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ACTS&FACTS

INSTITUTE FOR
CREATION RESEARCH

www.icr.org

FEBRUARY 2016

VOL. 45 NO. 2

THE DAYS OF
ELIJAH page 5

Earths Young Magnetic Field


page 9

Our Useful Appendix


page 12

Duck-bill Dinosaur Blood Vessels


page 17

Planetarium Unlimited
page 18
Guide to

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CONTENTS

VOLUME 45 NUMBER 2
FEBRUARY 2016 FEATURE
5 The Days of Elijah
Published by H e n r y M . M o r r i s III , D . M i n .
INSTITUTE FOR CREATION RESEARCH
P. O. Box 59029 RESEARCH
Dallas, TX 75229
214.615.8300
8 Complex Grammar in the Genome Defies
www.icr.org Evolution
J e f f r e y P. T o m k i n s , P h . D .
EXECUTIVE EDITOR
Jayme Durant

SENIOR EDITOR
9 IMPACT
9 Earths Young Magnetic Field
Beth Mull
V e r n o n R . C u pp s , P h . D .
EDITORS
Michael Stamp
12 Our Useful Appendix
Truett Billups
R a n d y J . G u l i u z z a , P . E . , M . D .
Christy Hardy

DESIGNER BACK TO GENESIS


Dennis Davidson
16
15 Homo naledi: Claims of a Transitional Ape
Tim Clarey, Ph.D.
No articles may be reprinted in whole or in
part without obtaining permission from ICR.

Copyright 2016 16 Applying Design Analysis to Microbiome


Institute for Creation Research Research
F r a n k S h e r w i n , M . A .

17 Duck-bill Dinosaur Blood Vessels


Brian Thomas, M.S.

18 DALLAS MUSEUM OF SCIENCE AND EARTH HISTORY


18 Planetarium Unlimited

CREATION Q & A
20 Were Dinosaurs on Noahs Ark?
Brian Thomas, M.S.

APOLOGETICS
21 Gods Timing Makes Sense of Adversity
James J. S. Johnson, J.D., Th.D.

STEWARDSHIP
22 Investing for Future Generations
22 Henry M. Morris IV

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FEBRUARY 2016 ACTS FACTS 3
FROM THE EDITOR

LEGACY

The Legacy of ICRs Founder


CONTENTS

F
ebruary 2016 marks the 10-year anniversary of the passing as well as many wonderful confirmations of the power of the Word
of Dr. Henry Morris, the founder of the Institute for Cre- (page 13).
ation Research. While preparing this months Acts & Facts, I At the time of his homegoing, he passed the mantle of ministry
spent time looking over some of his writings and was struck to those still serving at ICR. His son, Dr. Henry M. Morris III, ICRs
by his unswerving commitment to Gods Word as the accurate and CEO, continues guiding its mission. In this months feature article, he
authoritative source of truth about our world and ourselves. says, Our job is never done by merely pointing out that truth is on
Id like to honor Dr. Morris by sharing some of his thoughts our side. We must continue to declare the Word of the Lord as long as
from The Biblical Basis for Modern Science (Master Books, 2002, avail- someone is there to oppose it! (page 7).
able at ICR.org/store). He says, The modern world is desperately in The ICR founder left behind a ministry committed to serving
need of Gods own wisdom with respect to the purpose and meaning God in a unique way. Few churches, parachurch organizations, and
of true science. The Bible will be found not only to reveal a thor- nonprofit ministries are able to meet the specific challenges ICR is
oughly modern perspective on the real facts and principles of science prepared to face. How many ministries demonstrate how science and
but also to provide wisdom and guidance concerning its proper role the Bible reveal the same truths? How many churches are equipped
in human life and in the eternal counsels of God (page 12). with scientific data to train believers with biblical answers confirmed
Through his work at the International Boundary and Water by science? And how many scientists glorify our heavenly Father as
Commission in Texas, Gideons International, and several university the Creator of the universe? ICR is uniquely equipped to use both
faculty positions, Dr. Morris says his convictions were solidified: The scientific evidence and the Bible to declare the glories of our Lord.
Bible was truly effective in changing lives and meeting human needs. The founders grandson, Henry Morris IV, reminds us of his
He also wrote, This study [of Christian evidences and doctrines grandfathers life work and the need for ICR to continue the ministry
and anti-Christian literature] has continued every yearfrom my of sharing creation truths (Investing for Future Generations, page
youth to maturity to the status of senior citizen, and my conviction 22). He says, [My grandfathers] passing marked the end of an ex-
that the Bible is Gods inerrant Word has become stronger and more ceptionally fruitful life serving the Lord that included 36 years devot-
confident.I taught engineering for almost 30 years, at five different ed to full-time creation ministry.As the world grows increasingly
secular universitiesand so had many challenges and tests of faith, hostile toward the message of Christ, now is the time for Christians
to stand and proclaim the marvelous truths of Scripture.The staff
and scientists at ICR are ready to do our part, and we are praying
the Lord will lay it on the hearts of many like-minded servants to do
business with us.
Our founder left a legacy of commitment to the Word of God
and a dedication to present accurate science regardless of the opposi-
tion. As we move forward in this new year, we are thankful for those
who partner with us in carrying forward Dr. Henry Morris great
work.

Jayme Durant
Executive Editor

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4 ACTS FACTS FEBRUARY 2016
THE DAYS OF
ELIJAH
HENRY M. MORRIS III, D.M i n .

O
ne of my favorite songs is The Days of
Elijah written by Robin Mark in the
early 1990s. It became widely known in
the United States with the release of his
1999 album Revival in Belfast.1 Not only
is the music rousing and encouraging, but it hits a resonant
chord in my heart as it contrasts the troubles of the battle
with the promises of victory through Christ.
Elijah preached during the reign of Ahab, one of Isra-
els worst kings. As Ahab began to rule, the Scriptures make
two comments about him: Now Ahab the son of Omri did
evil in the sight of the Lord, more than all who were be-
fore him (1 Kings 16:30), and he did more to provoke the
Lord God of Israel to anger than all the kings of Israel who
were before him (1 Kings 16:33). Making matters worse,
he married Jezebel, the daughter of the pagan Sidonian
king Ethbaal (1 Kings 16:31). King Ahab was an evil man,
and he reigned for 22 years!
Fortunately, none of us have to put up with anything
that badbut think of Elijahs marvelous ministry and
what he was able to accomplish during one of the most aw-
ful periods in history. This is the same Elijah that James cites
when we are promised that the effective, fervent prayer of a
righteous man avails much (James 5:16).
These are the days of Elijah,
Declaring the word of the Lord. . . .
And though these are days of great trial,
Of famine and darkness and sword,
Still, we are the voice in the desert crying
Prepare ye the way of the Lord!

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FEBRUARY 2016 ACTS FACTS 5
God called Elijah out of Gilead, a her a word from the Lord. You may re- have to trust God to do the extraordinary!
mountainous region northeast of the Jordan member the account. Elijah asked for a cup These are the days of Ezekiel,
River, to confront Ahab with the news that of water, then insisted that she bring him a The dry bones becoming as flesh;
God would stop the rain for three years in small mealbefore she fixed any for her- And these are the days of Your servant David,
punishment and judgment for Ahabs wick- self and her young son. Obviously, the Lord Rebuilding a temple of praise.
ed behavior. That was a bold and risky thing gave Elijah the message, but it still required These are the days of the harvest,
The fields are as white in Your world,
for Elijah to do, even with the vague social some bold character to demand the last bit
And we are the laborers in Your vineyard,
protection a prophet might have had. The of food from this poor widow. Well, she did Declaring the Word of the Lord!
drought would bring an economic disaster as he commanded, and the oil and grain mi-
that would weaken Israel against all of its sur- raculously continued to meet their needs, as Finally, God called Elijah out of hid-
rounding foes. Like so many prophets who promised, until the drought ended (1 Kings ing to bring about the major confronta-
spoke the truth, Elijahs life was in danger as 17:8-16). tion with the false prophets of Baal that
soon as the words came out of his mouth. But the devil never quits! The young we remember so well. The evil authorities
It wasnt long after this announcement son suddenly died and the widows faith hunted Elijah to imprison or kill him for
that God sent Elijah to hide by the pronouncing the judgment of God
Brook Cherith, which flows into the Our job is never done by merely on the wicked people. Ahab only
Jordan (1 Kings 17:3). There is no saw Elijah as the troubler of Israel
specific information about Elijahs
pointing out that truth is on our side. (1 Kings 18:17). But God used Eli-
jah to purge the land from the hor-
mental state as the ravens brought We must continue to declare the
him bread and meat in the morn- rors of decades of false teaching.
ing, and bread and meat in the eve- Word of the Lord as long as someone Well, the story couldnt be more
dramatic. Elijah demanded that
ning; and he drank from the brook is there to oppose it!
(1 Kings 17:6). It might have seemed Ahab and Jezebel assemble all of the
pretty cool to deliver Gods power- prophets of Baal on top of Mount
ful message to the wicked king and then broke, in spite of the evidence of Gods pro- Carmel to test the power of the two gods
have God give you some time off and per- vision. She began to rebuke Elijah. What Israel was worshiping.
sonal care in such a special way. But then the have I to do with you, O man of God? All 450 fanatical, shouting, demon-
brook dried up. (Remember the drought?) (1 Kings 17:18). Rather than sulk or run worshiping prophets danced around their
Elijah still needed protection for a away, Elijah immediately sought the Lord altar all day, pleading, O Baal, hear us! But
much greater challenge yet to come, so God for instructions and petitioned Him for the there was no voice; no one answered (1 Kings
sent him to the out-of-the-way village of life of the young man. When the boy was 18:26). With passion surging in his heart, Eli-
Zarephath in the middle of pagan country. resurrected and Elijah presented him to his jah taunted and mocked these powerful men,
Sometimes Gods leading doesnt seem to mother, she joyfully responded, Now by with the whole assembly of the movers and
make sense. this I know that you are a man of God, and shakers of northern Israel watching. The
The widow Elijah met as he entered that the word of the Lord in your mouth is false prophets cavorted and even cut them-
the city was an interesting lady. Although the truth (1 Kings 17:24). Sometimes God selves; Elijah coaxed and cajoled, but there
quite poor, she was willing to obey the in- grants the extraordinary display of His pow- was no voice; no one answered, no one paid
structions of the strange prophet who gave er in the face of dire circumstances. We just attention (1 Kings 18:29). Sometimes it

