Thanksgiving 2022; Granny & Papaw Ferrell's Marriage License in 1908; and Mom's Birthday in 1932 (published 11-30-2022; article #374)

Introduction

Greetings to all national and international readers. I trust that you are each doing well.

Mrs. Appalachian Irishman is about to get over the “CHV” (Children's Home Virus) that she contracted on 11/16/2022. She still has a little cough. My wife was laid up sickly until 11/22/2022, when she went back to work. The Children's Home does not need to send sick children to school! I had only mild symptoms of the “CHV,” which my wife tried not to give me. To those who are still obsessed with “Corona Myopia Psychosis,” no, my wife did not contract the China virus again! She did not take a made-in-China test to see if she had contracted the China virus again! (See my first 5/1/2022 article under the section “3/28, Monday: China Test Kits for China Virus.”)

This article is about family heritage on November 24th for three selected years. It highlights Thanksgiving 2022, Granny and Papaw Ferrell's marriage license in 1908, and Mom's birthday in 1932.

First, however, I have to share my power outage restoration “murakle” of Sunday morning! It's funny! By the way, “murakle” is how many Appalachians from this area pronounce “miracle.”

My Gift of Restoring a Power Outage

To readers in northeast Tennessee, did you survive the heavy rain overnight Saturday into Sunday? On Sunday, our power went off at 4:58 AM. I called the power company at 7:23 AM to check the status of the outage. I could only speak with a robot, which is the “new normal” of “outstanding” customer service. While on the phone, answering “yes” or “no” to the robot's questions, the power came back on at exactly 7:25 AM!

It was a “KUB reboot 'murakle'!” As an aside, a “miracle” is God's action that sets aside natural law, such as raising the dead. A “murakle” is my way to describe a serendipitous coincidence.

So, when any reader in the Knoxville Utilities Board (KUB) service area has power go off, just call me! I'll call the KUB robot for you. Your power will be back on while I am on the phone with the robot! I “promise,” believe me or not!

Now, let's get back to family heritage on November 24th for three select years.

Thanksgiving, Thursday, 11/24/2022

For recent Thanksgivings, either my youngest brother and his family came down here, or we drove up there. At times, other family members have joined us. On this Thanksgiving, my youngest brother and his family visited his wife's brother and his new bride. They spent time with them. My brother and his family didn't have time to stop by here on their way to or from west Knoxville. I think that I heard him honk his horn on I-640.

Mrs. Appalachian Irishman and I had a good Thanksgiving gathering with her folks—her father, two sisters, our niece, and her good first cousin. After the fixins were ready, I led a prayer to the Good Lord, and we sat down to eat. My “favorite” sister-in-law was sickly and stayed in bed. She rendered a “no good deed goes unpunished” assistance a few days before and was “rewarded” by coming down with a case of the snots. We all talked and joked about several topics. Pepper, our niece's “old puppy,” enjoyed the food droppings that I gave her.

My youngest sister-in-law (who is also my “favorite”) had recently traded cars. She needed to swap out the temporary license plate for the permanent plate. She now has a nice-looking, silver 2019 KIA Niro (not Nero) hybrid SUV. After the Thanksgiving meal, my youngest sister-in-law, our niece, and I went outside to change the tag.

It should have been a one-man job that took about three minutes. Wrong! The rear bumper at the plate attachment must have been designed by an alien from outer space! What should be a simple design requires an advanced degree in engineering to figure out!

Over the course of about twenty minutes or so, my father-in-law, my wife's cousin, and my wife came outside to check on the progress that the three of us were making and to offer “insightful tips and suggestions.” At one point, all six of us were at the rear end of the car! Yes, it took six people to change one license plate on one KIA.

To make a long story a little shorter, eventually, we got the permanent plate on the car. The right-side screw holds tightly enough if it doesn't wiggle loose, but the left-side screw is holding firmly. Just don't hit too many potholes on the interstate, sister-in-law! I would take that KIA back to the dealer and have them fix the right-side “intricate fastening device!” The left-side device is holding.

Tuesday, 11/24/1908

Let's go back “through the mists of time,” 114 years ago, to Tuesday, November 24th, 1908. Thanksgiving was two days later, on the 26th, that year. (KIA vehicles didn't exist then.)

As the image below shows, on 11/24/1908, Papaw Marion Ferrell (4/13/1880–11/21/1970), at age 28, obtained the marriage license. Eli Jones, the minister, performed the wedding ceremony the next day on 11/25/1908.

My paternal grandmother, Molly Gertrude Archer Ferrell (11/30/1892–6/11/1971), was five days away from turning 16 when she married Papaw. My 6/13/2021 article includes the image below, explains the Ferrell, Lype, Archer, and Carter family connections, and shares three memories of Granny Ferrell.

Source: "Tennessee Marriages, 1796-1950," database, FamilySearch (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:X8Y4-BLV): 27 January 2020), Marion Ferrell, 1908.

