| Divine Design: A Christian Approach to Technology--Part 2 by Ronald A. Buelow (March/April, 1991) |
Go to <Part 1>
Man has mimicked many designs found around us. Of course, those designs which we mimic were designed
and built by the Great Designer and Creator, our loving God. The computer is one example of how the
human brain and reasoning continue to be models for computer hardware and software to emulate. “Ever
since the early days of computer science, the brain has been a model for emerging machines. But compared
with the brain, today's computers are little more than glorified calculators.”2 Computers sometimes seem
smarter than humans. They can zip through mind-boggling equations or plot a space probe's path past
Jupiter. Yet teaching computers the most basic human activities, such as recognizing objects or
understanding speech, has proved far more difficult than researchers expected.
“Nothing we do,” says one computer scientists, “can match a baby's ability to recognize its mother.”3 A really
amazing aspect of a newborn's ability to recognize its mother is that the baby uses a mathematical concept
to achieve this skill. According to noted psychiatrist Dr. Eugene J. Mahon, the newborns use a ratio (or
proportion). This ratio happens to be the same as the famous proportion known for centuries by artists and
architects as the “Golden Ratio” or “Golden Section.” The Golden Ratio has been proven by experiments as
particularly harmonious and pleasing to the human senses. Dr. Mahon, who is on the faculty of the Colombia
University Psychoanalytic Clinic for Training and Research as well as Columbia College or Physicians and
Surgeons, presented his findings in a study in “The Psychoanalytic Study of the Child”, an international
publication of psychoanalysis.4
Man has mimicked many designs found around us. Of course, those designs which we mimic were designed
and built by the Great Designer and Creator, our loving God. The computer is one example of how the
human brain and reasoning continue to be models for computer hardware and software to emulate. “Ever
since the early days of computer science, the brain has been a model for emerging machines. But compared
with the brain, today's computers are little more than glorified calculators.”2 Computers sometimes seem
smarter than humans. They can zip through mind-boggling equations or plot a space probe's path past
Jupiter. Yet teaching computers the most basic human activities, such as recognizing objects or
understanding speech, has proved far more difficult than researchers expected.
“Nothing we do,” says one computer scientists, “can match a baby's ability to recognize its mother.”3 A really
amazing aspect of a newborn's ability to recognize its mother is that the baby uses a mathematical concept
to achieve this skill. According to noted psychiatrist Dr. Eugene J. Mahon, the newborns use a ratio (or
proportion). This ratio happens to be the same as the famous proportion known for centuries by artists and
architects as the “Golden Ratio” or “Golden Section.” The Golden Ratio has been proven by experiments as
particularly harmonious and pleasing to the human senses. Dr. Mahon, who is on the faculty of the Colombia
University Psychoanalytic Clinic for Training and Research as well as Columbia College or Physicians and
Surgeons, presented his findings in a study in “The Psychoanalytic Study of the Child”, an international
publication of psychoanalysis.4
The Ultimate Processor: The Human Brain
Engineers are now imitating the human brain itself to produce radical new
computers called neural networks. “Researchers are modeling this new
breed of super powerful computers after the ultimate processor: the human
brain.”5 The brain was once thought to operate in a centralized step-by-
step process much like computers do, but researchers now know that it
actually shares information simultaneously among many nerve cells, called
neurons. Neural network computers mimic this structure. Present versions
provide the equivalent of only a few hundred of the 100 billion neurons in
the human brain – but they already seem to beat conventional computers
at some tasks. To recognize the letter A, for example, a current computer
must sort through all of the letter patterns it knows, looking for a fit. The
more patterns it contains, the longer the search. The brain doesn't work
the same way: “Otherwise,” says neural network theorist, Stephen
Grossberg, “ as you grew older and had more faces in your memory, it
would take you longer to recognize your parents.”6 “According to one
expert, the visual system of one human being can do more image
processing than all the supercomputers in the world put together.”7
Engineers are now imitating the human brain itself to produce radical new
computers called neural networks. “Researchers are modeling this new
breed of super powerful computers after the ultimate processor: the human
brain.”5 The brain was once thought to operate in a centralized step-by-
step process much like computers do, but researchers now know that it
