Creation is Scientific but Evolution is Religious
|
Author: Doug Sharp |
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by Author |
"Evolution is
scientific, but creationism is religious!" So goes the argument you hear
often from evolutionists.
I don't think Christians
should deny that creationism is "religious" in its motivation. If you
define "religious" as having its ultimate goal in serving and
worshipping God, there really isn't any way we can or should take issue with
that. But, in the same sense of the word, evolution is also "religious"
in the worship of its own gods.
The whole purpose of the
study of origins is the search for God or the denial of Him, depending on your
point of view. Both are religious in nature, since neither can be verified by
scientific experimentation. But, creation is more scientific, since it doesn't
violate any known scientific laws. In contrast, evolution requires much more
"faith" since it bucks up against the laws of thermodynamics and
probability. The molecular machines that manufacture proteins in fractions of a
second can be contrasted with man's attempt to duplicate it. To synthesize
proteins, it requires a team of brilliant scientists, a large quantity of
expensive chemical reagents, hundreds of steps, automated equipment and months
of planning.
Predictions based upon the
theory of evolution are not a reflection of reality. For example, fossils and
strata are found in the wrong order, DNA content of certain animals does not
follow the evolutionary pattern, and interdependence between organisms defies
evolutionary explanation.
If the theory of evolution
were true, it would be difficult to classify organisms, since there would be so
many intermediate forms. Instead, all animals can be classified into distinct
"kinds", separated genetically by barriers in breeding.
A CHRISTIAN ATTITUDE TOWARDS EVOLUTIONISTS
Because the creation-evolution
issue is so complex, a Christian should approach the subject with caution and
prayer. Many Christians choose to ignore the issue, saying, "I really
don't need to know how God created the world. I just know He did."
I don't have any problem
with that statement, except that such a person will never be any help to an
unbeliever who stumbles over evolution. Invariably, when a Christian shares his
faith with other people, most of the time he will encounter the evolution
issue. Those who are not ready to point others to the truth will be ineffective
in their witness.
Other Christians cause a
lot of damage by promoting their own pet theories without giving the matter
proper research and thought. The resulting theory is neither scientific nor
good theology. These people end up dividing the body of Christ and causing
confusion. Many strange doctrines and cults have come from compromising with
"science falsely so called."
A cult-like attitude on
the part of well meaning Christians is another hindrance to the truth. If a
person exhibits a moralistic or judgmental attitude, he immediately turns
people off. Sharing our faith can be delicate; it involves an attitude that the
other person is precious in the sight of God and immensely valuable, far more
than gold or silver. A condemning or negative attitude is like throwing gold
and silver in the trash. We must never try to "win" a debate, or
condemn the evolutionist personally.
Rather, we should endeavor
to separate the false doctrine from the person. Often a Christian will be so
caught up in self-defense that he forgets the business God has called him to
do. Our warfare is not against flesh and blood, but against principalities,
powers and rulers of darkness. We hate the deception of the theory of
evolution, but we should not hate those who are deceived. They should instead
be the objects of our Christian love. A Christian with a persecution complex
never wins anyone to Christ.
UNDERSTANDING THE EVOLUTIONIST
The motivation of the
evolutionist is religious in nature, not scientific, since the goal is to
define all phenomena in naturalistic terms. His "god", so to speak,
is man. His doctrine is that man is the highest ascent of the struggle of
evolution, and that he's the master of his own destiny.
An illustration of this was
a quotation I saw on a chemistry professor's office door, which said that if a
student told him he wanted to go into the study of science to better mankind
that he would advise him rather to go into charity.
"Science needs
egotists, true egotists, who love science strictly for its own sake."
When they make the
statement that evolution is scientific, but creation is religion, evolutionists
set the boundaries by defining the terms of the debate. If creationists use
scientific evidence to bolster their arguments, this evidence is dismissed if
it points to God since it is outside of their definition. Scientists have a
tendency to be enamored with the scientific method. The more they discover, the
more they want to think that they are their own "god." Theories or
facts that conflict with that idea are pushed aside.