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6 ACTS FACTS FEBRUARY 2016
seems like no matter what we say or do, nor merely pointing out that truth is on our
how obvious the bad guys are, nobody side. We must continue to declare the Word
seems to care or to respond. Sometimes it is of the Lord as long as someone is there to
hard to keep plugging! oppose it!
But Elijah did! When the prophets of Yet even here, after one of the greatest
Baal fell exhausted to the ground, Elijah had victories over evil recorded in Scripture, Eli-
the folks dig the trenches around his altar jah had to run away from angry Queen Jeze-
deeper and pour gallons of precious water bel. Fearing for his life, he ran into the desert
over the ready sacrifice. There could be no and hid in a cave. Sucking on his spiritual
doubt that Gods answer would come in thumb and curling up into a spiritual fetal
a spectacular wayor not at all! So Elijah position, he despaired of his life and begged

I
shouted, Lord God of Abraham, Isaac, and God to take him home.
Israel, let it be known this day that You are Sometimes the highs and lows are so cant help but see some parallels be-
God in Israel and I am Your servant, and draining that our spiritual strength leaks out tween the story of Elijah and ICRs
that I have done all these things at Your like helium from a balloon. All that is left is founder, Dr. Henry Morris. He stood
word. Hear me, O Lord, hear me, that this a saggy, baggy shadow of what should be. up for the authority of Gods Word
people may know that You are the Lord Sometimes, as our life nears its end, we think and the veracity of biblical creation.
God, and that You have turned their hearts all that is left to do is just lie down and wait The contest was not between Baal
back to You again (1 Kings 18:36-37). for the end. But, as with Elijah, the Elisha and Jehovah, but a battle for the evidence
Behold He comes riding on the clouds, successor has to be identified and charged that supports creation rather than evolu-
Shining like the sun at the trumpet call; to carry onin the case of ICR, its the Eli-
tion. And like Elijah, ICRs founders work
Lift your voice, its the year of jubilee, shas. There are still 7,000 whose knees have
did not end with his passing 10 years ago.
And out of Zions hill salvation comes. not bowed to Baal, and every mouth that has
Dr. Morris legacy lives on in the work
And answer God did! Fire came down not kissed him (1 Kings 19:18).
God still has work He has called us that continues here at ICR. In fact, our min-
from heaven and vaporized the sacrifice, the
to do. Generations are still left to be taught istry is expanding beyond print, DVD, and
altar, and the water in the trenches. Now
and won. The work is not done when we radio with our desire to build the Dallas
when all the people saw it, they fell on their
faces; and they said, The Lord, He is God! die. We must prepare for those who follow Museum of Science and Earth History.
The Lord, He is God! (1 Kings 18:39). us! We must leave legacies behind for those The goal of this project is to simply
who come after us. The Lord Jesus built His tell the generation to come the praises of
Theres no God like Jehovah.
church that way (Matthew 16:18), and the In- the Lord, and His strength and His wonder-
Theres no God like Jehovah!
Theres no God like Jehovah. stitute for Creation Research was founded to ful works that He has done.That they
use our witness on Earth.
The work and its aftermath were not may set their hope in God, and not for-
Reference
yet complete. Elijah knew he had to destroy 1. The Days of Elijah. Revival in get the works of God, but keep His com-
Belfast. 1999. Lyrics and music by
the messengers as well as the message. That Robin Mark. Integrity/Columbia. mandments (Psalm 78:4, 7). Great souls
awful execution is definitely an Old Testa- Dr. Morris is Chief Executive Officer like Elijah have like passions (Acts 14:15;
ment thing, but our job is never done by of the Institute for Creation Research.
James 5:17) as we do, but they do not
grow weary while doing good, know-
ing that in due season we shall reap if we
do not lose heart (Galatians 6:9).
Join with us. Be part of the 7,000
who refuse to bow to Baal. Your gift is
important, no matter how small you may
think it is in comparison to the cost of the
whole museum. If each of ICRs 7,000
gives $20 a month for the next 12 months,
the museum will be in place and the new
ministry underway.

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FEBRUARY 2016 ACTS FACTS 7
RESEARCH J E F F R E Y P . T O M K I N S , P h . D .

Complex Grammar in the Genome


FROM THE EDITOR

Defies Evolution
A
LEGACY
recent press release from a prominent European research nology, they could only evaluate two transcription factor combina-
group started off with this amazing proclamation: A new tions at a time. But they analyzed 9,400 different binding interactions
study from Karolinska Institutet shows that the grammar and the order of nucleotides (DNA sequences) that controlled them.
of the human genetic code is more complex than that of Consider the set of sequences that bind transcription fac-
CONTENTS
even the most intricately constructed spoken languages in the world.1 tors to the DNA as a pair of words. Instead of simply deleting the
Such a statement could not be more true or refreshing. The evolution- space between two words to form a new, larger word, as in human
dominated research community consistently downplays the over- languages, the system in the genome is totally different. In the ge-
whelming evidence of intelligent design found in the human genome. nome, the individual words join together so that two transcription
Many different languages exist in the genome, just as many dif- factors (proteins) will cooperatively bind in the same place and
ferent computer languages exist on your computer. They all work develop compound words through the three-dimensional altering
together to provide meaning, and interaction of the DNA
context, and function to the molecule. This process cre-
physical hardware of the sys- ates a new collection of larger
tem. Without information
2
words that are not immedi-
expressed in programming ately obvious when looking
languages, your computer at the two-dimensional lin-
would be nothing but an ex- ear arrangement of the DNA
pensive paperweight. Com- bases. By studying the physi-
plex encoded information cal binding of the transcrip-
with syntax, grammar, struc- tion factors in many different
ture, and rules are required to combinations, the researchers
run complex systems. uncovered yet another highly
This new research, complex language. They also
recently published in the unexpectedly found that
prestigious journal Nature, DNA itself is just as
began, The set of rules by involved in facilitat-
which a DNA sequence can Code in the genome contains information in ing the binding pro-
be converted into knowledge of spatial both forward and reverse, code that overlaps cess as the proteins
and temporal expression patterns of a other code, three-dimensional code, and many themselves.
protein has been difficult to decipher. 3
other mind-bending linguistic complexities. If complex in-
Only one thing in our human sphere of formation like this
understanding even comes close to the is so difficult to un-
genomes linguistic complexity and that is the variety of high-level derstand and deciphereven for highly educated humans with
computer programming languages. But even these elaborate pro- generous amounts of time and moneywhy do people find it hard
gramming languages dont really compare since code in the genome to believe that an omnipotent, all-knowing Creator God engineered
contains information in both forward and reverse, code that overlaps these marvelous genetic languages from the beginning? Clearly, we
other code, three-dimensional code, and many other mind-bending have only just begun to unravel the mysteries of the genome, and fur-
linguistic complexities. Human written code goes in one direction,
2
ther discoveries will only glorify our great God.
one word or character at a time. References
1. Sternudd, K. Complex grammar of the genomic language. Karolinska
In this recent study, researchers analyzed transcription factors Institutet. Posted on ki.se/en/news on November 9, 2015, accessed De-
cember 4, 2015.
and small portions of sophisticated vocabulary in the genome that 2. Tomkins, J. 2015. Extreme Information: Biocomplexity of Interlock-
specify the binding of different types of regulatory proteins. These
3 ing Genome Languages. Creation Research Society Quarterly. 51 (3):
187-201.
proteins regulate genes. The team was especially interested in the dif- 3. Jolma, A. et al. 2015. DNA-dependent formation of transcription fac-
tor pairs alters their binding specificity. Nature. 527 (7578): 384388.
ferent combinations of transcription factors that bind cooperatively in
Dr. Tomkins is Research Associate at the Institute for Creation Research
a gene-controlling region. Because of the limitations of current tech- and received his Ph.D. in genetics from Clemson University.

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8 ACTS FACTS FEBRUARY 2016
IMPACT
IMPACT V E R N O N
BACK TO GENESIS
R . C U P P S , P h . D .

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Earths Young Magnetic Field


BACK TO GENESIS APOLOGETICS

STEWARDSHIP

CREATION Q & A
For thus says TO
LETTERS the LTHE
ord, Who created the heavens,
EDITOR
Who is God, Who formed the earth and made it, RESEARCH
Who has established it, Who did not create it in vain,
Who formed it to be inhabited: I am the Lord,
APOLOGETICS
and there is no other.
I S A I A H 4 5 : 1 8

