The Revolution Against Evolution
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ISSUES AND ANSWERS
I think that it is important that a Christian approach the problem of creation versus evolution very carefully, and with much prayer. Much damage has been caused by uninformed Christians who compromise, get off on tangents, or promote pet theories without giving the matter much thought. A Christian needs to deal with deep seated problems beyond the creation-evolution question.
The attitude and spirit you approach an evolutionist is important. Do not come across as moralistic or judgmental. Talk with him; do not try to win a debate. Deep down inside he does not want God to intervene directly in his affairs. Until a person has the desire to know God intimately, he will fight any idea of creation. The time when creation-science becomes useful is when a person recognizes his need for God. Answers then can be provided when questions come up and a person is genuinely searching.
One of the reasons evolutionists postulate an ancient cosmos is to escape from God, pushing him as far away in space and as far back in time as possible. Psychologically, the evolution theory gives him the excuse that God is far removed from man, so why bother knowing Him? Confronting an evolutionist with a debate will make him stiffen with resistance.
When sharing with an unbeliever the joy of knowing Christ, we can use facts supporting creation as salt to add flavor and interest in our discussion. I became sold out to Jesus Christ when several key people shared where to find out more information about creation science. Because they helped me that way, I like talking about God's creation.
Recognizing Evolutionary Bias
There are a number of tactics and arguments used by evolutionists we must recognize and answer when they come up. One of the most common is the bandwagon approach. The argument goes like this:
"No informed scientist believes in creation anymore, that went out with the flat earth theory!"
"How can so many scientists who have done years of research be so wrong?"
"The only people who believe in creation nowadays are wildeyed fanatics, old people, and the weak."
So the arguments go, ad nauseam. You should recognize these arguments as totally unscientific, and only an attempt to intimidate. It is a smoke screen that does not attempt to give an answer. The answer to these arguments is that majority rule does not determine truth. Just because a lot of people believe the theory of evolution does not mean that it is true.
"Broad is the way that leads to destruction, but strait is the gate and narrow is the way that leads to life, and few there be that find it." (Matthew 7:14).
Our fallen human nature does that to us; it distorts our view of truth. We can't establish truth with a vote. God determines truth, man can choose it or reject it.
Another approach often used by evolutionists is the "barrage" approach, asking rapid-fire questions where you cannot answer them all. The only way to deal with the barrage approach is to confront it for what it is. The person using it is not searching for truth, he is simply trying to "win" an argument. That is unfortunate, for if he wins, he loses. I have a question for that kind of person: "What are you defending?"
Another form of evolutionary bias is less direct. It simply assumes evolution in everything, teaching it as fact. Evolution is respectable, creation is scorned. Scientific literature selects facts that fit the theory of evolution, and excludes those that do not. The facts I have presented in this book are not often discussed in the scientific literature. If they are, they gloss over them, dismissing them with ridicule. Sometimes I think that scientific literature undergoes a natural selection of its own, weeding out data and facts that don't fit evolution.
Keeping this in mind, we want to develop an eagle eye for scientific facts in the literature supporting creation. For example, I spotted the statement in a biochemistry textbook that simply declared, "fish have 25 times as much DNA as some mammals."1
Of course, since the writer is an evolutionist, he did not emphasize the impact of that statement and went on to a different subject. I highlighted it with many other observations he made and wrote it down in my notebook collection of quotes. The implication is that DNA content does not correspond with the degree of complexity of the animal or the order evolutionists expect.
Remember this when you study science: learn how to discern the difference between scientific fact and theory. A tendency many Christians have is to reject the wrong thing, ultimately embarrassing themselves. It is a skill to learn how to make this distinction and to challenge the right thing.
You can spot pseudo-science by looking for guess words. When you read a science textbook, underline in red all words like "perhaps," "maybe," "probably," and so forth. The more the textbook looks like it has the measles, the less it is science, and more it is guesswork. Real science is observable, testable, and repeatable.
