Science and Faith actually do come together and this is the main reason for the first WindowView YouTube channel full presentation. How does science evidence clarify what is noted in some places in scripture? What science evidence reveals you are not by chance? A scientist who has explored scientific and theological information opens a window to answers and unique perspectives! Take a look: https://youtu.be/abYksx6jR8Q
Director, WindowView.org
The WindowView ( https://www.windowview.org ) is a look at SCIENCE (data for design in nature), CHANGE (global, climate, etc.), HARMONY (data in biblical texts), TIME (line of events from eternity past to the future) all fill the window of YOUR LIFE. Science reveals we are not here by chance! Harmony from the roots of biblical text. Study the window’s perspectives and see what comes by way of a SPECIAL RELATIONSHIP! CONVERGENCE is when all merges to seeking truth!
Share this link with friends, family, people you meet along the way day-to-day and within the Convergence is the life opportunity to gain a relationship with the One who gave us all life now and into the future!
Director, WindowView.org
Greetings from windowview.org! And if you have not visited the home page maybe take a look now and share this with family, friends, or anyone you meet along the way.
We all live in an era where we can see a variety of perspectives. Think of a multitude of lines of sight as information that forms a big picture. This is like a window that reveals what life is. You are not by chance. Life is an opportunity to see scientific and theological information coming together. Visit the Windowview homepage, watch the intro video, and give this some thought and then explore what the window has to reveal!
Director, WindowView.org
At the convergence of science (the Book of Nature) and the Bible (the book of Scripture) we see two different kinds of communications. Style, level of detail, and origin of content for both sources is essentially and ultimately one and the same. Appreciating the convergence of these sources could take some study to fully appreciate and that is why topics under Science and Harmony are presented in each respective area within WindowView.org.
This blog post could be diverse and lengthy, but instead read down the page to see a line of reasoning that illustrates key points from science evidence that supports the convergence of science and faith.
The following outlines how it is that science points back to one and the same author, a mind, creator of universe, Earth, and life:
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LINE OF REASONING
First, ask yourself: why am I here?
Second, why is there a here, instead of nothing at all?
Hebrew (biblical) Scripture indicates a beginning initiated by God.
Science more recently affirms, a universe initiated from nothing.
An event, call it creation, ex nihlo, that is Greek for something came from nothing, appears before us.
We sit here in this room, it took an architect’s mind to design this place.
That means use of mind to produce information and to design a plan.
Are we a result of something random, unguided, and by chance?
OR
Who designed us?
We have highly specified-complex information inside of us.
Where did that come from?
Science Example: Look at one enzyme (a complex protein molecule, made up of many amino acid molecules linked in a specific sequence) that has a specific function.
<p>Each enzyme has what is called an ‘active site’ that performs the enzyme’s function. Some enzymes are called Allosteric enzymes which typically have multiple active sites located on different protein subunits.
An active site, for example, is produced by the genome: “Of the possible genes encoding protein chains 153 amino acids in length, only one in about a hundred trillion trillion trillion trillion trillion trillion is expected to encode a chain that folds well enough to perform a biological function!” (Douglas Axe, 2016, “Undeniable — How Biology Confirms Intuition That Life is Designed.” Page 181)
In other words the chance of forming a functional active site is one chance in 10 raised to the 74th power. This site is just one part of the entire enzyme that also needs a particular three dimensional shape. So, put 74 zeros after a 1 and you can see the probability of the active site is essentially nothing. And remember, one expression is that our universe is made up of 10 to the 80th number of particles. Now that makes an interesting comparison!
Further, be mindful that our bodies require some 1300 types of enzymes, some with more than one active site. We also depend on a balance of multiple physiological (metabolic) systems (composed of enzyme functions), organs, and structure supporting life. Imbalance leads to death.
The information represented by the genome (genetic information) has been demonstrated more and more to have purpose with little to no non-functional sequences. That is there is no junk DNA.
So, not only are proteins highly specified, but the genetic information required to make a protein is just as complex.
Ok, so does life just originate by itself?
Humans (many scientists) now realize that life cannot be created in a test tube. Chemicals required for life need a cell to be produced. The complexity of the chemistry of the cell includes examples of what is called causal circularity. This means all the components and all the chemicals must be present all at the same time, and cannot be derived on a partial basis in order to initiate life.
The circularity is when the chemical being produced needs the same chemical in the production process. Think about that! Which came first, the chicken or the egg?
