ABSTRACTS
Not so blind a watchmaker
RICHARD D. LUMSDEN, PH.D
Structural and operational principles underlying the organization of the vertebrate retina and bacterial flagellar apparatus are reviewed in the context of William Paley’s classic intelligent designer vs. Richard Dawkins’ contemporary "blind watchmaker" interpretations of biological origins and diversity. The significance of inverted retinal microanatomy and retinocytophysiology is diagnosed. In the process, Dawkins’ riposte to Paley is refuted. The second example is more contemporary. In terms of biophysical complexity, the bacterial rotor-flagellum is without precedent in the living world. To the micromechanicians of industrial research and development operations, it has become an inspirational, albeit formidable challenge to the best efforts of current technology, but one ripe with potential for profitable application. To evolutionists, the system presents an enigma; to creationists, it offers clear and compelling evidence of purposeful intelligent design.
The evolution of geological origins theories: part 1 -- the Haymond interbeds, Marathon Basin, Texas.
GEORGE F. HOWE, PH.D., AND EMMETT L. WILLIAMS, PH.D.
In this paper we demonstrate that rock sections, settling tank experiments, fossil reevaluations, and paradigm changes have been the basis for producing several different and conflicting theories concerning the origin of interbedded sandstone and shale strata known as the Haymond flysch. We show that when new models arise, old geological explanations may still remain viable. Debate and uncertainty ultimately prevail and this is perhaps the way it ought to be, since no one can observe ancient origins.
Anatomical evidence for creation: design in the human body
DAVID A. KAUFMANN, PH.D.
The human body is designed for precise, efficient functioning. In our human realm, creative inventors and engineers design and develop simple and complex machines that perform work more efficiently. A review of examples of pulley systems, wheels and axles, friction-reducing sacs within joints and compression/tension abilities of bones in the human body is presented. The functional superiority of the human brain over lower animals is cited. Since designs infer a designer, an unbiased observer would have great difficulty denying the rationality of inferring that these highly designed mechanisms in the human body had to be designed by an outside, suprahuman intelligent agent (Logos), the Creator.
The effect of Charles Darwin on the English Victorian writer, Thomas Henry Huxley
JAY E. LONG, ED.D.
The writing of Charles Darwin on evolution had a profound effect on the writings of some of the English Victorian writers, especially Thomas Henry Huxley. This article presents a brief summary of that effect]
Pine Creek Gorge, the Grand Canyon of Pennsylvania: an introductory creationist study
EMMETT L. WILLIAMS, PH.D., EUGENE F. CHAFFIN, PH.D., ROBERT M. GOETTE, PH.D. AND JOHN R. MEYER, PH.D
The origin of Pine Creek Gorge in Pennsylvania is discussed from a young earth perspective as well as from a uniformitarian viewpoint. Field work in the region of the gorge is presented. Uniformitarian and creationist conjectures on the formation of the Appalachian Plateau, where the gorge is located, are reviewed.