Evolutionists declares that a rock sample is millions of years old, but true science can measure only the components of that rock sample, not a measurement of time. Evolutionists conclude that since Glacier National Park has rock layers in the wrong evolutionary order, an overthrust took place. But the evidence only shows that rock layers with stromatolites (algae fossils) are found on top of rock layers with dinosaur fossils. Glacier park also has exposed flows of pillow lava, which is interpreted to have been formed under water.
Another problem prevalent in science is obfuscation, which is the overuse of big words and jargon that nobody understands. Semantic confusion adds to the frustration of the person who wants to understand science. Many scientists find it hard to resist the temptation to show off, leaving everyone in their wake befuddled and amazed with their vocabulary. This is a source of intimidation for many Christians, who would rather compromise with evolution than try to surmount this challenge.
Have you ever heard the argument, "Creation is religion, but evolution is science!" This, of course, is untrue. In fact, it takes a lot more blind "faith" to believe evolution than it does to believe creation. Why? Just look at probability studies of life originating by chance. Evolutionists are hanging onto one chance in 1029345 that a cell came to life without God's intervention.
Many cults and antiChristian religions in the world have accepted the theory of evolution as a doctrinal statement. For example, Social Darwinism, or the concept of survival of the fittest has a direct influence upon the philosophies of socialism, communism, fascism, laissez faire capitalism, and some forms of racism. Cults such as New Age, Rosicrucianism, Theosophy, Spiritism, and Satanism all have evolution as a doctrine. Many ancient pagan philosophies also had a theory similar to evolution as part of their doctrines.
What happens when a person assumes that evolution took place? He then concludes that both the beginning and end of things have no meaning. Life therefore is to be lived for the moment, and for self. In contrast, Biblical Christianity as Christ taught it is concerned with the eternal soul. A Christian lives his life in unselfish service to others, giving so they also may have life. With evolution, life has no eternal worth, no ultimate meaning. With creation, life is precious, eternal, with glorious purpose. With evolution, abortion is acceptable, perhaps even virtuous. With creation, abortion is a horrible abomination, since God created that precious life for a purpose.
Who were all these millions of people who were aborted? What purpose could they have served if allowed to live? What about their eternal destinies? Evolutionists would have us believe that we evolved from animals, therefore it is acceptable to behave like animals. As a matter of fact, the way some humans behave, they are an insult to monkeys. But, get this: if we believe the Biblical creation, we are made in the image of God! It is that image that is blurred by evolution. With evolution, life has no meaning.
Therefore, if relationships don't work out, divorce is an acceptable alternative. With creation, God is involved in bringing together two people in marriage and nothing should come between them. Think of the self image of a child whose parents have divorced. If the parents think that they should have never been married in the first place, he is likely to believe that there is no purpose for his existence.
We need to realize how much evolutionary thinking influences modern philosophy, theology and lifestyle. Learning to recognize evolutionary bias is an integral part of discernment, and Christians should take the time to know the difference.
The Legal Battle for Creation in
the Public Schools
Freedom of religion in America does not mean freedom from religion. The original intent of the constitution was to prevent the government from mandating a state religion. However, that is exactly what is happening when evolution is being taught exclusively in the public school. Mega-evolution by its nature cannot be observable, testable or repeatable. Any theory of origins, honoring God or not, is religious in nature, not scientific. Therefore if one is taught, so should the other.
Megaevolution should never be taught as scientific fact. There is enough evidence, even admitted by those hostile to creation, that evolution is in serious trouble. A number of noncreationists have made highly critical assessments of Darwinian evolution. Sir Fred Hoyle's book, The Intelligent Universe is a powerful attack on cosmic, chemical and biological evolution. Ambrose's Nature and Origin of the Biological World is another example of a noncreationist who is exploring the possibility of a creative force behind the origin of the universe.
