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For
in six days the LORD made the heavens and the earth, the sea, and
all that is in them...
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Volume 1, Number 2 ... March, 1996
A bimonthly newsletter of the Creation Research Society.This Web version of Creation Matters the photos and special graphics found only in the print version which is automatically sent to members of the CRS along with the peer-reviewed CRS Quarterly.
Contents:
Hey, World, Just How Old Are You?
Book Review
News in Science
VARC Volunteers Needed
Creation Calendar
Hey, World, Just How Old Are You?
by Jami C. Lewis
Editor's note: This article first appeared in Out'N'About, Vol. 2, Num. 6, November 1995. Reprinted here with permission.
Have you ever marveled at the stars at night and wondered just how long they'd been there? Or thought about how long it took the Grand Canyon to go so deep? Supposing sky and rock could speak, what would their answers be? Is the universe we live in as old as some say? Or is it perhaps much younger? Do natural changes really take billions of years, or could they happen in, say, less than 10,000 years? Even if you've never considered it, among the members of the scientific community there is plenty of debate on the subject, and some of it is right under our noses.
It seems our beautiful Northern Arizona has become a haven for more than just musicians and artists. It has also become home to the Creation Research Society (CRS), an organization of dedicated research scientists who chose to set up their one and only research laboratory right here in a land rich with resources. Who are they and what kind of research is happening in that modest looking building right off Highway 89? And just what makes their approach so, ah unique?
First thing to see is the Society's brochure, which sports a background photo of the Grand Canyon and asks a basic, yet controversial question: "Do you think the theory of evolution is a fact accepted by all scientists?" Uh huh. Some folks might assume so, but the reason for the existence of CRS is to challenge people to "think again."
Walk into the Van Andel Research Center, across the highway from Ed's OK Corral, and browse through the hundreds of books lining the walls. Titles leap out at you, such as: What Really Happened to the Dinosaurs?, Catastrophes in Earth History, and The Origin of Species Revisited. Sound strange? Well, to some, maybe. To others, the viewpoint of CRS is only "natural." Dr. John R. Meyer, Director of the Center, states their purpose succinctly: "We're a group of 700 scientists, technicians, and educators who reject the basic theory of evolution. We think it's bad science, and we engage in scientific research to challenge evolutionary science and philosophy at its most technical level." If CRS researchers deny widely accepted evolutionary science, what do they support? "Creation by design, not accident, recent rather than billion-year origins, and natural history having occurred as presented in the Bible." They call themselves "creationists."
CRS has its own origins in 1963 with a group of 10 scientists committing themselves to evaluating science within a Biblical framework. The organization has grown worldwide with approximately 700 scientists as voting members and another 1100 non-scientists, sustaining members. These members are not just novice enthusiasts with secondhand ideas. Of the 16 board members, 15 have their doctorates, the 16th has "only" a masters- level degree. Oddballs? Lest you think CRS is just a local outfit, Dr. Meyer notes, "Creationist organizations exist in practically every country in the world. Would you believe that after 70 years of official atheism in Russia, there are more creationists in Moscow than in New York City?"
Such scientists present studies in all fields of science. The Creation Research Society Quarterly, recognized internationally as the outstanding publication in its field, is the venue for CRS members' research. Perhaps subjects such as "exobiogenesis," "red shifts in the polytropic universe," and "geomorphic processes" don't raise your temperature and push your buttons, but these and other studies are hot topics to modern scientists!
Early on, CRS researchers worked out of garages, basements, or attics. Then, about a decade ago, it was decided to develop a vigorous research program, and land was purchased for a lab north of Chino Valley. After a generous grant, adjoining land was purchased and the laboratory was built and named for the donors. The Van Andel Research Center became the CRS's first and only home base in 30 years.
