Plant Mathematicians

Romans 1:20
“For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, [even] his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse…”

Throughout the centuries, people have noticed, whether or not they believed in a Creator, that there is a mathematically precise structure to the universe and everything in it.

One everyday example of this precision can be found in plants. Many plants, including elm trees, grow their leaves, twigs and branches placed exactly halfway around the stem from each other. Next in the series are plants like the beech tree, with leaves placed one third of the way around the stem from the previous leaves. Third in the series are plants like the oak, with leaves placed at two fifths of a turn. The holly plant is next at three eighths, then larches at five thirteenths – and the sequence goes on.

Notice the number sequence of these fractions: 1,1,2,3,5,8,13 and so on. Each number is the sum of the two numbers that come just before it in the sequence. This particular mathematical pattern is called the Fibonacci series and is recognized as a basic mathematical series. Such mathematical precision is not arrived at by accident.

Such mathematical precision is only the product of power and intelligence, even as Paul says in Romans 1: “What may be known about God is manifest… His invisible attributes are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made.” And while they are not flocking to the Bible, this is why many scientists are abandoning evolution!

Prayer:
Father, You are more than Creator. Use the voice of Your people, beginning with me, to make the witness of Your love to man known to those who do not know You. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.

Notes:
Murchie, Guy. 1979. “The exquisite mathematics of nature.” Science Digest, Apr. p. 48. Photo: Portrait of Leonardo Fibonacci.