Creationism, intelligent design resources

  No one produces better material on the veracity of the Bible and the Biblical concept of creation than Answers in Genesis (AiG; www.answersingenesis.com), a Christian group located in northern Kentucky. However, because AiG’s stance on issues is overtly Christian, the secular culture often ridicules or tries to repudiate their findings, no matter how solid the science.
  Yet, the creation-evolution debate is increasingly impacted by a new phrase: intelligent design. The phrase denotes a line of thinking which acknowledges scientific evidence that many things in creation and in living beings can be explained not by Darwinian evolution, but only by the presence of an intelligent designer.
  The concept departs from young-earth creationism by not calling the designer God and by leaving the door open for an earth that is millions of years old. Nonetheless, it is proving to be a bridge to facilitate dialogue in the creation-evolution debate.

  The Bible is true
  How Do We Know the Bible is True? – a set of four DVDs – is one of the best resources AFA has discovered for learning how to defend the Christian faith. It is produced by Answers in Genesis (AiG) and is articulated in a manner that is friendly to the lay person.
     ▶ The first DVD (35 minutes) is titled Scripture Under Scrutiny and examines how scholarly research and archaeological discoveries confirm the historicity and uniqueness of the Bible.
     ▶ Why 66? The Canon of Scripture – the second DVD (54 minutes) – answers the question of how the 66-book Bible was compiled over a period of 1,600 years. It documents the unparalleled authority, accuracy and consistency of the canon.
     ▶ Third, The Life of William Tyndale (48 minutes), follows the life of the man who, at great personal risk, committed his life to present the Bible in the common languages for all to have.
     ▶ Finally, The Authentic Christ (49 minutes) verifies and validates the existence of Christ and his position as Son of God and one person of the Trinity.
  The series would serve well for individual or group use. A 75-page leader guide and workbook accompany the series. The leader’s guide for each DVD includes a complete lesson plan with objectives and discussion questions. (Available at http://store.afa.net or 662-844-5036, Option 3.)

  Intelligent design trilogy
  Illustra Media provides quality DVD documentaries that explore Christian apologetics and intelligent design. Each DVD is about an hour in length, presents a wealth of information from scientists and experts and includes much bonus material. The presentations can be effective in individual or group settings. (Available at www.go2rpi.com; 800-266-7741).
     ▶ Unlocking the Mystery of Life is about the origin of life from a genetic perspective. The DVD reveals how scientific evidence is leading away from Charles Darwin’s theory of natural selection and overwhelmingly pointing to intelligent design.
     ▶ The Privileged Planet uses astronomy to raise thought-provoking questions about purpose in the universe.
It digs deep and makes a stunning connection between the survival of complex life and one’s ability for scientific discovery on planet Earth. The remarkable scientific information presented inevitably points to a Creator and proves that Earth is more than just a lucky speck of dust.
     ▶ Darwin’s Dilemma, the newest installment in the trilogy, proves that life was planned, intended and designed. The DVD does so by exploring the Cambrian Explosion – fossil findings in the “Primordial Strata” that challenge the traditional idea of life’s gradual evolution.

Two more good ones
     ▶ The Case for a Creator  – Based on a book written by former atheist and award-winning journalist Lee Strobel, The Case for a Creator takes an in-depth scientific look at why the Darwinian theory of evolution is false. By discrediting Darwin’s age-old theory, Strobel provides logical evidence for a Creator. The DVD tells Strobel’s personal story and covers a wealth of helpful information, although some of it may be over the head of the average viewer. (www. leestrobel.com)

     ▶ The Star of Bethlehem – From Steve McEveety, producer of The Passion of the Christ, comes a stunning, historical examination of the star of Bethlehem. The 65-minute film opens with Scripture, closes with Scripture and is sprinkled throughout with Scripture. Narrator Rick Larson, a lawyer, is passionate about being accurate on the facts which verify a prophecy-fulfilling heavenly phenomenon over Bethlehem at the time of Jesus’ birth.
More than a study of the stars, this video is about the character of the One who created the stars. Larson’s analysis urges viewers to look for purpose in the Creator, not the creation. He says that “stars are like thermometers.” A thermometer doesn’t make you hot or cold, it is not an active agent. God is the active agent. (Available at http://store.afa.net or 662-844-5036, Option 3.)