STEWARDSHIP

I
n the beginning, God created Earths consistent with its accompanying biblical Early in the 20th century, interpre-
CREATION Q&A
magnetic field, which He designed age of a few thousand years. Secular scien- tation of observational data led scientists
and installed during the creation tists propose that complex movements in to believe that the earths core was liquid.
week. This field protects our planet the earths interior are somehow able to re- This interpretation was reexamined in 1929
from the deadly effects of space-gener- charge the magnetic field through magnetic when Inge Lehmann found P-waves in what
RESEARCH
ated charged particles that come from cos- reversals. But how do we know anything should have been P-wave shadow zones. In
mic rays, the solar wind, and coronal mass about the earths deep interior? a 1936 paper she argued that the earth must
ejections. Its shielding importance can- There have been hypotheses and spec- have a solid inner core. Until recently, it has
not be overstated. Rather than striking liv- ulation from many eminent scientists but generally been accepted orthodoxy among
FROM THE EDITOR
ing things, these harmful charged particles everything we know about the mantle and geologists that the earth consists of a very
are redirected by Earths magnetic field high core has been gleaned remotely. A certain thin crust, a thick rock mantle made of up-
in the atmosphere to collide with gas mol- amount of data interpretation must occur per and lower sections, and a core made of a
LEGACY
ecules. These collisions sometimes create to extract useful ideas about our planets liquid outer core and a solid inner core.
beautiful light displays at the poles, phe- internal construction. For example, earth- Most secular scientists believe that
nomena we know as the aurora borealis and quakes generate seismic waves that pass the earths magnetic field is produced by
the aurora australis. through the earth. Observing these waves the convection of hotter pockets of molten
CONTENTS
Magnetic fields can be generated by can provide information about Earths deep material that rise through the liquid of the
an electrical current. Most geophysicists interior if properly interpreted. outer core, similar to a lava lamp. Coupled
believe that such a current deep inside the Two types of earthquake-generated with the earths rotation, these pockets are
earth gives rise to our global magnetic field. waves include Primary (P) waves and thought to become electrical currents that
But electrical currents decay over time, Secondary (S) waves. The P-waves com- give rise to the earths magnetic field. The
just like a battery running down, and this press the layers of rock or liquid they pass process is called a geodynamo or dynamo
leads directly to the decay of the resulting through and travel approximately at twice model, the precise mechanisms of which are
magnetic field. Since the early 1970s it has the speed of an S-wave. Secondary waves still hotly debated. Figure 2 shows an artists
been widely known and published that the travel as undulating waves that can shear illustration of how this process might occur.
earths magnetic field is decaying exponen- rock apart but stop when they hit a liq- But a fundamental problem with this
tially.1 This is an enormous problem for the uid boundary. By observing these earth- geodynamo model has recently come to
secular view, because if the earth is billions quake waves at research stations positioned light. Geophysicists from two British uni-
of years old then the magnetic field should around the earth, one can supposedly draw versities discovered that liquid iron at the
have run down a long time agoeven if it conclusions concerning the makeup of the temperatures and pressures found in the
was exceptionally strong at one time. The earths mantle and core. Figure 1 accurately outer core conducted heat two to three
earths current magnetic field strength is illustrates this process.2 times faster from the outer core to the lower

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FEBRUARY 2016 ACTS FACTS 9
EVENTS

IMPACT
BACK TO GENESIS

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

APOLOGETICS

STEWARDSHIP

CREATION Q & A

RESEARCH

Figure 1.
Image Credit: Copyright 2014 R. Kelly. Adapted for use in accordance with federal copyright (fair use doctrine) law. Usage by ICR does not imply endorsement of copyright holder.

mantle than any of their previous models naturalistic speculation. Dr. Russell Hum- the earths magnetic field are not conclusive
accounted for.3 This means that there would phreys offered an interesting theory con- and depend in the main on arbitrary inter-
not be enough heat left in the outer core to cerning these pole reversals that is consistent pretations of selectively chosen samples.10
power the critical heat-driven convection, with the biblical record and merits serious What are the actual observational facts
the process long thought to sustain and re- consideration.6 Secular geologists will tell concerning the earths magnetic field?
new the earths magnetic field. Several recent us that paleomagnetic phenomena7 in rock
1) The earths magnetic field strength has
attempts to save the dynamo model have crystals definitively establish that the field
been directly measured since 1829.11
been made, the most popular by a group of has reversed polarity many times in the dis-
Those 187 years of measurements dem-
scientists from the University of Illinois and tant past. But has it really? Most of the con-
onstrate an exponential dependence of
Nanjing University in China.4 They analyzed clusions concerning apparent paleomagnetic
phenomena are based on small fluctuations the earths magnetic field strength with
coda waves5 from 20 years of seismic moni-
toring data and concluded that their models in the recorded magnetic field as magne- time.
support an inner core that is further divided tometers are passed over the ocean crust. 2) The magnetic dipole axis of the earths
into an inner-inner core that is solid and an Do all the crystals in rock formations of a magnetic field is approximately 11.5
outer-inner core that is liquid. This outer-in- similar age provide the same magnetic field offset from the earths rotational axis.
ner core is then hypothesized to display the data?8 How can we be sure all the magnetic 3) The magnetic dipole of the earth is not
necessary characteristics for a convection- effects observed in rocks are produced by centered on the earths core but instead
driven geodynamo. the earths magnetic field and not some local is offset by approximately 700 km to-
A widely accepted theory maintains phenomenon? David Strangeway believed it ward the direction of southeastern Asia.
there have been many pole reversals of the is probable that the erratic effects of remnant 4) Paleomagnetic evidence is frequently
magnetic field over the course of Earths his- magnetism were due to lightning strikes.9 used to support the dynamo model and
tory. How, when, and why these reversals Dr. Thomas Barnes stated in 1972, It is clear thus refute the rational conclusions rep-
happened have remained in the realm of that paleomagnetic arguments for reversal of resented by the observational evidence

Measurements indicate the earths magnetic field is it is today. This is a major problem for scientists who
weakening exponentially and has a half-life of around believe the earth is billions of years old. It appears God
1,400 years. If we could travel back in time 5,600 years, created the field at an ideal protective strength for
the field would be approximately 16 times as strong as Earth during the creation week ~6,000 years ago.

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10 ACTS FACTS FEBRUARY 2016
Figure 2.
Image Credit: Copyright 2014 R. Kelly. Adapted for use in accordance with federal Copyright (fair use doctrine) law. Usage by ICR does not imply endorsement of copyright holder.

of item 1. But it is at best inferential in a correlation between the state of went through multiple reversals during the
nature and strongly biased toward the oxidation and magnetic polarity in Flood year and has been decreasing ever
deep-time, evolutionary worldview in- metamorphic rocks from the Ad- since appears to be the best explanation we
terpretation of data. We have never wit- irondack mountains.12 currently have.
nessed a reversal in recorded history. iv) Whether or not there have been References
1. Humphreys, D. R. 1993. The Earths Magnetic Field Is
i) Paleomagnetic evidence for re- reversals in Earths magnetic field Young. Acts & Facts. 22 (8).
2. Folger, T. 2014. Journeys to the Center of the Earth. Dis-
versals in the earths magnetic is a matter for further debate and cover. July/August.
investigation, but if reversals have 3. Gubbins, D. et al. 2015. On core convection and the geody-
field can be selective, erratic, and namo: Effects of high electrical and thermal conductivity.
self-contradictory. Samples taken occurred they most likely occurred Physics of the Earth and Planetary Interiors. 247: 56-64.
4. Wang, T. et al. 2015. Equatorial anisotropy in the inner part
from the early Pleistocene lavas at rapidly over a very short time pe- of Earths inner core from autocorrelation of earthquake
coda. Nature Geoscience. 8 (3): 224-227.
Cape Kawajiri, Japan, by E. Asami riod during a major Earth-wide 5. Coda waves are the scattered and attenuated remnants of
catastrophe such as the Flood. the Primary and Secondary seismic waves produced by
(1954) showed areas in the lava earthquakes.
where the magnetization was nor- 5) Finally, the model for planetary mag- 6. Humphreys, D. R. 1990. Physical Mechanism for Reversals
of the Earths Magnetic Field During the Flood. Proceedings
mal, areas where it was reversed, netic field formation put forth by Dr. of the Second International Conference on Creationism, R. E.
Walsh and C. L. Brooks, eds. Pittsburg, PA: Creation Science
and areas where they were mixed.10 Humphreys13,14 has thus far proven to Fellowship, 129-140
This suggests rapid reversals of the have more accurate predictive power 7. Paleomagnetic phenomena are natural phenomena con-
cerned with residual evidence of magnetic effects induced
magnetic field as suggested by Dr. concerning solar system magnetic fields in rocks by the earths magnetic field at the time of their
formation.
Humphreys11 but is certainly in- than any put forth by the secular com- 8. Jacobs, J. A. 1962. The Earths Core and Geomagnetism. New
York: The Macmillan Co., 105-106.
consistent with long time period munity, including the dynamo model. 9. Strangeway, D. W. 1967. Magnetic characteristics of rocks.

variations of the earths magnetic He successfully predicted the 4% de- Mining Geophysics, Society of Exploration Geophysics. Tulsa,
OK: 2: 471.
crease in Mercurys field strength during 10. Barnes, T. G. 1972. Young Age vs. Geologic Age for the
field. Earths Magnetic Field. Creation Research Society Quarterly.
the timespan between the Mariner 10 9 (1): 47-50.
ii) Paleomagnetic measurements as-
space probes visit to the planet in 1974 11. Humphreys, D. R. 1988. Has the Earths Magnetic Field
sume a deep-time age for their Ever Flipped? Creation Research Society Quarterly. 25 (3).
and the 200813 Messenger spacecrafts 130-137.
rock/sediment samples based on 12. Balsley, J. R. and A. F. Buddington. 1958. Paleomagnetism
readings. His creation models predic- and plate tectonics. Cambridge UK: Cambridge University
conventional geological timescales Press, 112.
tion was based on a 6,000-year age for 13. Humphreys, D. R. 1983. The Creation of the Earths Mag-
and dating methodologies. netic Field. Creation Research Society Quarterly. 20 (2): 89-
the decay rates of Mercury and Earths
iii) Natural processes other than the 94.
magnetic fields. 14. Humphreys, D. R. 1984. The Cre-
earths magnetic field can produce ation of Planetary Magnetic Fields.
Creation Research Society Quar-
the remnant magnetization ob- The best explanations for Earths terly. 21 (3): 140-148.
served in rock/sediment samples. magnetic field are the ones that take all the Dr. Cupps is Research Associate at the
Institute for Creation Research and re-
For example, in 1958 J. R. Balsley observations into account. Dr. Humphreys ceived his Ph.D. in nuclear physics from
and A. F. Buddington discovered hypothesis that the earths magnetic field Indiana University-Bloomington.

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FEBRUARY 2016 ACTS FACTS 11
MAJOR EVOLUTIONARY
BLuNDERS

Our Useful Appendix


Evidence of Design, Not Evolution

R A N D Y J . G U L I U Z Z A , P . E . , M . D .