Granny and Papaw Ferrell were blessed with eight children. Listed in birth order, their children were Carrie E. Ferrell Davis (12/5/1909–1/28/2000), Lula Mae Ferrell Absher (1/14/1912–10/9/1995), James William “Bill” Ferrell (8/20/1914–6/21/1999), Roy Palmer Ferrell (6/9/1917–9/13/1991), George Charles Ferrell (1/14/1920–12/1/1995), Paul Edward Ferrell (3/16/1922–12/4/1983), Robert Carson Ferrell (4/30/1925–12/1/1999), and my father, Earl H. Ferrell (9/17/1927–1/25/2008).

I have records for the parents and siblings of both Granny and Papaw Ferrell. I may write an article or two eventually about the Ferrell and Archer ancestral lines. Papaw Ferrell's line is more detailed.

Thanksgiving in 1908 was the day after Granny and Papaw Ferrell were married. Oral tradition has not passed down how Granny and Papaw spent their first Thanksgiving together. I can only imagine the joys that they must have shared.

Thanksgiving, Thursday, 11/24/1932

Going back 90 years ago, my mother, Betty Lou Wood Ferrell (11/24/1932–12/27/2000), was born on Thanksgiving Day in 1932. Her parents were Aby William Wood (9/4/1901–3/14/1983) and Lula Frank Amos Wood (6/16/1901–8/12/1991). Her younger brother, Robert Allen Wood (5/14/1939–1/18/1941), lived only a year and eight months.

Searching this website by “Mom,” “Granny and Papaw Wood,” and “Uncle Bobby” finds several articles that I have published over the years to honor them. I look forward to meeting Uncle Bobby.

I scanned the above photograph on 1/3/2021. The original photograph is still in one of my mother's photograph albums, which I have. The photograph is not dated, but it had to have been taken around the time that my mother graduated from high school.

Mom was born in Indiana, but she grew up in Morristown, Tennessee. As a boy, I remember humoring my mother by calling her a Yankee. Her usual reply was that she was a “southern transplant.”

My mother and father were wed on 9/3/1959. They were blessed with four sons. Well, as boys, we aggravated our parents enough. I am the oldest of us four brothers. Searching my website by “Mom and Dad,” “Mom,” and “Dad” will open articles that I have written over the years.

Growing up, with my mother's birthday falling on or near Thanksgiving, Dad sometimes did not remember Mom's birthday on time. I must admit, as a boy, that I had the same failure a few times. Mom, in her grace, never did let on that we had forgotten her birthday. Granny and Papaw Wood usually drove up from Bean Station, Tennessee, to spend Thanksgiving with us. Sometimes, we would drive down there. Granny and Papaw Wood always remembered Mom's birthday! Dad would say, “We let your mother's birthday slip this year, boys!” Dad would find his wife a birthday present, often a box of chocolate-covered cherries, which she loved. Mom would always have a birthday celebration, even if it might have been a few days late! Mom's graciousness always forgave us. Thanks, Mom!

Conclusion

I am publishing this article on Granny Ferrell's birthday, in 1892. It is fitting. This is another article about family heritage. Before this entry, 111 previous articles have been on or included the topic. Eighty-six articles have been about or included the heritage topic.

Earlier today, I looked through Granny and Papaw Wood's Bibles, which are kept safely in our home. Granny Wood wrote ancestral records for Papaw and her in Papaw's Bible. I know the oral family tradition. The records in Papaw's Bible may inspire future articles about Granny and Papaw Wood and their ancestors. I pondered a while about what life was like for all my ancestors.

My eyes of faith see several generations of ancestors gathered together in heaven, where the circle is unbroken. Those of us here who are ready will join them in the blink of an eye when it is our turn to go to our everlasting home. Our ancestors will not even know that time has passed, awaiting us, once we join them.

I hope that future generations of Ferrells will keep the family heritage going in the right way. That's how I was raised. I honor the biblically based heritage of the Ferrell and Wood families. Happy birthday in heaven, Granny Ferrell!

Christian Evidences (Apologetics): Does God Exist: Cosmological Argument (published 11-26-2022; article #373; series article #4)

4/7/2017 photograph by Joshua Earle on Unsplash. Free to use under the Unsplash License.

Introduction

Greetings, once again, dear reader! We are settling comfortably into this series. This is the fourth article on Christian Evidences. The first article, on 10/28/2022, introduced the topic and listed the four questions that this series will answer.

The first question is “Does God exist?” The second article, on 11/4/2022, proved that God exists by the moral argument. The third article, on 11/16/2022, proved the existence of God by the teleological argument.

This article is the third and final answer to the question: Does God exist? It will affirm the cosmological argument for the existence of God. Each of the three answers proves—independently—that God exists. One proof is sufficient. We have three proofs.

Are you ready to build “the third and final pole” that supports the “bright street light”? Let's get the building project started!

The Cosmological Argument

I have joked for decades that ladies use cosmetics to turn chaos into cosmos! My apologies to the ladies, who are reading. I will explain.

