Darwinian evolution would have us believe that the DNA molecule (which is the basic genetic blueprint for all life) was created by the random assembly of nucleotide base pairs.  This would seem plausible on the surface.  However we know from physics and astronomy that the age of the universe is 12-15 billion years old.  This is based on Hubble telescope measurement of the Doppler shift of light from stars.   We also know that the structure of DNA is a double helix and contains dense information, like a very long computer program.  The structure of DNA was uncovered by Watson, Crick and Wilkins who worked out the double helix structure of DNA in 1953, and received the Nobel Prize in 1962. Calculations based on the age of the universe and the structure of DNA show that 12-15 billion years simply wasn't enough time for the base pairs of DNA to have randomly formed into the genetic code.  Perhaps life and the genetic code did not arise by randomness after all.  The additional discrepancy of Darwian evolution theory is the problem of missing transitional life forms in the fossil record.  This has been explained by Stephen Gould's  "Punctuated Equilibrium" theory which was formulated to account for the discontinuities in the fossil record.

Here are three most common questions that are asked about the current theory of evolution:

How does evolution add information to a genome to create progressively more complicated organisms?

How is evolution able to bring about drastic changes so quickly?

How could the first living cell arise spontaneously to get evolution started?

In an attempt to answer these questions, Classical Darwinian evolution theory has undergone changes such as the "Neutral Theory". 

Perhaps the most promising new theory of evolution is "Directed Evolution" described in Michael J. Denton's book, "Nature's Destiny: How theLaws of Biology Reveal Purpose in the Universe".  Denton suggests a concept called "directed evolution" in which changes in the genetic code leading to speciation (new species), which were previously thought to be caused by  random mutations, are rather "directed" by the genomic information contained in the DNA (possibly in the noncoding portion of DNA).  An analogy is drawn from embryology, in which the genetic code in the DNA directs the tiny embryo to follow well defined steps to "evolve" into the mature organism.  This idea can be applied to evolutionary theory itself.  The genetic code itself, the intracellular nuclear DNA could contain "directed information" for the steps leading from primitive life forms to more complex life forms in over billions of years of evolution. I am sure we will see more of these fascinating ideas in print over the next few years.

Another new approach is called evo-devo and Sean Carrol's Book Endless Forms Most Beautiful attempts to reconcile new findings in molecular biology and embryology with the our understanding of evolution.

If you plan to study te topic of evolution, a good place to start is Gert Korthof's web site which exhaustively reviews dozens of new books on evolution, intelligent design, evo devo, molecular biology, etc.

Is there a Creator of the Life and the Universe?

This brings us to the "Intelligent Design" argument and the question of "is there a creator of the universe?"  This is an obvious question since by studying biology,we find the genetic code and all the various complex mechanisms in the biological world.  These were either designed by an intelligence, or not.  I will leave it up to you to decide for yourself.  My own opinion is that the amazing complexity called life did not happen by itself.  It is self evident that everything in the Universe is the product of an intelligence, which can be considered as "the creator".  This may not be self evident to everyone, however.

Here it the original discussion of The Watch and the Watch-Maker Argument:

Originally credited toWilliam Paley(1743-1805).

Science and the concept of "Intelligent Design" have more in common than you might think.  For example, if you were walking on the beach and came across a functioning clock or watch on the sand, would you assume that the clock or watch was created by a watchmaker or would you assume the watch parts randomly self assembled on the beach?  Science views the universe as a giant watch and tries to figure out how the parts work and where the parts came from.  Science assumes that there is a pattern in the watch mechanism that can be understood.  It doesn't comment on who made the watch and instead leaves this question open.   "Intelligent Design" picks up on this open question and says, "Look at how complex the watch is, there must have been a watchmaker."

"Intelligent Design" is not a scientific theory and does not compete with other scientific theories about the universe and life in it.  Rather, "Intelligent Design" is a way of thinking about the questions which Science leaves unanswered.  As for myself, I look at the complexity of the universe and life forms in it and feel that it is self evident to me that the watch was made by a creator or "watchmaker". Other people may think about it and feel that there is no need to invoke the idea of a watchmaker.  That's OK.  Each person has their own way of looking at things, and that's what makes the cultural differences which are tolerated and even treasured in our country.

Recommended reading :

This web site covers this topic quite thoroughly with references:  http://www.2001principle.net

Genesis and the Big Bang Theory :
The Discovery Of Harmony Between Modern Science
And The Bible,

by Gerald Schroeder 1990 Bantam

The Science of God , by Gerald Schroeder 1997

The Hidden Face of God : Science Reveals the Ultimate Truth, by Gerald L. Schroeder 2001

Nature's Destiny: How the Laws of Biology Reveal Purpose in the Universe by Michael J. Denton .

Our Environment
Our greatest crisis right now is not the threat of Nuclear War which would annihilate the earth.  Our greatest threat is toxic chemical pollution of the planet with heavy metals such as mercury, cadmium, lead and arsenic, and hormone disruptor chemical such as pesticides and PCBs.

Unfortunately, the governments of the world have not taken this seriously and we may have already reached the point of irreparable damage.  We are stealing our children's futures, since the harmful effects of these toxic substances will continue to increase long after we individually exhaust our small number of days on the planet.

Is global warming from carbon dioxide emission another serious threat to the environment?

I will leave that question to you and the experts.

Recommended Reading:

Our Stolen Future : How We Are Threatening Our Fertility, Intelligence and Survival ,by Theo Colborn, Dianne Dumanoski, John Peter Meyers

Hormonal Chaos : The Scientific and Social Origins of the Environmental Endocrine Hypothesis, by Lynn Goldman.

Hormone Deception by D. Berkson.

