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The Truth Project
Tour 5
In this, the fifth worldview tour, we our invited to enter the cavern of nature, gaze upon the jewels of creation, and establish yet another important pillar in the Temple of Truth: Science. In the process, we will discover that whereas “the heavens declare the glory of God and the firmament shows His handiwork” (Psalm 19:1) so that the Creator’s “invisible attributes are plainly seen” (Romans 1:20), mankind has nevertheless chosen to ignore the obvious truth, twisting scientific investigation into a vehicle for propagating a godless philosophy of human independence and self-determination.
Having completed a brief and cursory discussion of the nature and character of God, we turn now to consider a very different question: what does “the stuff in the box” really tell us when we honestly look at it? Dr. Tackett argues that scientific investigation – “the systematic study of the structure and behavior of the physical and natural world through observation and experiment” – is also a valid way of ascertaining truth. For when we open the box, we find that it is filled with voices that speak to us loudly about the majesty and power of the One who has created the physical universe. Everywhere we look – whether up at the grandeur of the stars and galaxies or deep into the tiny and elegantly designed inner workings of a living cell – there is evidence that the cosmos is the handiwork of an intelligent, rational mind. In the contemplation of nature, we come face to face with the truth that God exists and that He has revealed Himself to us, not only through His written Word (special revelation) but also through the works of His hands (generalrevelation).
Our natural reaction to this experience should be like that of a child: wonder, marvel, and praise for the Creator. But because of the effects of the fall and the polarizing influence of the Cosmic Battle, man shows a tendency to deny what is plain to the senses and to “exchange the truth of God for a lie” (Romans 1:25). Driven by this impulse, he transforms straightforward scientific inquiry, which properly concerns itself with particulars, into an all-embracing philosophy, which claims to establish universals on the basis of the “stuff in the box.” The result is the propagation of a worldview that “scientifically” excludes the Creator, thus “freeing” mankind from accountability to a higher authority.
Central to this philosophy are the assertions of Darwinian evolutionary theory. By keeping the details of creation’s story completely inside “the box,” evolution effectively rules out the existence of God. Herein lies the heart of the debate over “Intelligent Design.” Atheist C. Richard Bozarth actually goes so far as to claim that “evolution destroys utterly and finally the very reason Jesus’ earthly life was supposedly made necessary.” It is exactly this kind of philosophical assumption that inspires the visceral antagonism of evolutionists toward anyone who dares question the validity of their theory. This is why Darwinists so fervently assert that “evolution is no longer merely a theory, but an established fact.” But the truth of the matter is that the theory is not supported by the evidence. Many inside the scientific community are beginning to recognize this. But they dare not acknowledge it publicly because of the worldview issues at stake. As Dr. David Berlinski says, “The consequences are serious
Lesson 5 – Science: What is True?
- Introduction
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- Psalm 19:1-4 – “The heavens declare the Glory of God” – General Revelation
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- Romans 1:18-20 – “God has made it plain to them …”
Only two possibilities: the cosmos has always existed or the cosmos had a beginning – either one posses a serious problem for those who deny a Creator
- Design vs. Randomness
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- Earliest scientists were convinced that the universe bore evidence of design
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- Scrabble Example – Where does the organized information in the genetic code come from?
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- Wald- “Time is the hero of the plot …the impossible becomes possible.”
- Examining Darwin’s Theory
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- Hypothesis, theory, law – data must confirm investigation of truth claims
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- Darwinian Evolution taught as “Fact” – Does his theory match reality?
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- Paley’s Argument – Anyone who looks at a pocket watch understands that is was designed with intelligent purpose
- Ignoring the obvious – Francis Crick: You’ve got to keep in mind that all of this was not designed
- Testing Carl Sagan’s Statement – “Evolution is a fact amply demonstrated by the fossil record and contemporary molecular biology.”
