|
Review Summary: Groundbreaking Book on Design Available |
Date: 2008-08-09 |
|
| |
|
Details: Rana takes the design argument to a new, scientific level. He delves into details of the cell finding complexity that only design can explain. This book, perhaps more than any before it, show how design is indeed a scientific enterprise. Packed with science and the latest research, this book tends to be technical, but stick with it and you'll find its undeniable conclusion. |
| |
|
Review Summary: Non-scientist Christian enjoys the challenge |
Date: 2008-08-01 |
|
| |
Details: I'm writing as a person some might say is "in the choir being preached to." Nonetheless, I offer these words in gratitude to the author.
Dr. "Fuz" Rana has just released what he calls a sequel to his earlier work, Origins of Life (Colorado Springs, CO: NavPress, 2004). In this new volume, Dr. Rana highlights what he notes are "hallmark characteristics" of a Creator's work within the confines of the living cell. More than a dozen particular features at the molecular level are discussed in detail as to their particular design attributes. These include many types of molecular motors, chicken-and-egg conundrums, and quality control checkpoints. Dr. Rana employs an argument based on converging, independent lines of evidence that, when looked at individually might not be impressive; yet, when taken in conjunction with one another, builds a strong case for supernatural causation. Truly beyond "irreducible complexity," the term so closely identified with the Intelligent Design movement, the examples set forth in The Cell's Design create a compelling case. Fuz also takes the step most ID proponents are unwilling to: he identifies the designer with the God of the Christian Bible. Many secular scientists and skeptics will be satisfied that he is not trying to hide something from his audience, nor is he trying to dismiss the direct theological implications of his reasoning.
The Cell's Design acquaints the reader with a comparative look at the world of Art and the world of cellular biology as a basis for Dr. Rana's point: the biochemistry of the cell reveals the Creator's artistry. He identifies specific examples of this artistry and answers some of the challenges about the validity of supernatural causation raised by a skeptical science community. The fundamental charge of the book is to reassert the "watchmaker" argument of William Paley, natural theologian of the 18th century. Paley argued by analogy, that just as a watch, when found along the ground, would be an obvious indicator of a designer, so life denotes a Creator. This argument has fallen out of favor for more than two centuries within the science community; given philosopher David Hume's exacting critique of weak analogies: Life is not close enough to a watch to use analogy to reason from. Recent science, however, is reviving the notion of the watchmaker analogy, since actual "motors, timers, pumps and ratchets" are literally a part of the cell's functional components. The analogs to human invention is striking - considerably so, when there is multiple, independent and identifiable components to this analogy.
One feature worth the price of the book is the table starting on page 207 of the examples of molecular convergence. This table is listed as neither comprehensive nor exhaustive, yet there are one hundred specifically referenced research articles. This highlights research done by scientists around the world, identifying a feature of reality that the evolutionary framework cites as improbable and was, until recently, considered extremely rare. Convergence at the molecular level is explained in chapter 11, and identifies 5 different types: functional, mechanistic, structural, sequential, and systemic. The pervasiveness of molecular convergence creates a compelling stage for Dr. Rana's argument for a supernatural designer.
Chapter twelve addresses the very important developments in what were once considered to be "bad designs." The challenge of designs that are `unbecoming' of an intelligent creator is a formidable one; one which Fuz considers extremely valuable for the ID community to answer. Here he cites several examples of where current research is uncovering valuable components of previously contemptible patterns in nature. He addresses five examples: glycolysis, bilirubin production, uric acid metabolism, junk DNA, genetic redundancy. Each of these has acquired the reputation of a bad design, yet over time, scientific advances have "rehabilitated their image."
Dr. Rana concludes his book with a strategic note, extending the significance of the duly noted evidence to imply that humans were intended to be in a relationship with their Creator.