Living Downstream : A Scientist's Personal Investigation of Cancer and the Environment (Vintage) by Sandra Steingraber

Generations at Risk: Reproductive Health and the Environment by Ted Schettler

Our Children's Toxic Legacy : How Science and Law Fail to Protect Us from Pesticides, Second Edition by John Wargo

Vitamin and Mineral Deficiencies:

Subclinical Vitamin and Mineral deficiencies are real and a major health issue in the United States.  For example, Iodine deficiency (as reported in the HANES study) is a major cause of breast cancer.  Co-Enzyme Q-10 deficency is a major cause of congestive heart failure. The Government in the new revised Food Pyramid recommends B12 supplementation for all peole over age 50, and Folate supplements to prevent fetal neural tube defects in all women of child bearing age.

The Current Crisis is Medicine:

Corruption involving the FDA and the Pharmaceutical Drug Industry

In the past 15 years we have seen a succession of new drugs approved by the FDA on the basis of false, misleading or incomplete research data.  These drugs have many adverse side effects and are not contributing to the health of the nation, and they should be removed from the market. According to Dennis Cauchon in an article inUSA TODAY  dated Sep 25, 2000,  half the doctors serving on the FDA advisory committees are receiving money directly from the pharmaceutical industry which is a violation of federal law.  These advisory committee members receive "waivers" from the FDA to protect them from criminal prosecution. Please call or mail your congressman to stop the "waivers" and restore integrity to the FDA.

Examples of recalled drugs are: Vioxx,Baycol, Rezulin, Lotronex, Propulsid.  

Examples of  problem drugs still on the market identified by Dr. David Graham of the FDA: Accutane, Meridia, Crestor, Bextra, Serevent. Contact me for a more complete list of problem drugs.

Dr Abramson and Angel think that television drug advertising is blatantly deceptive  and should not be allowed. New Zealand and the US are the only two countries that have not banned DTC consumer drug advertising.

Health Freedom:

Every citizen has the  right to free access to health care information,  and to freely choose from available treatments, remedies, and  medications.  Every physician has the right to practice medicine to the best of his ability in a manner which he believes will best serve the heath interests of his patient.   

Please support The American Association for Health Freedom.

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International College of Integrative Physician's 

Affirmation:

We affirm that the human body is created from infinite wisdom. Innumerable interactions among organs, tissues, cells, and flowing constituents combine in us, acting unceasingly and harmoniously to preserve a complete reflection of the whole in every part. Health expresses itself in their acting in resilient accord, agreement and order, agreement and accord. Yet, when the frailty of matter or distressful emotions deranges this order or interrupts this accord, then internal forces clash and the body can accelerate its return [crumble] into the primal dust from which it came.

We can see symptoms of diseases as beneficent messengers of approaching danger and as urges to avert risks by corrective life-style and attitude changes.

Our earth, rivers and mountains are abundant with healing substances. With deep understanding of them, we can, largely, alleviate our sufferings and remit illnesses with natural, low risk and low cost remedies. e are endowed with the wisdom and ability to reason. We can recognize the cause of his or her disorders and, then, direct the safer, more effective healing therapies. We can rediscover through our experiences the therapeutic powers of remedies as well as prepare and apply remedies to suit each individuals need. As a physician, I am especially responsible to watch over the life and promote the health of our fellow beings.

As I apply myself independently to the duties of my profession, support me in my labors that they may benefit mankind, for without divine inspiration not even the least thing will succeed. Inspire me with love for my art and compassion for my fellow beings. Prevent greed, ambition for recognition, or admiration for success from interfering with my placing first my patients welfare.

Preserve the strength of my body and of my soul that they ever be ready to cheerfully help and nurture rich and poor, good and bad, enemy as well as friend. In the sufferer let me see only the unique, precious human being. Illumine my mind to recognize what presents itself that I may comprehend what is needed, absent or hidden. Let it not fail to see what is visible nor permit it to arrogate to itself the power to see what cannot be seen, for delicate and indefinite are the bounds of the great art of caring for the lives and health of our fellows.

May I never be inconsiderate nor absent-minded when ministering to those in need of healing or of reassurance  May no stray thoughts divert my attention at the bedside of the sick, nor disturb my mind in its silent labors on their behalf; for great and sacred are the thoughtful deliberations required to preserve lives and promote the fullest possible well being for each. May I bathe in the states of healing until they suffuse me from within and radiate from me without.

Grant that my patients find confidence in me and the remedies recommended; that they follow my directions and my counsel, going by results. Remove from their midst all charlatans and the whole host of the officious and know-alls;  who arrogantly and cruelly frustrate the wisest purposes of the healing arts and often lead people astray, at great human and financial cost.

Should those who are wiser than I wish to improve and instruct me, may I gratefully glean their guidance; for vast is the extent of the healing arts. Should those who are conceited, however, censure me, then let love for my profession steel me against them, so that I remain steadfast without regard for age, for reputation, or for personal honor.

Imbue my personality with gentleness and equanimity, even when older colleagues, proud of their age or status, wish to displace me or to scorn my methods or disdainfully to instruct me. May even this be of advantage to me, for they know many things of which I am ignorant, yet let not their arrogance give me distress. For age and wisdom are no more connected than biology and chronology. My goal is to attain old age upon this earth in wisdom and humility.

Let me be contented in everything except in the yearning to learn more of my profession. Grant me the strength, the leisure and the ambition ever to extend my knowledge. For healing arts are great; and the mind of man is ever capable of original thought!

You have chosen me to grow in compassion; to watch over the life and death of my fellows; to set for them an example of life well lived that all may be well and happy. I now apply myself to my noble profession.

Jeffrey Dach MD 4700 Sheridan, Suite T,  Hollywood, Fl 33021  Phone: 954-983-1443

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