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- Contemporary Molecular Biology – testing Darwin’s statement that his theory would absolutely break down if it could be demonstrated that a complex organism could not come into existence without numerous, successive slight modifications
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- In the 19th century, the cell was viewed as a simple glob of plasma, a black box; today, micro technology reveals a cell filled with exquisite machinery
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- Irreducible complexity – The cell cannot exist if one component of the machinery is missing – Examples: mouse trap and the flagellum motor
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- It is in the realm of molecular genetics where we see the most compelling evidence of design on earth – evolution fails Darwin’s test
- The fossil record – testing Darwin’s statement that if one can’t find all of the fine, graduated evolutionary steps in the fossil record, then one can rightly reject the theory
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- If speciation requires many thousands of morphological changes, there should be some fossil evidence of those changes – Darwin agreed they weren’t there, but only because we hadn’t dug up enough fossils
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- 120 years after Darwin’s time we have a lot more fossil evidence than he did, but we have even less support for his evolutionary theories
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- Theory of punctuated equilibrium – offered by evolutionist Gould because of the lack of evidence in the fossil record; purports immediate speciation to account for the missing links
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- Icons of Evolution – used for years as “proof” of evolution – all are inaccurate and outdated
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- Theory of directed panspermia – purports that the first living cell was sent to earth from another planet – offered by Crick because evidence was overwhelmingly against spontaneous generation
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- Evolution again fails Darwin’s own test
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- Conclusion
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- Lovtrup: “I believe that one day the Darwinian myth will be ranked the greatest deceit in the history of science”
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- This is a worldview battle – a battle that is much deeper than a scientific theory – Evolution destroys any foundation for a standard of ethics or morality – man has exchanged the truth of God for a lie (evolution) so that he may be free to follow his inner desires
Scripture References
Psa 19:1-4 Rom 1: 21-23 Rom 1:25
Jer 33:22 Rom 1:18-20 Rom 1: 21-23 Psa 53:1
Key Terms
Darwinian Evolution/Darwinism: A specific area of evolutionary biology involving natural selection proposed by Charles Darwin.
Directed Panspermia: Theory that suggests that highly-evolved life forms sent microorganisms or biochemical compounds from outer space to earth. Francis Crick developed this hypothesis to explain life on earth.
Fossil Record: The fossilized remains of plants and animals that provide the evidential means to understand when those organisms were alive, where they lived, and what they looked like.
Great Cosmological Question: Where did the cosmos come from? The cosmos either had a beginning or has always existed.
Hypothesis: Very early assumption made on the basis of limited evidence used as a starting point for further investigation.
Intelligent Design: Scientific theory that nature and complex biological structures were intelligently designed and, as such, are not the result of chance. Proponents of intelligent design argue that there is empirical evidence that is subject to scientific investigation that complex biological systems and the information bearing properties of DNA could not have been created by natural selection.
Irreducible Complexity: A complex system that could not function if it were any simpler, and therefore could not possibly have been formed by successive additions to a precursor system with the same functionality. An analogy often given in support of irreducible complexity is the mousetrap.
Law: A statement of scientific fact that a particular natural or scientific phenomenon is invariable under given circumstances
Molecular Biology: The branch of biology that deals with the formation, structure, and function of macromolecules essential to life; in particular t he interactions between the various systems of a cell, including the interrelationship of DNA, RNA and protein synthesis and learning how these interactions are regulated
Paley’s argument for design: Named after William Paley (1743-1805), this is sometimes referred to as the watchmaker analogy: it is plain to see that the parts in a watch are designed and placed in relationship with each other for a purpose and that the watch therefore must have a maker. In the same way, our universe bears evidence of design and purpose and, therefore, must have a maker.
Punctuated equilibrium: A theory in evolutionary biology that says the appearance of new species occurs suddenly and without continuous slow variations; species will show little or no evolutionary change throughout history
Science: The systematic study of the structure and behavior of the physical and natural world through observation and experiment. Science and philosophy are both attempting to develop truth claims about reality; philosophy in the realm of universals, science in the realm of particulars.
Theory: Idea or belief about something formed by speculation, conjecture, or deduction from certain facts within certain parameters
Notable Figures
Charles Darwin (1809-1882): British naturalist who proposed the theory of evolution through natural selection in his book The Origin of Species (1859). This book, and Darwin’s theories, have had massive ideological and philosophical effects on our world and humanity.
Francis Crick (1916-2004): Co-discoverer of DNA who rejected the evidence of design. During the 1960s he became concerned with the origins of the genetic code and in the early 1970s proposed the theory of Directed Panspermia.
Jonathan Wells: Biologist, senior fellow of the Discovery Institute, and author of Icons of Evolution. A prominent spokesperson for the intelligent design movement, Wells’ book proves that many of the most commonly accepted arguments for evolution are invalid.
Michael Behe: American biochemist, senior fellow of the Discovery Institute’s Center for Science and Culture, and author of Darwin’s Black Box. Behe is a leading advocate and spokesperson for the intelligent design movement who is most well known for articulating the concept of irreducible complexity.
Stephen Jay Gould (1941-2002): American paleontologist and evolutionary biologist who taught at Harvard University and worked at the American Museum of Natural History. He was an influential and widely read author that developed the theory of punctuated equilibrium (see glossary entry) due to the lack of evidence in the fossil record for gradual Darwinianism.
The Truth Project Tour 4
Who is God?
Introduction: Having explored the concept of truth itself and examined the biblical view of human nature – two basic issues that had to be settled before we could move on to the present discussion – Dr. Tackett now takes us to the eastern point of the compass and proceeds to lay the third and most important foundation of our “Truth Temple:” Theology, or that branch of study and investigation that grapples with the question, “Who is God?” Knowing God, he argues, ought to be our passion and our highest goal; for until we look upon His face, we cannot rightly know ourselves or begin to grasp the meaning of our existence in the world.
