John Ray's Diary

'How to live with Delusion - a response to The God Delusion by Richard Dawkins" If matter is all there is, governed by the laws of physics and chemistry, what becomes of personality, consciousness, morality and free agency? What has Richard Dawkins to say on these issues that are central to our thinking about who we are and what is our place in the world?  Read more ...

'Truth in Science' deserves our appreciation! Outrage and alarm was the media greeting for the launch of the ‘Truth in Science’ initiative on 20 September 2006.  Schools up and down the country were sent two DVDs with a study guide helping teachers to utilise these materials in biology lessons.  Instead of welcoming a constructive and stimulating input to the educational process, the denunciations were almost universal. Read more ...

Recolonisation and Earth History. The Committee of the Biblical Creation Society have noted a web page on the Answers in Genesis web site which refers to several members of BCS (who are also contributors to Origins) as "compromisers" who have "allowed their 'science' to lead their understanding of the Bible, rather than the reverse." The AiG authors are referring to the Recolonisation approach to understanding geology and the fossil record. To find out what the Committee thinks about this, click here ...

Rod Liddle on the New Fundamentalists. Rupert Kaye writes: "I tuned in to watch this edition of Dispatches (screened on Channel 4 at 8pm on Monday 6 March 2006) in eager expectation that Rod Liddle would visit a number of new Christian schools to find out if, how and why they are distinctive. After all, there was plenty for him to have got his teeth into." To read more, please click here ...

How should Christians assess Intelligent Design? ID should be welcomed by Christians. It is far from being an intrusion into our intellectual heritage. ID leaders are expressing clearly and incisively an understanding of the created order that is essentially biblical. Our forefathers held similar views, but their thoughts lacked maturity and were expressed in a less rigorous way. In essence, ID is the view that intelligent design is manifested in the created order. Design is not an aesthetic response to creation or a subjective feeling. Design is really there. Concluding that life is designed is not a matter of faith, but a matter of physical evidence. . ... Click here for more

Intelligent Design - Science education and design in the natural world: Judging by media interest, the concept of Intelligent Design (ID) is having a major impact in the USA. Several popular science journals (including National Geographic and Discover) have carried lengthy articles defending Darwinian evolution. Many peer-reviewed journals (including Nature and Science) have carried reactions to ID. ... Click here for more

The Amazing Shrinking Humans from Flores: On 28th October 2004, something genuinely novel appeared in the pages of Nature and hit the front pages of newspapers around the world. Professor Chris Stringer commented: "When a new fossil is found it is often claimed that it will rewrite the anthropological textbooks. But in the case of an astonishing new discovery from Indonesia, this claim is fully justified". It was a diminutive skeleton that appeared very human-like but with a brain size comparable to the smallest known australopithecine. This was big news because everyone both creationists and evolutionists had previously considered human brain sizes to be significantly larger than any of the apes. ... Click here for more

Pope Benedict XVI and his challenge to evolutionary theorists: Pope Benedict XVI says "We are not some casual and meaningless product of evolution." This will not please the atheist-minded scientists in our society, who maintain with vehemence that we are! Richard Dawkins asserts the meaninglessness of evolutionary processes: "The universe we observe has precisely the properties we should expect if there is, at bottom, no design, no purpose, no evil and no good, nothing but blind pitiless indifference" ... Click here for more

Questioning Orthodoxy: Dr. Alan Feduccia Speaks on the Origin of Birds A Report by Casey Luskin On a night when I should not have taken a study break from finals (11/29/04), I heard Dr. Alan Feduccia speak at the San Diego Natural History Museum on the origin of birds. Feduccia is a committed evolutionist but he is well known because of his rare views among evolutionist paleontologists that birds did not evolve from theropod dinosaurs. Click here to read more ...

High Priests of Evolution: The 19th Century High Priest of evolution was Thomas Huxley. He recognised the power struggle in Victorian England and the role played by the aristocracy and the established Church. ... Click here for more

Teaching that does justice to the data about origins: In early September 2004, the media carried a remarkable story about educational decisions in Serbia. The Daily Telegraph (9 September) had the dramatic line: "Serbia has suspended the teaching of Darwin's theory of evolution for the current school year." The person behind this was Ljiljana Colic, the education minister and a member of the Orthodox Christian community. She said: "Darwinism is a theory as dogmatic as the one which says God created the first man." Click here to read more ...