The Greek word κόσμος (kosmos) is the root of “cosmetics” and “cosmology.” “Cosmos” is the transliteration. The word refers to that which is ordered, such as an ordered system (e.g., the universe, the world, etc.). A lady “orders” her face by applying cosmetics. That's how “cosmetics turn chaos into cosmos.” Don't worry, ladies. Men's faces usually stay in a state of chaos!

The cosmological argument may appear to be like the teleological argument, which the third article has already proved. Cosmology, however, refers to the study of the origin and structure of the universe. “Cosmological” is used in that sense. The cosmological argument is also called “the argument from origin” or “the argument from cause and effect.”

As the first article states:

The cosmological argument: If the universe is not eternal, then an Eternal First Cause has always existed. The universe is not eternal. Therefore, an Eternal First Cause, God, has always existed. A simpler form is: If something exists, then something or Someone has always existed. Something (i.e., the cosmos and all that is in it, including the earth, you, and me) exists. Therefore, something or Someone, God, has always existed.

Definitions for the argument are from Merriam-Webster Dictionary—which is called, with respect, “Mr. Webster.” Note that clarification on the use of “eternal” and “eternity” will be stated.

– Eternal (adjective): of or relating to eternity. Eternity (noun): the quality or state of being eternal.

** Notice that Mr. Webster has “defined himself in a circle!” He states that eternal is eternity and that eternity is being eternal. The use of “eternal” and “eternity,” in this argument, means, specifically, “that which has always existed, had no beginning, and will have no end.” The importance of the clarification will present itself under The Atheist's Further Quibbles, just before the Conclusion. **

– First (adjective): preceding all others in time, order, or importance.

** Note that the use of “first,” specifically, means “preceding (being before) all else in time, which also includes order or importance.” **

– Cause (noun): something that brings about an effect or a result.

– Matter (noun): material substance that occupies space, has mass, and is composed predominantly of atoms consisting of protons, neutrons, and electrons, that constitutes the observable universe, and that is interconvertible with energy.

Major premise: If the universe is not eternal, then an Eternal First Cause has always existed.

The Latin phrase “ex nihilo, nihil fit” means “from nothing, nothing comes.” “Nothing” means, obviously, that which does not exist—a vacuum, a void, a null, zero, emptiness, complete nonexistence. If ever there were nothing at all, then nothing would exist now. We understand this innately. It is a self-evident truth. Nothing (that which does not exist) cannot create something. To say that nothing can create something is a logical contradiction. A thought or an idea forms in the mind and soul. It doesn't “just pop into one's head” from nothing.

I have often asked atheists to believe me when I state, “I was walking down the street and, all of a sudden, I saw a brand new car appear—from thin air, out of nothing!” They don't believe me, of course, but they usually understand where I am going in my effort to enlighten them!

Obviously, something exists now (e.g., the universe, the earth, the keyboard on which I am typing, you, me, and so forth). Logically, therefore, something or Someone (the Eternal First Cause) has always existed. What or Who is the eternality (that has always existed) that caused (as the first cause) that which exists?

The major premise is valid. Next, the fact that the universe is not eternal will be established.

Minor premise: The universe is not eternal.

The atheist must know and prove that matter (i.e., the tangible, the universe, and everything that is in it), not mind (i.e., the intangible), is eternal. Matter must have always existed—if God, the Eternal Mind, has not always existed.

Has matter, the tangible universe (in some shape or form), always existed? No, it has not, as the Second Law of Thermodynamics will prove. Matter is finite, not infinite.

After establishing that the universe is not eternal, the refutation of two standard atheist rebuttals will be mentioned. Also, brief comments will be made on the Big Bang theory and on macroevolution.

Second Law of Thermodynamics—Proof that Matter is not Eternal

This section includes certain scientific details. The reference sources contain further details that are not included in this article. Please do not allow the details to overwhelm or distract your focus! The basic point is simple, as will be explained.

First, we must understand and distinguish an “open system,” a “closed system,” and an “isolated system.” In an open system, energy and matter can enter and leave (e.g., an open frying pan, containing meat, vegetables, and water, on a heated stove eye). In a closed system, matter cannot enter or leave, but energy can enter or leave (e.g., a pot, with a lid on it, containing vegetables and water, on a heated stove eye). In an isolated system, neither matter nor energy can enter or leave. A thermos or cooler is an approximate example; however, isolated systems exist only in theory. (Of several sources, see LibreTexts: Basic Definitions: Thermodynamics, by Emily V. Eames.)

The Second Law of Thermodynamics is one of the four Laws of Thermodynamics. Thermodynamics is the branch of physics that studies energy transfer, as heat and work, in matter. (Source: Encyclopædia Britannica: thermodynamics and laws of thermodynamics.)

The Second Law of Thermodynamics states that the universe contains a finite amount of usable energy that degrades (decays, deteriorates, becomes disordered) over time. This degradation is called entropy. Entropy, thus, is the degradation, running down, unwinding, and trend to disorder of a system, such as the universe. (Sources: the two Britannica references cited above. Also, among several other sources, see Khan Academy, The laws of thermodynamics—which is based on OpenStax (part of Rice University): Books: Biology: 6.3 The Laws of Thermodynamics.)