Themes: Knowing God is absolutely central to the meaning of human life, for it is only in the context of intimate, personal relationship with Him that we experience eternal life. At the same time, there is no assignment more daunting, no task more demanding, no challenge more overwhelming, than that of seeking to understand the being, nature, character, and attributes of the eternal Creator, who is Himself the ultimate source of all truth (Colossians 2:3). So impossibly huge is this endeavor that we could not hope to tackle it at all except for the fact that He has graciously revealed Himself to us in His Word. Apart from this revelation, mankind gropes and struggles in the darkness to piece together even the most flawed and rudimentary concept of God.
In line with this thought, R. C. Sproul asserts that ours is an era in which the knowledge of God has been eclipsed – not completely destroyed, but obscured and shadowed by lies and misconceptions. Given this situation, it is essential that we establish two main points: 1) that God exists; and 2) that the Bible, the vehicle of His self-revelation, is utterly reliable. Following Sproul’s lead, Dr. Tackett uses a significant portion of this tour to respond to attacks that have been leveled against God’s Word over the course of history (another aspect of the CosmicBattle). He answers the objections of Voltaire, Robert Ingersoll, and liberal theologians such as Julius Wellhausen and the members of the Jesus Seminar. He also illustrates the Bible’s historical accuracy by helping us resolved an apparent scriptural discrepancy concerning the dates of King Jehoram’s reign.
But the heart of this episode’s message hits much closer to home. For in the end, Dr. Tackett makes it clear that we cannot truly know ourselves until we have begun to know God in the fullness and richness of His multifaceted nature and character – not only as the God of mercy and grace, but also as the God who is a consuming fire, jealous for the purity of the covenant relationship (El Qanna). When this knowledge dawns upon us, we can expect two things to happen. First, the revelation of God’s character will, like a mirror, reveal things to us about ourselves, so that we, along with the prophet Isaiah, are compelled to cry, “Woe is me, for I am undone!” (Isaiah 6:5). But then secondly, as He raises us out of our despair and shows us who we are and who we can be in Him, we will be granted the gift of a new name – a whole new concept of our being, our identity, and our purpose in life with God. Once again, the fruit of this experience will be personal transformation.
Theology: The study of the existence, nature, and attributes of God. [Greek: theos (God) + logos (word)] This is the ultimate quest for each and every Christian.
It would be easier to define infinity. This tour is the final step in building our foundation.
Ultimate Source of All Truth
Colossians 2:2-3 “Christ Himself, in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.”
- The nature, character, being and attributes of God Himself.
- Nothing that is true can contradict the nature of God.
Westminster Confession
Westminster Confession of Faith: A confession of faith drawn up by the 1646 Westminster Assembly, which remains a standard of doctrine within many Protestant, churches. The full confession took more than five years to complete and provides advice on issues of worship, doctrine, government, and discipline for the church.
Can be found by doing a google search. I was able to locate it at spurgeon.org
What is Eternal Life?
Eternal Life: To know the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom He sent to earth. A deeply personal and intimate relationship. See John 17:3.
- Scriptural emphasis on eternal life – Luke 18:18, John 3:16, John 4:13-14, John 5:24, John 5:39-40, John 6:27, John 6:54
- “Now this is eternal life …” John 17:1-3 “… that they may know you …”
What an awesome privilege we have to witness this communication between the Father and the Son.
Knowing Only?
Scripture talks about relationship
Social order
Personal communion
Objective, real, relationship
- exists between God and man
Jesus is binding up the understanding of what eternal life is in the relationship with Him.
Adam “knew” Eve and the result was a child. Jesus is talking about the same “knowing”.
John 5:39-40 (Amplified Bible)
39You search and investigate and pore over the Scriptures diligently, because you suppose and trust that you have eternal life through them. And these [very Scriptures] testify about Me!
40And still you are not willing [but refuse] to come to Me, so that you might have life.
Jesus is not demeaning Scripture here, He is telling us what we can have in Him.
Spurgeon’s Perspective
“The highest science, the loftiest speculation, the mightiest philosophy, which can engage the attention of a child of God is the name, the nature, the person, the doings, and the existence of the great God which he calls his Father.”
Paul’s Perspective
Philippians 3:8-10 (Contemporary English Version)
8Nothing is as wonderful as knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. I have given up everything else and count it all as garbage. All I want is Christ 9and to know that I belong to him. I could not make myself acceptable to God by obeying the Law of Moses. God accepted me simply because of my faith in Christ. 10All I want is to know Christ and the power that raised him to life. I want to suffer and die as he did,
God’s Perspective
Hosea 6:6 (Contemporary English Version)
6 “I’d rather for you to be faithful and to know me than to offer sacrifices.”