There are tremendous consequences if we do not retain God in our knowledge. The origin and basis of all truth is rooted in the knowledge of God. Without some sort of moral and religious basis, how can anyone decide what is truth? Our laws are based on morals and religion. If we remove morality from our laws, we end up with bad laws.
The current climate in the public schools is to encourage many strange doctrines to be taught, especially New Age philosophies, but discussion of Christianity and creationism in particular is excluded. These same school administrators and legislators then have the audacity to claim that doing so is "unbiased" whereas Christianity is narrow-minded and biased.
Actually, there is no such thing as being unbiased. Instead, as Ken Ham says, we must choose the "bias that is the best bias to be biased with."2 The search for truth involves reviewing the possibilities and making a choice. Open mindedness involves rethinking your decision in light of new evidence. The current situation in the public schools does not allow that new evidence to be heard. There is a lot that is at stake in this. Should the evidence for creation gain a hearing in the schools, many scientists who have been teaching evolution dogmatically will be exposed. That is why there is tremendous pressure in the legal realm to keep it out of the schools. If the case for creation is clearly nonsense, why is it being suppressed through the courts?
What can be done, given the current anti-creation climate in the public schools? I believe that one answer is for churches to provide release time instruction or after school classes for those students who desire to know the creation alternative. One advantage of this idea is the fact that under such circumstances, the state cannot interfere with what is taught. If we wish to introduce a child to Christ, which is a natural result of this kind of instruction, there is no restriction.
Developing a Method of Study
Does it sound somewhat strange to think of the laboratory as place to worship God? I suppose it does. We do not normally think of the study of science in those terms. As a matter of fact, most people find the study of science very dry and boring, or so involved it becomes a laborious task in order to study.
What a sad commentary on our educational system! A student should be highly motivated by his teacher to explore the world God created for him, helping him to discover all he can concerning the things around him. I believe the reason the educational institutions fail in their task of motivating their students to learn is because they leave out the purpose that the knowledge of God brings. The knowledge of God brings life. Life creates interest!
Compare the motivation between creation and evolution. The study of creation stimulates interest because it brings glory to God. It is a world view with God in control: who created everything for our pleasure, to investigate, learn, and use in its proper manner. In contrast, an evolutionary view is one with no meaning or purpose. The theory of evolution encourages motivation by ego, and glorifies man. In contrast, creationism focuses attention on God and His purpose for our lives.
If you watch children as they discover new things about the world about them, and the delight that they find in their discoveries, that is the spirit I am trying to recapture in the study of science. God built this world for His pleasure, and for us to manage its resources effectively. Each blade of grass, each leaf and each plant is an intricate work of art just waiting for someone to discover it and praise God for it. How often we miss and refuse to acknowledge miracles right before our very eyes! They're so commonplace, they are not recognized as such!
"For although they knew God, they neither glorified him as God nor gave thanks to him, but their thinking became futile and their foolish hearts were darkened." (Romans 4:21).
How, then, can a student who is studying in a secular school coexist with the teaching of evolution? First of all, remember that this is no easy task. Strive for excellence! Treat all references to evolution as philosophy, much like comparative religion. Make sure that you do enough research on your own to answer each question as it comes up. All learning comes through hard work, not through spoonfeeding. All scientists are tempted to offer grandiose speculative solutions to questions they cannot answer. Because of this, it is hard for a student to tell the difference between fantasy and reality. It should be in the back of our minds to test each theory using the data accumulated to support it, looking at alternate explanations, and admitting what we don't know.
If a classroom test is given on evolution, remember that you are only learning about a philosophy, and give the answers the teacher expects. If you want to disagree with a teacher, do it in love and respect, never in a condescending and judgmental tone. Scientists would like to stereotype creationists as fanatics. Don't give them a chance. Instead, let your behavior in class be beyond reproach and let your light shine before men as an example of what it means to follow Christ.