But-how on earth did they pick Chino Valley? What have we got that can't be found near some teeming, prestigious university? There's no question in Dr. Meyer's mind. "It's a great location- close to the Grand Canyon (a very special piece of providential real estate), relatively low cost of living, mild climate, direct access to lots of water, rich biological and geological diversity and," he added, sneaking a peek out his office window toward the snow-capped San Francisco peaks, "you can't beat the views!" It is hoped that all these "perks" will entice good scientists, engineers, and technicians to retire in the area to assist with research.
Any such retirees, volunteers, or interested eggheads, will find a fascinating array of projects happening at the lab: bouncing radio waves off incoming meteors, studying the ecology of ponderosa pine trees on Mingus Mountain, testing the rate of formation of stalactites and stalagmites, finding fossils in Coconino sandstone from Mogollon Rim; and delving into the private lives of tassel-eared squirrels (" the neatest little critters God ever made," according to Dr. Meyer). All of these studies relate to our favorite planet's age and rate at which things change.
Another interesting topic of study is Arizona's own Meteor Crater. A physicist from CRS has made the landmark his pet project. This mammoth hole in the ground is generally considered to be about 50,000 years old. Once it was thought to be about two million, but CRS research indicates there's evidence that its age could be less than 10,000 years. "Even more interesting," Dr. Meyer states, "is that the Hopis have an accurate legend of the origins of the crater-a meteor falling from space. And the Hopis haven't been around for 50,000 years, have they?" Many cultural legends, it would seem, have a basis in fact. For instance, few folks know that all cultures of the world have a great flood legend. One local Native American tribe still speaks of the worldwide flood that their ancestors floated out in a hollowed- out log. Remind anyone of a story once told about a super squall of 40 days and some guy called Noah?
Dr. Meyer has jumped into making this home and expanding CRS's services to the community. He enjoys sharing CRS's point of view and will speak to any group. So far he has spoken to church groups, service organizations and all levels of school science classes, along with debating evolutionists and atheists live, on radio and TV. Pick your debate, Dr. Meyer can speak from a purely scientific or religious basis. Also offered at CRS are books for laymen (that's most of us) and children. In fact, if children need to do a project or paper for science class, they are welcome to visit the center and use the resources. Books can't be checked out, but they are available for research or purchase.
Would you like to observe nature from a creation perspective? "Creation safaris" were started at the end of May. These are nature walks with a natural history interpretation from a creationist point of view. Dr. Meyer will lead hikes at Thumb Butte, Mingus, and other local areas. The laboratory may be used by member scientists visiting or on sabbatical. There's a cozy suite available for members working on approved projects.
The Van Andel Research Center is as busy as an ant colony, but visitors are very welcome. Small groups or individuals can arrange for a tour, but it's best to call first and make sure Dr. Meyer isn't off speaking or gallivanting around the Grand Canyon to chat with tassel-eared squirrels. If you would like to ask Dr. Meyer to speak to your group, or you've got your hiking boots ready for a creation safari, or you're hankering to learn a little more about this other side of science research, write to Van Andel Research Center, P.O. Box 376, Chino Valley, AZ 86323, or email crsvarc@aol.com.
Book Review
Moore, James. 1994. The Darwin Legend. Baker Book House, Grand Rapids, MI.
The Darwin Legend is a detailed account of the origin of the old, and now discredited, story of Darwin's conversion that is still occasionally heard today. The book begins with a brief biography of Darwin, and the story perpetuated by Lady Hope is given in full. Moore points out that many of the details of the story are true and uncovers the facts of Lady Hope's life, including a brief stay at the English village in which the Darwins lived, the apparent source of her knowledge of the Darwin household. Although Moore speaks unkindly of modern creationists, this book is a very useful and thorough work on the life-and legend-of Charles Darwin.
News in Science
(These articles may contain evolutionist interpretations and ages.)
Plant fossils from Permian sediments in the Guizhou Province of China have revealed remarkable cellular detail. These fossils were examined by light and electron microscopy. They contained vessel elements, xylem cells that carry water up the plant's stem. Vessel elements had previously only been found in fossil angiosperms; these vessel elements are similar to those of the extant gnetophytes. Leaf fossils from the same level were identified as gigantopterid plants.