Origin of life … what about the origin of information making life?
There are numerous other facets to understanding design that points back to a mind as the source of our being.
Scripture simply indicates the Word from God is the source. Words are information and information comes from a mind. The Messiah is identified by Isaiah as “Immanuel,” that is “God with us.” When Yeshua (Messiah, Jesus) is identified by Yochanan (i.e., John) the identification is simple; the Messiah is the Word. The mind of Adonai comes through this incarnate being.
Again, in Scripture the first Hebrew word is ‘bereshit’ or ‘bereishith,’ meaning ‘beginning.’ And the following text describes events that follow to make for the universe, earth, and life.
What science does in recent time is to uncover multiple factors, evidence, and perspectives that indicate the universe, earth, and life are by design. Here is a listing of some categories of that support design and suggest a mind of Designer is responsible:
— The universe, Earth, and life all exhibit numerous examples of what is identified as ‘fine tuning.’ This evidence added together supports the concept of design—our existence is not by chance. Several hours would be needed to describe all facets of fine tuning.
— The genetic code in organisms is highly specified and exhibits a complexity in the way this information is decoded and multiple ways it is read in the process of supporting life functions.
— The only known source for (intelligible, functional) information is a mind. Human minds exceed all other species on Earth in the exhibit of composing music, mathematics, ability to investigate and research, create art forms, etc.
<p>— Irreducible Complexity is exhibited by life in various ways: information sequences, numerous molecular machines, bacterial flagellum, construction of the human eye, immune system, blood clotting pathway, and other examples that are appearing over time with new research findings. Bottom line is these are ‘all or none’ … there must be (all parts) present to function—with no stepwise derivation leading up to such entities.
— Sudden appearance of life: Eidiacarian Era lifeforms, Cambrian Era animals, Insects, Plants all come with supporting evidence for sudden appearance plus specified complexity with no antecedents.
— Developmental Circuitry: In simple terms we can use a electronic circuit board analogy to illustrate the hard wired process of human (and animal) life development. Each phase from fertilization to fetus is guided by a biological processor that directs birth of a being. Any impact that significantly deviates from the established biological circuitry leads to miscarriage. No mutations assumed to lead to a new types of an organism are thus feasible.
— Cells are integrated complex factories: Compartmentation, Information housed and processed, chemical and energy production supported by molecular machines (e.g., ATP-synthase, ribosomes, enzymes), cell ultrastructure Darwin never knew, chemistry inside a cell is immensely efficient, faster, and necessary for physiological function (all must be present all at once to make life) and cannot be likewise reproduced in a laboratory.
— Human Being: looking at the numerous cells, tissues, organs, coordinated metabolism and physiology on a tissue to organ to whole body function reveals a balance of processes that support life. Not only is a medical perspective required to comprehend, but all systems reveal engineering and thus complex design. Too often this is just something assumed, but this fails recognition that humans are a complex, specified, integration of systems that point back to the concept of intelligent design.
— Origin of life researchers are now faced with the reality that a primordial soup, a puddle on an open landscape of a primitive planet, various inputs like water, electric discharge, various atmospheric or aqueous chemicals all fail to support life by chance physical and material processes.
All of the above factors, evidence, and perspectives from Scripture and science both point to life and humanity as not by chance.
And if not by chance, then by purpose and mind, which then presents the possibility life provides an opportunity, that opportunity is to address a question regarding the one whose mind created in the first place.
Will you join the Creator in a relationship that leads to life beyond this life?
Director, WindowView.org
P.S. This blog post contains information that appears in the ‘Convergence Area’ of window view.org. The Science Area in the near future will be updated with a focus on the lineup of topics noted above.
A number of years ago (as far back as 2014) the content of WindowView.org was last updated. A change in internet services in 2020 also caused some minor problems within the web pages, but many corrections have been applied recently and future updates are being planned! One helpful update is a new home page. The startup video makes the initial visit to WindowView.org simpler and provides a brief orientation, which at present during the fall of 2022 is the same as the video here!
Director, WindowView.org
The WindowView touches on many sources to help build the ‘big picture’ that leads to providing you with the most important question … the vital question we all need to consider in our lifetime! Science, theology, paleontology, archaeology, and historical timelines all merge to assemble the multiple perspectives and provide real evidence that makes the window unique and useful!