actually shares information simultaneously among many nerve cells, called
neurons. Neural network computers mimic this structure. Present versions
provide the equivalent of only a few hundred of the 100 billion neurons in
the human brain – but they already seem to beat conventional computers
at some tasks. To recognize the letter A, for example, a current computer
must sort through all of the letter patterns it knows, looking for a fit. The
more patterns it contains, the longer the search. The brain doesn't work
the same way: “Otherwise,” says neural network theorist, Stephen
Grossberg, “ as you grew older and had more faces in your memory, it
would take you longer to recognize your parents.”6 “According to one
expert, the visual system of one human being can do more image
processing than all the supercomputers in the world put together.”7
This new concept of computing (neural networks) could mean a totally different approach to controlling
computers. Programming would give way to 'training' of computers. Neural network computers can 'learn'
from their mistakes. The human brain does this learning in an interesting way. Simply put, if two neurons are
active at once and they're connected, then the synapses (connections in the brain) between them will get
stronger. . .the network appears to 'learn by experience' because connections that are used often are
reinforced.8 Neural networks, according to a Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency study, are a
long way off from achieving the connectivity of the brain; at this point a cockroach looks like a genius.”9
computers. Programming would give way to 'training' of computers. Neural network computers can 'learn'
from their mistakes. The human brain does this learning in an interesting way. Simply put, if two neurons are
active at once and they're connected, then the synapses (connections in the brain) between them will get
stronger. . .the network appears to 'learn by experience' because connections that are used often are
reinforced.8 Neural networks, according to a Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency study, are a
long way off from achieving the connectivity of the brain; at this point a cockroach looks like a genius.”9
At Synaptics, Cal Tech's Carver Mead is designing analog chips
modeled after the human retina and the cochlea. Building chips like
these can take two to three years each. To make the very smallest
electronic parts, one Maryland research company thinks we should
enlist the aid of living cells. State-of-the-art components are already
small compared with cells, but EMV Associates believes that future
circuit parts could be smaller still if they were nothing more than
organic molecules, such as proteins, made by living cells. “This is the
next logical step down,” says James McAlear, president of EMV.
Certain natural proteins, such as the hemoglobin in red blood cells,
change shape slightly when the electric charge they carry is altered.
modeled after the human retina and the cochlea. Building chips like
these can take two to three years each. To make the very smallest
electronic parts, one Maryland research company thinks we should
enlist the aid of living cells. State-of-the-art components are already
small compared with cells, but EMV Associates believes that future
circuit parts could be smaller still if they were nothing more than
organic molecules, such as proteins, made by living cells. “This is the
next logical step down,” says James McAlear, president of EMV.
Certain natural proteins, such as the hemoglobin in red blood cells,
change shape slightly when the electric charge they carry is altered.
This change in shape means a protein such as hemoglobin could be used as an electronic switch, says
McAlear. One shape would mean on; the other, off. Information in this form – the ones and zeros of binary
machine language – is the basis of computer functioning.
McAlear. One shape would mean on; the other, off. Information in this form – the ones and zeros of binary
machine language – is the basis of computer functioning.
God is the Author of Logical Reasoning
People cannot communicate or function successfully without using logic. Whether
you regard yourself as a logical person or not, you must use logic to do your job, to
learn, to listen, to talk, to write, to calculate, to estimate and to make the thousands
of decisions you make each day to live in society. God chose to make logical
reasoning part of the gifts which he gave us to operate with. And He chose to
communicate with us using the same logical ability He gave us.
People cannot communicate or function successfully without using logic. Whether
you regard yourself as a logical person or not, you must use logic to do your job, to
learn, to listen, to talk, to write, to calculate, to estimate and to make the thousands
of decisions you make each day to live in society. God chose to make logical
reasoning part of the gifts which he gave us to operate with. And He chose to
communicate with us using the same logical ability He gave us.
