The cosmic fine tuning that science has uncovered, from the force of the Big Bang to carbon and oxygen, is presented as proof of God's design, with the anthropic principle and multiple universe theories rejected. A second article, the first of two on birds, treats their structure and flight as signs from God. A final reminder announces the August 1997 conference in Tucson, Arizona.
A great puzzle facing science today is why
there is a universe, why there is something instead of nothing. Calculations
show that if exploding power of the Big Bang were only slightly different,
the whole thing would have collapsed to nothingness, or it would have
expanded so rapidly that no two particles would have had time to coalesce
to form atoms, molecules, etc. “Slightly” does not mean one
percent, or even a fraction of one percent, but it means so slightly that
it is impossible even to imagine. The force had to be fine-tuned, precisely
measured to 60 decimal places. Yet disbelievers deny this irrefutable
evidence of God’s design by attributing it to chance. Yes, they
say, there was only 1 in 10^60 (ten to the power of 60) chance, but somehow
it happened. Remember even this tiny chance, as they call it, refers only
to a simple lump of matter, not to a beautiful universe of cats, dogs,
people, etc. That would have been even infinitely more improbable.
A related puzzle is why we have a universe
and not a multi-universe. Why we have a unified whole, all things literally
related, all obeying the same comprehensible laws, a most unexpected phenomena
in an accidental universe. Scientists admit that this is the most incomprehensible
of all, unless of course, one believes in God and God’s design.
We did not create the heavens and the earth and everything
between them except for a specific purpose. (15:85)
Most of the scientific evidence for design arguments has been discovered
in the 20th century. Before that it was really a question of faith. It
was believed as taught by the church, for example, that God created the
earth and then created the sun as a perfect sphere to shine. So when Galileo
turned his telescope toward the sun and saw the dark spots (we call sunspots
now), he was immediately condemned by the church because supposedly God
had made the sun perfect and there could not be any blemishes on it, no
spots, dark or otherwise.
With the progress of science and the realization
of the vastness of the cosmos, the idea that the earth and human beings
were special lost its credibility. Then beginning with the 20th century
and especially in the last 40 to 50 years, the situation has changed.
Detailed studies of fundamental constants and laws of nature gave very
powerful evidence that not only were they designed but specifically designed
for the benefit of man and evolution of life on earth as we know it.
He is the One who designed for you all things on earth,
then turned to the sky and perfected the heavens (2:29)
Many of the laws and special features of the universe, from charge of
electron to mass of proton to speed of light, and so on, have baffled
science and defied explanation not because they have a certain size, speed,
or mass but because, in every case, a particular size, speed, or charge
happens to be the only one that can produce life as we know it and none
other.
Continued on page 2
Signs in the Heavens
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Continued from page 1
Theoretically, in an accidental universe they could have taken
any values between zero and infinity; yet in every case out of all
these almost countless possibilities they have just that one value,
one number that is required for life.
We know, for example, the crucial role C&O (Carbon and Oxygen)
play in life. They play even a more fundamental role in nucleosynthesis,
production of elements in stars. Without these two, the whole chain
of elements would have collapsed—no supernova, no universe
as we know it at all. And of course, it is not just enough to have
C&O, but they must be produced at an exact ratio and they must
have an exact energy level, none other will do.
Twentieth century science has discovered these special features
but has been unable to explain them without having to admit God
and His design. But as usual this has not stopped them from giving
all kinds of nonsensical explanations which we can summarize under
two categories:
A. Those who admit at present that they have no explanation. They
recognize that the universe appears to be a design work but still
insist that science will eventually be able to explain it without
any need for God. Even from their own perspective this seems more
and more unlikely. None of their theories in the last 50 years have
made any breakthrough and have been continually discarded and replaced
by others.
B. The second line of so called explanations fall under what is
called Anthropic principle. According to this principle, things
are the way they are because they had to be, otherwise we would
not be here. This does not really explain anything at all. All it
does is to state the obvious fact that we are here. Therefore it
should not be taken seriously as an explanation.
The same also applies to the so-called multiple universe theories
which in one form or another say that we have almost countless numbers
of universes and ours just happens to have all the right characteristics
and conditions. It is really absurd to try to explain the one physical
universe we
know of by inventing an infinite number
of them. It is even more absurd that these ideas are taken seriously
by some supposedly very rational scientists, probably showing the
degree of their desperation to stick to any idea that apparently
negates God.