Jeremiah 9:23-24 (New Century Version)
23 This is what the Lord says:
“The wise must not brag about their wisdom.
The strong must not brag about their strength.
The rich must not brag about their money.
24 But if people want to brag, let them brag
that they understand and know me.
Let them brag that I am the Lord,
and that I am kind and fair,
and that I do things that are right on earth.
This kind of bragging pleases me,” says the Lord
- Man will never be able to know who we are until we gaze upon the face of God.
Names Have Meaning
- Names of God – El Qanna – A jealous God – Deuteronomy 4:23-24, Zechariah 8:2, Exodus 34:14
- What does it mean for God to be jealous? Isn’t jealousy a bad thing?
Deuteronomy 4:23-24 (New International Version)
23 Be careful not to forget the covenant of the LORD your God that he made with you; do not make for yourselves an idol in the form of anything the LORD your God has forbidden. 24 For the LORD your God is a consuming fire, a jealous God.
Zechariah 8:2 (New Century Version)
2 This is what the Lord All-Powerful says: “I have a very strong love for Jerusalem. My strong love for her is like a fire burning in me.”
Exodus 34:14 (New International Version)
14 Do not worship any other god, for the LORD, whose name is Jealous, is a jealous God
- God’s very name is jealous.
- The jealousy of the flesh says “you have something I want and I hate you for it.” The jealousy of El Qanna is a zeal that arises when sin threatens a covenant
relationship. El Qanna arose in God to the extent of the sacrifice of His only Son.
- Jacob (supplanter) changed to Israel (strives with God) Gen. 32:28
Abram (father of height) changed to Abraham (father of a multitude) Gen. 17:5
Moses (taken out of the water)
Simon (hearing) changed to Peter (rock)
Saul (demanded) changed to Paul (little)
You shall name the child John (God is gracious) Lk. 1:15
You shall name His Jesus (savior)
Ps. 42:1-2
The Attack
2 Cor. 10:4-5
- 2 critical questions that must be asked
* Is there really a God?
* Can His Word be trusted?
- Against His nature
* twisting, distorting, denying, ignoring
- And His Word
* accusing, demeaning
All attempts to By all powers
- extinguish - empires
- suppress - religion
- discredit - philosophy
- destroy - science
- dilute - academia
- deny - judiciary
- ignore ……
Have all failed. The Word of God is still the best seller off all time.
Voltaire (1776)
“ 100 years from my day there will not be a Bible in the earth except one that is looked upon by an antiquarian curiosity seeker.”
“It took 12 men to start Christianity; one will destroy it.”
He died in 1778. One hundred years later, Voltaire’s home was used to store Bibles and distribute them all over Europe.
Robert Ingersoll
“In 15 years, I will have this book [the Bible] in the morgue. 15 years later, Ingersoll was in the morgue. Later a pastor purchased Ingersoll’s desk and spent his life writing sermons on it.
1 Pe. 1:24-25
Julius Wellhausen
Julius Wellhausen (1844-1918): A 19 th century German liberal scholar who suggested the Documentary Hypothesis (JEPD), which theorizes that the Pentateuch (Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers and Deuteronomy) was not written by Moses but evolved over time and was compiled from at least four sources written by various authors. Numerous scholars have refuted the theory.
Known as the father of “Higher Criticism”
Documentary hypothesis: “JEDP”
A proponent of liberal theology.
The Jesus Seminar
Jesus Seminar: Started in 1985 in Berkley, California, by Robert Funk and thirty-five other liberal New Testament scholars. The Seminar,–which now includes about 100 members–meets twice a year to debate technical papers. At the close of debate on each agenda item, members vote using colored beads to indicate the degree of authenticity of Jesus’ words or deeds.
The Colored Beads
- red: Jesus undoubtedly said this or something very much like it (That’s Jesus!)
- pink: Jesus probably said this (Sure sounds like Jesus)
- grey: Jesus did not say this, but the ideas contained in it are close to His own (Well, maybe)
- black: Jesus did not say this; it represents the perspective or content of a later or different tradition (There’s been some mistake)
The voted and the book The 5 Gospels resulted from it.
Ez. 22:26-28
Dr. Del Tackett’s Personal Crisis
Joram and Jehoram is there contradiction in Scripture?
2 Ki. 8:16
2 Ki. 1:17
Why So Fierce?
Heb. 4:12 – 13
Don’t be surprised when the world around us tries to rip from us the very Word of God. Even we, sometimes in our sinful nature, don’t want to listen to God’s Word. It stands in the way of self-actualization.
