Intelligent Design: The Bridge Between Science & Theology

Contrary to the conclusions of many historicans of science, modern science originated with the teachings of Jesus Christ. This statement can be understood better if one interprets the teachings of Jesus metaphorically and includes the gnostic Gospel of Thomas in the research. Further, modern science was given its first major boost with the panentheism of Bishop Nicholas of Cusa in 1440. With Cusa, we find for the first time that the universe has no center. Cusa was prior to Copernicus; is cited by Kepler; and was educated at the University at Padua where Galileo taught. The followers of Cusa can be traced to Italy (Da Vincim et al), to France (the Merseene Group), to Germany (Kepler, Leibniz, et al) and to Georg Cantor. None of these followers separated science and theology. So, Dembski's thoughts are aligned to the path of this group and the teachings of Jesus Christ.Other modern scientists went on a different path by claiming that science cannot consider a supernatural being into any scientific investigation. The Enlightenment makes this claim. This claim is a major error in science because the existence of a supernatural being, which is God, can be proven scientifically. Further, science can prove that God and the universe are connected logically, that is, with dipolar concepts of panentheism.With respect to intelligent design, Demoski shows us that chance and natural law are not excluded middle opposites. Intelligent designs(many of them)lie in between chance, the flip of a coin, and natural laws. Among these designs is the design the 'best' universe by God. On the development of intelligent design, Dembski is thus again on the path of the above group of Cusanus followers and the teachings of Jesus Christ.Dembski's theory of information is new. If one assumes that information is the content of a communication system, then one can conclude that God is communicating information to us through the language abilities He gave us and the many things He created. St. Paul told us about this information at Rom. 1:18-20.Indeed, this book is very progressive.

Excellent, intelligent read! I couldn't put the book down. Dembski is a scholarly, scientific and sacred writer that establishes his knowledge of the subject at the onset and solidifies his theories without a hitch. A fabulous read, by a captivating and intelligent writer!

Most of the creationist literature consists of retreaded arguments that have long since ceased to be taken seriously. The arguments from minimum complexity or variations on the blind watchmaker argument have been around for 150 years. These arguments pose a minimum level problem for biologists and are no argument in favor of anything, let alone the Judeo-Christian God of Genesis.Dembski and his fellow advocates of intelligent design have at least come up with a new theory and Dembski is at his best when he discusses information theory as it relates to intelligent design of the universe. Briefly stated, Dembski's theory is that a purely naturalistic system, such as evolution cannot create information, therefore the existence of information in DNA and throughout the living world implies an intelligent creator who imparted that information. Demski actually does a great job of making this sound compelling. However, see Skeptical Inquirer, Marh/April 2001 issue for a critique of his theory.While Dembski's information theory has a certain attraction to it, the theory does little to compell one to adopt the Judeo-Christian deity of Genesis. Indeed, information theory would seem to argue for the deist position, that a deity set the universe in motion and then let it proceed according to the naturalistic laws by which it was created.Indeed, one is struck by the gulf that separates Dembski's discussion of information theory and his discussion of miracles, Moses and the Bible. Dembski is attempting a "bridge" between science and theology, but in the end what he wants is to shoehorn Genesis into contempory biological science.If you are interested in current creationist theory, this book is as good as it gets. He is head and shoulders above Philip E. Johnson and other creationist writers. However, for a complete picture, also read Richard Dawkins, The Blind Watchmaker or The Selfish Gene. For a critique of creationism, try Robert T. Pennocks Tower of Babel and for an introduction to the history of creationist thought in America (Creationism is an American development) read Darwinism Comes to America by Roland L. Numbers.

Extensive detailed reasoning . Clear, but heavy . Understandable , but needs patience.

A very good, well backed argument in support of creation via an intelligent entity (God). Far more than just an idea, the intelligent design concept and it's conclusions are presented in a mathematically and scientifically sound approach which highlight the gaping holes in the evolution 'theory'. A stunning analytical work.