A friend generously lent me her copy of Bob Jones University’s (BJU) life science textbook. This notoriously conservative university takes a dim view of science, reflected in their, uhm, science textbook. What will we find there? All you find here is my own interpretation of the text.
Introduction
Cautiously making my way through the Introduction. We start out positively. In the Introduction we read that “[t]his textbook is designed to help you in your exploration of life sciences…You should…develop the skills necessary to make good observations on your own.” Whew! Made it through the first paragraph of the book OK.
Hmm, is this science? Introduction, page viii: “A Christian’s decisions should be based on three things: the principles taught in the Bible, the wisdom that God promises to those who seek it, and the knowledge available from yours and others’ observations.”
Well, alright. Not really in the realm of life sciences but the text does go on to suggest that what is learned in this textbook will “help you be a better steward of the resources God has provided.” Can’t argue with being a better steward.
Chapter 1: The World of Life Science
Well, I made it through the Introduction without too much trouble. This science textbook remains focused mostly on science so far. Moving on to Chapter 1.
I like the definition of science: it is “the knowledge gained from careful, systematic investigation of the natural world…[l]ife science is the knowledge gained when scientific investigation is applied to living things.” (p. 3)
This chapter emphasizes that “scientific thinking is based on observation” (p. 4) and that science “deals only with things that can be observed.” (p.5) Well, yes, but I’m getting a little nervous that there may be a subtext here not yet revealed.
YONDER THAR MAY BE DINOSAURS!
The payoff for this line is on the very next page. Discussing the inability of science to “prove universal statements” the book uses dinosaurs as an awkward curdling towards weird example. Science cannot support the statement that dinosaurs no longer roam the earth. “It may be true that scientists have never observed living dinosaurs”, the book argues, but “scientists have not looked everywhere, and all the scientists in the world cannot look everywhere at once. There may be dinosaurs living in uninhabited regions of the globe.” (p. 6)
My optimism is dwindling. What uninhabited areas are the authors thinking of? Where on earth would a titanosaur Argentinosaurus huinculensis at nearly 140 feet long and weighing in at more than 96 metric tons be lumbering about without anyone noticing? What about all of those orbiting satellites with cameras able to see objects as small as .3 meters? A dinosaur 450 times the tiniest objects visible might engender some interest, even if the person viewing the imagery was not a scientist.
After a quick discussion of scientists assuming that “the natural world is a very orderly place” we descend to non-science once more with a sub-chapter on “thinking Christianly (sic) about scientific thinking”.
Here we read that science “is a way to glorify God” and that “we must test what we learn against the authority of God’s word”. The practice of science “should be marked by a commitment to biblical presuppositions.” (p. 7) The text does not explain how one subjects biblical presuppositions to scientific enquiry.
The rest of Chapter 1, “The World of Life Science”, abandons science except for a bit on testing hypotheses. Exhausted by discussions of science, the remaining 20 pages reads like a Christian screed *against* science.
*Fossils confirm Creationist claims of the Flood. Those simpler fossilized organisms were slower and couldn’t outrun the rising flood waters, confirming the Genesis 6–9 story of the Flood. Checking Genesis 6–9 I found no mention of speedy creatures, only those saved by their passage on the Ark.
* The chapter hammers home the amorality of secular scientists who think they are helping by, you know, discovering cures, solving scientific mysteries, creating technologies to resolve complex issues…
* The real purpose of science is to “help redeemed people see the glory of God. (p. 14)
So, scientists are restricted to the scientific method to resolve material issues and has no business outside of science. Christian practices, on the other hand, control science and need no method of inquiry beyond faith.
Scientists are restricted to what they can observe. Since they haven’t personally investigated every inch of the earth and seas, we might discover some day dinosaurs hidden in Shangri-la, the Loch Ness monster still lurking in the opaque depths, Big Foot on some untrodden path in the Yukon.
On to Chapter Two!
Chapter Two: Characteristics & Classification of Life
This chapter seems focused on science as we move through characteristics of life:
- Life cycles
- Capacity to reproduce
- Growth
- Composed of cells.
On page 32 we move on the spiritual life of organisms. “Physical life begins with the creative act of a wise, loving God.” The text focuses on the spiritual life of humans even though preceding sections was inclusive of all living organisms. A bit dizzying, moving back and forth with no clear delineation of what organism is being discussed. And then back to a science-based discussion of cells.
The section on classification of life straddles science and religion. While Carl Linnaeus (left) may be credited with organizing the taxonomy, Adam (of Adam and Eve) was given “the job of naming the animals…important not only because it was the first, but also because it required Adam to exercise a gift that the Lord had just given to him — creativity!” [exclamation mark in the original, definitely not inserted by me]
The rest of the chapter passes uneventfully with the exception of a brief Disturbance in the Field caused by the proximity of evolutionary thinking inserted by “evolutionists”. (p. 46) Where evolutionists see the evolutionary path of organisms, “creationists…[see] evidence of a common Designer, not a common ancestor.” Readers are warned that “Christians must not accept any nonbiblical worldviews implied by modern classification.” (p. 46)
Chapter Three: Cell Structure
Nothing to note here. A straightforward presentation with lots of colorful and helpful illustrations.
Chapter Four: Cell Activities
One exception to the nothing to note comment in this chapter. Observing that tissues and organs have special functions contributing to the life of the body, the book cites 1 Corinthians 12 where Paul compares “the body of believers (body of Christ) to the human body.” The text concludes this comparison with “each member’s function is important to the work of the whole body.” (p. 77) It is a perfectly legitimate comparison for the Christian faith tradition, bridging the gap between science and religion.
Chapter Five: The Cell Cycle and Protein Synthesis
Entirely scientific treatment.
Chapter Six: Genetics of Organisms
The book reserves its discussion on genetic disorders (pp. 125–127) to cover how bad things can happen to good people. Why would God allow a genetic disorder to happen? A standard answer is offered: part of God’s plan, the result of Original Sin (“[h]uman sin, not God, is the ultimate cause of pain and hurt in the world.”p. 127). We need to think of disabilities as “opportunities for God to give grace and strength.”
Perhaps simplified for the young audience reading this textbook but the explanation offered is crudely expressed and, of course, has nothing to do with science.
Chapter Seven: Genetic Changes and Biotechnology
A standard presentation with the exception of biblical views on cloning offered (pp. 145–147). These views follow the secular discussion on the ethics of cloning. Nothing really outrageous, vile or awful here.
To be continued….
