Miraculous Probability One Person Could Fulfill the Old Testament Prophecies as Jesus Christ

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Miraculous Probability One Person Could Fulfill the Old Testament Prophecies as Jesus Christ
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Summary
"Science Speaks: An Evaluation of Certain Christian Evidences" by Peter W. Stoner is a seminal work that endeavors to bridge the realms of science and Christian faith. Authored by a mathematician and astronomer, the book employs scientific principles, particularly probability theory, to argue for the divine inspiration of the Bible.

Overview

Peter W. Stoner, who served as Chairman of the Departments of Mathematics and Astronomy at Pasadena City College and later at Westmont College, penned "Science Speaks" to present a scientific examination of biblical claims. The book was first published in the 1950s and has since been referenced in various discussions on Christian apologetics.

Scientific Examination of Genesis

In the initial chapters, Stoner scrutinizes the Genesis account of creation, comparing its sequence of events with contemporary scientific understanding. He argues that the order of creation described in Genesis aligns remarkably well with scientific findings, suggesting that such accuracy could not have been achieved without divine insight. For instance, he notes that the progression from the formation of the earth to the emergence of life mirrors scientific theories on the development of the planet and life forms.

Probability and Prophecy

A significant portion of "Science Speaks" is dedicated to analyzing biblical prophecies through the lens of probability. Stoner calculates the likelihood of specific prophecies being fulfilled by chance. One of his most cited analyses involves eight prophecies about the Messiah, such as being born in Bethlehem and being betrayed for thirty pieces of silver. He concludes that the probability of a single individual fulfilling all eight by chance is 1 in 10^17. To illustrate, he describes covering the state of Texas two feet deep in silver dollars, marking one, and having a blindfolded person select the marked coin on the first try—mirroring the improbability of these prophecies being fulfilled by chance.

Additional Prophetic Analyses

Beyond Messianic prophecies, Stoner examines predictions concerning ancient cities and nations, such as Tyre and Babylon. He assesses the historical accuracy of these prophecies and calculates the probabilities of their fulfillment without divine intervention. For example, he discusses the prophecy regarding the destruction of Tyre, noting the specific details provided and their subsequent realization in history.

Reception and Critique
"Science Speaks" received endorsements from some in the scientific community. The American Scientific Affiliation reviewed the manuscript and found the mathematical analyses to be based on sound principles of probability. However, the book has also faced criticism. Some scholars argue that Stoner's interpretations of prophecies are overly selective and that his analyses may not account for the complexities of historical contexts. For instance, critics have pointed out that certain prophecies, like the complete destruction of Tyre, may not have been fulfilled as precisely as Stoner suggests.

Conclusion

Peter W. Stoner's "Science Speaks" represents an ambitious attempt to validate Christian scriptures through scientific methodology. By applying probability theory to biblical prophecies, Stoner seeks to demonstrate the improbability of their fulfillment by chance, thereby arguing for divine authorship.

LINKS:
https://catholicstand.com/the-probabi...
https://sciencespeaks.dstoner.net/
https://blog.minitab.com/en/understan...
https://www.geeksforgeeks.org/cumulat...
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cumulat...