The Proceedings of the Eighth International Conference on Creationism (2018)

Gollmer, S.M. 2018. Man, machine, scientific models and creation science. In Proceedings of the Eighth International Conference on Creationism , ed. J.H. Whitmore, pp. 103–116. Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania: Creation Science Fellowship. MAN, MACHINE, SCIENTIFIC MODELS AND CREATION SCIENCE Steven M. Gollmer , Cedarville University, 251 N. Main St., Cedarville, OH 45314, gollmers@cedarville.edu ABSTRACT Historically, physics was the most quantitative of the sciences. Geologists and biologists built their models based on observation, categorization and generalization. This distinction between qualitative and quantitative sciences prompted the quote attributed to Ernest Rutherford that “All science is either physics or stamp collecting.” In the intervening 80 years all sciences have exploded in the use of quantitative measures to find patterns and trends in data. A review of a half-century of creationist literature shows that this transition has not been lost to the creationist community. As this trend continues to accelerate, two areas of caution need to be taken seriously: 1) the use of properly validated techniques and 2) evaluating the role of assumptions in the development of models. In addition, advancements in machine learning tend to blur the lines between human insight and computational power. With a proper understanding of the nature of man, creation scientists are well suited to evaluate the unique role human investigators play in the choice, guidance and interpretation of that which is processed by the machine. KEY WORDS Machine learning, Data Science, Computational Methods, Model building, Creation Science, Presuppositions Copyright 2018 Creation Science Fellowship, Inc., Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA www.creationicc.org 103 INTRODUCTION Creation science exists because the Creator revealed Himself through His creative works, supernatural acts and His spoken word. The spoken word provides the least ambiguous knowledge of who God is and what He has done. The veracity of the word rests in the very nature of God, but was confirmed to man through many signs and wonders (Romans 15:19). Signs apart from revelation leave room for misunderstanding, like a horn making an uncertain sound (1 Corinthians 14:6-8). Prophets used signs and wonders to validate their message from God, but signs with messages inconsistent with God’s revelation were to be rejected as from a false prophet (Deuteronomy 13:1-3). Although less certain than the revealed Word and less spectacular than supernatural acts of God, the creation is no less valuable. Genesis 1:1 states that God created the entirety of heaven and earth. Continuing from vs. 2-31 a description is given how the spaces were brought into existence and then filled over the course of six normal days. Throughout the creation account, the evaluation that it was good is repeated and upon conclusion of the sixth day a summative evaluation is given that it was very good. With the creation of man and woman two commands were given that are still in effect today: 1) be fruitful and multiply and 2) have dominion over the face of the earth (Genesis 1:28). In the process of fulfilling the second command mankind must understand those things over which he is to have dominion. This dominion is not an exploitation to fulfill the selfish desires of the human population, but the responsible management of resources entrusted to a steward by the sovereign owner (Matthew 25:14-30). This is best illustrated before the Fall when man was instructed to tend and keep the Garden. What that looked like without sin is hard to imagine, but it involved work and it brought glory to God. One example of man’s responsibility was the naming of animals. Although this responsibility helped Adam recognize that he was alone and demonstrated his authority over the animals, it also hints at the role of science to appropriately classify and identify parts of the created order. The goal of science is much broader than classification. Once differences are identified, questions arise as to the nature of the differences and why differences exist. This process of observation and questioning helps mankind better understand the creation and in turn see the wisdom, power and glory of God (Psalm 19; Proverbs 3:19; Romans 1:20). As previously mentioned, the physical universe has value. However, this extends beyond an inherent property to an extrinsic value as its parts interact in an orderly and lawful fashion. Mankind is able to study the design of creation and use it for the benefit of all. The rebellion in the Garden resulted in disrupted relationships of man with God, with other men, with creation and even with himself. The physical universe was no longer an ally in the pursuit of fulfilling the dominion mandate, but an adversary. However, this did not eliminate the value of creation nor the image of God in man (Genesis 9:6). The systematic study of creation has value and will yield profitable results. Pearcey and Thaxton (1994) elaborate on this idea in the opening chapter of The Soul of Science: Christian Faith and Natural Philosophy . They make a point that the scriptures provide a sound philosophical basis for science. To summarize pages 21-37, creation has value, God is rational, man is given rationality, the creation acts in a rational fashion, creation acts lawfully; therefore man is able to understand the creation, codify the lawfulness of the creation and use it to the glory of God. This logical basis for science permeated western civilization and gave rise to achievements outpacing the accomplishments of previous civilizations. Needham stated in Science and Civilisation in China , It was not that there was no order in nature for the Chinese, but rather that it was not an order ordained by a rational