Winning Ways -- Hillcrest Baptist Church

The Privileged Planet
by Tom Goodman
July 23, 2008

It seems that someone went to a lot of trouble to get the universe ready for us.

On Wednesday, July 30, come learn more about that fascinating subject with the one-hour documentary called "The Privileged Planet."

Scientists have identified more than a hundred parameters required for life to develop, and more are being discovered. If any of these constants, values and relationships in nature had been even slightly different, you and I would not be around to comment on them. "The Privileged Planet" will introduce you to a few of these parameters.

I believe a careful study of the natural world can start rather than stifle a search for God. The Apostle Paul warned that humanity has ignored the evidence for God available in the natural world, though it has been "clearly seen, being understood from what has been made." (Romans 1:18-20) A decision to quit ignoring this evidence can launch your spiritual search.

That's where "The Privileged Planet" comes in. Produced by the Discovery Institute and narrated by John Rhys-Davies (Raiders of the Lost Ark, The Lord of the Rings), this one-hour documentary will open your eyes to the evidence for a universe designed for human life.

Thankfully, there is a growing body of credentialed scientists speaking in the language of their various fields to show from the natural world that there is evidence for God. Most of us, however, come to the same conclusion in more intuitive ways.

For example, a medical doctor once told his story of how his agnosticism broke down while he held his newborn daughter. Such moments are reverent, as any parent will admit. The baby lay sleeping in her physician-father's arms, and he was admiring the little wonder. Her tiny ear caught his attention, and he marveled at its intricacy -- the way it was curved to catch sounds and direct them to the protected eardrum. He knew that inside there were microscopic hairs that would interpret the sounds to the brain. The moment overwhelmed him, and the realization broke in: "There must be an intelligent power behind the universe." At that point, he had not drawn any conclusions about Christ (that came later); but he quit suppressing the truth about the existence of God.

Maybe "The Privileged Planet" will have that effect on you. Bring a friend to this special screening in the Hillcrest auditorium at 6:30pm, July 30.

--Tom

Weblog. At my weblog, "Get Anchored," every Sunday I post a new "Song of the Week" (this week, Chris Rea's "Texas"). Also, every Tuesday I post some entertaining and informative "Links to Your World" (this week, read about church members featured in the news: Jim Siegel and Randall James). Also, let me know if you've eaten at this Giddings restaurant -- and whether you ordered the donuts or seafood!

Do you know friends who would appreciate Winning Ways? Just forward this e-mail to them!

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The Privileged Planet by Tom Goodman July 23, 2008 It seems that someone went to a lot of trouble to get the universe ready for us. On Wednesday, July 30, come learn more about that fascinating subject with the one-hour documentary called "The Privileged Planet." Scientists have identified more than a hundred parameters required for life to develop, and more are being discovered. If any of these constants, values and relationships in nature had been even slightly different, you and I would not be around to comment on them. "The Privileged Planet" will introduce you to a few of these parameters. I believe a careful study of the natural world can start rather than stifle a search for God. The Apostle Paul warned that humanity has ignored the evidence for God available in the natural world, though it has been "clearly seen, being understood from what has been made." (Romans 1:18-20) A decision to quit ignoring this evidence can launch your spiritual search. That's where "The Privileged Planet" comes in. Produced by the Discovery Institute and narrated by John Rhys-Davies (Raiders of the Lost Ark, The Lord of the Rings), this one-hour documentary will open your eyes to the evidence for a universe designed for human life. Thankfully, there is a growing body of credentialed scientists speaking in the language of their various fields to show from the natural world that there is evidence for God. Most of us, however, come to the same conclusion in more intuitive ways. For example, a medical doctor once told his story of how his agnosticism broke down while he held his newborn daughter. Such moments are reverent, as any parent will admit. The baby lay sleeping in her physician-father's arms, and he was admiring the little wonder. Her tiny ear caught his attention, and he marveled at its intricacy -- the way it was curved to catch sounds and direct them to the protected eardrum. He knew that inside there were microscopic hairs that would interpret the sounds to the brain. The moment overwhelmed him, and the realization broke in: "There must be an intelligent power behind the universe." At that point, he had not drawn any conclusions about Christ (that came later); but he quit suppressing the truth about the existence of God. Maybe "The Privileged Planet" will have that effect on you. Bring a friend to this special screening in the Hillcrest auditorium at 6:30pm, July 30. --Tom Weblog. At my weblog, "Get Anchored," every Sunday I post a new "Song of the Week" (this week, Chris Rea's "Texas"). Also, every Tuesday I post some entertaining and informative "Links to Your World" (this week, read about church members featured in the news: Jim Siegel and Randall James). Also, let me know if you've eaten at this Giddings restaurant -- and whether you ordered the donuts or seafood! Do you know friends who would appreciate Winning Ways? Just forward this e-mail to them! Have you subscribed to Winning Ways? You can subscribe by clicking here and following the instructions. Your e-mail address will not be sold or given away to anyone, and you can automatically change your subscription or drop it by following the easy steps provided with each e-mail. FRESH NEWS AT HILLCREST UPDATED WEEKLY: www.HillcrestAustin.org LISTEN TO RECENT SERMONS: Click here MANAGE YOUR SUBSCRIPTIONS TO OUR EMAIL NEWSLETTERS: Click here. If you do not have access to the web, please send a note to newsmaster@hbcaustin.org to tell us of any changes you would like to make.