Wednesday, December 12, 2012
Teleological Argument for God’s Existence
Most Christians have a presupposition that the Bible is true. These Christians do not have to have the Bible proven to them; they accept it as God’s Word. They accept it as containing the very words that God wanted written, and they accept those Words as containing everything necessary to the knowledge of salvation (2 Corinthians 4:6, 10:5; Ephesians 1:17, 4:13; Colossians 1:9-10, 2:2-3, 3:10; 1 Timothy 2:4; 2 Timothy 2:25; Philemon 1:6; 2 Peter 1:2; and many more). I am one of those Christians.
However, the lost do not accept the authority of the Bible. Therefore, the believer may use this method of getting the unbeliever’s attention, thereby opening the door to a conversation that may lead the unbeliever to become a believer. This presentation of evidence pointing to the existence of God is another means that can assist the Christian in spreading the Gospel to a lost and hurting world.
An Overview of the Teleological Argument
The Teleological Argument gets its name from the Greek word ‘telos’ which means ‘purpose’ or ‘ultimate end’ (Powell, p. 51). Teleology is the study of a thing’s purpose or design (Powell, p. 51).
Teleology is the study of a thing’s purpose or design
The Teleological Argument for the existence of God is also sometimes called the Design Argument. This is because the argument is based on the observance of the design we see in the universe around us. The most common analogy for this argument goes something like this: If you were walking in a field and came across a stopwatch, would you say the stopwatch just formed all by itself, or would you say it was designed and created by an intelligence? Is it reasonable to think that all the parts formed by random chance and then it assembled itself, or was assembled by random naturalistic forces? On the other hand, would the intricacy and precision of its design and construction point to an intelligent designer and a watchmaker of sufficient means to have created it?
The answer is obvious; no sane person would imagine the stopwatch just came randomly into existence. Its very design, complexity, and organization point to an intelligent entity (in this case, a watchmaker) as its creator. This is the essence of the Teleological Argument for the existence of God. The universe reveals an intricacy and precision that calls for the existence of an intelligent, powerful Creator, rather than a universe created by random chemical processes and unintelligent physical forces.
However, the lost do not accept the authority of the Bible. Therefore, the believer may use this method of getting the unbeliever’s attention, thereby opening the door to a conversation that may lead the unbeliever to become a believer. This presentation of evidence pointing to the existence of God is another means that can assist the Christian in spreading the Gospel to a lost and hurting world.
An Overview of the Teleological Argument
The Teleological Argument gets its name from the Greek word ‘telos’ which means ‘purpose’ or ‘ultimate end’ (Powell, p. 51). Teleology is the study of a thing’s purpose or design (Powell, p. 51).
Teleology is the study of a thing’s purpose or design
The Teleological Argument for the existence of God is also sometimes called the Design Argument. This is because the argument is based on the observance of the design we see in the universe around us. The most common analogy for this argument goes something like this: If you were walking in a field and came across a stopwatch, would you say the stopwatch just formed all by itself, or would you say it was designed and created by an intelligence? Is it reasonable to think that all the parts formed by random chance and then it assembled itself, or was assembled by random naturalistic forces? On the other hand, would the intricacy and precision of its design and construction point to an intelligent designer and a watchmaker of sufficient means to have created it?
The answer is obvious; no sane person would imagine the stopwatch just came randomly into existence. Its very design, complexity, and organization point to an intelligent entity (in this case, a watchmaker) as its creator. This is the essence of the Teleological Argument for the existence of God. The universe reveals an intricacy and precision that calls for the existence of an intelligent, powerful Creator, rather than a universe created by random chemical processes and unintelligent physical forces.
Elements of the Teleological Argument
One of the main elements in the Teleological Argument is known as the “Anthropic Principle”. This principle sees the universe as designed specifically to support life. Many environmental parameters are so precisely tuned to support life that to alter any one of them, even the slightest, would disallow conditions for life here on Earth. For example, life on Earth would not be possible if:
The axial tilt of the Earth were greater or less
The distance of the Earth from the Sun were greater or less
The Earth’s gravitational interaction with the Moon were greater or less
If the Earth’s surface gravity were greater or less
If the length of the day were longer or shorter
The sad failure of the scientific community
Much of the scientific community would have us believe that the design, order, and complexity of the universe organized itself somehow. It is difficult to understand how science, the discipline involved in research and discovery, many times rejects the evidence for God it uncovers in its daily work. This rejection is not based on empirical evidence, but on the fact that they have presuppositions that exclude the possibility of the existence of God. Therefore, they have already made up their minds that any discovery made cannot be attributed to a supernatural cause.