The WindowView.org website has needed updates for some time now. Updates will start to appear in the coming year. Current pages with book lists have received minor updates and focus on the earlier sources.
Take a look, you might find interesting titles. Click on a book cover and visit a bookseller and read reviews. If the price is too much, search the web!
The main book list can (as of 2022) be considered a bit historic because some of the titles are important in understanding the base of information rom which more current writings gain momentum and support. For example, the Science Area of WindowView relies on many of these sources to help build reasonable to solid perspectives. It is not opinion that is the concern, sound information builds the true view!
Apologetics relates more to the theological side and once you see life is by design, not by chance, and there is more to consider than a temporary and material life … there is the big question about life eternal.
WindowView also looks at many other sources that are available to download or referred to in various places, thus he book lists only represent some of many sources used at this web site. Being objective is extremely important. Avoiding unsupported opinion, bias, or by false interpretation is fundamental to forming a solid set of important perspectives. That is the main goal of embracing the fullness of the window (combine these areas … Science, Change, Harmony, Timeline, and Convergence and assemble the big view on what and why life!).
Director, WindowView.org
A paradigm shift comes with evidence and changes the way we look at our world (and universe)!
Regarding design and our universe, the following is a bit of text from a bookseller web page:
“Astrophysicist Neil deGrasse Tyson once declared, “The universe is a deadly place. At every opportunity it is trying to kill us.” Tyson is not alone in his dark, doomsday perspective. Many have sought to warn of the weapons the universe might use to wipe out humanity.
“In Designed to the Core, astrophysicist Hugh Ross uses the newest astronomical research to not only inform but also inspire the reader with this conclusive truth: While one person sees a razor-sharp blade as a deadly weapon’ the other sees it as a life-saving scalpel.
“The motive of the one who wields that blade makes all the difference.”
Here the author Dr. Ross is actually referring to the author of the Universe itself. A paradigm shift in science and current thinking is a change based on scientific astronomy evidence. If design requires a mind and not simply any unguided process, then the author of he universe is also the author of the book of nature.
At WindowView we see multiple sources that reveal how a paradigm shift is needed not only in science, but theological thinking and in your everyday approach to understanding your existence, your life, and the ultimate reason you are alive … once you see unique perspectives, very detailed information, truth, and awake to he reality of who we all are and why we are here for a short lifetime, then the door to something truly eternal opens up. The shift with sound science takes us from an old and now out-of-date explanation to something incredibly eye opening and better way to see what science is revealing to us today!
To be clear, ‘Designed to the Core’ is a book full of specific info that describes the universe, galaxies, our Milky Way Galaxy, Earth, and all the way to the core … technical descriptions indeed, but unique factors that as you read the descriptions from research, exploration, and scientific discoveries all reveal how we live in an exceptional and incredibly suitable (even rare) location in the universe. In fact, so much else of the universe is not suitable for advanced life to exist, anyone who thinks life forms occupy numerous locations in the universe will see there are few options (i.e., opportunities and possibilities are so limited) outside of where we exist. You don’t need to be an astronomer or scientist to read, but the book is information rich and somewhat technical. Yet, this is well written and summaries, helpful graphics, and numerous references are clearly listed in the text.
This book and other recent titles, many of them noted in posts at this blog, all help in adding to the main reason for looking through the WindowView!
Director, WindowView.org
As the Director of WindowView and one who has examined both Science and Theistic data, I wish to convey an impression from finishing my first time reading Dr. Stephen C. Meyer’s book: “The Return of the God Hypothesis.” I’ll reread this book and in the near future, some of what is in book will add to the evidence in the WindowView site. But the ‘window’ offers multiple viewing perspectives to add to an even bigger picture—like the wider aspect of a picture window that ultimately clarifies what is coming soon to our world (whether you agree or not the evidence we have leads the way—not the web site or writings there, but what the evidence brings to us all).
First, I understand that many may simply reject he book based on the title. That would be an egregious mistake of huge proportions—simply because this book relates to authors and perspectives that span a huge range of disciplines and thought—historic and well recognized philosophic, scientific, and theistic thinkers. So, look at the title and just move on.
The text of the book is based on a growing base of evidence, not conjecture or mere interpretation. Over time, human appreciation for what science shows can in fact develop a stronger appreciation for what is theistic.
The content addresses issues in sequence and looks at what you might simply put as pros and then considers contrary thought. The review is meant to leave essentially no stone unturned. Views you presently hold, evidence you have or have never considered, and other areas are all brought to the surface.