We understand entropy. Physically, we are born. We grow. If we live long enough, we begin to age and to “run down.” Eventually, we die physically. As another example, I have a 2006 Nissan Frontier truck. If I don't maintain and care for my truck, then he will “run down” faster. Now, I love my old truck! My truck, however, is slowly winding down. I am too. So are you. As a final example, every morning, I must bathe myself to order the disorder from a night's sleep. Eventually, I will “run down” to the point that I won't be able to do so. Someone else may have to bathe me. In time, I will die physically and won't need to be bathed. We can restore order, temporarily, in the relentless trend to disorder (entropy). Entropy, however, wins in the end. The fact is established by science and understood in life practically.

The Second Law of Thermodynamics—an established law of science that we understand practically—confirms that matter, the tangible universe, is “winding down.” It is finite. Matter will “wind down” completely at what is called scientifically maximum entropy, thermal equilibrium, or “heat death.” Since matter is finite, then it had to have been started (as in winding a watch)—by an infinite something or Someone.

The basic point is simple. Matter, the tangible universe, is not eternal. It is finite. It is winding down. It had a beginning. The minor premise is valid.

The following sidetracks refute two standard atheist rebuttals, comment briefly on the Big Bang theory, and remark on macroevolution. The conclusion will be after these sidetracks.

Refutation of Two Standard Atheist Replies

The atheist—in his blind, atheistic faith—may fight against the scientifically established fact that the universe is not eternal. The following are not two “straw men” that are built (which is a fallacy in logic). They are known counterstatements by atheists, which I have heard personally. The refutation of two standard atheist replies to the scientific fact that the universe is not eternal is given to assist readers who may encounter the quibbles.

“But, wait!” —the atheist may state first—“What about the First Law of Thermodynamics, which states that matter cannot be created or destroyed? Matter must be eternal, if it can't be created or destroyed.”

Yes, as the citations above confirm, the First Law of Thermodynamics states that—in a closed system—matter (i.e., tangible mass and energy) cannot be created or destroyed.

Matter, however, is not eternal. It is finite, as the Second Law of Thermodynamics establishes. Further, “matter” (nothingness) could not create (spontaneously generate) matter (tangible mass and energy). That would violate the First Law of Thermodynamics in a closed system and the self-evident truth that “from nothing, nothing comes.”

The universe (i.e., all the tangible mass and energy that exists physically), therefore, has to be an open system, whereby a non-physical and eternal force (not mass, matter, or energy)—that exists before and above the universe—created the physical universe. (For further study, see "God and the Laws of Thermodynamics: A Mechanical Engineer’s Perspective," Apologetics Press, by Jeff Miller, PhD, 4/1/2007.) The atheist’s first “but wait!” does him no good.

“But wait!”—the atheist may continue—“the Big Bang proves that the universe and all life in it evolved. Thus, there is no God.”

The fact that the universe is not eternal, could not have created itself, and had to have been created by an eternal, non-physical first cause has already been established. The atheist must admit this truth. The Big Bang theory does not help him. The atheist's second “but wait!” falls by the wayside in defeat.

Brief Comment on the Big Bang Theory

The following summarizes the Big Bang theory (or theories), with references, if any reader would like to study the topic further independently.

Do not allow conversations with atheists or independent study of the Big Bang theory (or theories) to intimidate you! The theory is a big bust (or failure). See "The Big Bust," Institute for Creation Research, by Henry M. Morris, PhD, 5/1/1994. The article is timeless truth, despite having been written almost three decades ago.

What is the Big Bang theory (or theories)? The Big Bang is an astronomical theory that was postulated about a hundred years ago, has undergone several revisions, continues to be revised, and has several versions. (Various versions of the Big Bang theory continue to evolve.) A predominant version of the theory speculates that the universe started violently, about 13.8 billion years ago, by the explosion of a very small, very hot, and very dense “singularity.” The theory states that, over billions of years, the initial “bang” expanded, changed, and evolved to form the universe, the Milky Way galaxy, our solar system, the earth, you, and me. The theory is used to support the theory of macroevolution (or the molecules-to-man theory).

My grade school and high school science teachers had to teach me this version of the Big Bang theory—even if they didn't believe it. Of the many sources that explain the theory and revisions, the article “Understanding the Big-Bang Theory,” ThoughtCo., by Andrew Zimmerman Jones, updated 6/11/2019 is good enough. The article points out the history of the Big Bang theory, revisions to the theory, alleged evidence for it, problems with it, and questions that the theory cannot answer.

By the way, the predominant version of the Big Bang theory alleges that the universe is 13.8 billion years old. The alleged age of the universe had been calculated more widely. For example, the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) article "Then vs. Now: The Age of the Universe" (May 2006) states, “Before 1999, astronomers had estimated that the age of the universe was between 7 and 20 billion years." The article—which assumes that the Big Bang is true, with no solid evidence—explains how the various alleged ages of the universe have been redetermined during this century.