O
nce there was a teenage girl tual biological functions based on precon- Darwin cultivated a scientifically re-
with a sweet personality, self- ceived notions of what they expect to see.1 grettable practice that still persists today. He
less spirit, and diverse skills. One example of this bias is the categoriza- imagined an evolution-caused loss of func-
But she was so envied by her tion of the human appendix as a worthless tion for certain biological structures and
cruel stepmother and two rude stepsisters organ by thought-constrained evolutionists. declared them to be essentially useless
that they forced her to constantly do the nas- This assumption hindered research on a without ever seeking to understand their
tiest jobs in almost total obscurity. The Cin- truly useful part of our digestive system and purpose. In 1874 Darwin said,
derella story is so universally appealing that highlights a colossal evolutionary blunder.
it has been translated into over 60 languages With respect to the alimentary canal,
I have met with an account of only a
and made into multiple films. In these types The Useless Appendix Is Evidence for single rudiment, namely the vermiform
of stories, the perpetrators bigotry reflects Evolution appendage of the caecum.It appears
their constrained mindset. The worthy be- as if, in consequence of changed diet or
comes worthless in their view. Since Darwins time, the worlds sharp- habits, the caecum had become much
Belief systems matter. est evolutionary biologists have championed shortened in various animals, the ver-
This is also true in origins research. the human appendix as unquestionable evi- miform appendage being left as a rudi-
Some belief systems liberate thinking. Oth- dence for evolution and against intelligent ment of the shortened part.[Regard-
design. But scientific research demonstrates ing humans] not only is it useless, but it
ers, like an evolutionary worldview, are so
is sometimes the cause of death.2
confining that evolutionary biologists may the folly of both assertions by showing the
either observe non-existent or overlook ac- appendix to be a fully functional organ. In 2007, over 130 years later, the presi-

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12 ACTS FACTS FEBRUARY 2016
dent of the American Association for the to-digest plant diets of our ancestors.An research in ScienceDaily.9 The story made
Advancement of Science, Francisco Ayala, appendix is simply a bad thing to have. It is plain that new research shows a network of
announced, A familiar rudimentary organ certainly not the product of intelligent de- immune cells helps the appendix to play a
in humans is the vermiform appendix. sign: how many humans died of appendici- pivotal role in maintaining the health of the
The human vermiform appendix is a func- tis before surgery was invented?6 digestive system, supporting the theory that
tionless vestige of a fully developed organ Then in his 2009 definitive work Why the appendix isnt a vestigialor redun-
present in other mammals, adding the Evolution Is True, Coyne affirms, We hu- dantorgan. The study found that cells in
punchline Vestiges are instances of imper- mans have many vestigial features proving our gut and appendix interface directly with
fectionslike the imperfections seen in an- that we evolved. The most famous is the ap- intestinal microbes to regulate colonies of
atomical structuresthey argue against cre- pendix. To punctuate the point, he inserts bacteria. The appendix facilitates recovery
ation by design but are fully understandable a bit of sarcasm: Discussing the appendix from threats to gut health by repopulating
as a result of evolution by natural selection.3 in his famous textbook The Vertebrate Body, the gut with good bacteria.
Ernst Mayr, another giant in evolu- the paleontologist Alfred Romer remarked One primary researcher quoted by
tionary circles and former Director of Har- dryly, Its major importance would appear ScienceDaily focused specifically on popular
vards Museum of Comparative Zoology, to be financial support of the surgical pro- unfounded beliefs.
provided a definition of a vestigial feature. fession. Finally, summing up, In other Professor Gabrielle Belz, a laboratory
He said it was a deconstructed, nonfunc- words, our appendix is simply the remnant head in the [Walter and Eliza Hall Insti-
tional characteristic that had been fully of an organ that was critically important tute] Molecular Immunology division,
to our leaf-eating ancestors, but of no real said the studys findings show that the
functional in a species ancestor, like the eyes
value to us.7 appendix deserves more credit than it
in cave animals and the human appendix.4 has historically been given. Popular
Like Darwin, rather than search for a belief tells us the appendix is a liability,
science-based discovery of function, Mayr she said. Its removal is one of the most
New research shows a network
fills the knowledge gap with a story that common surgical procedures in Aus-
of immune cells helps the ap- tralia, with more than 70,000 opera-
nearly deifies nature by projecting protec-
tive and selective powers onto the en- pendix to play a pivotal role in tions each year. However, we may wish
to rethink whether the appendix is so
vironment. He confidently asserts, Many maintaining the health of the
irrelevant for our health.9
organisms have structures that are not fully digestive system, supporting the
Nature Immunology published the orig-
functional or not functional at all. The hu- theory that the appendix isnt a
man caecal appendix is an example.When inal research that found that interplay be-
vestigialor redundantorgan.
tween intestinal ILC3 cells and adaptive lym-
these structures lose their function owing to
phocytes [types of white blood cells] results in
a shift in lifestyle, they are no longer pro-
These are definitive declarations robust complementary failsafe mechanisms
tected by natural selection and are gradually
conclusions that the appendix is undeniable that ensure gut homeostasis [stability].10
deconstructed. Mindful to slip in the vital
evidence for evolution and against creation. Belzs findings reinforce earlier re-
implications for beliefs about origins, Mayr
The result? By the mid-20th century, thou- search. A 2007 Duke University Medical
pronounces, These three phenomena
sands of prophylactic surgeries had been School press release challenged Darwinisms
embryonic similarities, recapitulation, and
performed based on assumptions that the nave view of the appendix: Long denigrat-
vestigial structuresraise insurmountable
sooner [vestigial appendages] are removed ed as vestigial or useless, the appendix now
difficulties for a creationist explanation,
the better for the individual.8 Unfortu- appears to have a reason to beas a safe
but are fully compatible with an evolution-
nately, these recommended surgeries flowed house for the beneficial bacteria living in the
ary explanation based on common descent,
from evolutionary beliefs rather than scien- human gut.11 Informed researchers would
variation, and selection.5
tific findings. neither be surprised nor make such a blun-
Dr. Jerry Coyne, emeritus professor of
der since medical textbooks have identified
biology at the University of Chicago, repeat-
Evolutions Declarations Are Spectacularly functioning lymphoid tissue in the appen-
edly offers the appendix as evidence against
Wrong dix for decades.
design. In 2005 he explained, The human
body is also a palimpsest of our ancestry. Immune cells make appendix silent
Detecting Darwinian Spin
Our appendix is the vestigial remnant of an hero of digestive health was the Novem-
intestinal pouch used to ferment the hard- ber 30, 2015, headline for a report on recent In the face of scientific data confirm-

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FEBRUARY 2016 ACTS FACTS 13
ing the appendixs usefulness, what could pirically, they are readily accepted as valid pendix whose function is an enigma, what
an evolutionist do? One option is to quickly explanations. He says, We dont yet know should an unbiased researcher do? Study it
admit the blunder and tell colleagues not to the answer. It may in fact have been on its with diligence and objectivity and draw con-
rescue the appendix argumentlest vain way out, but surgery has almost eliminated clusions from real evidence.
defenses compound blunder upon blun- natural selection against people with appen- The appendix is strategically situated
der. But the customary salvage approach, as dixes. Another possibility is that selection like a sentry at the entrance to the microbe-
Paul Ehrlich classically observed, is to stretch simply cant shrink the appendix any more filled colon in the gut of every creature that
their super-elastic theory to engulf any ob- without it becoming even more harmful.15 possesses one. The appendix tissue that in-
servationeven conflicting ones.12 However, selection may not be shrink- terfaces with microbes both reseeds and
To put a positive spin on Dukes dis- ing anything. Science reported that the ap- regulates microbe types as it performs vital
pendix is more widespread in mammals digestive functions in the colon. The dy-
covery of the appendixs usefulness, evolu-
than believed. Evolutionists now explain namic self-regulation of gut microbes helps
tionists exploited their theorys elastic na-
enter elastic spin againthis surprising these organisms to eat different diets and
ture. In light of the decades-old claim that a
finding as the independent evolution of ap- relocate into new niches. Its just one ex-
useless appendix was evidence for evolution,
pendices between 30 to 40 times in different ample of many types of innate self-adjusting
Brandeis University biochemistry professor
kinds of animals.16 mechanisms,17 which are always indicators
Douglas Theobalds response to a useful ap-
of intentional design.
pendix was It makes evolutionary sense.13
The human appendix, long deni-
In 2009 when Coyne wrote Why The study found that cells in grated as vestigial or useless, is in reality a
Evolution Is True, he was aware that the ap- our gut and appendix interface silent hero providing robust complemen-
pendix may be of some small use. The ap-
directly with intestinal microbes tary failsafe mechanisms for good intestinal
pendix contains patches of tissue that may
to regulate colonies of bacteria. health. Kind of sounds like a Cinderella or-
function as part of the immune system. It ganand one having very good design.
The appendix facilitates recov-
has also been suggested that it provides a References
refuge for useful gut bacteria. But in the ery from threats to gut health by 1. Guliuzza, R. 2015. Major Evolutionary Blunders: The Imag-

face of evidence inconsistent with the ap- repopulating the gut with good inary Piltdown Man. Acts & Facts. 44 (12): 12-14.
2. Darwin, C. 1874. The Descent of Man, and Selection in Rela-

