Proposal
Walter ReMine 's (1) discontinuity systematics can be used as a basis for a biological classification system either within creation or evolution theory. Such a model-neutral methodology can be more efficiently utilized within any given theory of life by supplementing it with model-dependent membership criteria. Discontinuity systematics supplemented with young-earth creation model-dependent membership criteria is here called baraminology. Four young-earth creation model-dependent membership criteria are here suggested -- one based on Scripture, another based upon molecular similarity studies, a third based on cladistically-defined frequency of homoplasy, and a fourth based on flood-generated diversity bottlenecks.
This paper also attempts to relate the empirically-defined holobaramins, monobaramins, apobaramins, and polybaramins of baraminology and discontinuity systematics to Biblical, creationist, and evolutionist thought. The original, created group of individuals capable of reproduction is a theoretical construct, here called an archaebaramin. Frank Marsh's term baramin is considered the created 'kind' (or 'Biblical kind'), and is here redefined as the archaebaramin and all its descendants. Baramins are apobaraminic groups, and may be holobaraminic in most, if not all, cases. Microevolutionary processes, including speciation occur within the baramin. Extra- and interbaraminic evolution is considered impossible.
Baraminology is an easily employed and extremely powerful biosystematic method. Baraminology is the most efficient method of classifying life available to the young-earth creation biologist. It will allow the collection of an abundance of heretofore unrecognizable data in favor of a creation model, and serve as an empirical foundation upon which to construct a creationist reclassification of life.
Keywords
Creationism, young-earth, baraminology, biosystematic method
Print Reference
Volume 2:II, Pages 345-360
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Recommended Citation
Wise, Kurt P.
(1990)
"Baraminology: A Young-Earth Creation Biosystematic Method,"
Proceedings of the International Conference on Creationism: Vol. 2, Article 63.
Available at:
https://digitalcommons.cedarville.edu/icc_proceedings/vol2/iss1/63