It is significant to note that the predominant Big Bang theory begins with the assumption that an undefined “singularity” already existed. The theory is that an unknown “singularity” exploded, which started time and space. (The “clock wound up and started ticking.”)

Big Bang theorists speculate that they can calculate the evolution of the universe, starting at 10^-43 seconds after the Big Bang. Of various sources, two are cited. See EarthHow: “The History of the Universe: The Big Bang and Beyond.” See also “How did the universe begin—and what were its early days like?” National Geographic, by Michael Greshko, updated 1/18/2017.

In summary on this point, the predominate version of the Big Bang theorizes that, billions of years ago, a random quantum fluctuation occurred in a spaceless, timeless “singularity.” That fluctuation (or bang), over billions of years, formed the known universe.

The unknown “singularity” was, according to the predominant Big Bang theory, smaller than the size of the period at the end of this sentence. The theory does not and cannot explain the origin of the “singularity” (i.e., the very small, very hot, and very dense substance that existed before the Big Bang). The entirety of the immense universe started by the explosion of a dot? That's their theory, in a nutshell, and they don't know how the dot got there. (A nutshell is much larger than a dot.)

The atheist, therefore, must know, and cannot know, the origin of the theoretical “singularity,” which could not have been eternal, even if it had existed.

By the way, other versions of the Big Bang theory exist. These include (with my comments italicized):

– The multiverse: One “singularity” exploded or “banged” and has formed and is forming an ongoing multitude of other universes besides ours. What or Who started the first “bang”?

– The oscillating universe: There is an endless series of “big bangs” and “big crunches.” Again, what or Who started the first “bang”? An “endless series” is a logical contradiction. The line had to start somewhere.

– The “flat hologram” universe: The universe is only a projection on the surface of a vast sphere. Really? Is this a joke? What or Who created the vast sphere?

– The digital simulation universe: The universe is only code inside an immense computer. I did not and cannot make up this one! It's imagination gone wild. What or Who created the hypothetical immense computer?

One source, for the four versions listed above, is “Alternatives to the Big Bang,” Space.com, by Karl Tate with contributions from Daisy, 3/8/2022.

For further study on the Big Bang theory or theories, see Answers in Genesis, under Topics, and select the Big Bang topic page. The page explains five problems with the Big Bang theory. Several other articles that debunk the Big Bang theory are listed on that topic page.

Brief Comment on Macroevolution

Macroevolution is the Darwinian “molecules to man” theory that speculates—with no proof—that life evolved from non-life (“the rocks to molecules” theory). Darwinian theory speculates that life, which evolved from non-life, continued to evolve, eventually evolving into human life. The theory was introduced just over 160 years ago and continues to be revised. (Darwinian evolutionary theory continues to evolve.)

Darwinian scientists express their theory in intricate, scientific jargon, which intimidates some into believing the theory. Do not allow their jargon to intimidate you! They have no proof to support their theory. Their jargon reasons in a circle—by using assumptions, based on their conclusion, that, in their minds only, “prove” their conclusion. Such circular reasoning is a logical fallacy.

The theory violates the law of biogenesis, which has established that new life always comes from existing life, not from non-living matter. Of course, anyone with common sense knows this.

For comprehensive and further study on Big Bang theories, macroevolution (Darwinism), and proof that God exists, see “Proof Evolution is False,” Nelson.Ink, by Shawn Nelson, D.Min., February 2014. (The article can be downloaded.) It is a 31-page scholarly paper, which encapsulates the flaws in Darwinian evolution. Note that Dr. Shawn Nelson's ongoing website is Geeky Christian. His academic work is on Nelson.Ink, from which his February 2014 article is cited. I may not agree with all of his articles. I accept and agree with his paper that I have cited.

Darwinian evolution relies on the refuted Big Bang theory and does not help the atheist. It is hoped that these brief sidetracks did not distract the reader's attention from the main purpose of this article.

Let's return now to that main purpose. The major and minor premises have been established. The conclusion is next.

Conclusion: Therefore, an Eternal First Cause, God, has always existed.

Since the universe is not eternal (is finite), then an Eternal First Cause has always existed. This article has proved it.

The Eternal First Cause is called God—the Eternal Mind, Power, and Intellect, Who has always existed, above and before matter, space, and time. The argument is sound and must be true. It cannot be wrong.

The Atheist's Further Quibbles

The atheist, in a labored effort to support his position, may offer a few more quibbles. The rebuttal of two will be brief.

First, the atheist may ask, “What if an infinite line of 'First Causes' caused the universe?” The reply, obviously, is that an infinite line is a logical contradiction. Every line must start somewhere! What eternality, or Eternal Being, started the line? God is the Necessary (or First) Cause.