It is sad, indeed tragic, that the study of God’s creation can be so perverted that it can lead people to believe that the design, intricacy, organization, and complexity we see in the universe came about by blind chance instead of through the act of a loving, powerful Creator. The Bible has this to say about such people, “…they are without excuse. For although they knew God, they did not honor him as God or give thanks to him, but they became futile in their thinking, and their foolish hearts were darkened. Claiming to be wise, they became fools” (Romans 1:20-21 ESV). It is so heartbreaking that hearts can become so hard as to reject truth so clearly observed.
One of the main elements in the Teleological Argument is known as the “Anthropic Principle”. This principle sees the universe as designed specifically to support life. Many environmental parameters are so precisely tuned to support life that to alter any one of them, even the slightest, would disallow conditions for life here on Earth. For example, life on Earth would not be possible if:
The axial tilt of the Earth were greater or less
The distance of the Earth from the Sun were greater or less
The Earth’s gravitational interaction with the Moon were greater or less
If the Earth’s surface gravity were greater or less
If the length of the day were longer or shorter
The sad failure of the scientific community
Much of the scientific community would have us believe that the design, order, and complexity of the universe organized itself somehow. It is difficult to understand how science, the discipline involved in research and discovery, many times rejects the evidence for God it uncovers in its daily work. This rejection is not based on empirical evidence, but on the fact that they have presuppositions that exclude the possibility of the existence of God. Therefore, they have already made up their minds that any discovery made cannot be attributed to a supernatural cause.
It is sad, indeed tragic, that the study of God’s creation can be so perverted that it can lead people to believe that the design, intricacy, organization, and complexity we see in the universe came about by blind chance instead of through the act of a loving, powerful Creator. The Bible has this to say about such people, “…they are without excuse. For although they knew God, they did not honor him as God or give thanks to him, but they became futile in their thinking, and their foolish hearts were darkened. Claiming to be wise, they became fools” (Romans 1:20-21 ESV). It is so heartbreaking that hearts can become so hard as to reject truth so clearly observed.
Biblical support for the Teleological Argument
The Bible tells us that the Teleological Argument, although not specifically called by that name, is not a man-made construct, but it truly exists.
“For his invisible attributes, namely, his eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly perceived, ever since the creation of the world, in the things that have been made. So they are without excuse” (Romans 1:20 ESV). It could not be much clearer that God’s existence, and even some things about His power and nature, can be perceived by examining the universe.
“Yet he did not leave himself without witness, for he did good by giving you rains from heaven and fruitful seasons, satisfying your hearts with food and gladness” (Acts 14:17 ESV). This verse tells us that the very rain that falls from the sky speaks of a Creator. God provides the rains, the sun, and everything else we have. The evidence is right in front of us. Some do not see it because they do not want to see it, not because it is hidden or does not exist.
“The heavens declare the glory of God, and the sky above proclaims his handiwork” (Psalm 19:1 ESV). Whether we are looking at the tiniest thing visible under the microscope or the largest thing visible in the sky through a telescope, we are looking at evidence of design, intelligence, and great power. We are looking at evidence for God.
Conclusion
The Teleological Argument can help us make a rational case for the existence of God based on the observed order and complexity of the universe. It can be an aid in our evangelistic efforts to dismantle the intellectual arguments of unbelievers. It is not infallible, and is never to be considered a substitute for the power of the Holy Spirit and prayer. It is yet another tool to be used to, “make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you” (I Peter 3:15 ESV).
“The precision of the universe, the nature of information, and the observation that random and undirected forces cannot account for the complexity of living things all lead to a transcendent, personal, intelligent designer” (Powell, p. 68). However, Christians already knew that, “In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth” (Genesis 1:1 ESV, cf. Job 38:4-7; Psalm 33:6, 136:5; Isaiah 42:5, 45:18; John 1:1-3; Acts 14:15, 17:24; Colossians 1:16, 17; Hebrews 1:10, 11:3; Revelation 4:11).
