Unlocking the Mystery of Life

Illustra Media

In 1859, Charles Darwin published On the Origin of Species. In it, he argued that all of life on earth was the product of undirected natural processes: Time, chance, and natural selection. Since Darwin, biologists have relied on such processes to account for the origin of living things. Yet today, this approach is being challenged as never before.

Unlocking the Mystery of Life tells the story of contemporary scientists who are advancing a powerful but controversial idea—the theory of intelligent design.

Unlocking is the product of more than three years of research, photography, and post production. Based upon the scholarly work of Stephen C. Meyer, Michael Behe, William Dembski and others, this documentary presents the scientific case for intelligent design based upon recent discoveries in biochemistry, genetics, and molecular biology.

Discovery Institute

The film was photographed throughout the United States in 2001 and 2002. Location photography also took place in the Galapagos Islands at the site of Charles Darwin’s seminal 1835 expedition.
Unlocking is highlighted by computer animation that depicts the inner-workings of the living cell. Animator Tim Doherty created sequences illustrating the structure and operations of the cell nucleus, the DNA molecule, protein molecules, and the bacterial flagellar motor.

After its release is September 2003, Unlocking the Mystery of Life aired on PBS. The show was broadcast on more than 40 affiliates throughout the United States. The cancellation of a scheduled broadcast on station KNME in Albequerque, New Mexico triggered national news coverage and a debate over PBS programming decisions.

Unlocking the Mystery of Life has been translated into more than 25 languages including Russian, Mandarin, and Spanish. It is distributed throughout Asia, Europe, South America, Australia, Canada, and the United States. North American distribution is supervised by Randolf Productions International.

In addition to the 67-minute feature documentary, the English DVD version includes almost an hour of bonus features.

The Origin of Life, Part 3 - Creation Today

THE ORIGIN OF LIFE, PART 3 – SEASON 3 EPISODE 11

Join Eric Hovind and Paul Taylor for the third episode of this four-part series on how life began. Did life originate from non-living organic compounds? Evolutionists have a number of ideas where life came from that are—well, pretty amusing! Today, Eric and Paul discuss how evolutionists believe that life evolved from a Primordial Soup!

Featured Resources

• 
  Paul Taylor's Don't Miss the Boat
• 
  Evolution Exposed: Biology
• 
  Expelled: No Intelligence Allowed

Chosen Planet: Earth's Uniqueness for Life - Dr. George Marshall

Chosen Planet: Earth's Uniqueness for Life

Presented at Edinburgh Creation Group

George Marshall
Has the Earth evolved through natural processes, or does it show evidence of design and purpose?

Dr George Marshall, an eye-disease
researcher from the University
of Glasgow, Scotland

Dr George Marshall obtained his B.Sc. (Hons.) in Biology at the University of Strathclyde in 1984. He conducted research into bone marrow cancer at the University of Sheffield for three years until invalided out with a serious, normally incurable illness. He was dramatically healed of this in November 1987 and soon obtained an M.Med.Sci. from Sheffield. He then worked at the University of Manchester before taking up a post at the University of Glasgow in 1988. He obtained his Ph.D. in Ophthalmic Science at Glasgow in 1991 and was elected to chartered biologist (C.Biol.) status and to membership of the Institute of Biology (M.I.Biol.) in 1993. He is now Sir Jules Thorn Lecturer in Ophthalmic Science.

The Miracle of Development | Origins with Dr. Paul A. Nelson

Part 1

Part 2

Paul Nelson

Paul A. Nelson is a philosopher of biology who has been involved in the intelligent design debate internationally for over two decades. His grandfather, Byron C. Nelson (1893-1972), a theologian and author, was an influential mid-20th century dissenter from Darwinian evolution. After receiving his B.A. in philosophy with a minor in evolutionary biology from the University of Pittsburgh, Nelson entered the University of Chicago, where he received his Ph.D. (1998) in the philosophy of biology and evolutionary theory.^[1] He is currently a Fellow of the Discovery Institute and Adjunct Professor in the Master of Arts Program in Science & Religion at Biola University.^[2]
 
An early associate of Professor Phillip Johnson of UC-Berkeley, author of the bestselling critique Darwin on Trial, Nelson was an organizer of the Mere Creation conference (1996), where the modern intelligent design research community first formed. Nelson’s research interests include the relationship between developmental biology and our knowledge of the history of life, the theory of intelligent design, and the interaction of science and theology. He lectures frequently at colleges and universities throughout the United States and Europe, has spoken on American and Italian national public radio, and written for popular publications as varied as the Oslo Dagbladet and the Christian Research Journal.^[1]
 
Nelson’s scholarly articles have appeared in journals such as Biology & Philosophy, Zygon, Rhetoric and Public Affairs, and Touchstone, and book chapters in the anthologies Mere Creation (Intervarsity Press), Signs of Intelligence (Brazos), Intelligent Design Creationism and Its Critics (MIT Press), and Darwin, Design, and Public Education (Michigan State University Press). His forthcoming monograph, On Common Descent, critically evaluates the theory of common descent. He is a member of the Society for Developmental Biology (SDB) and the International Society for the History, Philosophy, and Social Studies of Biology (ISHPSSB).^[1]
 