Second, the atheist may ask and state, “What if the 'First Cause' died? Your argument does not prove that God is still alive.” The reply, again, is obvious. If ever nothing or no one existed, then nothing would exist now. An eternality, or Eternal Being, has always existed and, therefore, cannot die. This is why the specific definition of “eternal” and “eternity,” in this argument, means “that which has always existed, had no beginning, and will have no end.”

Conclusion

This article has explained that the universe could exist by only three possible means. The first is spontaneous generation (creating itself from nothing). That has been verified as false. The second is an eternal universe. That has been disproved. The third and final is that God created the universe. That is proved.

Atheists rely on one thin “matchstick” (the Big Bang theory) to prop up their “short, little stool.” This article has broken that “matchstick.” Their “stool” has fallen.

This article is the third and final “strong pole” that supports the “bright street light.” May these three articles be used, to God's glory, as the first step to bring many non-believers to saving faith in Christ.

The first sentence in the Bible is a fitting conclusion:

In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. (Genesis 1:1, NIV)

Christian Evidences (Apologetics): Does God Exist: Teleological Argument (published 11-16-2022; article #372; series article #3)

4/7/2017 photograph by Joshua Earle on Unsplash. Free to use under the Unsplash License.

Introduction

Greetings, dear reader! I trust that you are well. This is the third article in the Christian Evidences topic section. The first article, on 10/28/2022, introduced the topic series and explained its purpose. The second article, on 11/4/2022, proved the existence of God by the moral argument.

This article is the second of three answers to the question, “Does God exist?” This article affirms the teleological argument for the existence of God. Each answer proves independently that God exists. One proof is sufficient. We have three proofs.

Are you ready to build “the second pole” that supports the “bright street light"? This article builds that second pole.

The Teleological Argument

“Teleological” (the Greek transliteration of τελεολογικός) is an academic term, which means "end reason." The argument can be called “the argument from design” or “the design argument.” The line of reasoning is deductive. As will be shown, the argument is both valid and sound; therefore, it is true.

As the first article states:

The teleological argument: If the creation (i.e., the universe, the earth, the human body, etc.) indicates intelligent design, then an Intelligent Designer exists. The creation indicates intelligent design. Therefore, an Intelligent Designer, God, exists.

The following definitions used for this argument are from Merriam-Webster Dictionary with one exception, which will be explained.

– Creation: the act of bringing the world into ordered existence.
– Intelligent design: the theory that matter, the various forms of life, and the world were created by a designing intelligence.
– Design: a mental project or scheme in which means to an end are laid down.
– Designer: one who creates and often executes plans for a project or structure.

The exception is that “intelligent design” is fact, not theory. This article will prove that the Creator created and designed his creation. Future articles will establish that the Creator created according to his eternal purpose and plan.

Major premise: If the creation (i.e., the universe, the earth, the human body, etc.) indicates intelligent design, then an Intelligent Designer exists.

We understand, innately, the concept of “design.” It is self-evident. For example, in the year 2002, my intellect designed the initial building plans for our house. (We moved in on 6/7/2003.) I took the photograph below of our house on 1/29/2022 when a little snow was on the ground. Two vehicles, which were designed and built by intelligence, were in the garage. The porch furnishings were designed and built by intelligence. What intellect designed the trees in the background?

Every design has a designer. The truth is axiomatic (self-evident). Our house did not simply appear from nothing one fine morning! Intelligence designed and built it.

The atheist may quibble that not every design has a designer and claim that snowflakes have design without a designer. The reply, of course, is obvious. The reply, of course, is obvious. The article “How do snowflakes form? Get the science behind snow,” National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), 12/19/2016, has microscopic views of snowflakes and explains that certain weather conditions create snowflakes! Ask the atheist, “Who created the world and the weather conditions that make snowflakes?”

The major premise is valid. Moving along, the minor premise will be established next.

Minor premise: The creation (the universe, the earth, the human body, etc.) indicates intelligent design.

The creation, all that exists in the space-time continuum, including us, indicates (points to) intelligent design. Evidence from the universe, the earth, and the human body are three of several lines of proof.

The Universe

The universe is immense. Looking into a clear sky at night, we see countless stars. We live on planet Earth in our sun's solar system. Our solar system is in the Milky Way galaxy. There are billions of galaxies.

Center for Astrophysics | Harvard & Smithsonian: How big is our universe? speculates that the universe could be “infinitely large” and that it is expanding. The article series also speculates theoretically that other universes could exist.

Several sources speculate that the universe is about 92 or so billion light-years in diameter. For example, “How big is the universe?” Space.com, by Jonathan Gordon and Nola Taylor Tillman, 1/28/2022 (with assumptions based on the unproven Big Bang theory), speculates that the observable (by telescopes) universe is “28 billion light-years in diameter.”

The article references sources and speculates, however, that the universe (beyond telescopic observance) could be “around 92 billion light-years” in diameter, be “at least 7 trillion light-years across,” and be infinitely large. The various speculations depend on the shape of the universe (i.e., “closed like a sphere, infinite and negatively curved like a saddle, or flat and infinite”).

Yes, to say that the universe is immense is an understatement, even if its size and shape are unknown.

