Theistic vs. Naturalistic Model

MODEL

• A simplified description of a system or phenomenon

ABDUCTIVE LOGIC

• Reasoning from the best explanation

• Comparing models

• Good models allow predictions to be made from them

NATURALISM

• The natural world is all that exists, all of reality can be explained by natural law

BIBLICAL CREATION

• The God of the Bible exists, is responsible for all of creation, he established all physical laws and intervenes from time to time at his discretion

ORIGIN OF LIFE

DESIGN CHARACTERISTICS

• BUILDING A CAR• Conceive of the basic idea and purpose• Conceive of the details• Consider details and how they relate to each

other• Choose appropriate details• Figure out the structure

• Collect and stage raw materials, many of which themselves have already been designed

• Acquire experience in construction• Have all necessary tools on hand• Start construction, the order and techniques

used are known from experience• Input information needed (programming)• Insure proper construction and repair any

mistakes

• Insure that the final product is within quality standards and functions well

TEST FOR DESIGN

• Only designed entities have:• High functional information content• Information processing• High complexity• High specificity in construction

THE UNIVERSE HAS A BEGINNING

ORDER AND CONSISTENCY

PHYSICAL LIFE IS POSSIBLE

OUR LOCATION

ORIGINS

EXOPLANETS

EARTH’S HABITABILITY

PAIN AND SUFFERING

OPTIMAL DESIGN

ANIMALS AND HUMANS

EVERYDAY EXPERIENCE

We do not see: Life from non-lifeCreation of functional information from natural processesCreation of highly specified parts or processes from natural processes

BIAS IN MODEL COMPARISON

• Evidence from nature = design

BIAS IN MODEL COMPARISON

• Evidence from nature = design

• Evidence from nature + there is no God = materialism

• 2 + 2 = 5?

• Which position starts with the most assumptions?

• Which position blocks scientific inquiry?

• Which position appeals more to expected future discoveries?

• Where is the evidence headed?