned, Lord willing, from our long trek, vidual subscribers and a remarkable 62 percent

OCTOBER 2009 • ACTS FACTS 21 & BIBLICAL WORLDVIEW

God’s Holiness Demands a Perfect Creation

Henry M. Morris III, D.Mi n .

he holiness of God is what drives and limits His revelation of darkness [lie, untruth] at all” (1 John 1:5). That biblical axiom is true Himself to His creation. Scripture is consistent. Holiness is whether applied to scientific research, educational philosophy, theological God’s fundamental nature, and that unique nature so perme- speculation, or heretical doctrine. Jesus Himself laid claim to that absolute ates what God is and does that no action or thought from the when He said, “I am the way, the truth, and the life” (John 14:6). GodheadT can override it. The majestic seraphs so tantalizingly described in Isaiah 6 and Ezekiel 1—those four unique “living creatures” standing God’s holiness demands that He “be” and “do” truth.

in the presence of the Creator (Revelation 4)—continually speak of the Therefore, the Creator God must reveal truth and cannot “be” thrice-holy nature of God as they breathe. untruth. When God speaks, He must speak truth. When God acts, God Humanity will never know holiness until the new heavens and the must act without “doing” error. One of the titles by which Jesus Christ is new earth. We may well experience righteousness in our lifetimes as our eternally known is “Faithful and True” (Revelation 19:11). God’s holiness hearts long for the presence of the holy God, but God’s holiness—God’s demands that the creation not distort anything about God—or about the perfection—can only be believed. creation itself.

God could not create a lie—He could not make anything that would God’s holiness demands that only God can be the source of truth. inexorably lead us to a wrong conclusion. Nor could He create processes Because of His holiness, God cannot lie (Hebrews 6:18), and when- that would counter His own nature—or that would lead us to conclude ever God reveals anything, He must reveal the truth about Himself and something untrue about Him. His nature. The Creator God is “Truth” (John 14:6) and the originator of Evolutionary mechanisms are, by their very nature, both random “Lie” is the Archenemy, Lucifer (John 8:44). The opposite of truth, even and nonfunctional. Nothing in naturalist theory “directs” evolution. Vast though it may contain partial truth, is the active agent that opposes God’s eons of time, in which chaos “works” and during which death “weeds truth as it is revealed to His creation. out” the ineffective, are thought to somehow produce processes and sys- This, of course, is the crux of all rebellion against God. tems of apparent design. No god in this system exists to create anything. Christians who seek to harmonize the biblical • Lie opposes the revelation of truth in the created things (universe). revelation of a holy God with the antithetical evolu- • Lie opposes the revelation of truth in the written Word (Scripture). tionary theories are constructing dangerous hybrids • Lie opposes the revelation of truth in the new creation (salvation). that blaspheme the very God they insist they believe Whenever partial truth is presented as the truth, even if it is mixed in. May God protect us from such thinking. with truth or just merely incomplete, that partial presentation is a lie. The Dr. Morris is Chief Executive Officer of the Institute for Creation Bible is very clear in this message: “God is light [truth], and in him is no Research.

Ho l y , h o l y , h o l y , LORD Go d Al m i g h t y ....Th o u a r t w o r t h y , O Lo r d , t o r e c e i v e g l o r y a n d h o n - o u r a n d p o w e r : f o r t h o u h a s t c r e a t e d a l l t h i n g s , a n d f o r t h y p l e a s u r e t h e y a r e a n d w e r e c r e a t e d .

R e v e l a t i o n 4:8,11

22 ACTS FACTS • OCTOBER 2009 & Explore Time’s Beginning and Ending with Dr. Henry Morris

The Genesis Record is probably suasive answers to scientific difficulties the most widely-used complete mod- and other problems, showing Genesis ern commentary on the foundational to be literally and historically accurate book of the Bible. ICR founder Henry throughout. Useful to both the theo- M. Morris brought his considerable gifts logically trained and the layperson, this as writer, researcher, and scientist to hardcover book—with appendixes, bear on a comprehensive scientific and maps, and indexes of subjects and devotional examination of this often- Scripture references—is a “must” for misinterpreted book of beginnings. the library of any serious student of the With its narrative-type exposition, Bible. it is easy to understand, yet has per- Only $40.99 (plus shipping and handling)

Published in 1983, this hardcover This scientific and devotional book serves as a sequel to Dr. Morris’ book is a must-read for those who wish The Genesis Record, with an in-depth to understand God’s revealed Word examination of Revelation’s prophecies from beginning to end. Jesus gave signs concerning the climactic culmination of for His return, charging His disciples to human history. Both Jerry Falwell and “watch and pray: for ye know not when Tim LaHaye, in their respective fore- the time is” (Mark 13:33). In these peril- words, recognized it as the most literal ous times, every Christian needs the of all commentaries on Revelation, dem- knowledge and assurance that can only onstrating its scientific feasibility as well come from God’s Word. as its relevance to the last days. Only $24.95 (plus shipping and handling)

Special leather-bound, first-edition Revelation Record We still have a small supply of first-edition, To order, call leather-bound copies of The Revelation Record by Dr. Henry M. Morris. For $99.00 (plus shipping and han- 800.628.7640 dling), we will send you an individually-numbered, leather-bound copy signed by Drs. Henry M. Morris III or visit and John Morris, sons of the author and CEO and www.icr.org/store President of ICR. An excellent gift…Quantities are limited, so order today! P. O. Box 59029, Dallas, TX 75229 www.icr.org

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