Yes, God's Word in the Holy Bible is presented with logic. No, the truths presented are not necessarily logical
to the human mind, but the truths are presented to us logically.
There are thousands of passages in Scripture which use the if/then form. Many other passages are written in
parallel form so that we can make the logical comparison and application to our lives. These passages are
usually called parables. When the Jews would try to trap Jesus with logic (very often) during his ministry on
earth, Jesus would respond with logical questions of his own. This logic was recognized by his non-believing
enemies to have turned the question back to themselves, and they could not answer.
to the human mind, but the truths are presented to us logically.
There are thousands of passages in Scripture which use the if/then form. Many other passages are written in
parallel form so that we can make the logical comparison and application to our lives. These passages are
usually called parables. When the Jews would try to trap Jesus with logic (very often) during his ministry on
earth, Jesus would respond with logical questions of his own. This logic was recognized by his non-believing
enemies to have turned the question back to themselves, and they could not answer.
Another form of logic used in Holy Scripture is the either/or situation. God tells
us that either we serve Him or we serve man, there is no partial service
possible. This form of logical reasoning (called the exclusive or), is used very
frequently in mathematics and computer programming.
Many times these forms are combined by God in the Bible to logically
presented His truth. An example is “Whoever believes and is baptized will be
saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned.” (Mark 16:16) This
passage is really two different if/then logical statements. The first tells that if
we believe and are baptized, then we will be saved. The second says that if
we do not believe, then we will be condemned. The conjunction of two logical
statements is another logical ability needed in mathematics and computer
programming.
As Christians We Should Use Logic and Reasoning Well
Our God-given abilities in these areas can be enhanced and fine-tuned with
the study of mathematics and computer programming, as well as with other
studies.
us that either we serve Him or we serve man, there is no partial service
possible. This form of logical reasoning (called the exclusive or), is used very
frequently in mathematics and computer programming.
Many times these forms are combined by God in the Bible to logically
presented His truth. An example is “Whoever believes and is baptized will be
saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned.” (Mark 16:16) This
passage is really two different if/then logical statements. The first tells that if
we believe and are baptized, then we will be saved. The second says that if
we do not believe, then we will be condemned. The conjunction of two logical
statements is another logical ability needed in mathematics and computer
programming.
As Christians We Should Use Logic and Reasoning Well
Our God-given abilities in these areas can be enhanced and fine-tuned with
the study of mathematics and computer programming, as well as with other
studies.
We have a responsibility to develop and use this gift of God. The Christian
needs to know God's truth and to be able to communicate it to others. Christians
are not required by God to appear as dumb or dumbfounded by logic and
technology. Rather, they should master these gifts of God and use them as
God-given gifts to help with their mission in life.
Powerful Tools Demand Responsible Use
In the computer and its logical abilities we have a very powerful tool whose
speed, design and logical abilities were made possible by God's creation. With
power we must also carry responsible use. When you write a computer
needs to know God's truth and to be able to communicate it to others. Christians
are not required by God to appear as dumb or dumbfounded by logic and
technology. Rather, they should master these gifts of God and use them as
God-given gifts to help with their mission in life.
Powerful Tools Demand Responsible Use
In the computer and its logical abilities we have a very powerful tool whose
speed, design and logical abilities were made possible by God's creation. With
power we must also carry responsible use. When you write a computer
program, you have tremendous power at your fingertips. You can design an
operation your way. You are responsible for how it works. This is a great feeling,
a feeling of power.
There are also times when your program does not work or allows errors to be
output. This is not completely avoidable. The programmer is constantly testing
his program to eliminate any possibility for error or misleading output. Especially
if you are preparing a program for public use, you must attempt to anticipate a
great variety of approaches to the use of your program. It is probably not
possible to anticipate all of these possibilities, but the success of your program
could well rest on your ability to anticipate as many as possible and on the time
it takes to plan for these possibilities.
operation your way. You are responsible for how it works. This is a great feeling,
a feeling of power.
