Probability is used to estimate the likelihood of an event occurring in which enough is known to constrain the possibilities. The naturalistic origin of life is extremely unlikely and has never been observed, so that probabilities do not really apply to the question, but indicate that some alternative explanation is to be sought. Published in Origins v. 13, n. 2.
A collection of short commentaries on scientific articles published in 1983, covering topics such as the history of Darwinism, integrity in science, evolution and thermodynamics, North American geology, Quaternary dating methods, origin of life, and the half-life of Technetium-99.
The practice of science does not depend on the beliefs a scientist has about origins. Creationists are able to conduct scientific research , and may even be aided by ideas that derive from the Bible. Conflicts may arise between science and religion, but this is an indication of the need for more study. Published in Origins v. 12, n. 2.
Most amino acids exist in two forms, commonly called "left" and "right." Living organisms use only "left" amino acids, but after death, the "left" amino acids begin changing to "right" forms, until there is an equal number of both. This suggests the possibility of using the amount of change as a measure of time, leading to the development of amino-acid dating. This dating of method does not confirm the results of other methods of dating. Published in Origins v. 12, n. 1.
Throughout the Old Testament the phrase, "the heavens and the earth," is used as the nearest Hebrew equivalent to our term, "universe."
A review of the book, The Mystery of Life's Origin: Reassessing Current Theories. This is a review of the scientific evidence against the theory of abiogenesis. Published in Origins v. 11, n. 2.
Life is a property of precisely ordered biopolymers maintaining a non-equilibrium state. The ordering requires information, and this, with the chemical state of non-equilibrium, are conditions not available to natural processes, and point to the existence of a Creator. Published in Origins v. 11, n. 2.
Thiele discovered an underlying harmony in the Biblical records that is not only internal but external as well. Once he solved these apparent discrepancies in the Biblical data, he found that the reigns of the Jewish kings matched the Assyrian chronology perfectly.
A review of two books on the origin of life: Life Itself, and Evolution from Space. Both books conclude that life is much too complex to have originated on the earth, and must have come from some other part of the universe. Published in Origins v. 10, n. 2.
Radioisotope ages are calculated from ratios of certain atoms. The isotopic ratios can be precisely measured, but the calculation of age from that ratio involves assumptions that may vary depending on the philosophical orientation of the investigator. Published in Origins v. 10, n. 2.
A review of the book, Christianity and the Age of the Earth. The book presents a biased viewpoint against recent creation, but does point out some serious challenges that confront recent creationists. Published in Origins v 10, n. 1.
I hope to illustrate how an approach that attends to the culture, history, philosophy and religion of the Bible's time and place can enhance our understanding of its message.
The word "parallel," though difficult to replace, may be inappropriate and quite inadequate to take account of the complex relationships that exist between biblical and extrabiblical literary tradition. It is the purpose of this essay to address that problem with specific reference to the Adapa myth.
The way we perceive God, the way we look at the world around us, and the way we understand our own selves all have their roots in the opening verse of Scripture: "In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth."
Does the word "earth" refer a) to the physical material of the earth; b) to the planet earth as a part of our solar system; c) to our earth in the sense of the land upon which life can exist? We will address this question very briefly by reviewing four problems. Published in Origins v. 8, n. 1.
The picture that emerges from all the data that relate to cosmic chronology appears to be one of dynamic physical processes operating over extended periods of time, during the last 4.5 billion years of which discrete entities of the Solar System have been in existence. This suggests the word "earth" in Genesis 1 may refer to the land surface of the planet, and not to the planet itself. Published in Origins v. 8, n. 1.
Dates based on amino-acid racemization and uranium radioactive decay were quite different, with preference given to the radiometric dates. Published in Origins v. 8, n. 1.
I maintain that there is no biblical basis for any date in the B. C. scale for a biblical event preceding the birth of Abraham.
A number of factors could affect the relation of C-14 concentration to real time. The author discusses the effects on C-14 dates of cosmic ray intensity, geomagnetic field strength, water vapor concentration, and dilution by the biosphere carbon. Published in Origins v. 6, n. 1.
A review of the book, Principles of Isotope Geology. This is an authoritative textbook on radioisotope dating that provides useful background information, regardless of philosophical persuasion. Published in Origins v. 6, n. 1.
