Let me first explain the logic and rationale by which a scientist must process natural phenomena. The scientist must first use inductive reasoning in a formula known as the scientific method. In the scientific method the scientist adds the findings of experiments to come to a conclusion. In using the scientific method the scientist is moving from the parts (data) to the whole (conclusion, established fact).

Once facts are gathered the scientist must use the analytical method to make sense of the facts. The analytical method is the means by which a scientist explains the logic of the facts. A convenient way to do this is by means of a syllogism. A syllogism is a logical argument consisting of three parts. The first two parts of a syllogism are statements of facts that provide the evidence from which the conclusion is drawn. The third part of the syllogism is the conclusion.

A common example of a syllogism is as follows:

1. All men are mortal.
2. Socrates is a man,
3. therefore Socrates is mortal.

We can clearly see that the conclusion: 'Socrates is mortal' proceeds logically and reasonably from the facts presented in the first two parts of the syllogism.

Now let's build a syllogism from established scientific facts and see what conclusion logically flows from those facts.

1. Single celled organisms are extremely complex functioning systems and are in fact more complex than any machine made by man.
2. Complex functioning systems have been observed to come about only by the deliberate actions of an intelligent designer.
3. Conclusion: A pre-existing intelligent designer must have assembled the first single celled organism. We may call this intelligent designer, God.

An atheistic materialistic scientist, when confronted with the above syllogism would not likely try to dispute fact # 1. All scientists now know that single celled organisms are complex beyond comprehension. An atheistic scientist may be bold enough to dispute fact # 2. If the scientist disputes the fact that complex functioning systems come about only by an intelligent designer I would challenge him to show me even one example in nature or in the laboratory where a complex functioning system came about by random processes. (Even S.E.T.I. would consider a mere simple sentence received by radio signal from a distant galaxy as evidence of intelligent alien life!)

An atheistic materialistic scientist, if he persists in atheistic materialism, would challenge the third part of the syllogism which is the conclusion that an intelligent designer assembled the first living single celled organism. This challenge of the third part of the syllogism is what I call the scientific leap of faith!

This is where atheistic materialistic scientists abandon reason and say -- against all odds -- that the immeasurable complexity of "simple" life forms came about by random collisions of atoms. They have no scientific proof that such complexity could come from randomness yet they persist in believing it and that is a leap of faith!!!

Atheistic materialism, because it involves a leap of faith is therefore a religion. Secular Humanism, which is roughly synonymous with atheistic materialism is recognized by the US government as a religion deserving tax exempt status.

Many scientists are no longer inclined to take this leap of faith and have therefore abandoned atheistic materialism. Many such scientists have become part of the Intelligent Design Movement. Some formerly atheistic scientists have turned to God through Christ to receive forgiveness of their sins.

The Bible is scientifically accurate! Find the evidence at www.icr.org.  

Steps to salvation: Jesus said "Ye must be born again." (John 3:7)

1. Believe that God created you and loves you and sent the Messiah (Messiah is Hebrew for Christ) to redeem you.
2. Believe that Jesus the Messiah came in fulfillment of over 300 Bible prophecies to die for you to take upon Himself the penalty for your sins. (Isaiah 53:5-6, John 6:29, Romans 4:5, First Peter 3:18)
3. Turn from sin and call on the name of Jesus to receive forgiveness. (Romans 10:13)
4. Receive Jesus as Savior and experience the new birth. (John 1:12, Acts 2:38)
5. Follow Him as Lord. (John 14:21)

"Whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved" (Romans 10:13)

To receive the salvation that Jesus purchased for us at the terrible cost of His suffering and death on our behalf I invite you to pray this simple prayer:

"Dear heavenly Father, I thank you for sending Jesus, the promised Messiah, to die for my sins. I admit that I am a sinner and I ask for your forgiveness on the basis of the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. I ask you to fill me with your Holy Spirit to empower me to serve you under the Lordship of Jesus Christ, Amen."

If you prayed that prayer in the humble sincerity of your heart then you have received everlasting life, which includes power to live right in this life and entrance into heaven in the afterlife!

Bill Nugent, Overcomer Ministries of West Harrison, New York, USA

(C) 2010 William P. Nugent, permission granted to email or republish if credit given

DEFENDING THE FAITH APOLOGETIC ARTICLES Bill Nugent currently writes a series of articles called "Defending the Faith" which, as the title suggests, defend the Christian faith from the many attacks leveled against it in our postmodern world. The articles deal with such topics as evolution, UFOs, cults, modern/postmodern philosophy, liberal theology and popular culture. At the end of each article is an invitation to receive Christ as Savior and Lord. These articles are sent out over the Internet to several opt-in email lists. People who receive these articles are encouraged to resend them to their own lists and in this way reach their own unsaved relatives and friends with the Gospel. All Defending the Faith articles are © 2009 William P. Nugent, permission is granted to email or republish if credit given. To receive these articles which are sent out once per month fill in your email address below and click the SUBMIT button. *Security: Write the characters in the image above (Case sensitive)