Paul is married to Suzanne Nelson, M.D., M.P.H., an assistant professor of pediatrics at Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois. They reside in Glenview, a suburb of Chicago, with their daughters, Hannah (18) and Olivia (16).^[1]
 
Paul Nelson
Biola University
13800 Biola Ave.
La Mirada, CA 90639

Fearfully and Wonderfully Made - Dr. David Menton

Part 1

“The question is not when does life begin, but when does a person begin?” Dr. David Menton explains from anatomical science and biology the truth of Psalm 139:13–16, which says that God weaves us together in the womb. This illustrated lecture also reveals the amazing and intricate design of the womb and the processes of fertilization, implantation, embryonic development, and birth itself. Dr. Menton shows that each of these is a series of miracles (irreducible complexities) that cannot be explained by chance and random processes. Even more important, as Dr. Menton explains with grace and sensitivity in the wrap-up of the video, is the second “birth” process of salvation explained in John 3.

Featuring Dr. David Menton

• Format: DVD
• Dimensions: 5.25" x 7.5"
• Length: 63 minutes
• Technicality: Adult
• Ages: 12 and up
• Publisher: Answers in Genesis
• Published: 2005
• SKU: 30-9-120

You have never seen a presentation regarding the value and dignity of human life that is as powerful and as respectful as this. The question is not when does life begin, but when does a person begin?

Part 2

Dr David Menton

Creationist Anatomist (AiG - USA)

“Dr. Menton presented at Mt. Hood Community College (Oregon), and two evolution profs were firing questions after each of David's 40-minute presentations. When most of the audience had left, one of the students came up and said, referring to the profs, ‘Those guys were playing T-ball against the Yankees (Dr. Menton).’
“I love that comment.”
—Craig H., Portland, Oregon

NOTE: For those unfamiliar with T-ball, it is a children’s version of
baseball where there is no pitcher; instead, the batter simply hits the ball off a 2-foot high tee—like a long golf tee—so that it is very easy to hit.

By the way, Dr. Menton wants to let AiG supporters know that he has a burden to reach teens and college students with the creation/gospel message. When speaking at a seminar or church, he likes to add on speaking engagements at nearby colleges or high schools, so please think about that possibility when considering this excellent communicator as a speaker in your area (call 1-859-727-2222 ext. 403 for information).

Biography

Professional Affiliation:

• Biomedical research technician at Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota in the Department of Dermatology (1960-62)
• Associate Professor of Anatomy at Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri (1966-2000)
• Associate Professor Emeritus of Anatomy at Washington University School of Medicine (July 2000)

Professional Activities:

• Guest lecturer in gross anatomy
• Former coursemaster of Microscopic Anatomy at Washington University School of Medicine
• Consulting editor in Histology for 'Stedman's Medical Dictionary', a standard medical reference work

Extraprofessional activities:

• Vice-president of Congregation of Faith Lutheran Church of Ballwin, Missouri
• Sunday school teacher for high school students
• President of the Missouri Association for Creation, St. Louis, Missouri
• Technical Advisor for the Institute for Creation Research in San Diego, California
• Lectured throughout the United States and Canada on the Creation-Evolution controversy

Education

• B.A. from Mankato State University in Mankato, Minnesota
• Ph.D. in cell biology from Brown University

Honors/Awards/Associations

• Member of the American Association of Anatomists
• Member of Sigma Xi
• Silver Award for Basic Research from the American Academy of Dermatology
• Given 'Distinguished Service Teaching Award' from Washington University School of Medicine in 1991, 1994, 1995, 1996, 1997
• Named 'Teacher of the Year' at Washington University School of Medicine in 1979
• Elected 'Professor of the Year' in 1998 by the Washington University School of Medicine Class of 2000
• Profiled in 'American Men and Women of Science - A Biographical Directory of Today's Leaders in Physical, Biological and Related Sciences' for almost two decades

Publications

Written numerous articles in technical and scientific journals dealing with bone, wound healing, and the epidermal barrier function and biomechanics of skin.

Get a listing of Dr. Menton’s Answers magazine articles.

Events information for Dr. Menton

• Speaker’s bio & upcoming events featuring Dr. Menton

Interview

Listen to Ken Ham’s interview of Dr. David Menton at Steubenville, OH.

Resources

Lucy—She’s No Lady! Confused about the discovery of Lucy, a “missing link” between chimps and humans? Anatomist Dr. Menton leaves no doubt that the famous “Lucy” fossils belong to a knuckle-walking, apelike creature, who was not a lady!

Inherently Wind: A Hollywood History of the Scopes Trial In one of his most popular talks, Dr. Menton exposes the distortions and inaccuracies in the play and movie Inherit the Wind. This influential propaganda piece has deceived a whole generation . . .

Hearing Ear and the Seeing Eye (The) This unique talk received a standing ovation! Anatomist Dr. David Menton takes you on a journey into the marvelous intricacies of the human ear and eye, which have the clear stamp of the Creator and leave skeptics speechless.