pendix as vestigial, he still spins a case for bacteria. tion to Sex, 2nd ed. London: John Murray, 20-21.
3. Ayala, F. J. 2007. Darwins Gift to Science and Religion. Wash-
ington, DC: Joseph Henry Press, 91.
evolution by insisting that the appendix is 4. Mayr, E. 2001. What Evolution Is. New York: Basic Books,
291.
still vestigial, for it no longer performs the 5. Ibid, 30-31.
function for which it evolved.14 To under- The Appendix: A Well-Designed Organ 6. Coyne, J. The Case Against Intelligent Design: The Faith
That Dare Not Speak Its Name. New Republic. Posted on
stand Darwinian selectionism, people must uchicago.edu August 22 and 29, 2005, accessed December
Belief systems matter. Creationists in- 1, 2015.
master the art of spotting circular reasoning. 7. Coyne, J. 2009. Why Evolution Is True. New York: Viking, 60-
fer that since organisms and sophisticated 61.
Coynes thinking is essentially assumptive 8. Rabkin, W. 1955. The Pros and Cons of Tonsillectomy.
human-made things have similar character- South African Medical Journal. 45 (1): 30.
he knows evolution happened because the istics that they were both designed and craft- 9. Walter and Eliza Hall Institute. Immune cells make appen-
appendix is vestigial. And how does he know dix silent hero of digestive health. ScienceDaily. Posted on
ed for a purpose. Evolutionists tend to deify sciencedaily.com November 30, 2015, accessed December 1,
its vestigial? Because it no longer performs a natural selector, favoring some random 2015.
10. Rankin, L. C. et al. Complementarity and redundancy of
the function for which it evolved. genetic mistakes that can either shrink or- IL-22-producing innate lymphoid cells. Nature Immunol-
ogy. Published online before print November 30, 2015.
Later, Coyne flatly states, Our appen- gans or cobble them together from scratch. 11. Duke University Medical Center. Appendix Isnt Useless at
All: Its a Safe House for Bacteria. ScienceDaily. Posted on
dix is a nefarious organ that no designer When evolutionists cannot immediately sciencedaily.com October 8, 2007, accessed December 17,
would own up to and that undoubtedly is 2015.
determine the function of an organ, they 12. Ehrlich, P. and L. Birch. 1967. Evolutionary History and
one of many evolutionary leftovers. Thus, imagine how it could have lost its function Population Biology. Nature. 214 (5086): 349-352.
13. Appendix May Produce Good Bacteria, Researchers Think.
Coyne asks what everyone should be think- and declare it basically useless. Biases inher- Associated Press. Posted on foxnews.com October 5, 2007,
accessed on December 4, 2015.
ing: So why do we still have one? His ent to belief systems can force adherents 14. Coyne, Why Evolution Is True, 61-62.
15. Ibid, 81, 62.
speculations reflect the quintessential selec- into faulty conclusions. The appendix blun- 16. Barras, C. Appendix Evolved More Than 30 Times. Science.
der does not just indicate shoddy scientific Posted on sciencemag.org February 12, 2013, accessed De-
tionist explanation, which projects mystical cember 6, 2015.
powers onto nature and is otherwise beyond research, it reveals the faulty belief system 17. Tomkins, J. 2012. Mechanisms of Adaptation in Biology:
Molecular Cell Biology. Acts & Facts. 41 (4): 6.
the realm of human verification. And since which drives evolutionary assumptions.
Dr. Guliuzza is ICRs National Representative.
these speculative claims cant be verified em- Therefore, when presented with an ap-

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14 ACTS FACTS FEBRUARY 2016
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

BACK TO GENESIS APOLOGETICS


T I M C L A R E Y , P h . D .
STEWARDSHIP

Homo naledi: Claims of a Transitional Ape


LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
CREATION Q & A

I
RESEARCH
n the December 2015 issue of Acts & was conducted.3 Leakey believes they probably washed in,
Facts, we pointed out some strange Why wouldnt a team of high-profile, stating, There has to be another entrance.1
circumstances surrounding the cave
APOLOGETICS cutting-edge scientists use every testing The scattering of these bones within
in which Homo naledione of the method at their disposal to help clarify ex- the upper few inches of sediment in the
most recent hyped examples of a human actly what these specimens are and what cave floor suggests recent emplacement.
ancestorwas discovered and addressed they truly represent? They could have washed in during periods
STEWARDSHIP
concerns over critical mismatches in body Perhaps theyre doubtful about the re- of high water flow, perhaps during the Ice
parts. But another problem casts even fur- sults. If tests revealed an age of thousands of Age, when water levels and climate fluctua-
ther doubt on the evolutionists claim that years, it would clearly expose these fossils as tions were more dramatic and sporadic. The
Homo naledi is a transitional creature be- too young to represent an evolutionary tran- Bible indicates the Ice Age took place around
tween apes and humans: They havent used sitionnullifying the discovery. 4,300 years ago.8
CREATION
standard Q to
techniques &date
A the fossils.
The scientists assume the fos- Conclusion
sils are 2 to 2.5 million years old, fit-
The geology, anatomy, lack of
ting perfectly with their story of hu-
dating, and evidence of recent water
man evolution.1 However, no results
RESEARCH action reveal that the media blitz and
of any sort of dating method for
excitement over Homo naledi is es-
Homo naledi1-3 have been published,
sentially based on falsehood.
and so this estimate is not based on
FROM THE EDITOR These fossils are most likely
any empirical information. 1
thousands of years old and depos-
ited post-Flood. The claimed new
Dating Methods
species appears to be a mosaic of
LEGACY
The researchers reported an at- different species put together based
tempt to date the fossils using the ura- on evolutionary biases, not scien-
nium-series dating technique, which Fossil skull of H. naledi tific evidence. God did not make
Holotype specimen of Homo naledi, Dinaledi Hominin 1 (DH1). Copyright 2015, Berger
measures
CONTENTS the amount of uranium et al. eLife 2015, 4: e09560. Adapted for use in accordance with federal copyright (fair use doc- creatures that were almost hu-
trine) law. Usage by ICR does not imply endorsement of copyright holder.
trapped in flowstone deposits and man, and no evidence has refuted
compares it to an assumed deposition rate.4,5 thisincluding Homo naledi.
Scattered Bones
But they never revealed the results of this References
1. Shreeve, J. 2015. Mystery man: A trove of fossils found deep
failed attempt because they claimed the The mystery of how the bones ended in a South African cave adds a baffling new branch to the
human family tree. National Geographic. 228 (4): 30-57.
process was contaminated from fine dust- up in the deep cave chamber wont be easily 2. Berger, L. R. et al. Homo naledi, a new species of the genus
Homo from the Dinaledi Chamber, South Africa. eLife.
ing of a detrital component derived from resolved. Sedimentary evidence in the cave Posted on elifesciences.org September 10, 2015, accessed
September 15, 2015.
associated muds.3 floor suggests periods of higher water flow 3. Dirks, P. et al. Geological and taphonomic context for the
It appears they also assumed the bones rates. And the bones were broken and ran-
1 hominin species Homo naledi from the Dinaledi Chamber,
South Africa. eLife. Posted on elifesciences.org September
were too old to test for measurable amounts domly dispersed in the upper eight inches of 10, 2015, accessed September 15, 2015.
4. Pickering, R. et al. 2007. Stratigraphy, U-Th chronology,
of carbon-14.6 Finding no carbon-14 in the sediment.3 and paleoenvironments at Gladysvale Cave: insights into
the climatic control of South African hominin-bearing cave
bones would help their case by eliminating Berger and his team think the bones deposits. Journal of Human Evolution. 53 (5): 602-619.
5. Pickering, R. et al. 2011. Contemporary flowstone develop-
age assignments of less than 100,000 years. were deliberately placed by living Homo ment links early hominin bearing cave deposits in South
In contrast, detectable carbon-14 would naledi in a burial ritual.3 He claimed, Dis- Africa. Earth and Planetary Sciences Letters. 306 (1): 23-32.
6. Bascomb, B. Archaeologys Disputed Genius. Nova Next.
demonstrate a youthful ageplacing Homo posal of the dead brings closure for the liv- Posted on pbs.org September 10, 2015, accessed October 4,
2015.
naledi alongside species of modern humans. ing and confers respect. Such sentiments are 7. Grn, R. 1989. Electron spin reso-
nance (ESR) dating. Quaternary
The researchers could also have used a hallmark of humanity. But H. naledi was International. 1: 65-109.
8. Hebert, J. 2013. Was There an Ice
electron spin resonance dating that other not human.1 However, the long, convoluted Age? Acts & Facts. 42 (12): 20.
evolutionists use for tooth enamel.7 Homo path within the cave to ritually bury these Dr. Clarey is Research Associate at
naledi researcher Lee Bergers team found remains makes this interpretation unlikely, the Institute for Creation Research
and received his Ph.D. in geology
179 dental crowns in the caveyet no test and others disagree with Berger. Richard from Western Michigan University.

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FEBRUARY 2016 ACTS FACTS 15
IMPACT
BACK TO GENESIS F R A N K S H E R W I N , M . A .

Applying Design Analysis to Microbiome Research


LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

APOLOGETICS

R
STEWARDSHIP
esearchers continue to discover unique microbial communi- Forward Engineering Human-Microbe Interactions
ties on and in our skin, mouth, gut, and airways. This collec-
CREATION Q & A Interfaces help autonomous entities, like humans and mi-
tion of viruses, bacteria, and fungi is termed the microbiome.
crobes, exchange information and material.2 Designers use in-depth
RESEARCHOur relationship with our microbiome has been quite inti-
knowledge of unrelated systems to integrate their functions with
mate from creation since it accomplishes vital tasks for us.
three indispensable interface elements:
Yet evolutionists and some creationists explain microbe-
human relations in warlike paradigms. The overriding question is 1) Authentication mechanisms that differentiate between self and
this: If God originally created the world without death and disease, non-self entities;
2) Protocols to standardize rules/processes governing the exchange;
where did our bodies get their disease-fighting capabilities? Creation-
functioning through a
ists need biblical explanations that are scientifically sound and not 3) Medium containing conditions that are mutually accessible to
simply lighter versions of evolutionary lines of thinking. Therefore, both entities.
our research views microbes as creatures designed to work in harmo-
nious relationships with other organisms; this view is consis- Design analysis anticipates that an innate interface system fully
tent with creationist biologist Joseph Francis proposal controls the harmony between humans and microbes
over a decade ago that was recently updated.1 with human elements displaying the three distin-
guishing characteristics listed above. We call
Methodology this a microbe interface system.