Li, H., E.L. Taylor, and T.N. Taylor. 1996. Permian Vessel Elements. Science 271:188-189.
Russell Doolittle's laboratory has published a very thorough examination of the timing of major evolutionary events using a molecular clock derived from 57 different enzymes. A molecular clock can be constructed from biological sequence data by counting the number of differences between different proteins and calibrating the differences to "known" evolutionary events, such as the divergence of the chordates and echinoderms.
Using a single protein will give divergence times for that particular protein, while using many proteins will be more reflective of actual biological divergence. Using this clock from 57 enzymes, Doolittle estimated that the date of divergence between prokaryotes and eukaryotes was two billion years ago. This announcement has sparked some debate among evolutionists, but the study itself is one of the most ambitious ever done.
Doolittle, R.F., D.-F. Feng, S. Tsang, G. Cho, and E. Little. 1996.
Determining Divergence Times of the Major Kingdoms of Living Organisms with a Protein Clock. Science 271:470-477.
A recent discovery in Spain of an almost-complete skeleton of a Dryopithecus has revealed anatomical similarity to orang-utans. Dryopithecus is a so-called Miocene Ape, believed by evolutionists to be 9.5 million years old. The skeleton revealed short legs and very long arms, characteristics shared with the Asian great apes. The partial skeleton included fragments of the humerus, radius, ulna, and tibia, a near-complete hand, large portions of both femurs, a skull fragment, and a piece of the clavicle.
Moya-Sola, S. and M. Kohler. 1996. A Dryopithecus skeleton and the origins of great-ape locomotion. Nature 379:156- 159.
An exceptionally well preserved specimen of the dinosaur Oviraptor has been found in the Late Cretaceous deposits of the Gobi Desert. Although it lacks the skull, parts of the hindlimb and the vertebral column, the fossilised skeleton is preserved in intimate contact with 15 eggs in their nest. The belly of the dinosaur is directly over the nest and the hind legs are folded up and tucked into the nest, suggesting that the animal was in a brooding position. This has been described as "incontrovertible evidence of avian brooding behaviour in a nonavian dinosaur". Undoubtedly, this find is of great significance for reconstructing aspects of the dinosaurian physiology and lifestyle. The find also demonstrates vividly the catastrophic nature of fossilization. The inference is made that the animal was overwhelmed by wind-blown sand in a storm of extraordinary violence. The animal chose to protect her eggs rather than flee before the storm, was buried and subsequently fossilized.
Norell, M.A., Clark, J.M., Chiappe, L.M. and Dashzeveg, D. 1995. A nesting dinosaur. Nature 378:774-776.
VARC Volunteers Needed
We are in the process of developing an inventory of skills for those who are available to volunteer time and equipment to work at the Van Andel Research Center. This includes volunteer work not only in assisting in research but also in the day to day operation of the lab in such areas as carpentry, plumbing, painting, etc. This would also include those who may not be able to travel to the Center but who are willing to vounteer work on various projects from their homes or shops. For volunteers working on lengthy projects who must travel a long distance to get here, we may be able to provide overnight accomodations or RV parking space.
If you are interested in becoming one of our "VARC Volunteers" please send your name and address to Dr. John Meyer at the address below. He will mail to you our Volunteers Resource Inventory questionnaire so that we may catagorize your interests and contact you as various needs arise.
Some of the projects in which we currently have interest include:
1. Build and/or provide advice on the proposed 16 x 32 ft. research grade green house when funds become available.
2. Install drywall, insulation and plumbing in our pump house so it can be used as a shower and wash facility for those using our RV parking space.
3. Landscaping and tree planting.
4. Complete overhaul and safety testing of a mid-1960s Castle autoclave.
5. Build several electronic devices.
6. Installation of an intrusion alarm system.
7. Use the ACCESS program in Windows 95 to develop and completely document a cataloging program for our library.
8. Supervise and/or assist in the building of our new publications building when funds become available.
9. Repair and replace several hundred yards of fencing around our property.
10. We need several volunteers who can handle themselves in wilderness country to spend several weeks plotting the precise location of Ponderosa "squirrel trees" in a remote region of the Colorado Plateau. Camping may be required. Practical use of a global positioning system will be helpful. We hope to initiate
this program this summer. This project will require considerable planning ahead of time.