Bio-Genesis and the END of Atheism

Published on Oct 22, 2012 by Djw0071

What are the chances that Atheism is false? 100%

Biological Information - the Signature of Life - Dr. John Sanford - Creation Super Conference 2011

Biological Information – the Signature of Life

There is a growing awareness that information is the unique non-material force which makes life possible. This growing awareness comes as we are discovery the labyrinth of informational networks in even the simplest cells. This cellular network is similar to today's Internet.

There is rapidly growing evidence that the principles of information run parallel to the laws of thermodynamics. The first law of thermodynamics essentially says that matter and energy cannot just arise from nothing. This is also true of information - it does not arise spontaneously from matter, it only arise through the operation of intelligence. The second law of thermodynamics essentially says that useful things always degenerate into useless things, apart from intelligent intervention. This is also true of information - apart from intelligent intervention, information always degenerates. All this strongly indicates that the biological information networks within cells and organisms must have been intelligently designed, but should now be decaying. This growing new consensus provides astounding affirmation of the Biblical view of reality - that is a recent and miraculous creation, a fallen and dying world, and a profound need for a Saviour.

Presented by Dr John Sanford
Streaming: Download

Dr John Sanford, Ph.D. (University of Wisconsin)

Biography

Dr John Sanford, A Cornell University Professor for more than 25 years, John has been semi-retired since 1998. His Ph.D. was in plant breeding and plant genetics. While a professor at Cornell, John has trained graduate students and conducted genetic research at the New York State Agricultural Experiment Station in Geneva, NY. During this time, John bred new crop varieties using conventional breeding and then became heavily involved in the newly-emerging field of plant genetic engineering. John has published over 80 scientific publications and has been granted over 30 patents. His most significant scientific contributions involve three inventions, the biolistic (“gene gun”) process, pathogen-derived resistance, and genetic immunization. A large fraction of the transgenic crops (in terms of numbers and acreage) grown in the world today were genetically engineered using the gene gun technology developed by John and his collaborators. John also started two biotech enterprises derived from his research, Biolistics, Inc., and Sanford Scientific, Inc. John still holds a position at Cornell (Courtesy Associate Professor), but has largely retired from Cornell and has started a small non-profit organization, Feed My Sheep Foundation.

A scientific convert to six-day creation, his groundbreaking new book Genetic Entropy and the Mystery of the Genome demonstrates why human DNA is inexorably deteriorating at an alarming rate, thus cannot be millions of years old.

Interviews

• Plant geneticist: ‘Darwinian evolution is impossible’
  Creation magazine interview with Dr Sanford

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Back to Other biographies and interviews of interest

How Did Multi-cellular Life Originate? 15 Questions for Evolutionists - # 7

How did multi-cellular life originate? How did cells adapted to individual survival 'learn' to cooperate and specialize (including undergoing programmed cell death) to create complex plants and animals? See: Evolution of multicellularity: what is required?

Question 7 in CMI's '15 Questions for Evolutionists' flyer reveals yet another problem area for the story of evolution: How did cells adapted to individual survival 'learn' to cooperate and specialize (including undergoing programmed cell death) to create complex plants and animals? Richard Fangrad and Calvin Smith summarize some of the data. See the links below for details.

Related content
• List of the 15 questions with supporting information
• Evolution of muticellularity: what is required?
• Apoptosis -- more evidence for creation

The Miracle of Life - Chris Ashcraft

The origin of life remains the theory of evolution's most significant obstacle. More than 150 years after Darwin published his theory, and following exhaustive efforts, evolutionists are no closer to solving the riddle of how life began. Despite countless attempts using every conceivable condition, biochemists have been unable to produce genetic information (DNA) and/or proteins in a simulated natural environment and thereby show how even the simplest cell could have formed without intelligent design.

This presentation will examine the origin of life and illustrate that evolution is simply without a foundation. Life began through the actions of a God of supreme intelligence and creative power - actions that could never be reproduced by mere humans and will never be explained without reference to intelligent causation.

View the Powerpoint presentation used in this video.

This video file is a 60 minute seminar by Chris Ashcraft that was recorded during the Seattle Creation Conference, October 2010.

View more videos from the 2010 conference.

About the Speaker:
Christopher Wayne Ashcraft is a creation scientist, speaker, and educator. He obtained the Bachelor of Science in biology from Wayland Baptist University in 1989, a Master of Science in biology from Texas Tech University in 1996, and a Master of Education from the University of Washington in 2008.

Chris was a research technician for 12 years specialized in plant tissue culture and genetic transformation technology, and is now a high school science teacher at North Sound Christian School where he teaches Biology, Chemistry, and Creation Apologetics.

He moved from research into teaching in response to a call from God to work in creation science missions. He is firmly committed to researching and teaching creation apologetics and speaks periodically at churches, schools, and creation organizations in the Northwest United States. He is the founder of the Northwest Creation Network and the CreationWiki internet encyclopedia where he serves as senior administrator. He also organizes the Seattle Creation Conference.