Read more: http://www.whatchristianswanttoknow.com/teleological-argument-for-gods-existence/#ixzz2EnTceX4X
The Bible tells us that the Teleological Argument, although not specifically called by that name, is not a man-made construct, but it truly exists.
“For his invisible attributes, namely, his eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly perceived, ever since the creation of the world, in the things that have been made. So they are without excuse” (Romans 1:20 ESV). It could not be much clearer that God’s existence, and even some things about His power and nature, can be perceived by examining the universe.
“Yet he did not leave himself without witness, for he did good by giving you rains from heaven and fruitful seasons, satisfying your hearts with food and gladness” (Acts 14:17 ESV). This verse tells us that the very rain that falls from the sky speaks of a Creator. God provides the rains, the sun, and everything else we have. The evidence is right in front of us. Some do not see it because they do not want to see it, not because it is hidden or does not exist.
“The heavens declare the glory of God, and the sky above proclaims his handiwork” (Psalm 19:1 ESV). Whether we are looking at the tiniest thing visible under the microscope or the largest thing visible in the sky through a telescope, we are looking at evidence of design, intelligence, and great power. We are looking at evidence for God.
Conclusion
The Teleological Argument can help us make a rational case for the existence of God based on the observed order and complexity of the universe. It can be an aid in our evangelistic efforts to dismantle the intellectual arguments of unbelievers. It is not infallible, and is never to be considered a substitute for the power of the Holy Spirit and prayer. It is yet another tool to be used to, “make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you” (I Peter 3:15 ESV).
“The precision of the universe, the nature of information, and the observation that random and undirected forces cannot account for the complexity of living things all lead to a transcendent, personal, intelligent designer” (Powell, p. 68). However, Christians already knew that, “In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth” (Genesis 1:1 ESV, cf. Job 38:4-7; Psalm 33:6, 136:5; Isaiah 42:5, 45:18; John 1:1-3; Acts 14:15, 17:24; Colossians 1:16, 17; Hebrews 1:10, 11:3; Revelation 4:11).
Read more: http://www.whatchristianswanttoknow.com/teleological-argument-for-gods-existence/#ixzz2EnTceX4X
Syrian Rebels Pledge Allegiance to Al-Qaeda and US recognizes Syria's main group
President Barack Obama declared Syria's main opposition group the sole "legitimate representative" of its country's people Tuesday, deeming the move "a big step" in the international diplomatic efforts to end Syrian President Bashar Assad's embattled regime.
Obama said the newly formed Syrian Opposition Council "is now inclusive enough" to be granted the elevated status, which paves the way for the greater U.S. support for the organization.
"Obviously, with that recognition comes responsibilities," Obama said in an interview Tuesday with ABC News. "To make sure that they organize themselves effectively, that they are representative of all the parties, that they commit themselves to a political transition that respects women's rights and minority rights."
Recognition of the council as the sole representative of Syria's diverse population brings the U.S. in line with Britain, France and several of America's Arab allies, which took the same step shortly after the body was created at a meeting of opposition representatives in Qatar last month.
Read more: http://www.foxnews.com/world/2012/12/11/us-recognizes-syria-main-rebel-group-obama-says/?test=latestnews#ixzz2Eqa0eVMc
Syrian Rebels Pledge Allegiance to Al-Qaeda
A new petition posted on the ‘We The People’ section of the WhiteHouse.gov website demands that the Obama administration cease all funding and support for terrorists and extremist rebels in Syria, as news emerges of 29 different Syrian rebel groups pledging allegiance to the Al-Qaeda affiliated Nusra Front, a group responsible for killing U.S. troops in Iraq and one that is currently the primary fighting force in the NATO-backed bid to topple President Bashar Al-Assad.