Just-so stories and Design Explanations: the Elephant’s Trunk. On Monday 9 August 2004, BBC Radio 4 broadcast the first of a series on “Real Just So Stories”. Stimulated by Rudyard Kipling’s stories for children, the programme presenter, Alistair McGowan, asks: “What really happened?” This episode was entitled “How the Elephant Got Its Trunk” Click here to read more ...

The BBC Floats with Noah– but not the biblical one! On March 21st, the BBC showed a “drama documentary” on Noah’s ark. They claim to be showing that the Bible story has a basis in fact, but it ends up very differently from the Bible account and misses the point (and the record) in several instances. Click here to read more...

Pick of the Web

July 2008

Setting the Record Straight on Vestigial Organs, by David A. DeWitt (Answers Magazine, 28 May 2008). A response to a recent article in New Scientist, discussing five alleged vestigial organs in the human body.

Ventastega-not a leg to stand on, by Shaun Doyle (Creation on the Web, 4 July 2008). Ventastega has been hailed as the latest transitional fossil, - but is it all it's cracked up to be?

Red Rock Pass: Spillway of the Bonneville Flood, by Steven A. Austin (ICR Acts and Facts, July 2008) Red Rock Pass, source of the great Bonneville flood, stimulates thoughts about rapid landscape changes.

June 2008

Ernst Chain: Antibiotics Pioneer, by Jerry Bergman (ICR, May 2008) This Nobel prize-winning biochemist openly opposed Darwinism on the basis of his scientific research.

The rise and rise of the New Malthusianism, by Frank Furedi (Spiked, 30 May 2008). Review of “Fatal Misconception” - a thorough study of the history of the population-control lobby showing that Malthusianism is alive and well.

But For the Bible, We Might All Be Creationists, by Roddy M. Bullock (The ID Report, ARN, 31 May 2008) Even Dawkins and Crick are willing to entertain design inferences - but only as long as God is excluded from consideration.

May 2008

Jefferson vs. Hitler - Expelled and the Nazi-Evolution Connection, by David A. DeWitt, Answers in Genesis (22 April 2008). Is connecting Darwin and the Nazis fair, or is it a fallacious cheap shot, as evolutionists claim?

Darwin and the Nazis, by Richard Weikart, (The American Spectator, 4/16/2008) Six features of Darwinian theory that have contributed to the devaluing of human life.

Don't Doubt It, by David Klinghoffer (National Review Online, April 18, 2008) The relevance of the Darwin-Hitler debate for understanding Mein Kampf and eugenics

April 2008

The Difference 'Expelled' Will Make, by William A. Dembski (Baptist Press News, Apr 18, 2008) Commentary on the significance of the new movie "Expelled: No Intelligence Allowed" by one of the leaders of the Intelligent Design Movement.

The Atheist Delusion, by John Gray (The Guardian, March 15, 2008) “Today secular faith is ebbing, and it is the apostles of unbelief who are left stranded on the beach.”

Darwin of the Gaps (Review of The Language of God by Francis S. Collins) by Jonathan Wells (Discovery Institute, March 26 2008) Critical review of a book by a leading theistic evolutionist.

March 2008

Fit for a Queen: Jezebel's Royal Seal, by Marjo C.A. Korpel (Biblical Archaeology Review, 34:02, Mar/Apr 2008) A seal, first studied in the 1960s, appears to have belonged to Queen Jezebel, wife of Ahab.

I can't wait to be 'Expelled', by Joseph Farah (World Net Daily, March 04, 2008) “There's a movie coming out in April, but I can't wait to tell you about it.”

Intelligent Design, by Jonathan Wells (New World Encyclopedia, Online March 2008) A definitive essay on what ID is and what its advocates say.