The reason the doctrine
that the present is key to the past (uniformitarianism) became popular was not
because of the scientific evidence, but that it is a convenient way to push God
as far away in space and time as possible. Theistic evolutionists try to retain
a mechanistic view of the universe, created and set in motion by God, then
abandoned. Atheists push God out of the picture entirely. George Gaylord
Simpson, in his book Life of the Past writes this assertion of the
evolutionist:
"Man stands alone in
the universe, a unique product of a long, unconscious, impersonal material
process with unique under-standing and potentialities. These he owes to no one
but himself, and it is to himself that he is responsible. He is not the
creature of uncontrollable and undeterminable forces, but his own master. He
can and must decide and manage his own destiny".
The theory of evolution
reinforces a scientist's self worship. If man is a product of the "long,
unconscious, impersonal material process of evolution", he thinks he
somehow can take credit for his own position, and do things his own way.
He reasons: "Why
should I need God? I am a self-made man!"
The religion of evolution
has its own doctrines, traditions, lifestyle, and culture. Social Darwinism
is the logical extension of the theory of evolution, which manifests itself in
many different philosophies and religions. Examples of these are:
* The "do your own
thing" philosophy.
* The "survival of the fittest, and I am the fittest" mentality.
* The "rugged individual" type of capitalism (like Ayn Rand).
* New Age movement.
* Rosicrucianism.
* Theosophy.
* Spiritism.
* Satanism.
* Marxism.
* Socialism.
* Racism.
* Nazism.
Since most people who
consider Christianity start reading at the beginning of the Bible, I believe
that there is a vigorous spiritual attack on Genesis. It is no wonder that such
an elaborate theory has sprung up and maintained itself for 150 years in spite
of the overwhelming scientific evidence against it.
If Genesis can be placed in
doubt, the fall of man and the need for salvation is placed in doubt. The
evolution question is not a side issue. It is central to the understanding of
God's word!
In Romans chapter 1, a
picture is painted of those who proceed down the reprobate road. Romans 1:18-20
tells us that they hold the truth in unrighteousness, because God has already
shown it unto them through His creation. Therefore, they are without excuse.
There is no excuse for unbelief!
They become vain in their
imaginations and their foolish heart is darkened. As they profess to be wise,
they become fools. Instead of worshipping God, they begin to worship man and animals.
At a certain point, God gives them over to their own lusts, and they become
captive to their own sinful desires.
We should be aggressive in
explaining God's creation to people. It is clear from scripture that the denial
of God as Creator is the first signpost on the reprobate road. If Genesis is
made real to people, more of them will come to Christ. If they see that they
have no argument, God is able to work upon their heart.
RECOGNIZING EVOLUTIONARY BIAS
Evolutionary bias can take
many forms, and it is important that we recognize the different arguments and
tactics that are used on Christians. One of the most common is the bandwagon
approach. The bandwagon tactic tries to get you to believe that all thinking
people believe the theory of evolution, and the only ones who believe in
creation are fanatics.
Of course, we should
recognize first of all that a majority opinion does not always determine truth.
Second, people on the bandwagon think that they are the majority opinion only
because they make the most noise.
The bandwagon is a
typical ploy we need to be aware of, not only when dealing with the creation
issue, but in all aspects of life. We tend to feel intimidated if we are in the
minority. But we also need to realize that the scriptures tell us "Broad
is the way that leads to destruction, but strait is the gate and narrow is the
way that leads to life." We should expect that those who hold to the truth
to be few.
The barrage approach
is another weapon often used against creationists. Questions are asked in a
rapid-fire manner to try and confuse the speaker in a debate. Such people are
usually loud and rude, and don't let the speaker answer at all.
If you find yourself in
such a situation, your only recourse may be to confront the person and expose
the barrage as pure rudeness. For the sake of others listening, you will have
to get tough with him and show him that by such behavior, he is not searching
for truth but trying to win an argument.
Censorship of the creationist position is another
tactic used by evolutionists. People who write science textbooks, or who write
laws against the teaching of creationism use active censorship.
Passive ignorance of
the issue is also a way creationists are discriminated against. Often, critical
facts supporting creation are ignored in the textbooks, or if they are
mentioned at all, they are glossed over, dismissed, or ridiculed.
Ad Hominem is a tactic that tries to discredit
the person to focus attention away from the real issues.
The hasty conclusion is a fallacious argument that draws
a conclusion based upon scanty evidence. For example, we could observe that the
first ten people that exit a church are wearing red pants. The hasty conclusion
would be that all church members wear red pants.