The conclusion of the book even considers how we all grow in this life to ask those significant questions about being—why am I, how can I figure out the answer, is there more to my just thinking in this moment—and thus relates back to how specific and complex information along with a fine tuned universe and the incredible display of life on earth are a reflection of something truly significant—design or chance, Designer or coincidence—the evidence brings clarity.
The book reviews the significance of design in nature, physics, mathematics, start of a universe that is our home and in turn the evidence for intelligent design. However, the concept of intelligent design keeps running into critiques pointing to the idea of design comes without defining the designer. To the contrary, you are the one to think and possibly it will come to you and the answer presents itself regardless of any preconceived notion you may start with. Then think further. We all were brought into this life. I don’t recall being given the choice—I was born, have grown, am thinking, exploring, and with all the theistic and scientific data an answer appears.
You might start with the question as to whether scientific and theistic information can actually and seamlessly fit together. Specifically, do scientific journal data and the biblical text truly mesh into one consistent and comprehensive overview of our being and purpose for life? A major portion of what Dr. Meyer writes actually helps to provide perspectives providing an answer. But it is up to you to ask questions, think, and explore—your life is an opportunity to do so!
To read the book you may want to put in an online order here.
Again, WindowView brings multiple perspectives in sight and in the end the result is very well a harmony with Science and Scripture.
Director, WindowView.org
Is there more to the appearance to these insects than they pop out of the ground and fly around for up to six weeks … every 17 years? Did they evolve or is there something about these lifeforms that have a higher function than what you may first think … well, a scientist has written this blog post to get you to think beyond the ordinary explanations! Read on!
Darwin’s hypotheses that certain insects have corresponding relationships and even mimic plants in ways that identify a functional relationship is often taught in college textbooks. Coevolution seems the term of art–but is this the full and true explanation? But if you have been reading the books recommended here at this WindowView blog, then you realize that life is obviously exhibiting design features. In fact, information that is at the root of every organism’s existence is complex, specific, and far beyond the reach of appearing by chance and then natural selection steps in and as Darwin says lends to the survival of the fittest. But chance and natural selection fail to explain life.
Information and the first origin of life on Earth, plus fine tuning of Earth and universe lend strong evidence to design and as you may come to realize the complexity of design really requires mind … and if that mind is behind the origin of the universe and life … then the existence of Cicadas–that now appear after 17 years of development as nymphs below ground and living on tree roots–brings up an even more fascinating observation.
Cicadas by their life cycle design bury themselves underground and the nymphs live on tree roots for 17 years and then emerge from the ground. The result is the holes all around the base of trees. The real point that should be stressed is these holes aerate the soil and allow more air to reach tree roots in this 17 year cycle. Trees and shrubs benefit from air reaching roots and that this happens periodically is the key to a cyclical design.
The lack of periodic aeration plus soil compaction over time will dwarf a tree or shrub, even cause a limit to growth and a shorter life span for the plant. Insect and plant together make a design system requiring two sophisticated life forms–tree and cicada together are a complex system, even if it never occurred to you until now!
Director, WindowView.org
What is your existence? What if you could sit in a class and just have a wide open discussion on science and see many avenues of thought open up … even leading to concepts you’d never really given much serious thought … AND then your thinking expands and the discussion is so amazing and engaging? Would you want to explore concepts that lead you to think of why or what is existence?
We strongly recommend a new book that tells a story about a college class and the classroom open ended teachings that expand the view and open to ideas and perspectives that do entertain existence in a freely open discussion!
CANCELED SCIENCE by Eric Hedin
From the book listing at Amazon:
Eric Hedin was enjoying a productive career as a physics professor at Ball State University when the letter from a militant atheist arrived and all hell broke loose. The conflict spilled first onto the pages of the local newspaper, and then into the national news. The atheist attack included threats from the Freedom from Religion Foundation, which targeted Hedin after learning his Boundaries of Science course exposed students to an evidence-based case for design and purpose in cosmology, physics, and biochemistry. Canceled Science tells the dramatic story of the atheist campaign to cancel Hedin’s course, reveals the evidence the atheists tried to bury, and explores discoveries that have revolutionized our understanding of the nature and origin of matter, space, and even time itself.
The book cover is below and you can order HERE on the internet.
Director, WindowView.org
