Answers in Genesis Conference

This reviewer was able to attend Dr. Lisle’s Saturday lectures. Dr. Lisle has
many scientific insights to share, but his lectures are especially valuable
because of their constant emphasis on the Word of God as the final authority
when discussing the origin of the universe and of life.

For example, in his first talk, “Creation, the Evidence Fits,” Dr. Lisle showed
that a scientist’s interpretation of his experiments and observations depends
on whether he or she believes ultimate truth is found in God’s Word or in
human ideas. The evidence is the same for everyone. The question, as Dr.
Lisle expresses it, is whether we interpret the evidence through biblical
glasses or through evolutionary glasses.

Dr. Lisle discusses several basic areas of science such as genetics, information science, and fossils to show
how the same evidence can be interpreted differently depending on one’s world view.

For example, new breeds of animals can emerge through selective breeding. The various types of dogs
illustrate that fact. The evolutionist insists this is evidence of evolution. According to that world view, if various
types of dogs can develop from one dog-type, then surely given enough time, dogs could have developed from
the first and most primitive forms of life that inhabited the primordial world.

The creationist on the other hand, also observes that there are an amazing variety of dogs in the present world.
The creationist agrees that they descended from a common form of dog. But, the creationist also points out,
correctly, that no one has ever observed dogs evolving from lower life forms—not even in the fossil record.

What we do observe, Dr. Lisle points out, is the reverse of evolution. For simple animals to evolve into more
complex types, an increase in information must take place. But, when we compare the DNA of poodles with
beagles with Great Danes with golden retrievers, we find no increase in information or complexity. Evolution has
not taken place.

Even so-called “beneficial” mutations are not evidence of evolution because they involve the loss of information
in the genetic makeup of the plant or animal. Example: fish found in the depths of the ocean or in underwater
caves may have lost their eyesight or even their eyes because of their dark environment. This may be a good
thing because the loss of useless eyes means that the animal is protected from the danger of diseased or
infected eyes. But that is not evolution. It is an example of a loss of information, not an increase of information.

Dr. Lisle’s comments about fossils and information science also illustrate that the wonderful world in which we
live can only exist because of the work of a highly intelligent and creative Creator.

Dr. Lisle’s second and third presentations, “Dinosaurs and the Bible” and “Creation Astronomy” proved equally
inspiring because they too emphasized first and foremost the importance of believing what the Scriptures say.
What an inspiration to hear a viewpoint so different from what is shown on television and in publications like the
National Geographic!

The seminar ended with an hour-long question and answer session. As often happens in a classroom, some of
the best learning occurs when students have a chance to ask questions of their professor. So it was here.

One question asked Dr. Lisle about his work with the planetarium at the new AIG creation museum near
Cincinnati. Dr. Lisle took the opportunity to show from his computer some of the state-of-the-art graphics he was
developing. The planetarium should be open later this summer although the museum itself will probably not be
fully open for another 1-2 years.

If an Answers in Genesis conference comes to your area, it is well worth seeing because it shows science as
science should be—a discipline that glorifies God who created the heavens and the earth and who offers us
countless blessings and joys when we study His creation. LSI