I don’t post about my kids much in any internet forum for a couple of reasons:
Reason #1: I don’t like to write about them without their permission, because I don’t think it’s fair to them. As many people have discovered much to their dismay, once something gets released in the wilds of the internet, there’s no recapturing it. Pixels are forever. And I don’t want my kids to have to deal down the line with stuff I posted about them. If someday my son runs for President, I don’t want him to have to explain why 20 years earlier I wrote about his irrational fear of taking an arrow in the knee.
Reason #2: Contrary to what we see on so many social media forums, I want this site to be honest about life. That means that I post about the good and the bad — which should include my kids. They aren’t perfect, and I don’t want to give anyone the idea that I think they are. So if I post about their successes, I also want to be able to post about their failures and struggles. Which then brings us back to Reason #1.
That said, I’m going to bend that rule (to the point of breaking; it’s my website!) because I want to share some stuff my daughter — the Damsel — wrote for a college class this past week. She’s taking some sort of biology class that looks at how science — particularly, duh, biology — and a Christian worldview intersect. I have slightly edited the questions and answers for clarity, but not for substance. Question #1:
In what ways is DNA like a computer code? How is historical science different than “benchtop science?” Is the deduction that codes require “coders” a rational deduction that can be made, or is it simply “religion” masquerading as science?
A little devious for her professor to sneak three questions into one, but I guess that’s his/her prerogative. Here is the Damsel’s answer:
DNA is similar to a computer code in that it is typographic in nature. It is information that is read in order to carry out a task. Just as digital code contains instructions for a program to run, DNA contains instructions to build proteins and carry out cell functions. Both DNA and computer code contain CSI (complex and specified information), which indicates design. It is accepted that computer code is in fact designed by humans. Less accepted, but no less true, is the fact that DNA was also intelligently designed – by God.
Historical science is different from “benchtop science” in that it looks to historical evidence rather than experimental evidence. It examines history for patterns and truths that can be applied in the present. Benchtop science involves designing and running tests and experiments in order to collect data to use as evidence.
Empirical science relies on observations and evidence. Let’s take a look at the facts. After observing DNA, scientists have compared it to computer code, only far more advanced. There is evidence that all computer code that has ever been written was made by an intelligent human being. Thus, it follows that DNA, too, was created by an intelligent being. To believe in intelligent design is not to masquerade religion as science; quite the opposite. Science is the search for truth. The truth is that DNA is full of CSI and in the entirety of history, there has never once been a case of CSI without design. It would be unscientific and prejudiced to reject these verified truths as religious propaganda.
Now, not only did I not substantively pad these answers, she didn’t get any of this stuff from me at any point in her life. Heck, until I read this, I didn’t know any of this stuff (typographical? historical science? benchtop science? I thought CSI was a t.v. crime drama with Mark Harmon!), much less teach it to her. I was a liberal arts major, for crying out loud.
Here’s Question # 2, same class, same assignment:
This week contained many scriptural references (Psalm 8; Psalm 14; Psalm 139; Romans 1:18-22; and Hebrews 11:1-3). Choose one passage and explain how it highlights the biblical account for human dignity. Choose a second passage and explain how it highlights why there are those who deny God’s existence. How have you seen these verses played out in your own life?
Again, three questions in one. It’s dishonest, I tell you! The Damsel’s answer:
God ensured that the Bible is direct on the subject of faith. Through the Bible, it is crystal clear that humans are held to a higher standard than animals, and that ignorance is not an excuse for unbelievers.
Romans 1:18-22 explains that the nature of God is evident in creation. God holds humanity accountable for acknowledging his existence, since, “…what can be known about God is plain… because God has shown it” (1:19 ESV). Reality is evidence for the existence of God. There is a reason Earth exists, as well as the sun and the moon. There is a cause behind diversity of life and the fine-tuned properties of the universe. Humans are set apart from other animals in that we were created in the image of God. Non-Christians cannot (effectively) deny that humans have something other living creatures don’t have. We have the ability to create, to connect, to question. These all point to a meaning in life, the existence of something beyond ourselves. Just looking at the world around us, it is not difficult to realize that there are aspects of life that transcend the physical plane. I would argue that the “immaterial mind” is, in essence, the soul. The truth is, it isn’t so far-fetched to believe in a higher power. Some people will argue there is no evidence, no reason to believe in God or religion. These people, according to the Word of God, are “without excuse,” because even God’s invisible traits, such as omnipotence and divinity, “have been clearly perceived, ever since the creation of the world” (1:20 ESV). Obviously, a non-Christian would not accept the Bible as evidence, in which case I would once again point to reality and creation, as God states that the evidence is there.
Christians frequently find it easy to adopt a judgmental attitude towards non-Christians who deny the existence of God. For those whose eyes have been opened by the grace of the Holy Spirit, God’s existence is overwhelmingly obvious. However, looking through the eyes of a fallen human being, which we all are, it is more comprehensible how non-Christians can reject God. Hebrews 11:1-3 explains that faith is key. Christianity is sometimes even referred to as “the faith”. Faith is defined by Google as “complete trust or confidence in someone or something”. The Bible takes it even further, by specifically stating, “Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen” (11:1 ESV). Faith is blind, in one sense, due to there not being any conventional evidence for the object of faith. I’ve just discussed the evidence of the existence of God, and the fact that there is no excuse for unbelief. That isn’t to say that we can actually turn our eyes upon God. First of all, we would die. Second of all, it wouldn’t necessarily be faith, since it would be trusting in the seen, rather than trusting in the unseen. Non-Christians deny the existence of God because they do not allow themselves to believe in something they cannot see or feel directly.
I find that, personally, Psalm 139 is extremely relevant to my life. Verse one of Psalm 139 says, “O Lord, you have searched me and known me” (ESV). It always amazes me that God intentionally made me. He had a plan for my life longer than I can even comprehend. This brings comfort to me, since I know that God is orchestrating everything. Even though I will suffer, as it is clear in the Bible that believers will be persecuted and faced with trials, God will always be present. This is included in verses seven through twelve, part of which reads, “Where shall I go from your Spirit? Or where shall I flee from your presence?” (ESV). These are just a couple of highlights from Psalm 139, but it is relevant in its entirety.
I’m not sure I would make a habit of citing Google as a definitional source, but for these purposes Google had it right. And so does the Damsel, on both the science and the theology.
Although I’m mightily impressed with her scientific knowledge, that’s not what really blows me away. What makes my heart sing — and the reason for this post — is that the Damsel has demonstrated a remarkable ability to think rationally, critically, and logically. In an age when everyone and everything is driven by religious ideology and emotion, that is a breath — rather, a rushing wind — of fresh air. I see the hints, the very early sprouts, of the next generation of Jonah Goldbergs in her, which give me great comfort and hope for her future, and future generations.
I am also, of course, blown away by her spiritual insight and maturity. Let me be clear: I take no credit for this. She wrote of the grace of God, and she is living proof that such grace is instrumental in her life. I boast only in Christ. She boasts only in Christ.
To conclude, I want to point out that the Damsel has only ever attended public schools. But she has had wonderful teachers (and, if we’re being honest, a few less-than-wonderful ones, as you would expect), and she has sat under the teaching and preaching of magnificent pastors, ministers, bible study leaders, and spiritual mentors.
Oh — and she’s an incredibly talented actress and singer. But that’s for another day.