The author of this article proposes Implications


objective design analysis as a useful
investigative approach to biological When immune systems are
systems. Biological research typi- interpreted and defined in sur-
cally understands systems by disas- vival terms, it is liable to mislead.
sembling them. This is called reverse Pre-Fall defensive systems may
engineering. However, design analy- create a conundrum for creation-
sis begins with forward engineering. ists, but an essential interface sys-
Design researchers think through tem that harmonizes autonomous
the major elements and assembly se- entities, like humans and microbes,
quences needed to achieve a specific makes perfect sense. Therefore, design
outcome. They also reference similar hu- analysis can identify naturalistic biases,
man-made systems to help predict findings such as the reference to an interface system
before applying reverse engineering to correlate as immune.
the functions of the discoveries. Humans associating with trillions of microbes
Design analysis methodology describes only mea- since the time of creation certainly implies designed inter-
surable innate elements in devices or processesit does not con- facing. Seen from this perspective, the human microbe interface sys-
coct mystical events to fill in missing information. Therefore, design
tem has likely not changed significantly from its original regulatory
analysis helps clarify a traits true cause. In biological contexts, design
purpose.
analysis also helps expose the lack of evidence for expressions of en-
From a design perspective, the immune system could be
vironmental agency that evolutionists believe are at work.
more accurately renamed the microbe interface system.
So, how exactly do these trillions of microorganisms on our
References
body interact, regulate, and harmonize with the individual? Design 1. Francis, J. W. 2013. A Creationist View of the Mammalian Immune System: From Red Queen
analysis starts by asking how human engineers could overcome hu- to Social Interface. Journal of Creation Theology and Science. Paper originally presented at the
Origins Conference, August 4, 2013, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. JTCS
man-microbe dissimilarities and distinct boundaries between them to Series B: Life Sciences. 3:1-5.
2. Clark, K. 2012. Capturing and analyzing interface characteristics,
produce beneficial interaction. Some bridging mechanism is required. Parts 1 and 2: IBM Developer Works.
A logical design solution demands that the microorganisms and the Mr. Sherwin is Research Associate, Senior Lecturer, and Science Writer
human must connect through an interface. Assuming a creation per- at the Institute for Creation Research.

spective, could God have built such an interface in organisms?

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16 ACTS FACTS FEBRUARY 2016
IMPACT
BACK TO GENESIS B R I A N T H O M A S , M . S .

Duck-bill Dinosaur Blood Vessels


LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

APOLOGETICS

STEWARDSHIP

CREATION Q & A

RESEARCH

S
cientists keep finding short-lived Blood vessels from deep inside dinosaur bone.
biochemicals and even soft tissues (D) Demineralized bone matrix from MOR 5928 is white under transmitted light.
in fossils! Over the years, they have (E) MOR 2598 vessels and matrix after EDTA demineralization show rounded red in-
found unmistakable evidence of clusions. (F) Higher magnification of isolated MOR 5923 vessel, showing amorphous
specific proteins like collagen and hemo- red intravascular contents.
Image Credit: Copyright 2009 Science. Adapted for use in accordance with federal copyright (fair use doctrine) law. Usage by ICR does not imply
globin, and even what look like red blood endorsement of copyright holder.

cells and bone cells, in dinosaurs and other


fossils.1 Most soft-tissue structures occur as This leads to a second question: Can found in collagenshould decay at least
mineralized remains that preserve merely real blood vessels last 80 million years? as fast as collagen.3 Because no empirical
an impression or outline, but a few preserve Definitely not, and heres why. Scientists study has demonstrated that a protein could
decayed remnants of the original cellular have measured decay rates for collagen and last much beyond a million years, these re-
structures. These original structures should DNA, but not for these 10 specific dinosaur searchers supported their belief in deep time
be long gone after about one million years. A blood vessel proteins. Studies show collagen with faulty logic instead of science.4
new report of intact blood vessels in a duck- should last no more than about a million Blood vessels in dinosaur bones look
bill dinosaur bone pinpoints ways that such years if kept cold.1 Do these other proteins young. Why? Because they are made of pro-
discoveries challenge old ideas about fossils. show scientific evidence that they could teins with short-lived amino acids that look
A team of biomedical and earth sci- last many times longer than collagen, given like they have not been around long enough
entists first chemically removed everything ideal conditions? Chemistry shows just the to completely react with oxygen. This good
but the blood vessels from deep within the opposite. science again confirms Scriptures account
dinosaur bone.2 They found 10 proteins, For example, consider one of the of a recent creation.
including tubulin, actin, myosin, tropomyo- duck-bill dinosaur proteins called beta tu- References
1. Thomas, B. 2014. Original-Tissue Fossils: Creations Silent
sin, and histone H2A. A chemical analyzer bulin. The team found that it contained Advocates. Acts & Facts. 43 (8): 5-9.
read sequences of amino acids in each pro- chemically stable amino acids like glycine 2. Cleland, T. P. et al. 2015. Mass Spectrometry and Antibody-
Based Characterization of Blood Vessels from Brachylopho-
teinlike reading each word in an essay. and valine. These could last a very long time, saurus canadensis. Journal of Proteome Research. 14 (12):
5252-5262.
They found enough similarities between the but the proteins aspartic acid and methio- 3. A separate study showed that blood puree preserved vessels
at room temperature for several years. Although this veri-
dinosaur proteins and those of reptiles and nine remain ready to react. Organic chem- fied that iron from the blood inhibited microbes that de-
birds to conclude they were from a real ani- ists have watched batches of aspartic acid re- grade blood vessels, it inadvertently showed that iron failed
to convert blood-vessel proteins into a more time-resistant
mal, but enough differences to suggest that it act quickly and easily with available oxygen, chemical. See Thomas, B. Can Iron Preserve Fossil Proteins
for Eons? Creation Science Update. Posted on icr.org June
was an extinct animal, like a dinosaur. and methionine readily reacts with oxygen 23, 2015, accessed December 8, 2015.
4. Cleland et al. wrote, Application of these approaches
These dinosaur protein sequences to form methylsulfoxide. to other fossil specimens, derived from both Mesozoic
These standard chemical breakdowns and Cenozoic deposits, will further identify the types of
help answer two key questions. First, did proteins likely to persist into deep time, or, more specifi-
fungus or bacteria produce structures that eventually turn blood vessels into gooey cally, will identify particular functional groups or molecular
characteristics that increase preservation potential. Well, of
masquerade as blood vessels? Well, bacte- puddles. But scientists found methionine course these proteins last through
deep time if one assumes they
ria dont even make these proteins. Theyre and un-reacted aspartic acid inside dino- were buried 70 million years ago.
saur blood vesselsnot gooey puddles. But this circular argument ignores
ruled out. And no known fungus makes powerful evidence that blood-ves-
hollow, branching tubes, so that rules them Thus, even though we dont have specific sel proteins could never last that
long.
out, too. That means these are real dinosaur decay rates for proteins like tubulin or actin,
Mr. Thomas is Science Writer at the
blood vessels. the amino acids that make them upalso Institute for Creation Research.

| &
FEBRUARY 2016 ACTS FACTS 17
DALLAS MUSEUM OF SCIENCE AND EARTH HISTORY
RESEARCH

Planetarium Unlimited
EVENTS

IMPACT
EVENTS

IMPACT
BACK TO GENESIS
The following are excerpts of an interview with millions of years ago this star formed. Well,
ICRs Director of Research and astrophysicist once youve talked about that youve left the
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
Dr. Jason Lisle about ICRs plans to build a new realm of science, and I knew thatI recog-
BACK TO GENESIS APOLOGETICS
creation science museum and state-of-the-art nized that its not something we can observe
planetarium. Please visit ICR.org to access a STEWARDSHIP
and test and repeat in the present. That really
video of the full interview hosted by Science didnt bother meI could distinguish
CREATION theQ & A
Writer BrianLETTERS
Thomas. TO THE EDITORstorytelling from the genuine science.
RESEARCH
BT: Were here to talk with Dr. Jason Lisle Psychologically, its a little bit of a drain be-
about this museum, but lets first get to cause youre with a group of people, and
APOLOGETICS
know him. What got you started on space most of them have a very secular worldview.
stuff? And so the way they interpret the evidence
is somewhat consistent with their world-
JL: Ive lovedSTEWARDSHIP
outer space since I was a little
viewand theres a pressure to conform to
kid. I remember seeing these beautiful im-
what other people believe. But thats a psy-
agesof star fields, stunning colors of these
chological pressure.
nebulae, its artwork of God. Theres some-
thing kind of spiritual about it. My dad had BT: I hear from the world that some of the
an interest inCREATION
astronomy andQhis&dadA before strongest arguments against biblical cre-
him, so they kind of paved the way for me. ations timeline come from the stars. If the
stars are so far awayand they areand
BT: Was there a challenge to your Christian time at all for the light from distant galaxies
the light travels at this speedand we as-
faith as you prepared academically? to reach the earth. So of course it can hap-
RESEARCH sume it doesthen they have to be billions
pen in the biblical timeframe. Its hard to ex-
JL: I went through the secular program all of years old in order for that light to have
plain that in a quick soundbite answer. The
the way through.There currently are no reached here. Is there a quick way to answer
fact is, physicsas we understand itdoes
Christian schools that will give you a truly THEthat
FROM or not?
EDITOR allow for instantaneous light travel.
biblical six-day creation view of astronomy.
JL: One assumptionis that light travels the
So I had to go through a secular program if BT: Wow, thats a real game changer. Will
same speed in all directions.The bottom
I was going to get a degree in astrophysics.
LEGACY you be able to incorporate that kind of in-
line is: the speed of light, when its directed
formation in our new museum and espe-
Most of astronomy, a lot of it is really just toward an observer, can be as fast as infinite.
cially in the new planetarium? First of all,
good science. Sometimes theyll get into Using that definition, which Einstein agreed
what is a planetarium?
CONTENTS
the storytelling aspect of it, We think that was one acceptable definition, it takes no
JL: A planetarium is basically a hemispheri-
cal dome where you can project images,
generally images of the night sky; and in
the past thats all they could do. They could
project images of the star field. The old-style
approach was quite limited. Today, there are
no limitations on what we can do. Modern
projection systems are digital, which means
we can project anything on our planetarium
dome. We can leave the earth and travel into
outer space, visit these other planetsand it
looks like youre there because its surround-
ing you on all sides. Its really exciting.