What can a Christian do to
find the truth? First of all, he must be able to separate fact from opinion.
Underline in red all guesswork words such as probably, perhaps, maybe, could
have, and so forth.
Some science books will
look like they have the measles.
Keep a lookout for facts
that contradict evolution, of which there are plenty. For example, a textbook
on biochemistry stated that fish had 25 times as much DNA as some mammals!
Write these statements down in a notebook and collect them. Underline
assumptions, write them down and test them to see if they are valid.
Another problem, which adds
to the student’s frustration, is the overuse of scientific jargon and
unpronounceable words, burying him in a sea of confusion. Typically,
evolutionists will have the tendency to redefine commonly used terms to mean
something else. This is called obfuscation, and it is a tactic that is
not only used against creationists, but it is used to create a general state of
insanity.
Another particularly
virulent strain of this disease is the paper which is made up of nothing but
mathematical equations strung together by "and" and
"therefore" with incomprehensible charts and graphs. To cut through
all of the clutter, a student can ask himself these questions:
* What are the assumptions?
* Are the assumptions valid?
* What are the conclusions?
* Are the conclusions valid?
* How did he get from the assumptions to the conclusions?
* Is this paper worth reading at all?
Creationists also need to
avoid this type of writing. It makes no sense to write something if you are
going to lose your audience. Obfuscation is usually the result of a hyperactive
ego, not high intelligence. It is possible for a scientist, if he takes the
time, to make his writing understandable and easy to read.
DEVELOPING A METHOD OF STUDY
If a Christian student is
going to succeed in his study of science, he needs to maintain a positive
attitude. The best way to do this is to pray for a godly perspective on all of
his studies, seeking to find evidence for God in everything he or she observes.
Part of the reason why many
people find the study of science dry and boring is because its purpose has been
lost. The early scientists were motivated to scientific observation by their
faith in God. We should strive to think God's thoughts after Him. There is so
much of His creation still waiting to be discovered, and so much of His nature
to find out and explore.
A Christian student should
be marked by quality. Strive for excellence in everything. Try to live up to
the expectations of the teacher, even though you may not agree with him. A test
is no place to try to witness by giving an answer with which the teacher
doesn't agree.
We cannot expect everyone
to agree with us. Do not be dismayed when you encounter opposition to your
beliefs. Instead, rejoice! (James 1:2). If you want to disagree with your
teacher, do it in an attitude of love and respect. Don't give him a chance to
stereotype you as fanatic. Make sure your behavior is beyond reproach.
Isolate what is important to
learn, and what is not. There is a trick to cutting through to the heart of an
issue. Highlight important points in your books by using a marker if you own
the book. Take notes and organize them into a logical order.
The Christian student
should be marked with CIQ: creativity, integrity, and quality. Depend upon the
Lord for insights, ideas, and fresh approaches whenever you are given an
assignment.
Keep everything honest and
do your own work, don't plagiarize or copy the work of others. Give ten percent
extra on each assignment, and it will be multiplied a hundred fold.
SHARING CREATION WITH OTHERS
Do not be dismayed when you
encounter a question you cannot answer. If you don't know the answer, don't try
to fake it. Admit that you are not omnipotent, and don't know everything. If
you are able to, spend time researching the question until you do find the
answer. Often, this can be a time of deep spiritual growth.
It is common for a scoffer
to zero right in on a question or a subject you know nothing about. If you
don't know the answer, offer to research the answer for him and get back with
him. If he declines, he probably doesn't want to hear it anyway, or wouldn't
want to discuss it even if you had known the answer. Above all, don't despair.
When we get to heaven, God won't give a test and expect us to have all of the
answers before He lets us in.
Another thing to remember:
use creationism as a vehicle to lead others to Christ. Creationism can be like
salt: it adds spice to the discussion and captures interest. Don't forget to
move on into talking about Jesus, and don't get sidetracked into a long debate
about creation and evolution. Salt by itself makes a terrible meal. Likewise,
creationism will only serve its purpose if it is served up in small quantities.
We need to concentrate on
meeting the spiritual needs of the person. If we can come up with the proper
explanation that satisfies a person's intellectual questions, we can remove
major barriers that hinder him from receiving God's word. Once the barriers are
removed, don't forget to share the gospel!
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This page last updated 6/26/1999
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