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 By Jay Seegert, Creation Education Center “New Dinosaur Might Have Been Buried Alive.” That was the headline for a recent article from DiscoveryNews dated March 23, 2010. The recently discovered dinosaur (a sauropod found in Utah - given the name “Seitaad”) probably looked something like the one here, even though much of the skeleton was missing. There’s certainly no shortage of news articles such as this particular one from Discovery News. I think it’s a fun exercise to read them and practice “critical thinking” skills. Too often we simply read something (especially when written by scientists) and assume that it must be true and that we are not in a position to question it because we lack the advanced, superior knowledge to understand such issues. I personally believe that one of the most significant issues within the public school system (in addition to it being largely founded upon humanistic philosophy) is the fact that they are teaching “what to think” rather than “how to think.” Teaching critical thinking skills equips students with the ability to take in “raw facts” and develop their own well thought-out conclusions (as opposed to being told “what to think” followed by a few “facts” that on the surface may seem to support that view). Regarding the dinosaur article, I am simply going to make two interesting comments… Point #1: They mention evidence that the dinosaur was “buried alive.” This is exactly what we would expect to find if there truly was a worldwide catastrophic flood (as mentioned in Genesis 6-8). Secular geologists adamantly deny such an event, yet we see evidence throughout the fossil record of unimaginable catastrophe. “Seitaad” is just one more indicator (amongst voluminous others) that the majority of layers we see in the geologic record were laid down rapidly by water - and not slowly over millions and millions of years (in which case the creatures would have been scavenged and decomposed long before fossilization could be completed). Point #2: Take a look at the following line taken directly from the article: “Presumably, the sauropods evolved large body size as a strategy to deter predators.” Does anything strike you as a bit odd about that statement? Once again, it is too common that we read similar statements and simply uncritically accept them and move on. Let’s take a closer look at this. Evolution, as taught in the world’s leading universities and public schools all around the world (and sadly even in many Christian colleges) is a 100% purposeless, directionless process. It is alleged to proceed by random, directionless mutations (mistakes in copying the DNA) and natural selection (which itself simply serves to weeds-out the unfit changes). In this statement, the author directly implies that evolution “strategized” in order for these creatures to survive! Did the sauropods sit around the campfire and say, “Look guys, we are not doing well here and we’re going to have to come-up with some sort of plan to protect ourselves against all our predators. I think the simplest thing we can do is to make sure that our great, great, great, great, great, great… grandchildren are much bigger than we are. That should do it. Are we all in agreement?” That’s just not how it works! However, the writers often take great artistic license in conferring human attributes (such as intentionality, purpose, thought, design, strategy, etc.) to evolution, which is nothing more than a powerless, philosophical concept. It is wholly unwarranted to attribute these qualities to a mere construct or hypothesis. Much more could be said regarding other portions of the article, but it was my primary intent to help you further develop your critical thinking skills. Try having your children read the article (without your commentary) and see if they can come-up with any interesting thoughts or questions. Next, share some of your own and end by reading selected passages from God’s Word (in this case maybe something from Genesis 6-8 which is the historical account of Noah’s flood). We are reminded in Scripture that it is… “better to trust in the Lord than to put confidence in man.” (Psalm 118:8). If you would be interested in scheduling a seminar at your church, school, camp, conference, etc. we would be more than happy to assist you in developing a rock-solid Christian worldview, greatly strengthening the faith of your congregation, class or group. We do not charge for our engagements, but simply accept free-will offerings, honorariums or whatever you deem appropriate. (We only ask that any actual expenses be covered in addition.) Contact us today to schedule a free seminar or to ask any questions! Visit our website at www.CECwisc.com
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