Entitled Cease All Funding and Support for Al-Qaeda Terrorists and Extremist Rebels in Syria, the petition states;
Hillary Clinton has admitted that Al-Qaeda is supporting the Syrian rebels, who are backed by the Obama administration with $200 million dollars in aid. According to McClatchy Newspapers one of these groups, Al Nusra Front, an Al-Qaeda affiliate, is now conducting “the heaviest frontline fighting” in Syria and has been responsible for terrorist attacks. Impartial observers such as Dr. Jacques Beres say the majority of rebels in Syria are foreign extremists whose goal is to impose Sharia law. These rebels have also been filmed burning U.S. flags and chanting anti-American slogans. Funding terrorists is a crime under the National Defense Authorization Act. Such activity has had disastrous consequences in the past, such as 9/11. We demand all support direct or indirect to cease immediately.
Petitions posted on the WhiteHouse.gov website have to obtain a minimum of 25,000 signatures to mandate an official White House response. Only American citizens who register an account are allowed to sign.
The petition is timely given that 29 different Syrian opposition groups this week pledged their allegiance to Al Nusra, an Al-Qaeda-affiliated group which, as the New York Times reported on Saturday, “killed numerous American troops in Iraq,” dismissing the notion that Al Nusra is merely is one “bad apple” amongst the rebels. In reality, the United States is backing an uprising that has placed the imposition of Sharia law and the ultimate destruction of the United States at the core of its long term agenda once Assad is deposed.
A recent Syrian rebel quoted by McClatchy Newspapers was overheard to remark, “When we finish with Assad, we will fight the U.S.!” Other militants have appeared in You Tube videos speaking of their desire to see the Al-Qaeda flag fly over the White House once the rebels are victorious across the region.
Syrian rebels have been responsible for a plethora of atrocities, from terrorist attacks and massacres, to forcing people to become suicide bombers, to attacks on Christian churches and making children carry out grisly beheadings of unarmed prisoners.
Somewhat ludicrously, the US State Department today blamed the Assad regime itself, which has been fighting against the Al-Qaeda linked group, for allowing the Nusra Front to gain a foothold in the country.
The United States today announced that it would designate Al Nusra as a terrorist organization and place sanctions against the group. The other opposition groups in Syria who almost universally support Al Nusra and preach the same extremist doctrine are however set to receive more financial support, with direct NATO military intervention on their behalf also “imminent,” according to some sources.
In continuing to fund an uprising that is being led and executed by known terrorists while being supported by their rebel allies, the United States is breaking its own law, the National Defense Authorization Act, which specifically criminalizes support for any “associated forces” of terrorists.
Infowars is encouraging all American citizens to sign this petition and force the Obama administration to at least address the issue of why it is backing Islamic extremists in Syria with taxpayer money given similar disastrous policies in Libya that led to the attack on the Benghazi consulate and the death of Ambassador Chris Stevens.
Infowars
Russia's Fourth T-50 Stealth Fighter Flies
MOSCOW, December 12 (RIA Novosti) - Russia's fourth prototype Sukhoi T-50 stealth fighter jet took to the skies for the first time on Wednesday in a 40 minute flight at the Komsomolsk-on-Amur factory in Siberia, Sukhoi said.
"The fourth prototype PAK-FA made its first flight today from the Gagarin factory in Komsomolsk-on-Amur," Sukhoi said, referring to the aircraft by its project name, an acronym for future fifth-generation tactical fighter.
"The flight tested the aircraft's overall integrity and its main engines. The aircraft is making a good impression in all phases of the flying program," Sukhoi said.
The T-50, which will be the core of Russia's future fighter fleet, is a fifth-generation multirole fighter aircraft featuring low-observable technology (stealth), super-maneuverability, supercruise capability (supersonic flight without use of afterburner), and an advanced avionics suite including an X-band active phased-array radar.
The first prototype first flew on January 29, 2010.
The Russian Defense Ministry plans to purchase a first batch of 10 evaluation aircraft and then 60 production-standard aircraft after 2015.
Meanwhile, the Novosibirsk aircraft factory (NAPO) plans to deliver ten more Sukoi Su-34 strike aircraft to the Russian Air Force in the near future, the Air Force's Col. Andrei Bobrun said.
"The Novosibirsk factory will send another ten aircraft to the Voronezh air base in the near future," he said.
© RIA Novosti.
Russian Fith-Generation t-50 Fighter Jet
The air force set up its first Su-34 squadron at the end of 2011. A two-seat strike-dedicated derivative of the Su-27 fighter, the Su-34 can carry a payload of up to eight tons of guided weapons over 4,000 kilometers.
