does your life have a pilot?

Words from a Cal. State Univ. L.B. Professor (1967-2001)

In 1955 I was awarded national first prize in the American Institute of Electrical Engineers' student paper contest. Then, in 1956, I graduated first in my engineering class at USC.

I don't say that out of pride, not at all! I say it for one reason alone. I simply want to make the following claim: I think I know, better than most, what design is.

Then in 1959, I changed focus. I began work on a PhD in biophysics. I was absolutely fascinated by design I saw in living systems. After post-doctoral work at Caltech and College de France, I researched and taught physiology at California State University Long Beach for 34 years. My fascination with design in living systems only grew stronger.

Design cannot exist without a source for information required for that design. When an engineer designs, the information comes from his own brain. But when design is observed in an irreducibly complex LIVING SYSTEM, where does the design information come from?

Was there any conceivable reason, then, that I should not believe the Bible verse that says: "For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes, His eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly seen, being understood through what has been made, so that they are without excuse." (Romans 1:20)

The only reason I can think of, would be if I had decided to believe that matter and the laws that govern it are the sum total of reality. But I believe that there's coming a time when all who take that position will be found "without excuse."

On Saturday morning, April 5, 1940, I made a different decision. At the end of a children's meeting in a pastor's home, a Mrs. Schroeder looked straight at me and asked a question: "Mark," she said. "wouldn't you like to invite Christ into your life?"

I clearly remember my first thought: "This can't possibly work. What if I say yes, and nothing happens?" But, immediately, my next thought was: "I have nothing to lose. What if I say 'yes' and Christ really does forgive my sin, and give my life new meaning and purpose?"

I did say "yes," to her. In the many decades since 1940, my life as a Christian has had indescribable meaning and purpose.

Written by Mark C. Biedebach, PhD

Department of Biological Sciences