The purpose Fuz has in mind-to reveal the Creator's artistry-is certainly met in this piece. I appreciated his style that speaks to both the reader of interest and the reader of expertise. His deep respect for the science of his profession and for his profession of the Christian faith rings clear. Dissenting scientists or their positions are not belittled. He did not assert that his Christian foundations were somehow above the scrutiny of inquiry. Rather, Dr. Rana simply takes a pro-active position: creating a case for supernatural intelligent design by the God of the Bible; he demonstrates how this position satisfies key points where standard evolutionary positions are problematic. He includes predictions and specific areas for future scientific inquiry that are essential to any scientific agenda. He recognizes that small amounts of data are insufficient ammunition when arguing for a minority position. So he makes his points with relevant and weighty material. Dr. Rana sets an example of how respectful engagement within the science community should be conducted. I recommend the book as a useful tool for educational resource, for professional discussion, and for enjoyable enrichment. |
| |
|
Review Summary: Get to the point man |
Date: 2008-07-28 |
|
| |
Details: The book starts out somewhat discrediting Behe. So your expectation of greater revelation becomes heightened, only to be dashed and raised and dashed, then finally so disgusted of the pointless bunch of rambling, and sounding more like Darwin. I gave up! and could not make it through, 3/4 the way through, I dropped the book into the trash can.
Buy "Total truth" by Nancy Pearcy, and "Darwins black Box" by Behe. |
| |
|
Review Summary: Wow, the details in this Book! |
Date: 2008-07-01 |
|
|
| |
|
Details: I read the whole book in five days, and it was just a wonder to behold, the detail, and the machinery (which resembles human machinery) of a living cell is amazing. I was looking for a book like this for awhile and was glad this one came along. The approach is using an art comparison rather than just using irreducible complexity. It builds a foundation of many functions in a cell and it's reasoning on why it would considered intelligent design. It also covers new discoveries which indeed have made intelligent design even stronger. Even junk DNA was found to have an important function where years past it was considered a crutch for the creationist, or believer in intelligent design. I wish it spend a little more time in this area of some of these arguments, but understand the author's focus and massive detail on the living cell and it's design. |
| |
|
Review Summary: Comprehensive examination of how cells work |
Date: 2008-06-02 |
|
|
| |
Details: Dr. Fuz Rana attempts to show that cellular biochemistry points to the existence of the Creator who designed it. Whereas most intelligent design books attempt to show the existence of design by demonstrating the existence of irreducible complexity, Dr. Rana examines the cell's biochemistry with broad strokes of how everything works together with such marvelous fidelity. So, even if a single piece or line of evidence might be dismissed as a statistical outlier, the weight of evidence makes a powerful case for design by a Creator. Each chapter begins with an analogy from the art world that relates to the topic at hand. Apparently, Dr. Rana is quite an art enthusiast.
One of my favorite sections was the discussion of how proteins are made within a cell. A large amount of the cell's molecular systems are involved in the process by which DNA is transcribed into RNA then translated into proteins. The process is like a beautifully choreographed symphony in which all the instruments come together to produce a sound that seems to be more than just the addition of the individual pieces. The protein manufacturing process is amazing in its own right. However, the quality control systems that operate at each step of the process ensure that the fidelity of the copies remain high without slowing down the process. Even so, just manufacturing proteins is not the end of the process. Many of these proteins undergo post-translational modifications, such as formation of disulfide bonds (one aspect of the protein folding process), folding of proteins into specific three-dimensional structures, addition of carbohydrate moieties, cleavage of the protein chain, and assembly into protein complexes. For most proteins, the linear structure of the protein does not define its three dimensional structure sufficiently so that it will fold properly on its own. Accessory molecules are required to ensure that the protein folds properly so that it will function as designed. How these systems co-evolved along with the proteins themselves is quite a mystery for evolutionists.
Until the last century, we humans were blissfully unaware of amazing processes operating within each cell of our bodies. Even now, recent research continues to reveal such things as epigenetic control of transcription that goes beyond the mere genetic sequences upon which it operates. With such refinements "identical" cells operate differentially within discrete microenvironments. This not a discussion of your father's biochemistry, but an up-to-date examination of the latest evidence pointing toward the design hypothesis operating within our cells. Get the book, and be awe-struck with the incredible systems operating within your body. |
| |
|
out of 10 Reviews