February 2008

The New Theology, by Jeremy Manier (Chicago Tribune, 19 January 2008) (reposted here) If you ever doubted that theistic evolution leads to the revision of important biblical teaching, read this.

ABO Blood and Human Origins, by Daniel Criswell, ICR Acts & Facts, February 2008. The ABO blood group is proving to be a valuable asset for determining human migration patterns and origins.

A review of “Darwin Day in America” - by John West. Bill Muehlenberg, CultureWatch, 30 Jan 2008 “West superbly makes the case that Darwin had plenty of bad ideas, and we are seeing plenty of ugly consequences today as a result.”

January 2008

Charles Darwin, The Last Icon of Evolution? by Roddy Bullock (ARN, 15 December 2007)

What is The Book that Darwinists don't yet know they hate? Read this for a surprising answer. Top Ten Darwin and Design News and Resources (from ARN) Ten significant stories and ten major resources relating to Darwinism and origins.

Biblical Archaeology: Year 2007 in review, by Ryan Jaroncyk A selection of ten archaeological news stories from 2007, relating to the Bible. .

December 2007

From Darwin to Hitler, by Richard Weikart (Lecture at UCSB earlier in 2007) This lecture is concerned with the revolutionary impact Darwinism has had on ethics and morality. (needs Real Player)

Galloping Glaciers, by William A. Hoesch (Back to Genesis, ICR, December 2007). The geological work during glacial surges is substantial, raising questions about timescales to form glacial scenery.

Mysteries of the cnidarians, by Steven Robinson (Earth History, Nov 2007) Genome analyses do not conform to Darwinian expectations.

November 2007

Is Creationism a Threat to Human Rights? by Albert Mohler (Blog, October 8, 2007) As if the world needed another crazy development, the Council of Europe, the continent's central human rights body, last week declared creationism to be a threat to human rights.

A Revelation, by Naomi Schaefer Riley (Opinion Journal, October 12, 2007) Richard Dawkins and John Lennox debate propositions such as: "Faith is blind; science is evidence based," "Design is dead, otherwise one must explain who designed the designer" and "Christianity is dangerous."

Benjamin Wiker interviews Anthony Flew, tothesource (30 October 2007). The latest interview with a leading philosopher who has turned from atheism to deism.

October 2007

A response to atheists, materialists. A review by Bryan Appleyard, (The Philadelphia Inquirer, Sun, Sep. 30, 2007) “Neuroscience is a combat zone” says the reviewer, who commends the book as a vigorous defence of the existence of the soul against the claims of materialists.

Wholistic Geology: Geology Before, During, and After the Biblical Flood, by Leonard Brand (Origins, 2007, No.61, 7-34). A helpful discussion of geological issues with the goal of moving Diluvialism out of a rut.

Design versus Dogma (web booklet) A brief and informative introduction to Intelligent Design

September 2007

The Future of Atheism: Damned if you don't, damned if you don't, by Alan Jacobs (Books & Culture, September/October 2007) It's time atheists addressed this question: What's the evolutionary explanation for atheism?

The death blow to Darwinism. A review of The Edge of Evolution, by Michael Behe Behe proves that life does develop, but not in the way Darwin thought it did.

“What Would Jesus Drive?”- Electrified Evangelical theological confusion, By Jay W. Richards (National Review Online, September 2007) A plea for some clear thinking on Christian care for the environment

August 2007

Book Review: Behe's Edge of Evolution: A turning point in the evolution vs. intelligent design controversy? By Denyse O'Leary (12 July 2007). At last! - a three-part review that tells you what Behe's case against Darwinism actually is.

A teacher with faith and reason, by Jeff Jacoby (The Boston Globe, July 22, 2007). A world-class physicist working at a major university was also an advocate of both ID and creation.

What Can We Learn from Francis Schaeffer?, by Ranald Macaulay (Christian Heritage, Cambridge, July 19 2007) We can learn much from one of the heroes of the 20th Century. ”

July 2007

George Orwell would be proud of the Council of Europe - "I predicted it!" by Denyse O'Leary (Post-Darwinist, June 26 2007.) Thoughts on the Council of Europe resolution which portrayed creationism and intelligent design as a threat to human rights.