IDF to begin giving its medics chemical weapons antidote
The IDF has acquired tens of thousands of doses of a drug used to combat nerve agent chemical poisoning and will distribute them to all combat medics in the coming months, according to a report in the new issue of the army’s Bamahane weekly magazine.
The drug, diazepam, is an anti-convulsant, halting seizures caused by nerve agents such as VX and sarin. Until now, the IDF supplied all medics with atropine, a drug that counters attacks on the respiratory system, but diazepam, which protects the central nervous system, was available only in intravenous form and was distributed only to rear echelon battalion medical centers.
“Now the medics receive auto injectors, enabling treatment half an hour to an hour earlier than before, and also enabling treatment to 10 times more people,” the head of nonconventional warfare medicine in the IDF’s medical corps, Lt. Col. Dr. Micah Ksirer, told this week Bamahane.
The report comes amid widespread international concern regarding the stockpiles of chemical weapons belonging to the teetering government in Syria.
US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton said last week that “an increasingly desperate Assad regime” could either try to use chemical weapons against its own people or “lose control of them to one of the many groups that are now operating within Syria.”
The latter option, particularly the proliferation of the weapons to Hezbollah, is “a clear casus belli” for Israel, according to Foreign Minister Avigdor Liberman.
Key Israeli officials, largely mum on the threat of internal use, have expressed doubt that Assad would use the weapons against Israel. “We see no sign that this weaponry is being pointed at us,” Moshe Ya’alon, minister of strategic affairs and a former IDF chief of staff, told Army Radio earlier this week. “Syria has been armed for the last decades with chemical missiles and weapons, but our deterrent factor is stable and the proof is that they haven’t used them against us yet.”
Diazepam and atropine are carried by all US combat troops operating in areas where there is a reasonable threat from chemical weapons. Each soldier carries a kit and is expected to self-administer the drugs or, in the case of diazepam, to administer it to a friend in need.
“Shortening the duration [prior to] treatment can save the injured from brain damage and death,” said Ksirer.
IDF medics will begin receiving treatment on how and when to administer the new drug as part of their intensive 13-week combat medic course.
The IDF Spokesperson’s Office added that the army “constantly reevaluates the medical gear necessary to provide medical care for soldiers in the battlefield. Military medics must be prepared for every eventuality; the gear that they carry reflects this principle.”
Times of Israel
INVISIBLE...Company claims it has Pentagon backing for miracle material
The U.S. military is backing the development of camouflage fabrics that could one day make their soldiers completely invisible, it has been claimed.
The so-called 'Quantum Stealth' camouflage material is said to render its wearers completely invisible by bending light waves around them.
Its makers claim the material, which is in effect similar to the invisibility cloak worn by Harry Potter, can even fool night-vision goggles.
The future of camouflage: A mock up of the Quantum Stealth technology. These photos are to show the media the concept, its makers claim, adding that for security issues it can not show the technology in action
However, its development is apparently so secret the Canadian company behind it says it cannot even show the technology in action and offers only mock ups of its effect on their website.
Nevertheless, Guy Cramer, CEO of Hyperstealth Biotechnology Corp, says he does not care that some observers remain sceptical as to his company's claims since 'the people that need to know that it works have seen it'.
'Two separate command groups within the U.S. Military and two separate Canadian Military groups as well as Federal Emergency Response Team (Counter Terrorism) have seen the actual material so they could verify that I was not just manipulating video or photo results,' Mr Cramer said.
Top secret: The material is said to work by bending light waves around its wearer to render them invisible, but its maker will not divulge details
'These groups now know that it works and does so without cameras, batteries, lights or mirrors...It is lightweight and quite inexpensive. Both the U.S. and Canadian military have confirmed that it also works against military IR scopes and Thermal Optics.'
In a statement published on his company's website, Mr Cramer explained he cannot disclose any details about how his remarkable fabric bends light around its wearer. Instead he gives examples of how it might be used.
He says it would be invaluable to pilots forced to eject over enemy terrain and evade capture; it would allow special forces teams to carry out raids in broad daylight without detection; it could enable the creation of the next generation of stealth aircraft, invisible not only to radar but also the naked eye; and it would enable submarines to remain concealed even when they surface near an enemy fleet.