The universe is complex and governed by “fundamental constants.” NASA's How Big is Our Universe? article (referenced above) includes evolutionary assumptions but states regarding our galaxy, “The Milky Way is a huge city of stars . . . .”

Cities are designed. Who designed the “huge city of stars” that composes our Milky Way galaxy? (The Milky Way is one of billions of galaxies.) The article describes several complexities in the universe, including our solar system, the Milky Way galaxy, the pulse rate of stars, supernovae, and “. . . the vast panorama of the observable universe.”

Fundamental constants, or laws, govern the universe. These are physical laws (or laws of physics). The universe is governed by at least 23 fundamental constants or physical laws. What are these constants of the universe? Research finds several scholarly articles on the subject. The following is only one reference.

The introduction to the article “The Fundamental Constants Behind Our Universe,” ScienceBlogs, by Dr. Ethan Siegel, 5/29/2013, speculates on the age of the universe by the unproven Big Bang theory. The author then lists and explains the “26 fundamental constants,” or “the laws” “that govern” “our Universe.” The article details each constant or law.

Some of the universal constants or laws are familiar to us, such as the speed of light, Newton's laws of gravity, Newton's laws of motion, the laws of thermodynamics, and others. The author concludes by stating:

We don't yet know where the values of these constants come from, or whether that's something that will ever be known with the information available in our Universe.

Intelligent minds have discovered the fundamental constants, or laws, that govern our complex universe. Evolutionists “don't yet know” the source of “the values of these constants.” I affirm that an Intelligent Designer is the source of those fundamental constants.

Have you heard of the anthropic principle? The Britannica article, anthropic principle, states that the universe appears to have been structured for human life. The article goes into further description of the origin and meaning of the “anthropic principle.” The first paragraph of the article states:

anthropic principle, in cosmology, any consideration of the structure of the universe, the values of the constants of nature, or the laws of nature that has a bearing upon the existence of life.

“Structure,” by common definition, refers to that which is arranged or organized in a definite pattern. This article affirms not only that an Intelligent Designer is the source of the fundamental constants of our complex universe but also that the Designer used them to create all life, including human life.

The Earth

The earth is a unique planet. The Britannica entry Earth (by Raymond Jeanloz, last updated 10/18/2022) includes at least sixteen pages of deep and detailed information. The article assumes the unproven theory of evolution and supports the theory of “man-made” global climate change, which was a fierce topic of political and scientific debate when this article was being written. The entry, however, includes several known facts.

The entry begins by stating:

Earth is the third planet from the Sun and the fifth largest planet in the solar system in terms of size and mass. Its near-surface environments are the only places in the universe known to harbour life.

The earth is unique, since it is the only known place in our immense and complex universe that is the home of life. The following are seven of many facts that the article presents, which have made life on earth possible.

– Earth's distance from and orbit around the sun: The earth, unlike other planets in our solar system, is the right distance from the sun (149,600,000 kilometers or 92,960,000 miles). Closer would be much hotter. Farther would be much colder. The earth orbits the sun every 365.25 days (once a year). The orbit is elliptical (or oval). The “orbital eccentricity” (variation in the earth's orbit) is 0.0167, which is very slight. If the variation were less, the earth could plunge into the sun. If it were more, the earth could shoot outwardly into space.

– Earth's size, spin, and axis: At the equator, the circumference of the earth is 40,076 kilometers (24,902 miles.) The earth spins (rotates on its axis) every 23 hours, 56 minutes, and four seconds (once a day). The earth tilts on its axis at 23.44 degrees (which produces the four seasons).

– Earth's atmosphere has the right mixture for life: 78% nitrogen and 21% oxygen. The other 1% includes other gases. The atmosphere has layers (from lowest to highest): troposphere, stratosphere, mesosphere, and thermosphere. The atmosphere protects us from the sun's harmful radiation.

– Earth's hydrosphere includes surface waters (liquid and frozen), groundwater (in soil and rock), and water vapor in the atmosphere. About 71% of the earth's surface is covered by ocean. (My father was a water well-driller, so I know about drilling wells to find groundwater.) The earth's hydrologic cycle transfers water from the hydrosphere to the atmosphere in a continual cycle (e.g., rain falls and is recycled back into the clouds).

– The moon, the earth's satellite: The moon orbits the earth at a distance of 384,400 kilometers (238,900 miles). The moon stabilizes the earth's axis, creates ocean tides, and provides “a night light.” The distance between the earth and the moon is exactly right for life.

– Earth's gravitational field: Gravity is what holds our feet to the ground and gives us weight. The mass (size) of the earth produces gravity. The earth “pulls down” on us (gravitational acceleration), at sea level, at about 980 cm/sec² (32.2 feet/sec²). If gravity were stronger, we would not be able to move, or we would be crushed. If gravity were weaker, we would have trouble staying on the ground, or we would float into space.

– Earth's magnetic field: The magnetic field is what points a compass north. It surrounds and protects our planet from the sun's solar winds. The strength of the magnetic field is exactly right for life.