BT: What other features would you want to

& |
18 ACTS FACTS FEBRUARY 2016

Today, there are no limitations on what we can do. Modern projection systems are
digital, which means we can project anything onto our planetarium dome. We can
leave the earth and travel into outer space, visit these other planetsand it looks
like youre there because its surrounding you on all sides. Its really exciting.


lions of years old then it means the Bibles JL: Perhaps entertaining isnt the right word.
not true. These issues do matterthey af- It needs to be captivating. It needs to grab
fect our worldview. They come in contact peoples attention and draw them in.
with our worldview. Its very important we
BT: We dont want entertainment for en-
interpret the evidence properly, and its one tertainments sake, we want captivation for
of the things well showcase in the planetar- educations sake.
ium. When the evidence is properly under-
The Butterfly Nebula. Image credit: NASA/ESA/Hubble.

stood, it confirms the biblical worldview and JL: Exactly. There are a lot of scientific facts
therefore refutes the Big Bang and billions of that, if you present them to people in the
years. right way, they say, Wow, thats fascinating.
I didnt know that! Science, when you do
BT: And if the Bibles right about history, then it properly, confirms biblical creation. We
its right about important other matters. need to draw people in. The museum is de-
signed to whet their appetite.
JL: Jesus made that point in John 3:12: If
I have told you earthly things and you do BT: How long does it take to put together a
not believe, how will you believe if I tell you brand-new planetarium show?
put in those planetarium shows? heavenly things? Hes making the point
JL: It takes a whilebetween three and six
that if we dont trust the Bible on earthly
JL: A lot of stuff that confirms biblical cre- months. Its like making a movie. Today all
mattersthings we can in principle test the images are computer-generated. They
ation. There are many issues that demon-
scientificallyif the Bible got those details look totally real at this point. It will feel like
strate the universe cant be anywhere close
wrong, why would we trust it on how to in- youre in space. We can also do it in 3-D.
to the secular age of billions of years. For
herit eternal life?
example, the internal heat of some of these BT: With the glasses?
planets. Most planets actually give off more A lot of Christians dont realize they have a
double standard. Theyre rejecting the Bible JL: Yes, its going to feel like you are in space.
energy than they get from the sun. Some of
the big planets, like Jupiter, theyre made on some issues, and theyre accepting it on BT: Are you going to add Pluto to our plan-
mostly of hydrogen and helium gas, and yet others. Their children see that inconsistency, etarium?
Jupiter gives off twice as much energy as it and then they walk away from the church.
JL: Absolutely. Thats one of the neat things
gets. Thats also true for Saturn and Nep- And then people ask, Why are our children
about our planetariumif NASA discovers
tune. Thats a big problem in the secular walking away from the church? Well, they
something new today, I can have it in the
view, and most people arent aware of that. can see that Mom and Dad dont really be-
planetarium tomorrow.
Thats something that well showcase in the lieve the Bible in some areas, and that leads
planetarium. young people to think its not really trust- Well have constantly changing shows. And
worthy. Why should I trust it in matters of because the planetarium is a digital envi-
BT: Who cares if the stars are billions of
salvation if it cant be trusted in matters of ronment, it doesnt have to be limited to as-
years old or just thousands of years old
Earth history? tronomy. We could do a dinosaur show or a
what difference does it make?
rafting trip down Grand Canyon. Maybe a
JL: If the whole universe is thousands of BT: Now were getting right into the heart of trip into a human cell and see the DNA
years old then it means the Big Bang cannot what this museum is supposed to be about. even down to the level of an atom. Its virtu-
be true. It means evolution cannot be true in You mentioned earlier you wanted the plane- ally unlimited.
terms ofmolecules-to-man evolution. It tarium and the rest of the museums displays
For more information, visit ICR.org/museum.
blows away the secular worldview. If it could to be entertaining. What part does entertain-
be demonstrated that the universe were bil- ment play in reaching the next generation?

| &
FEBRUARY 2016 ACTS FACTS 19
CREATION Q & A B R I A N T H O M A S , M . S .

RESEARCH
Were Dinosaurs on Noahs Ark?
FROM THE EDITOR

LEGACY

CONTENTS

When visitors inspect land, which dinosaur skulls and legs reveal.7 a dinosaur, then some dinosaurs survived
ICRs seven-and-a-half- Fossils show that even the largest dinosaurs the Flood on Noahs Ark.14
foot-long model of No- hatched from eggs not much larger than a Eventually dinosaurs around the
ahs Ark, the dinosaur football. Noahs family would likely have world went extinct, likely because the clos-
figurines on the bottom deck tend to catch taken young sauropods on board the Ark ing Ice Age brought radical climate changes
their eyes. They often ask about those di- not full-grown, 100-foot dinosaurs. Most and people drained swamps and killed off
nosaurs, giving our tour guides a chance to of the other 60 or so dinosaur kinds would threatening creatures. Memorable encoun-
explain how dinosaurs fit in biblical history. have occupied only one corner of one of the ters gave rise to dragon legends, written de-
First, God created each dinosaur as a Arks three deckslike the model on the scriptions, paintings, and carvings of dino-
beast of the earth on Day Six of the creation ICR campus shows.8 saurs from around the world.15
week just before creating Adam and Eve.1 After the Flood, dinosaurs and all the Were dinosaurs on Noahs Ark? His-
Dinosaurs lived at the same time as man for other Ark animals migrated from the Middle tory both inside and outside the Bible says,
about 1,650 years before the Flood came.2 East to the habitats they preferred. Dinosaurs Yes.
However, dinosaurs may have mainly lived probably headed to swampy places that be- References
1. Genesis 1:24.
far away from people since dinosaur fossils came deserts centuries later.9 Genesis 13:10 2. Johnson, J. 2008. How Young Is the Earth? Applying Simple
Math to Data in Genesis. Acts & Facts. 37 (10): 4.
occur with shallow marine and swamp- says, And Lot lifted his eyes and saw all the 3. Genesis 3:17.
living plants and animals and not with plain of Jordan, that it was well watered ev- 4. See Genesis 6:7, 13. Dinosaur bones bear dinosaur tooth
marks, showing their violent natures before and during the
human fossils. Soon after creation, Adam erywhere (before the Lord destroyed Sodom Flood.
5. 2 Peter 3:6.
and Eve sinned, so God said, Cursed is the and Gomorrah) like the garden of the Lord, 6. Genesis 6:19.
7. Genesis 7:22-23.
ground for your sake.3 This curse affected like the land of Egypt. The Jordan plain near 8. Carrasco, E. 2015. Noahs Ark Model. Acts & Facts. 44 (3):12.
9. Skonieczny, C. et al. 2015. African humid periods triggered
everything, and eventually all men, and ap- the Dead Sea began drying after Sodoms fi- the reactivation of a large river system in Western Sahara.
parently even animals, became so corrupt in ery destruction. Egypt also dried.10 Any di- Nature Communications. 6: 8751.
10. Egypts seven years of famine during Josephs reign, about
their violence4 that God cleansed the whole nosaurs in these areas would have moved or 288 years after Sodom was destroyed, probably marked a
drier Egyptian climate that lingers today.
earth of their filth when the world that then died when their habitats dried. 11. Thomas, B. 2013. Dinosaurs and the Bible. Eugene, OR:
Harvest House.
existed perished, being flooded with water.5 The final Bible dinosaur scene comes 12. Job 40:19.
13. Interestingly, God told Job, Look now at the behemoth,
The Flood made dinosaur fossils. from Job. 11 Clues that behemoth best which I made along with you (Job 40:15). Does this refer to
God told Noah, Of every living thing matches a sauropod include its supreme God having made behemoth and mankind on creation Day
Six? Also, Abraham and Lot may have seen the Job 40:21
of all flesh you shall bring two of every sort strength and power, its swampy habitat, its reed and marsh lands within the plain of Jordan, since
behemoth is confident, though the Jordan gushes into his
into the ark, to keep them alive with you; reference as the first of the ways of God mouth (Job 40:23).
14. Job 40:15.
they shall be male and female. 6 So we know suggesting it was the largest created land-liv- 15. Nelson, V. 2012. Dire Dragons. Red Deer, Canada: Untold
Secrets of Planet Earth Publishing Company.
that representatives of each kind of dinosaur ing creatureand its tail like a cedar tree.12,13
Mr. Thomas is Science Writer at the Institute for Creation
went on the Ark. Genesis also indicates that Job lived after the Flood, so if he could look Research.
animals on the Ark had nostrils and lived on now at the behemoth, and if behemoth was

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20 ACTS FACTS FEBRUARY 2016
APOLOGETICS J A M E S J . S . J O H N S O N , J . D . , T h . D .