I believe if a student is sharp and can do the double duty of investigating behind the scenes as he studies science, he will receive a valuable education. Unfortunately, most schools and most students are geared toward spoonfed instruction. Because of this, many students rebel and receive no education at all. Of course, one solution is to enroll in a Christian school. But for those who cannot, the best option is to remember that a person learns only what he sets his mind to learn.
The next step is learning how to isolate what is important to learn from what isn't important. Often scientific studies are done simply for the mental exercise rather than any real creative purpose. When you are studying a scientific paper, try and find out the real objective of the writer. This will tell you whether or not it is worth reading in the first place. Then, read the paper to find out how he arrives at his objective, or whether he arrives at a contradiction. Make notes of important points. Use a highlighter to underline or outline paragraphs that contain worthwhile information (if, of course, you own the book). Then, when you go back and study the information for a test or a writing assignment, you can compile this information in a logical manner.
What do you do with information in a scientific paper that seems to contradict the Bible? Deal with it. Sort out the possibilities and try to answer the question as best as you can. Some of the most enlightening times I have ever had was following up on some of the toughest questions ever posed to me. If you cannot find the answer, ask someone who has researched it more than you have, or keep reading and praying until you find the answer. Get help from someone who is better grounded in the word.
What do you do when an unbeliever mocks you and stumps you with a question you can't answer right away? First of all, don't expect unbelievers to act with class all the time. But react to him courteously and offer to try and research the answer for him. Then, counter with some facts supporting creation in a related area.
It is always a good idea to steer a discussion towards the basics: the plan of salvation, forgiveness, God's love and the privilege of knowing Christ personally. If you have the opportunity to share with someone about creation, don't forget to do this. A personal experience with Jesus Christ does wonders for a person's attitude toward creation-science. It is easier to believe in creation if you know the creator personally.
The Ultimate Experiment
As a youngster, I made a commitment to follow Christ as an experiment. That "experiment" is still continuing. Jesus Christ has proved faithful to his word throughout the years as I have tested and stood upon His promises. As I continue with my faith in Jesus Christ and grow in the knowledge of the Bible, I prove the scriptures by testing them. God is faithful to His promises.
The testimonies of millions of Christians throughout the centuries who have done the same is also proof of His faithfulness. Our faith does not stand in the "wisdom" of men, but in the power of God. As we stand on God's promises in the Bible, watching him intervene in our lives to rearrange situations so they turn out right, we prove God's existence over and over.
I asked Dave Conklin, a man who was delivered of homosexuality, why God had set him free. He said, "The only reason I know is that I totally repented of my lifestyle, and turned my life over to Jesus." That's the key: agreeing with Jesus about the nature of sin, and making a decision in faith to follow him totally. Many people say that they have tried Christianity, but "it didn't work." The question I have for them: "Did you truly repent?" You can't expect an experiment to work if you don't follow the formula. No man can prove or disprove the existence of God? The proof is living the Christian life standing on his promises. That is the ultimate experiment. . . .and it is an exciting one!
SCRIPTURE REFERENCES
Proverbs 1:5
Proverbs 9:7-12
Proverbs 22:6
Proverbs 26:4-5
Matthew 7:14
Romans 1:21
QUESTIONS FOR STUDY
1. What are some of the ways that you can recognize evolutionary bias?
2. What are some of the logical approaches evolutionists take?
3. What should a creationist's approach be when sharing about God's creation?
4. What is an answer to the bandwagon approach?
5. What are some options available for children in public schools?
6. What should a student remember while he is developing study habits?
7. How can a person approach the Christian life as an experiment?
REFERENCES
1Watson, James D. 1970. Molecular Biology of the Gene. Second Edition. W. A. Benjamin Co. New York, NY p.541.
2Ham, Ken. 1987. The Relevance of Creation. Institute For Creation Research Video Library of Creation Knowledge. Master Books, PO Box 1606, El Cajon, CA 92022
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