There’s been a lot of buzz in the scientific community this month surrounding the detection of gravitational waves, a concept which was predicted by Albert Einstein about 100 years ago and is the last piece of Einstein’s theory of General Relativity to be proven. I have been following the story because of the religious implications it has. For years scientists have been trying to decide if the universe had a beginning or not (which is weird to me because it’s pretty obvious that it did). Even Stephen Hawking has changed his position on that issue several times. Without getting into a bunch of scientific mumbo jumbo, the discovery of gravitational waves settles the issue. The universe did have a beginning and now scientists have proof.
Monthly Archives: February 2016
Science Changes (again) on Neanderthals
It’s amazing how often “science” changes. Back in June 2015, there was a news article which stated that scientists had shown that Neanderthals and homo sapiens had interbred 50,000-60,000 years ago, which effectively meant that Neanderthals are human. Now they’re saying the interbreeding happened more like 100,000 years ago.
Based on the Bible, I would say that there is no meaningful difference between Neanderthals and homo sapiens. If they can breed, then they’re the same “kind”. Humans were created on day 6 of the Creation Week (Genesis 1:27). I think the differences from Neanderthals and other humans are just genetic traits which began to take shape after the Tower of Babel (Genesis 11:1-9), when humans were grouped by language, effectively narrowing the gene pool for those groups and giving them common physical traits. But what do I know?
Charles Caldwell Ryrie Goes Home
Today a giant of the faith and a humble servant of the Lord went home. Charles Ryrie was a gifted theologian, teacher, and writer. His ministry shaped the lives of many—both those who came in direct contact with him and those, like me, who were impacted by his books.
The Ryrie Study Bible taught a generation how to read and understand the Scriptures. Dispensationalism Today (later republished as just Dispensationalism) helped many comprehend a vital, yet sometimes difficult topic. So Great Salvation revealed the simple truth that Jesus saves and broadened that theme to help our understanding of what we have in Christ. Dr. Ryrie authored more than 50 books which uphold the authority of the Bible, teach Its truths, and honor Christ. They will be influential for generations to come.
In seminary, I was taught by one of Dr. Ryrie’s students. He told me that when he was a struggling student at Dallas Theological Seminary and needed a place to live, Dr. Ryrie welcomed him into his home and gave him a room to use. He spoke highly of Dr. Ryrie as a teacher, a mentor, and a brother in Christ. He will be missed, but Dr. Ryrie lives today with the One he devoted his life to.