11. We need someone skilled in photography and agile in the field in broken country to help document the locations of fossils in the Coconino sandstone quarries along the Mogollon rim. A solid background in geology would be an immense help. We hope to initiate this program this summer. This program also will require considerable planning ahead of time if efficient use of time is to be achieved.
12. We need a good many man- (and woman) hours of work in weed removal, grass cutting, window washing, and the general work that goes along with keeping a facility neat, clean and presentable. This will be especially important this summer.
13. We need someone who has the time and skill necessary to track down research articles in technical journals at their local university. We often have need for reprints of specialized technical articles. Here is an opportunity for you to serve the cause of creation whatever your talents, skills, and gifts. If you are interersted, please write to Dr. John Meyer for the questionnaire.
DR. JOHN R. MEYER
CREATION RESEARCH SOCIETY
PO BOX 376
CHINO VALLEY, AZ 86323
Creation Calendar
The events below are for information only; the listing of an event does not necessarily imply endorsement by the Creation Research Society.
March 23 Albert Lea, MN 3:00-5:00 and 7:00-9:00 p.m.
Creation Double Header with Jules Poirier and Dr. Duane Gish
Albert Lea Senior High School Auditorium
Southern Minnesota Association for Creation, Inc.
507-356-7211
April 16 Pittsburgh, PA 7:30 p.m.
Cosmological Problems of the Big Bang Evolution: The Basics
Dr. Bill Stillman
Allegheny Center Alliance Church
Second Floor Fellowship Hall
250 E. Ohio St.
Creation Science Fellowship, Inc.
412-343-8507
April 23 Milwaukee, WI
Teaching Creation and Evolution in the Public Schools
Terry Mondy
Woodlawn Lutheran Church
2217 South 99th St., West Allis
Creation Science Society of Milwaukee
May 10 - 12 Schroon Lake, NY
Answers in Genesis Family Camp
Word of Life Bible Institute
Ken Ham and Dr. John Whitcomb
Pre-registration Desired
Call Word of Life at 518-532-7111 ext. 2209
May 11 Reading, Berkshire, England
Creation Discovery Day (Creation Resources Trust)
Contact Rev. C.J. Stephen, phone 0173-457-5120
May 21 Pittsburgh, PA 7:30 p.m.
Evidence for the Flood
Video with Andrew Snelling
Allegheny Center Alliance Church
Second Floor Fellowship Hall
250 E. Ohio St.
Creation Science Fellowship, Inc.
412-343-8507
June 30 - July 5
Creation Vacation: Twin Peaks Family Science Adventure.
August 11 - 16
Creation Vacation: Redcloud Family Mountain Adventure I.
August 18 - 23
Creation Vacation: Redcloud Family Mountain Adventure II.
Alpha-Omega Inst., Grand Junction, CO.
Dave or Mary Jo Nutting
303-245-5906.
June 6 - 9
Chicago Field Museum of Natural History Tour.
Missouri Association for Creation.
Walt Stumper, 314-821-1234.
August 4 - 10
Bob Marshall Wilderness Expedition.
Creation Research Society.
Dr. John Meyer, 520-636-1153.
Creation Matters
A publication of the Creation Research Society
Volume 1, Number 2
March/April 1996Copyright © 1997, 1998 Creation Research Society
All rights reserved.General Editor: Glen Wolfrom
Feature Editor: Todd Wood
Assistant Editor: Lane Lester
For membership / subscription information and advertising rates:
Glen Wolfrom
P.O. Box 8263
St. Joseph, MO 64508-8263
Email:For comments and information for authors:
Todd Wood
P.O. Box 292
Waynesboro, VA 22980
© Copyright 2001-2008, Creation
Research Society. All rights reserved.