From: richard@biblewheel.com
Date: Sun Sep 21 2003 - 17:02:01 EDT
Howard Van Till's RFEP (Robust Formational Economy Principle) posits that
creation is so wonderfully gifted by God as to be able to actualize any and
all forms we see with out any form inmposing intervention by God after t =
0. Here is a good link to one of Howard's outlines of this principle:
http://www.bethel.edu/college/dept/biology/supportfiles/VanTillOverheads.pdf
In this outline, Howard presents the following examples of the formational
capabilities of matter:
* quarks-> nucleons-> nuclei -> different nuclei
* nuclei + electrons -> atoms
* atoms -> molecules -> different molecules
* atoms & molecules -> galaxies, stars & planets
* molecular ensembles -> cells
* cells -> more complex organisms
* organisms -> different organisms
* organisms -> ecosystems, etc.
At first glance, everything looks quite continuous. But a closer inspection
reveals a huge gap, namely:
* molecular ensembles -> cells
Cells are excedingly complex structures that read and write DNA, and use it
to replicate. They are information based and would not be predicted from
mere energetical considerations that characterizes everything previous in
the list. It seems like the step from mere "molecular ensembles" to "cells"
is rather like going from a bouncing ball to the space shuttle. The
discontinuity is simply too large to ignore. If we can't narrow this gap, I
don't see how we could suggest that anyone hold to the principle that denies
such gaps exist.
I am convinced that the RFEP holds up to the level of "molecular ensembles"
in the list above, and I believe it is an important principle up to that
level. But suggesting that we jump over the gap to include the origin and
evolution of life seems like a huge leap of faith unwarranted by the
scientific evidence at hand.
Any insights from list memebers would be greatly appreciated.
Richard Amiel McGough
Discover the sevenfold symmetric perfection of the Holy Bible at
http://www.BibleWheel.com
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