The works of the Lord are great, studied by all who have pleasure in them. Psalm 111:2
To complete your homework, read the scriptures and assigned online articles and answer the associated questions.
Instructions
One of the greatest challenges college students often face is the need to defend biblical beliefs regarding the origins of life in the face of opposition. Evolutionary theory is predominately accepted in society despite there being numerous objections to its validity. The following documentary offers a substantial case for an intelligent designer using scientific evaluation and logical thought. Your assignment is to watch the entire documentary (not just the portion relating to dolphins) and answer the questions included below.
Living Waters: Intelligent Design in the Oceans of the Earth | Illustra Media (Time: 1:09:05)
Learn more about Illustra Media's projects:
Illustra Media
John10:10 Project
As you are watching the documentary, answer the following questions:
What are the two competing worldviews regarding the origins of the earth?
What is evolutionary theory?
What is creationism?
What anatomical features aid in a dolphin's graceful and efficient method of swimming?
What sound do dolphins make when communicating?
What sound do dolphins make when echolocating?
How does echolocation work?
How are dolphins able to generate sound without vocal cords?
How do dolphins avoid resurfacing every minute when echolocating?
What organ in the dolphin's body functions as an acoustical lens?
What are the four necessary elements of echolocation?
Can the dolphin's system of echolocation function with any of these elements removed?
What role does instinct play in a dolphin’s ability to echolocate?
Convergent evolution is defined as the process whereby “distantly related” organisms independently evolve similar traits to adapt to similar necessities. How does the appearance of similar traits and abilities in unrelated animals support the case for an intelligent designer?
What problems does evolutionary theory face when considering the different systems discussed in the documentary (i.e. echolocation in dolphins, navigational systems in sea turtles and salmon, and baleen whale anatomy)?
According to secular scientists, how many years are required to generate just two beneficial mutations in an organism?
How does the fossil record contradict this time frame?
Is it mathematically or biologically possible for our world today to have been created by a Darwinian process?
After watching this documentary, can you think of any strong scientific argument in favor of evolutionary theory?
Why do you think evolutionary theory exists as a dominant belief system in today’s culture?
Instructions
Before you begin reading your Bible and answering these questions, ask the Lord to give you insight and understanding into the Scriptures. It is the role of the Holy Spirit to reveal the truth to people (John 16:13; 1 Corinthians 2:10). By His power you will be able to understand what the Scriptures say. Now read the assigned passages of scripture and answer the following questions. Please note that it is recommended that you use either a NKJV or NIV version of the Bible to answer the questions. If you do not have a Bible, links to each Scripture passage are provided for you.
Scripture Passage: Revelation 4:1-11
This passage of Scripture was written by the Apostle John. It describes the vision that God gave him of the Throne Room of God (where God sits) in heaven. The Throne Room of God is also described in Isaiah 6:1-4 and Ezekiel 1:1-28.
What does the Bible mean when it says the One who sat on the throne looked like a jasper and a sardius stone in appearance? (verse 2)
What surrounds the throne of God? (verses 3 and 4)
What is in front of the throne of God? (verses 5 and 6)
What do the living creatures that surround the throne of God repeat over and over? (verse 8)
How often do the twenty-four elders fall off their thrones and worship God? (verses 9-10)
Why do the twenty-four elders worship God? (verse 11)
There are more than 900 different names and titles of God included in Scripture. Yet, God ordained that He will be continually worshipped for all eternity as the Creator of the world. Do you think that it is important to Him that you worship Him as the Creator of the world?
How can you worship God for being the Creator of the world?
Scripture Passage: Psalm 148:1-14
What is the repeated phrase that occurs over and over in this passage of Scripture?
Why is Creation told to praise the Lord? (verse 5)
Review all of the different aspects of Creation mentioned in this passage. Can you think of any part of Creation that is not covered or addressed by this passage?
How do you think Creation praises the Lord? Do you think that the Psalmist is speaking metaphorically?
Scripture Passage: Psalm 145:3
Summarize this Bible verse in your own words. Write it down in your notes.
What are some of the characteristics of God described in this passage of Scripture?
Instructions
Read the following online article and write down any key points of the article that you would like to discuss in our next class.
PRAISE TO THE LORD FROM CREATION
Now watch the following video:
Stars & Whales by Louie Giglio (Time: 16:36)
After watching the video, answer the following questions. Be sure to write down your answers and bring them to class.
Questions:
Watch the following video of Louie Giglio's presentation. What information did Louie Giglio present that is new to you?
How has your thoughts regarding the praise offered by Creation to the Lord changed as a result of completing your homework assignment?
Instructions: Vocabulary
The following words are mentioned in your assigned reading. Research the definitions for each of the words and write down their meaning to ensure that you understand the information included in your assigned reading.
Echolocation
Holographic Communication
Kaleidoscope
Melon (Anatomy)
Pheromones
Phonemes
Polar Ocean
Rostrum
Temperate Ocean
Tropical Ocean
Ubiquitous
Instructions
Go to each of the assigned web sites to read and take notes on the appropriate article. Links are provided below. For each of the assigned articles, your notes should include the following points:
Provide a summary of the key points of the article. If you had to give a presentation on the article, what information would you include in your notes?
List concepts or information that you found most interesting about the topic.
List any information that was presented from an evolutionary standpoint. Note any portion of the information that is truth.
List any words or information that you do not understand. Research these words and or concepts on your own.
We will review this information in our class lecture and discussion.
1 | World Animal Foundation
Article: Dolphins
2 | Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation
Article: Dolphin (Tursiops truncatus)
3 | Australian Government
Article: Whales, Dolphins & Sound
4 | Dolphin Communication Project
Article: How do dolphins communicate?
5 | NOAA Fisheries Service
Article: Wild Bottlenose Dolphin Conservation
Instructions
Go to each of the assigned web sites to watch the video provided. Take notes on the key points of each video. Document the highlighted features or behaviors of the animal species as applicable.
Dolphins Create Sponge Armor | Animal Wire (Time: 1:09)
Smart Dolphins Beach their Prey | The Hunt | BBC Earth (Time: 3:40)
Super Smart Dolphin Answers Questions | Extraordinary Animals | BBC Earth (Time: 3:11)
Orcas at Play in Boat Wake like Dolphins (Time: 2:30)
Dolphin Plays With Puffer Fish (Time: 0:39)
Here are a few species of dolphins that we see locally in South Florida.
Now it is time to apply what you've learned! In Romans 1:20, the Bible says that we can learn about God’s character by looking at what He made. Consider both the biblical and biological information that was discussed in this lesson and then write out your answers to the following questions.
This week we read Scriptures describing God as worthy of praise. How can you see this character of God in the dolphins that He created?
Take a few moments to consider all of the different types of dolphins that God made. Think about one aspect of these animals that you enjoy. Tell God about it by writing it out on paper. Then write out a prayer of thanksgiving to the Lord praising Him for His Creation.