I commemorate surpassing 2300 YouTube subscribers by sharing insights into the channel's purpose, future projects, and new website. Content will blend science with philosophical and theological explorations, critique Young-Age-Creationism, and address big existential questions. My mission is to engage seekers, skeptics, and believers in meaningful dialogue about science and faith.
Ken Ham, CEO of Answers in Genesis, often uses poodles to illustrate his "speciation kinds" concept, rooted in his biblical creationist worldview. He recently referred to domestic dogs as "degenerate mutants," attributing their diversity to post-creation mutations. Ham ties these discussions to theological implications, emphasizing the loss of original genetic information.
In a recent "Ham Bytes" episode, Ken Ham criticizes Christian leaders who reconcile faith with science, particularly regarding the age of the Earth and evolution. He accuses them of prioritizing human approval over divine truth. However, the issue is more complex, as respected figures demonstrate rigorous faith and intellectual pursuit. The Bible's clarity on creation is debated, and interpreting Genesis as a modern scientific account may impose contemporary expectations. Respectful dialogue and unity among Christians are encouraged in the pursuit of truth.
The video "Flood Geology Failures: Fossilized Caves" explores the discovery of fossilized caves and critiquing creationist claims about fossilized reptile skin. The speaker questions the creationist perspective on fossil preservation and points to the specific fossil assemblage found in an Oklahoma cave system, challenging flood geology narratives. The video emphasizes the geological and paleontological evidence contradicting young Earth creationism, highlighting the complexities of fossil preservation and cave formation.
Jim Stump’s book, "The Sacred Chain", explores the intertwining of science and faith, delving into the reconciliation of evolutionary biology and religious belief. Through personal stories and scientific insights, Stump challenges readers to question their beliefs and encourages dialogue between theological and scientific perspectives. His journey showcases the complexity of faith and the human quest for understanding.
Here I expand on my participation in an open-mic session on the "Standing for Truth" YouTube channel, focusing on the preservation of fossil footprints in the geological record. The author engaged in respectful dialogue with creationist guests, challenging the young Earth creationist narrative by presenting evidence of footprints preserved in diverse conditions, contrary to the belief that such occurrences require catastrophic events like a global flood. The discussion highlighted the clash between literal biblical interpretation and scientific evidence of an ancient Earth.
In episode 63 of "This Week in Creationism," I discuss recent developments within the young Earth creationist community and scientific challenges to their narratives. Major topics include the interaction between Ken Ham and Gavin Orland, climate skepticism at Answers in Genesis, and contradictory evidence regarding the dinosaur-bird connection. I critique the organization’s selective use of data and misinformation, emphasizing the importance of engaging with scientific evidence.
Many of my Facebook and Twitter (X) friends, those that follow my blog (Naturalis Historia) and subscribe to my YouTube channel (Dr. Joel Duff) may not be aware that I am a PK (preacher’s kid). I know how difficult a pastor’s life can be. It’s an emotionally demanding job with high expectations, where everything said... Continue Reading →
Should professors at universities actively participate in generating and testing ideas, or should they content themselves with being teachers of established knowledge? Many higher educational institutions, including the one employing me, grapple with the ongoing challenge of balancing the encouragement of knowledge creation and the dissemination of existing knowledge. To phrase it differently, am I... Continue Reading →
Billions of footprints are preserved in the rock record. While bones get all the attention, fossil footprints, a type of ichnofossils outnumber bones. How can we make sense of this observation? Surely, preserving a bone must be far more likely than preserving a footprint? I have written about how paleontologists use information from footprints and bones... Continue Reading →
We all recognize that LeBron James has a unique set of skills. He, you and I are all unique in some way if you think about the millions of variants in our genomes. But how was LeBron James made? How did he come to be the way he is? We find several biblical authors attributing... Continue Reading →
As an adult, you have experienced an astounding number of mutations during your lifetime – several quadrillion, to be specific. This number may seem unfathomable, but it's true. It's natural to wonder how you're still alive with such an immense number of mutations. How do we even know how many mutations have occurred in our... Continue Reading →
Ken Ham, the founder of Answers in Genesis USA, has no doubts about the proper classification of birds and dinosaurs. He believes that identifying birds a type of dinosaur should be rejected and labeled a compromised view, influenced by evolutionary theory. However, it would appear he has no problem considering whales and bats to be... Continue Reading →
Ken Ham has fired the first of what, apparently, will be many volleys against what he believes is one of the biggest threats to young-earth creationists: other young-earth creationists!! hanging them with the pejorative title of "young-earth evolutionists." Yes, Ken Ham is suggesting that one of the biggest danger to creationism--as defined by Answers in... Continue Reading →
Have you ever wondered about the origin of mythological creatures like dragons and griffins? Many ancient cultures believed in the reality of such creatures and depicted them in their art and stories. But where did these beliefs, these myths find their origin? Did they come straight from the imagination of social influencers of the day?... Continue Reading →
Naturalis Historia 