Most incredibly, he imagines a group of Canadian battle tanks decked out with Quantum Stealth camouflage that could engage an enemy unit with no signs of their location except the sound of their engines and guns.
'As news spreads of an invisible Canadian army which can move without detection, the psychological effect on the enemy is devastating, they never know when or even if this invisible army has them targeted or surrounded,' he said.
'How can you hit a target you cannot see, how do you defend from the invisible?'
Media attention: Guy Cramer, CEO of Hyperstealth Biotechnology Corp, was recently interviewed by U.S. news broadcaster CNN about his claimed breakthrough
Mr Cramer, who was recently interviewed by news broadcaster CNN about the new technology, says he has disclosed his breakthrough to the public in order to 'get the attention' of the U.S. military.
'After enough press had been written on the subject, the U.S. Military Command finally asked to see the real material to verify that it worked,' he said.
'Those meetings took place with very limited “Need to Know” access and the technology is now moving forward.'
The MailOnline has contacted the Ministry of Defence for a comment on the new technology, but as yet has received no response.
Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sciencetech/article-2245935/The-camouflage-fabric-make-soldiers-INVISIBLE-Company-claims-Pentagon-backing-miracle-material.html#ixzz2EmdAe1Qg
The so-called 'Quantum Stealth' camouflage material is said to render its wearers completely invisible by bending light waves around them.
Its makers claim the material, which is in effect similar to the invisibility cloak worn by Harry Potter, can even fool night-vision goggles.
The future of camouflage: A mock up of the Quantum Stealth technology. These photos are to show the media the concept, its makers claim, adding that for security issues it can not show the technology in action
However, its development is apparently so secret the Canadian company behind it says it cannot even show the technology in action and offers only mock ups of its effect on their website.
Nevertheless, Guy Cramer, CEO of Hyperstealth Biotechnology Corp, says he does not care that some observers remain sceptical as to his company's claims since 'the people that need to know that it works have seen it'.
'Two separate command groups within the U.S. Military and two separate Canadian Military groups as well as Federal Emergency Response Team (Counter Terrorism) have seen the actual material so they could verify that I was not just manipulating video or photo results,' Mr Cramer said.
Top secret: The material is said to work by bending light waves around its wearer to render them invisible, but its maker will not divulge details
'These groups now know that it works and does so without cameras, batteries, lights or mirrors...It is lightweight and quite inexpensive. Both the U.S. and Canadian military have confirmed that it also works against military IR scopes and Thermal Optics.'
In a statement published on his company's website, Mr Cramer explained he cannot disclose any details about how his remarkable fabric bends light around its wearer. Instead he gives examples of how it might be used.
He says it would be invaluable to pilots forced to eject over enemy terrain and evade capture; it would allow special forces teams to carry out raids in broad daylight without detection; it could enable the creation of the next generation of stealth aircraft, invisible not only to radar but also the naked eye; and it would enable submarines to remain concealed even when they surface near an enemy fleet.
Most incredibly, he imagines a group of Canadian battle tanks decked out with Quantum Stealth camouflage that could engage an enemy unit with no signs of their location except the sound of their engines and guns.
'As news spreads of an invisible Canadian army which can move without detection, the psychological effect on the enemy is devastating, they never know when or even if this invisible army has them targeted or surrounded,' he said.
'How can you hit a target you cannot see, how do you defend from the invisible?'
Media attention: Guy Cramer, CEO of Hyperstealth Biotechnology Corp, was recently interviewed by U.S. news broadcaster CNN about his claimed breakthrough
Mr Cramer, who was recently interviewed by news broadcaster CNN about the new technology, says he has disclosed his breakthrough to the public in order to 'get the attention' of the U.S. military.
'After enough press had been written on the subject, the U.S. Military Command finally asked to see the real material to verify that it worked,' he said.
'Those meetings took place with very limited “Need to Know” access and the technology is now moving forward.'
The MailOnline has contacted the Ministry of Defence for a comment on the new technology, but as yet has received no response.
Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sciencetech/article-2245935/The-camouflage-fabric-make-soldiers-INVISIBLE-Company-claims-Pentagon-backing-miracle-material.html#ixzz2EmdAe1Qg
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