Baraminology, the Image of God, and Australopithecus sediba

Abstract

Previous research in hominid baraminology has been sharply criticized by other creationists, especially concerning the proposal to include Au. sediba in the human holobaramin.  These criticisms can be summarized as concerns over methodology, theological objections, and rejection of speciation among human lineages.  Methodological concerns, though reasonable, can be recognized and at least partially overcome.  Theological objections regarding the image of God or the doctrine of salvation simply fail as valid reasons to reject human baraminology.  Concerns over human speciation similarly are not adequate refutations of human baraminology.  To advance creationist understanding of baraminology, a new way of explaining the research program of statistical baraminology is introduced: testing the discontinuity hypothesis, the idea that God created organisms in discrete, recognizable groups.