There is a new line of explanation on the part of some main line
researchers and scientists. They have finally begun to use the D
word—Design—in a serious way. Here are some quotes:
The conditions in our universe really do seem to be uniquely
suitable for life forms like ourselves.
All evidence suggests this is not just any old universe, but
one which is amazingly adjusted and fine tuned for existence of
human beings.
At every step it looks as if the universe is just unfolding
according to some plan or blueprint. These rules look as if they
are the product of intelligent design. I do not see how that can
possibly be denied.
These are not quotes from some born-again Christians. These are
quotes from scientists who have been trying for years to find an
explanation other than God, and from these quotes it appears they
are admitting at least design of some sort.
Obviously, they felt it is far beyond coincidence. They could not
explain it by attributing it to some kind of Darwinian evolution
because when it comes to Laws of Physics, initial cosmological conditions,
they are, by almost all admissions, absolutely unique. They are
unique now as they have always been, and eternally designed for
evolution of life here on earth. For example, the charge of electron
has always been the same, now here on earth, anywhere in the universe,
or any time in the history of universe. It did not evolve to its
present strength and does not evolve to anything smaller, bigger,
stronger.
As one physicist said: “If we could play God and select values
for these quantities at whim by selecting a set of knobs, we would
find that almost all different knobs have to be fine tuned to enormous
precision if universe were to survive and life to flourish.”
One would think that such powerful evidence would make people to
take heed,
and would make them fall prostrate before
God. However those who have decided to disbelieve will continue
to reject, continue to find objections. Now that they have been
defeated in one area, they will turn to another area for answers.
I have heard and read objections from these people asking why all
these billions of stars and galaxies, if the only purpose was to
create earth and give humans a second chance. “What a waste,”
they say as they object. They ponder how there could be any connection
between all these billions of stars and this tiny insignificant
planet in a corner of universe. One questioned why the appearance
of life on this tiny planet requires the supporting cast of billions
of galaxies?
As usual, these people use every evidence, every sign exactly opposite
to what God intended. Instead of praising and glorifying God they
use it to deny His existence.
Of course God is God. He could have designed any system, maybe
earth and just one galaxy or maybe even earth and just one star.
What a boring universe that would be. But He did not. On the contrary,
He designed a universe with all the vastness, all the multitudes,
magnitudes, and mysteries. Why? We know of at least two related
reasons: Firstly it clearly shows the insignificance of Satan’s
domain, a truly tiny and insignificant planet compared to the vastness
of cosmos. Secondly and just as importantly, I believe, God created
all these specially for us, for you and me, for all sincere seekers
of truth, for all those who wish to praise and glorify Him now,
throughout the ages and for all time to come.
To God belongs the kingship of heavens and earth and everything
between them. He creates whatever He wills, God is Omnipotent.
It is only through remembrance of God that hearts and minds find
assurance, peace, fulfillment, happiness, tranquillity and contentment.
Praise be to God, the One and the only One worthy of praise.
Say, “Note all the signs in the heavens and
the earth, all these signs and warnings will not help people who
have decided to disbelieve.” (10:101)
Hossein Kowsari
Birds (Part I)
Structure and Flight
Do they not see the birds
committed to fly in the atmosphere of the sky? None holds them up
in the air except God. This should be (sufficient) proof for people
who believe. (16:79)
Page 3
That birds can fly and so efficiently is miraculous. In order to
work, such a flying machine must be amazingly lightweight and yet
incredibly tough and strong. To take off and maintain flight, the
bird can’t be too heavy. Yet to survive the conditions faced
in the air and the force of landing, it must be tough so as not
to break on impact. These two qualities (lightness and toughness)
are exactly how a bird is constructed.
The skeletal framework of a bird is rigidly interconnected with
a very sturdy spinal column of fused vertebrae. The neck is strong
but incredibly flexible as it must have the strength to support
the head (keeping it motionless when in flight) yet flexible and
ready to swing it suddenly in any direction, bending far downward
or upward to spot prey or predators. The number of vertebrae in
a bird’s neck varies from long-necked to short-necked birds.
This may sound obvious. But a mouse has the same number of cervical
vertebrae as a giraffe (seven). Birds have a minimum of 11. Flexibility
of the neck is achieved by a system of long bands of muscles and
smaller muscles that are perfectly coordinated. From the slow turning
of an owl’s head to the flash of a heron catching a fish,
it’s a masterful machine.
Bones in the bird are hollow and thin-walled for
lightness with internal struts for support.
