Evidence from Science and Tradition Supporting a Two-Model (Evolution/Creation) Approach to Teaching the Origin of Life(Evolution/Creation) Approach to Teaching the Origin of Life

Minnesota State University, Mankato Cornerstone: A Collection of Scholarly and Creative Works for Minnesota State University, Mankato All Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Other Capstone Projects Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Other Capstone Projects 1980 Evidence from Science and Tradition Supporting a Two-Model (Evolution/Creation) Approach to Teaching the Origin of Life Robert P Gardner Minnesota State University, Mankato Follow this and additional works at: https://cornerstone.lib.mnsu.edu/etds Part of the Curriculum and Instruction Commons, and the Science and Mathematics Education Commons Recommended Citation Gardner, R P (1980) Evidence from Science and Tradition Supporting a Two-Model (Evolution/Creation) Approach to Teaching the Origin of Life [Master’s thesis, Minnesota State University, Mankato] Cornerstone: A Collection of Scholarly and Creative Works for Minnesota State University, Mankato https://cornerstone.lib.mnsu.edu/etds/725/ This Thesis is brought to you for free and open access by the Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Other Capstone Projects at Cornerstone: A Collection of Scholarly and Creative Works for Minnesota State University, Mankato It has been accepted for inclusion in All Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Other Capstone Projects by an authorized administrator of Cornerstone: A Collection of Scholarly and Creative Works for Minnesota State University, Mankato EVIDENCE FROM SCIENCE AND TRADITION SUPPORTING A TWO-MODEL (EVOLUTION/CREATION) APPROACH TO TEACHING THE ORIGIN OF LIFE by Robert P Gardner ' A thesis submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Arts in Teaching at Mankato State University Mankato, Minnesota June, 1980 !If! ((1� ���ID) OCT u , 98 :MANKATO STATE U NIVERS1n, ;MEMORIAL LIBRARY MANKATO, MN EVIDENCE FROM SCIENCE AND TRADITION SUPPORTING A TWO-MODEL (EVOLUTION/CREATION) APPROACH TO TEACHING THE ORIGIN OF LIFE Robert Paul Gardner, M.A.T Mankato State University Mankato, Minnesota, 1980 This study gathered material presenting flood traditions in agreement with data concerning models of origins, selected material for supplementing classroom mate­ rials, and determined public opinion as how the subject of origins should be taught in public schools Surveys recommend a two-model (evolution/creation) approach be taught within scientific limitations in public schools Materials are available to promote this approach legally, fairly, and scientifically Because of the evolu­ tion model's inadequacies, a reinterpretation of equivalent data allowing for catastrophic universal flood concepts is needed Part of this reinterpretation may be supplied by the canopy model, as well as the many worldwide flood traditions -e/~ In conclusion, evidences from science and tradition demonstrate to be equally applicable to both the creation and evolution models of origins It is recommended from :c viewpoints of practical science and valuable educational practice, that all public schools utilize a two-model approach to origins whenever necessary 175 pp Date � :2_� This thesis has been examined and approved Examining Committee: ii /'7 80 TABLE OF CONTENTS Page LIST OF TABLES viii LIST OF FIGURES ix Chapter THE PROBLEM Introduction Statement of the Problem Importance of the Problem Limitations Definitions of Terms 11 REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE Scientific Method of Inquiry 11 The Two Models 13 Science and Religion in the Two Models 14 Evolution Not Observed 14 Specificity of Kinds 16 The Tragedy of Mutation 18 Probability of Life by Chance 20 The Primordial Atom, and the First and Second Laws of Thermodynamics 20 The Statistics of Life 25 Development, Not Recapitulation 28 Balance, Not Competition 30 Evolution Not Repeatable or Testable 32 Evolution as Religion 33 iii iv Page Chapter The Theistic Evolution Model of Origins 34 Implementing a Two-Model Approach to Origins in Public Schools 37 Academic Freedom and the Adoption of Nonreligious Education Programs 37 Legal Foundations 39 Survey Response 42 Other Pedagogical Advantages 46 The Importance of Catastrophism and the Flood Geology Model 47 The Interpretation of Catastrophism: Effects of the Flood 49 Rapid Sedimentation 49 Fossils 50 Questionable Dating Methods 55 Declining Global Magnetism 58 Distribution and Degeneration of Civilization 60 Distribution and the Ancient Tower in the Ruins of Babylon 60 Language Development 62 Anthropology and the Great Caveman Presumption 63 Dinosaurs and the Legends They Caused 67 Speculations Concerning the Antediluvian World 71 A Change in the Weather 71 The Atmosphere 72 The Problem of the Water 73 V Page Chapter The Canopy Model 76 Canopy Mechanics and the Ideal Greenhouse 76 Some Suggestions for Canopy Composition 77 Ice 77 Fog 78 Steam 79 Aging Under the Canopy 83 The Ancient Sky 85 Condensation and Precipitation of the Water Vapor Canopy 88 Additional Flood Effects With No Evolutionary Cause or Solution 92 The Mammoths 92 Migration 97 Hibernation 99 Evidence from Tradition 100 Unforgotten Memories 100 Similarities 101 The Possibility of Missionary Influence 103 The Hebrew Narrative 105 The Babylonian Flood Tradition 111 Differences 112 Considering the Other Flood Legends 113 Italy 113 Greece 113 vi Chapter Page Egypt 114 Egypt (dry version) 114 Africa 114 Bermagai 114 Sudan 115 Hottentot 115 The Tradition Preserved in the Koran 115 Sumatra 115 Leeward Is lands 115 Philippine Islands 116 Alaska (USA) 116 Mandan 116 Mexico (pre-columbian) 118 Panama 118 Nicaragua 118 Tierra del Fuego 118 Those Remarkable Marks of Ancient Tradition 118 Chinese Script 119 Phoenician Ship Models 119 Aztec Calendar Stone Design 120 Apamean Pillar 120 Apamean Coins 120 The Possible Discovery of An Ark on Ararat , 121 vii Page Chapter SUMMARY 125 CONCLUSIONS 129 RECOMMENDATIONS 133 Recommendations Specific to the Foregoing Completed Research 133 Suggestions for Further Topics of Research 142 APPENDICES 150 Appendix A Purpose in Living 150 Appendix B How the Flood Affected the Longevity of the Biblical Patriarchs 152 Appendix C Evidence for the Two Most Ancient Flood Traditions 154 SELECTED REFERENCES 159 INDEX OF SCRIPTURE 175 LIST OF TABLES Page Table Results of 14-State Regional Random Telephone Survey 43 Results of Local Random Telephone Survey 43 viii ... EVIDENCE FROM SCIENCE AND TRADITION SUPPORTING A TWO-MODEL (EVOLUTION/CREATION) APPROACH TO TEACHING THE ORIGIN OF LIFE Robert Paul Gardner, M .A. T Mankato State University Mankato, Minnesota, 1980.. .EVIDENCE FROM SCIENCE AND TRADITION SUPPORTING A TWO-MODEL (EVOLUTION/CREATION) APPROACH TO TEACHING THE ORIGIN OF LIFE by Robert P Gardner '' A thesis submitted in partial fulfillment of the. .. for the degree of Master of Arts in Teaching at Mankato State University Mankato, Minnesota June, 1980 !If! ((1� ���ID) OCT u , 98 :MANKATO STATE U NIVERS1n, ;MEMORIAL LIBRARY MANKATO, MN EVIDENCE