There are also times when your program does not work or allows errors to be
output. This is not completely avoidable. The programmer is constantly testing
his program to eliminate any possibility for error or misleading output. Especially
if you are preparing a program for public use, you must attempt to anticipate a
great variety of approaches to the use of your program. It is probably not
possible to anticipate all of these possibilities, but the success of your program
could well rest on your ability to anticipate as many as possible and on the time
it takes to plan for these possibilities.
Some examples of software programming errors which caused personal grief
or disaster are listed below:
1) In 1986 bugs in the Space Shuttle STS-6 mission software caused mission
aborts to be shut out.
2) In 1984 the Gemini V craft landed 100 miles off course because the
software ignored orbital motion around the sun in its calculations.
3) In 1986 an F-18 jet crashed because of a missing exception in the
program logic. The pilot was O.K.
4) In 1984 an F-14 jet went into an uncontrollable spin and crashed because
of faulty software.
5) In 1987 a hospital received 120 phone calls from a computer with faulty
software, encouraging a vote for Ronald Reagan.
6) In 1987 a faulty computer program blocked the promotion of a fifth grader
or disaster are listed below:
1) In 1986 bugs in the Space Shuttle STS-6 mission software caused mission
aborts to be shut out.
2) In 1984 the Gemini V craft landed 100 miles off course because the
software ignored orbital motion around the sun in its calculations.
3) In 1986 an F-18 jet crashed because of a missing exception in the
program logic. The pilot was O.K.
4) In 1984 an F-14 jet went into an uncontrollable spin and crashed because
of faulty software.
5) In 1987 a hospital received 120 phone calls from a computer with faulty
software, encouraging a vote for Ronald Reagan.
6) In 1987 a faulty computer program blocked the promotion of a fifth grader
(Source: “Illustrative Risks to the Public in the Use of Computer Systems and Related Technology,” compiled
by Peter G. Neumann, June 26, 1987)
This aspect of programming can be discouraging. It can also cause a great deal of anxiety. Knowing that if
something goes wrong, you are the one responsible can be a good monitor for you to produce quality, but it
may also caused the programmer to make mistakes under pressure. It is no different with any other powerful
tool.
by Peter G. Neumann, June 26, 1987)
This aspect of programming can be discouraging. It can also cause a great deal of anxiety. Knowing that if
something goes wrong, you are the one responsible can be a good monitor for you to produce quality, but it
may also caused the programmer to make mistakes under pressure. It is no different with any other powerful
tool.
Someone skilled and careful must do his very best. The Christian will look at his programming work (as well
as all other work) as if he were doing it for the Lord. “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as
working for the Lord, not for men.” (Col. 3:23) LSI
Notes
2. Freundlich, Naomi J., “Brain-Style Computers”, Popular Science, Feb., 1989, pages 69-70, 110.
3. Rogers, Michael, “Mimicking the Human Mind,” Newsweek, July 20, 1987, pages 52-53.
4. Tsunoda, Waka, “Newborns Recognize Mom's Face by ‘Ratio’ of Her Facial Features”, The Herald
Palladium, page 15, 1985.
5. Freundlich, p. 69.
6. Rogers, p. 52-53.
7. Freundlich, p. 69.
8. Ibid, p. 70.
9. Ibid, p. 110.
Go to Part 3 -- Mathematical Designs from the Great Designer
as all other work) as if he were doing it for the Lord. “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as
working for the Lord, not for men.” (Col. 3:23) LSI
Notes
2. Freundlich, Naomi J., “Brain-Style Computers”, Popular Science, Feb., 1989, pages 69-70, 110.
3. Rogers, Michael, “Mimicking the Human Mind,” Newsweek, July 20, 1987, pages 52-53.
4. Tsunoda, Waka, “Newborns Recognize Mom's Face by ‘Ratio’ of Her Facial Features”, The Herald
Palladium, page 15, 1985.
5. Freundlich, p. 69.
6. Rogers, p. 52-53.
7. Freundlich, p. 69.
8. Ibid, p. 70.
9. Ibid, p. 110.
Go to Part 3 -- Mathematical Designs from the Great Designer