Dawkins Attacks Behe in New York Times, But Where's the Science? by Logan Gage (Evolution News & Views, 1 July 2007) Dawkins reveals the bankruptcy of Darwinism in his review of Behe's new book.

Tiny tablet provides proof for Old Testament, by Nigel Reynolds (The Daily Telegraph, 12 July 2007) Jeremiah 39:3 - “A throwaway detail in the Old Testament turns out to be accurate and true.”

June 2007

The new tyranny, by Madeleine Bunting (Mail & Guardian, 25 May 07) An explanation as to why atheism sells.

One Scientist's Junk Is a Creationist's Treasure, by Catherine Shaffer (Wired, 13 June 07) One of the key findings of the opossum genome-sequencing project is welcomed as evidence of design.

Darwinian thought police strike again, by Russell Grigg (Creation on the Web, 12 June 07) Comments on the ID-advocate astronomer denied tenure at Iowa State University

May 2007

Swallowing: It's not as easy as it looks, by Howard Glicksman. Consider what's really going on every time you swallow, about 1,000 times a day. That's 1,000 chances per day for aspiration causing disease, dysfunction and death to take place, and the body handles it beautifully.

Adam and Eve, Vitamin C, and Pseudogenes, by Daniel Criswell (ICR Impact May 2007). Discussion of a human pseudogene to identify a creation perspective.

Genomes and Design, by Timothy Standish (Origins, 2007, No 60, 61-64). Genome sequences are a testimony to design.

April 2007

The Gospel according to Darwin, by John G. West (National Review Online, February 12, 2007). There is scant reporting on the anti-religious zeal with which many atheists promote Darwinism.

The Current Status of Baraminology, by Todd Wood (Creation Research Society Quarterly, December 2006) Must-reading for creation-orientated biologists.

'Earth is younger than we think' (War Cry, 24 March 2007). Scientist Paul Garner talks on what the Bible says about origins.

A Call to Truth, Prudence, and Protection of the Poor: An Evangelical Response to Global Warming, by E. Calvin Beisner et al. A useful report from the Interfaith Stewardship Alliance.

March 2007

The Intricate and Masterful Design of the Human Ear, by Aaron R. Morrison (Reason & Revelation, February 2007 - 27(2): 9-13). The human hearing mechanism is tremendously complex and wonderfully designed.

Intelligent Design in Biology: the Current Situation and Future Prospects, by Phillip E. Johnson (Think [The Royal Institute of Philosophy], February 19, 2007). The goal of the Intelligent Design Movement: “to achieve an open philosophy of science that permits consideration of any explanations toward which the evidence may be pointing”.

The Dawkins Confusion: Naturalism ad absurdum., by Alvin Plantinga (Books and Culture, March/April 2007, Vol. 13, No. 2, Page 21). Dawkins' new book is “full of bluster and bombast, but it really doesn't give even the slightest reason for thinking belief in God mistaken, let alone a "delusion."”

February 2007

JUST ADD ENERGY ... , by Professor Andy McIntosh. A brief response to Richard Dawkins’ claim that the Second Law of Thermodynamics is no problem for evolution.

Do stop behaving as if you are God, Professor Dawkins, by Alister McGrath (The Mail on Sunday, 5 February 2007) Professor McGrath explains why his reasoned response to “The Root of All Evil?” is to be found on the cutting-room floor.

Water Activity on Mars: Landscapes and Sedimentary Strata, by Andrew A. Snelling (Impact #404, February 2007) The case for past catastrophic water-related activity on Mars - and its significance.

January 2007

Smithsonian Scientist Was Demoted for Views Critical of Darwinian EvolutionThe official report into the case of biologist Dr. Richard Sternberg reveals bigotry in the science community

A Tale of Two Hourglasses by D. Russell Humphreys (ICR Impact 402, December 2006) What should we think when clocks for dating earth history do not yield similar ages?

Secular fundamentalists are the new totalitarians, by Tobias Jones (The Guardian, January 6, 2007) Militant secularists like Richard Dawkins are the new fundamentalists