Intelligent minds have discovered these and many other facts about our unique planet. The earth is the only known planet in our immense and complex universe that contains life.

Planet Earth evidences extremely detailed and accurate points of design, which have been referenced. This evidence points to a very Intelligent Designer.

The Human Body

A healthy human body comprises an amazingly complex number of systems that function in perfectly organized symmetry. Of many sources, please see OpenMD: Guide: Human Body Systems (contributors: Shani Saks, MD; Reitze Rodseth, MBBS, PhD; and Lynette Stewart, BSN). The introduction states:

Organs of the human body are commonly grouped into eleven systems. Each body system includes organs and structures that serve a common purpose. The systems are highly interdependent, working together to sustain life and enable interaction with the surrounding environment.

The guide explains each of the eleven systems of the human body. Intelligence has grouped the organs of the human body into eleven systems. What Intelligence created the human body?

The human brain is the world's best computer. Our eyes are the best video camera. Our heart is the best pumping device. The analogy can be continued to associate other parts of our bodies with devices that intelligence created. Intelligence designed the computer, video camera, and pump. Who designed the brain, eyes, and heart?

Intelligent designers create artificial (replacement) parts for a damaged human body. Of many sources, please see “Replace Your Used Body Parts With a Bionic Upgrade: A soft robotics researcher says bionic limbs that imitate living tissues could be viable within a decade.” Proto.Life, by Stav Dimitropoulos, 9/15/2022. The article compares the human hand to a “bionic” (artificial) hand (created by human intelligence). Regarding the human hand, the author states:

Take the human hand, for example. It’s an incredibly complex and versatile part of the body, containing 27 bones, innumerable muscles, and a mind-numbing quantity of ligaments and tendons. The tiniest grab of an object is the sublime end product of the synergistic work of all these hand components.

Regarding the “bionic” hand (designed by human intelligence), the author states:

A bionic hand, on the other hand, works by detecting signals coming from a user’s muscles. When the user flexes the muscles in their residual limb just below their elbow, special sensors placed on their skin pick up small electric signals, which are converted into intentional bionic hand movement.

Intelligence created the “bionic” hand. Who created the original human hand?

By way of a personal illustration, on 3/29/2016, I almost died, when the other driver violated my right-of-way. My brain, left eye, left shoulder, right knee, and right foot were damaged. I was hospitalized 36 days in two hospitals. My brain and left eye recovered fully with no surgery needed. My left shoulder, right knee, and right foot required surgery to repair the damage. I have a total of 25 surgically implanted metal items (i.e., rods, pins, and screws) in those three joints.

The X-ray of my left shoulder below was taken on 6/27/2016. The skilled surgeon used ten metal items (one rod and nine screws) to reconstruct my left shoulder.

Who had constructed my original shoulder, before it was damaged?

The creation, specifically the universe, the earth, and the human body, indicates (points to) intelligent design. The minor premise is valid.

Conclusion: Therefore, an Intelligent Designer, God, exists.

Since the creation (i.e., the universe, the earth, the human body, etc.) indicates intelligent design, then an Intelligent Designer exists. The reasoning in this article has proved it.

The Intelligent Designer is called God, the divine architect of the universe. The argument is sound and must be true. It cannot be wrong.

The Atheist's Quibble

The atheist may quibble by claiming “faults” in God's designed creation. He may theorize that the human body could have been designed better. He may point to various defects in the earth that cause various and significant natural disasters.

The reply is simply that God, the Creator, created according to his eternal plan. Later articles in this Christian Evidences series will explore the nature of God and the inspiration of the Bible. As those articles will prove, the Creator designed the earth perfectly, perfectly fit for perfectly created humans. Sin, however, as God knew would happen, entered the world. The physical deterioration of aging and death are the consequences of sin. The earth was damaged, due to the worldwide flood, in the time of Noah. The earth continues to endure that damage, which causes natural disasters.

The atheist should be careful in his quibbles. The prophet Isaiah cited the word of the Lord:

Shall what is formed say to the one who formed it, “You did not make me”? Can the pot say to the potter, “You know nothing”? (Isaiah 29:16, NIV)

See also Isaiah 45:9 and Romans 9:20. The atheist, as the pot, does not need to question the Creator, the Potter, as to why he designed the universe, the earth, or the human body in the fashion that he did.

Rest assured, dear reader, that all the atheist's quibbles are easily resolved and fall away. Later articles in this series will elaborate.

Conclusion

Our imaginary street light now has two strong poles to support it. The teleological argument by itself proves that God exists.

We have one more pole to build, the cosmological argument, which alone will also prove that God exists. This article, however, is enough “pole building” for now.

Biblical faith is grounded on evidence, as these articles on God's existence are establishing. By evidentiary faith, we see and know the unseen.

The words of the apostle Paul conclude this article:

For since the creation of the world, God’s invisible qualities – his eternal power and divine nature – have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that people are without excuse. (Romans 1:20, NIV)