Gods Timing
STEWARDSHIP

Makes Sense of
ADVERSITY
CREATION Q & A

Therefore let those who suffer ac-


RESEARCH
cording to the will of God commit
their souls to Him in doing good,
FROM THE EDITOR
as to a faithful Creator.
1 Peter 4:19
LEGACY

W
hy do people suffer bad tion, then birth occurs.3,4 Hawks and eagles mans and animals) so that, as Paul would
things that they dont de- fly with purposeful timing, synching their later say, all things work together for good.6
CONTENTSserve? It was the inquirer flights to thermal air currents and season- Amazing! God has ordained seasons
rather than the question timed migrations.3 and migrations, fitted deer and goats for
that was surprising: a seven-year-old boy. Sequential timing is vital for the im- pregnancies, and provides food to animals to
The answer to this childs question is portant things in this life, even the basics satisfy their hunger.3,4 Gods timing is impor-
provided in the book of Job.1 In Jobs expe- of being born, metabolizing food, and daily tant in our own daily challenges, whether we
rience, he questioned why an infinitely wise, movements. Timing contextualizes all of the are seven or 77, reminding us like Job that
good, and powerful God would allow a ba- temporal adversities in human life, too. But even amidst lifes many confusions and ago-
sically good man to suffer terrible calami- eventually, all temporal afflictions end.5 nies we can trust His all-wise and providen-
ties on Earth while letting other humans, God was testing Jobs moral charac- tial care. God knows what He is doing!
who behave far worse, escape such calami- ter. We know this now because we have the References
1. Johnson, J. 2011. Human Suffering: Why This Isnt the Best
ties. Such inequity confuses child and adult entire book and know the entire ordeal, in- of All Possible Worlds. Acts & Facts. 40 (11): 8-10.
alike, especially if one assumes that total cluding the happy ending.6 But if God had 2. Job 1:62:10; 42:10. See also Johnson, J. 2014. The Truth
Test. Acts & Facts. 43 (1): 22.
fairness is supposed to be achieved dur- told Job about the test in advance, includ- 3. Job 38:39-40 (lions); 38:41 (ravens); 39:1 (mountain goats);
39:1-4 (deer); 39:26 (hawks); 39:27-30 (eagles). The move-
ing this earthly lifetime.2 But how do you ing how God was proving that Satan was ments of hawks and eagles in Holy Land habitats are rich
studies in themselves. See also Cansdale, G. S. 1976. All the
explain Jobits theology of human suffer- an impudent liar, it would have ruined the Animals of the Bible Lands. Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan.
4. For example, wild goat mothers of various Capra species,
ing, and how God tests human character in legitimacy of Jobs own trial of faith.2,6 What common in the ancient Near East, take about five months
to carry their babies to birth so Gods designed develop-
time for His eternal purposesto a second Job learned through his agonizing ordeal ment has adequate time to occur. However, deer mothers
such as Cervus elaphus and Cervus dama, both common in
grader? was synched to sequenced timingGods the ancient Near East, typically carry their young for about
seven monthsduring which time Gods bioengineering
Start by explaining the importance of timingso that Jobs sufferings ultimately was preparing their fawns for life on the outside. Hayssen,
how temporal needs are followed by timely ended and counted for good.6 V., A. van Tienhoven, and A. van Tienhoven. 1993. Asdells
Patterns of Mammalian Reproduction. Ithaca, NY: Cornell
care, in our own lives, using a nature ser- God delayed some answers, but He did University Press, 437 (goats), 401 (deer).
5. James 5:10-11.
monthe same approach God Himself not ignore Job. He provided Job with proof 6. Troubles are guaranteed in this life (Job 5:7; 1 Corinthians
10:13), but God promises a happy
used while He was replying to Jobs ago- of His wisdom and goodness and power in ending that makes eternal sense
out of temporal confusion to
nizing questions. God pointed to how He a sermon about nature (Job 3841). He gave those who love Him and are called
for His purpose (Romans 8:28).
takes care of earthly creatures through His adequate information to Job, emphasizing
Dr. Johnson is Associate Professor
providential timing. Lion and raven babies that He was Maker and Master of His own of Apologetics and Chief Academic
hunger first, then they eat.3 Wild goats and creation, orchestrating and operating its Officer at the Institute for Creation
Research.
deer have designed timeframes for gesta- synchronized moving parts (including hu-

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FEBRUARY 2016 ACTS FACTS 21
STEWARDSHIP H E N R Y M . M O R R I S I V

Investing for Future Generations

T
en years ago this month, ICR founder Dr. Henry Morris Creator, like the groundbreaking Unlocking the Mysteries of Genesis
CREATION was called
Q& home
A to heaven. His passing marked the end of and our new four-episode Made in His Image series.
an exceptionally fruitful life serving the Lord that included But we have the opportunity to do much more! A world-class
36 years devoted to full-time creation ministry. While the science museum and planetarium have enormous potential to reach
homegoing of any Christian is a curious mix of sadness and joyfor even more people, and were praying God will allow ICR to begin
all believers shall be reunited one day (1 Thessalonians 4:16-17)the building soon. By His provision, we own the building and the nec-
RESEARCH
passing of our founder was an especially uncertain time for ICR. Even essary property for expansionall debt free! But more importantly,
with transition plans in place, we wondered how to continue the work God supplied the in-house scientific expertise needed to design an in-
of such an extraordinary servant whom God used so greatly for the novative complex that will showcase the evidence that confirms Gen-
FROM THE EDITOR
cause of Christ. esis and dispels the myth that science disproves the Bible. The Dallas
Many solid Christian ministries decline once their founder re- Museum of Science and Earth History will be unlike anything else in
tires or passes away. Yet the tenets established by Dr. Morrismost the world! Please visit ICR.org/museum for more information.
notably ICRs total commitment to the authority of Scripturehave
LEGACY As the world grows increasingly hostile toward the message of
served us well. God marvelously guided and provided in the years Christ, now is the time for Christians to stand and proclaim the mar-
that followed, and by His blessing ICR continues to do business velous truths of Scripture to those willing to hear (Matthew 13:9).
(Luke 19:13) via new ministry outlets that reach more people today The staff and scientists at ICR are ready to do our part, and we are
CONTENTS
than ever before. Consider the following. praying the Lord will lay it on the hearts of many like-minded ser-
The ICR science staff continues to uncover remarkable evi- vants to do business with us.
dence of the Bibles accuracy and remains the fountainhead for much I am certain my grandfather would be an enthusiastic support-
of the creation science research in the world today. Online education er of this new museum initiative. I hope you share ICRs excitement
programs offered through our School of Biblical Apologetics (ICR. in the possibilities this project could produce for
edu) have equipped thousands of Christian leaders and laymen to our Creators cause. Please carefully consider how
effectively influence their world with the truth of Scripture. ICRs you might invest with usand experience the joy
website, one of the first of its kind dedicated to biblical scientific of being part of a project that will reach future gen-
creationism, hosts millions of visitors annually. Over the last three erations for Christ.
years, our Thats a Fact video shorts have been viewed online nearly Mr. Morris is Director of Donor Relations at the Institute for Creation
10 million times by people from 150 Research.

countries. ICRs monthly Acts &


Facts magazine and quarterly
Days of Praise devotional
contain information
committed to biblical
authority and are of-
fered free to hundreds
of thousands of people
worldwide. We have
produced dozens of new
books and exceptional
DVD resources to glorify our

PRAYERFULLY Through Visit icr.org/give and explore how you can


Online Donations support the vital work of ICR ministries.
CONSIDER SUPPORTING Stocks and Securities

ICR
Or contact us at stewardship@icr.org or
IRA Gifts
Matching Gift Programs 800.337.0375 for personal assistance.
CFC (Federal/Military Workers)
Gift Planning ICR is a recognized 501(c )(3) nonprofit ministry, and all
Charitable Gift Annuities gifts are tax-deductible to the fullest extent allowed
X G A L AT I A N S 6 : 9 - 1 0 w
Wills and Trusts by law.

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22 ACTS FACTS FEBRUARY 2016
CREATION Q & A
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
RESEARCH

I really appreciate your article The Imaginary Piltdown Man Facebook responses to recent articles on the Dallas
APOLOGETICS
[Acts & Facts, December 2015].It gave me a new understanding Museum of Science and Earth History:
into the mindset of an old-earth evolutionist.In my opinion,
Now this is a place Id love to visit if Im ever in the USA. Sci-
your assessment of their frame of mind is very accurate and
ence doesnt disprove God. It only solidifies proof of His sover-
will help me relate better to them in conversations.I am a
STEWARDSHIP eign existence.
young-earth creationist, formerly an old-earth evolutionist, and
M. D.
am thoroughly enjoying learning more and more scientific evi-
dence supporting the YEC point of view.
A. P.
This is wonderful! People need to learn that history, science and
CREATION Q & A the Bible all fit beautifully like a glove! This is what I was taught
in my biblical research, teaching, and fellowship classes! The
Loved reading about the Piltdown Man hoax in the December
Bible is a blueprint for living and to all things pertaining to God
issue of Acts & Facts. It reminded me of the Cardiff Giant hoax
and His creations. It all comes together so beautifully, nothing
perpetrated in the 1800s. It can still be seen in Cooperstown,
is created by man, God is the original Creator of everything
NY, at the Farmers Museum. I have been receiving A&F since
RESEARCH except evil!
the first issue, and it is one of the few issues I read all the way
C. W.
through. Also, love Days of Praiseuse it daily in my devotions
and share it on Facebook. Such a blessing.
FROM
THE
D. H.EDITOR
This is a great undertaking! Thank God for His provisions
through His faithful servants.
M. F.
Ive been researching the ICR website recently and have found
LEGACY
it tremendously helpful. Thank you!I appreciate all the work
that has gone intoeducating others aboutGods creation by
Praise GOD! This is such a big door opening for our children
deepening understanding of Gods Word. It willhelp raise a gen-
and youthfor EVERYBODY! I will continue to give GOD the
eration that understands the implications of biblical creation.
CONTENTS praise!
A. P.
L. B.

I have been asked to teach, for the second time, a 12-week


As a resident of Dallas, we are all excited.
course at my church I have named The Gospel According to
T. F.
Genesis. The Unlocking [the Mysteries of Genesis] DVDs are uti-
lized during each lesson. I also give out printed material from a
variety of sources, with ICR being the primary one. For the first Tweets:
lesson I give out copies of the chapter [Jim Johnson] and Jason
Lisle wrote in the Creation Basics & Beyond book titled How Theres always a studied answer to the wild reports of the media.
Should We Then Interpret Genesis? Thanks for bringing sanity to this. [Referring to Acts & Facts De-
L. N. cember 2015 article] Homo naledi: New Claims of a Missing Link
M. B.

Facebook Posts:
My mind [is] just totally blown! Did you hear it? Thanks to
I love the work you guys are doing so much. I am going to Frank Sherwin & @ICRscience on the planetary balance of
donate [to the museum] because of the confidence I have in our Solar System! [The Perfect Balance of Our Solar System]
[Dr. Henry Morris III] and Jason [Lisle] to further advance the WOW!
Kingdom. Good that you are looking at the folks that may be S. G.
here after us.
D. B. Have a comment? Email us at editor@icr.org or write to Editor,
P. O. Box 59029, Dallas, Texas 75229. Note: Unfortunately, ICR
is not able to respond to all correspondence.

| &
FEBRUARY 2016 ACTS FACTS 23
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n Episode 1: The Miracle of Birth
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