All weight is concentrated toward the center of the bird. At that
center is a very large breastbone to which are attached the pectoral
muscles, the mighty muscles which drive the wings. Flight muscles
may account for 25-30 percent of a bird’s weight, compared
to pectoral muscles in the human which weigh less than one percent
of total weight. These muscles working to drive the wings build
up great heat. To counteract this, the bird has the most efficient
respiratory system of any vertebrate. Rather than a single pair
of lungs the bird has a system of air sacs throughout the body even
in some of the hollow spaces in the bones. The air is taken in quickly
to all important parts of the body and the bird’s faster heartbeat
provides rapid circulation.
Good eyesight is an important prerequisite of flight. A bird relies
more heavily on vision than most animals. In some birds their eyes
actually weigh more than their brains. Birds can see distant things
as much as eight times more clearly than man can, and they also
see close up much better. Most birds have both monocular and binocular
vision. They can rely on what one eye sees close up and then count
on sharper binocular vision for distances.
Have they not seen the birds above them lined up
in columns and spreading their wings? The Most Gracious is the One
who holds them in the air. He is Seer of all things. (67:19)
Most important to flight are the wings and feathers. The wing is
really an arm with a large ball joint fitting into the socket in
the shoulder. This is a specialized joint allowing great mobility.
The way the bird can rotate as well as flap up and down gives the
bird the ability to maneuver, slow down, change direction suddenly
and land gracefully.
The feather is a unique and wonderful creation. It’s light
yet sturdy, flexible, versatile and easy to care for, provides cushioning,
thermal insulation, and is water repellent and replaceable. Bright
colored feathers are important in some bird species for attracting
a mate and territorial displays. Some birds have feathers camouflaged
like their surroundings to help them hide.
The simple looking feather is actually a very complex mechanism.
There is a center shaft attached to the skin. From this project
many parallel branches or barbs which in turn bear smaller barbules,
which are equipped with hooks and barbs. All of these barbs catch
in one another like little zippers forming a smooth surface. If
the feather is ruffled and the connection broken, it’s easily
smoothed out and rehooked. On each feather there are millions of
these barbules hooking the feather together. When the wings are
folded the feathers lie over one another like roof shingles with
air spaces between to insulate against heat loss.
Continued on page 4
Birds
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Continued from page 3
With all the bird does, there is continuous wear and tear on the feathers,
so they must be replaceable. That’s why birds molt on a regular
basis. Molting is a precise process, triggered in the least severe season.
The feathers are discarded usually in pairs (one from the right side and
the corresponding one from the left). And never so many that the bird
can’t fly, although it may be weakened. To compensate the new feathers
grow in very fast.
None holds the birds in the air except God
God holds them in the air. God gives them the
physical construction to fly, the use of wings.
They can raise and lower the wings, can move them forward or back, they
can reduce the wing area, can rotate the wing at the shoulder, can twist
the wings. Then God gives them the instincts to know how to do it. Birds
don’t study the laws of gravity but they use them.
From great heights, they’ll tuck their wings and fall straight
down, then pull out the wings to provide resistance to slow down and land.
They make it look easy.
Hummingbirds can fly backwards. Penguins, who don’t fly, use their
wings like a powerful oar to move quickly through the water. Hawks can
turn upside down in full flight to catch smaller birds trying to escape,
then right
themselves and fly on without missing a beat.
Birds use the wind with great skill, as if they studied science. Some
birds use land drafts to soar and glide, like an eagle using the currents
in a canyon. Over water, seabirds are incredibly adept at using drafts.
Gulls also have the instinct to use obstacles, like ships, which create
extra updrafts. They’ll follow motionless, looking as if they’re
tied like a kite on a string.
The structure of the bird and the miracle of flight are signs from God
if we choose to see them. This is a proof for people who believe.
God willing, Part II of the “Birds” will cover the incredible
phenomenon of migration.
Lydia Kelley
1997 Conference
August 29-31, 1997
Tucson, Arizona
This is the last reminder for the conference. Please register as soon
as possible if you are planning to attend. If you have not attended one
of our conferences before, and would like an invitation, contact us by
phone/fax at (520) 323-7636.
Deadline for Registration: July 31, 1997
The registration fees are $57 for each adult and children over 12 years
of age, $29 for children of ages 5-12. Children under 5 are free. The
registration fee includes two lunches and two dinners on Friday and Saturday,
and child care cost for all three days. Note that the conference facilities
are limited. Please register before the deadline to guarantee your reservation.
God willing, we will see you at the conference.
About this work
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International Community of Submitters
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International Community of Submitters / Masjid Tucson