Preamble

Established scientific laws and principles are inherently non-controversial and can be investigated without rancour and without religious controversy, in a classroom and in a laboratory.

Astronomers have reached something approaching a general consensus regarding the broad picture of the origin of the universe. We may take this as an object lesson in dividing between science and religion.

In short, it is possible to study the universe irrespective of one's personal beliefs as to its origin. The physics of the "big bang" and that which ensued applies irrespective of the physicist's personal beliefs as to the Source of the phenomenon. The same separation of science and personal belief as practised by many astronomers can equally be practised by those dealing with the origin of the species.

Matter exists: "Matter can be neither created nor destroyed": we may successfully study matter separate from our personal opinions as to how it got here -- provided we place enough reliance upon the First Law to assume that the matter we are studying will not suddenly dismaterialize and ruin our experiment.

The species, excluding Man, are nothing more than a visible expression of information married with life. Once a living cell has been placed in the earth information technology is theoretically capable of producing some, if not all, the results we see around us. Storage and transmission of this information may, where necessary, be regarded as having been pre-programmed, thus leaving no contradiction between the observable facts and the biblical narrative. For those who prefer to leave the judeo-christian Scriptures aside, the existence of information is scarcely likely to threaten other creeds; and at the same time, the existence of information has been no barrier to those who claim no intentional design in nature.

The Source of the information need be no more controversial than the question of the Source of the universe.

Information, like matter, exists. How it came to exist we leave to one side, but the storage, transmission and effect of this information we may study within the parameters of the laws of physical chemistry, with descriptive disciplines such as biology and geology as guides.

To suggest that matter can create itself is to depart from the realms of known observable fact and to enter the realm of "philosophical" conjecture. To suggest that information can create itself is to likewise depart from the realms of observable fact and to enter the realm of conjecture. Information is information, whether I remember it or not. Even Einstein thought up nothing new. He described that which exists. Someone, or something, or, if we wish, random events, thought his thoughts before him.

Conjecture has a useful place in science. Problems arise when it is confused with empirical and applicable fact. We are now in an unprecedented position, because technologic advances now enable us to evaluate and update old ideas about origins -- with less conjecture, and more empirical and applicable facts.

The source of information in nature need no more concern nor confuse the capable scientist or educator than the question of the source of the universe need concern or confuse the competent scientist or educator. The teaching and practice of science, as always, can be divided from religious controversy.

The scriptural basis of science and of these lessons: the technical and educational resources of this site are ultimately founded on the Scriptures. For the full picture, purchase of this Bible commentary is recommended. For a quick overview of what the Bible says about the age of the earth click here.

The factual basis of these lessons: the earth has a story to tell. For instance the earth tells us that its rock strata, as a whole, were laid down over vast periods of time.

There is currently strong polarisation of opinions in this field. By utilising materials which are available on this site it should be possible to defuse antagonisms and broaden opinions. There is a very real sense in which both sides win as technology opens to us the remarkable story of origins.

Resources are provided focussing on the major areas of the fossil record, evolution, pre-programming, DNA/genetics. Other materials are accessible via the menu bar.

These materials are freely available -- we hope you find them helpful.

(suggested for 'breaking the ice' for highschoolers)