In Part 2 we considered Earth’s amazing magnetic field, our idealized atmosphere, and their combined ability to screen out practically all the dangerous radiation bombarding our planet.  In addition, our atmosphere is perfectly designed with a gas composition that not only removes the incoming x-ray and high-energy gamma radiation but is transparent to visible light and radio waves. These latter ...

Outer space is a dangerous place! In Part 1 we shared how Earth is annually bombarded by at least 400-900 millisieverts of dangerous x-rays, high energy gamma radiation, and cosmic particle radiation from distant galaxies such as M-87.  And, if that wasn’t bad enough, our Sun can deliver over 5000 millisieverts of radiation during a solar flare event if directed ...

Thank you for persevering through the “Time” discussions! The last three papers were likely controversial and perhaps disturbing for those readers who hold a “Young Earth” view.  Given the astonishing contrast between the Young Earth’s proposed age of creation (15 thousand years) versus its age as interpreted through earth science and astronomy (15 billion years), each view may seem bewildering ...

What do the speed of light, diminishing luminosity, Cepheid variable stars, and the redshift all have in common?  First, they were each briefly summarized in the previous blog (Part 3a); and second, they were critical tools in Edwin Hubble’s cosmological tool chest.  Hubble’s genius lay not only in his amazing observational skills, but also in an analytical mind that allowed ...

So far, we’ve examined the subject of “Time” as viewed through Scripture and Creation.  The two previous blogs considered “Time” as expressed in God’s Creation through physics and earth science.  This last blog will extend the discussion through astronomy. *      *      * If you happen to be in Pasadena (CA) or the surrounding area, look at the top of the ...

Some of you have probably surmised that three criteria influenced my personality and religious beliefs: 1) a Texas rancher’s heritage; 2) a fascination with science; and 3) a solid commitment to God and His Word. However, given my background (with science), some may still question the validity of these lessons as they attempt to link the Bible with God’s creation ...

The first ten years of marriage between Jana and I were a period of stretching and adjustments, as with many couples. Her role as a stay-at-home mom with our two young daughters was a heroic task. I became a workaholic at the research lab, dominated by deadlines, schedules, and pressure. Too many weeks were spent away from home on business ...

In Part 1 of this blog we introduced the subject of "time" and noted how the interpretation of the ancient Hebrew term "yom" has led to heated arguments and debates within the Church. The term "yom" literally means "a period of time," and like many other Hebrew nouns, the interpretation is governed by the local context. In Genesis 1 and ...

For centuries, Christian scholars have debated lofty topics such as Arminianism vs. Calvinism (choice vs. predestination), faith only vs. works, and even one (communion) cup vs. multiple cups.  Yet, no other topic within the congregations that I’ve attended over the past five decades has sparked as much controversy and division as “young earth vs. old earth.”  I’ve seen this topic ...

God’s Omniscience: A Future Perspective; Part 2 In Part 1 we examined several Messianic and national prophesies (Topics 1 and 2, below). Each passage described events that would be fulfilled hundreds of years later. Only an omniscient, all-knowing God could foresee specific people, nations, and other details centuries in advance of their dated occurrence. In Part 2, we will examine ...