Monday, February 1, 2010

Introduction to my Creation Science Series


I’m very excited to begin a new series tonight on creation science. Congratulations again to the ladies who guessed my topic! I want to begin by sharing my personal testimony of search and discovery in the field of creation science. Then I’ll attempt to explain why I think this field is so important today.

My 8th grade Earth Science teacher’s name was Dr. Wright. I remember her as being friendly enough if you agreed with her, but as I was to learn that year, I did not agree with her in one important area, that of the origin of our planet and of life, itself. I didn’t experience what I would call persecution, but I do remember her laughing at me and belittling me when I questioned her about evolution being theory and not established fact. I also remember that she had a PhD, which meant I wasn’t supposed to question her. In retrospect, teaching 8th grade Earth Science was probably not her dream job and that may have had something to do with her attitude toward me. After being ridiculed I went home to my parents and told them what I had experienced. I can’t remember what my mom said, but it probably made me feel lots better. She has no fear and wouldn’t have minded telling that lady off. But, my dad told me to just answer on my test according to the party line, but that we would start looking into this for ourselves. The first thing we did was read The Origin of Species by Charles Darwin. Yes, I was in the 8th grade. And your point is? Next we listened to a series of tapes put out by the Institute for Creation Research. Thus began my interest in all things creation science.

I found my college and graduate school professors much more tolerant. I had some fun and lively discussions with my biology teacher in college, and in graduate school when I studied disciplines such as biochemistry and molecular biology, no one cared. I mean, I don’t remember how we got here ever being discussed. Although origins were not a part of my studies, I couldn’t help but have my beliefs in creation strengthened with every class in physiology, neural science, pharmacology, etc. Think about it. I was studying the human body on a cellular and molecular level. The complexity is phenomenal and has design written all over it. Instead of coming out of graduate school questioning my faith, I came out with my belief in a literal six day creation not only intact, but I was much more confident of it than when I started my quest in the 8th grade. And with every book I read on life, most recently about genetic mutations, I am able to praise God all the more for His wonderful creation.

You may be thinking at this point that you agree with me, so why should you spend time, energy, and brain cells studying creation science. Why can’t you just take the Bible’s word for it, or more accurately God's word for it? I do want you to take the Bible’s word for it, but I also want to encourage you to be ready to give a defense of your beliefs. Evolution has become a stumbling block to many who refuse to hear the gospel because they argue that if evolution is true, and they think it has been proven to be so, then God can’t exist and if God can’t exist then why should they listen to you share your faith. Also, my own faith in God has been strengthened as I’ve marveled at His awesome creation and as I’m always telling my kids, the more you know about God, the more you can praise Him.

Finally, I want to clarify a couple of terms and then ask you a thought-provoking question. When I speak of evolution, I’m referring to macroevolution, or the idea of change across species (protoplasm to tadpole to amphibian kind of stuff). I am not arguing against the reality of small changes within species, also referred to as microevolution. Microevolution has nothing to do with origins, and I’ll probably discuss later that these changes actually point to a shrinking genome, not a growing one.

And finally, I want to ask you to a question which will lead me into my next post. Do you think it is a viable option for Christians to believe in evolution? I held this position once, myself (before Dr. Wright caused me to search out what I believed) and I know many Christians who hold this view still. What I mean to ask is, is theistic evolution consistent with the Bible? Has God told us how He created the world (yes I know the Bible’s not a science textbook, thank goodness!), or has He left it up to debate? Did God use evolution to create the world? There, I think I’ve rephrased it enough so that you know what I’m asking you to think about. After I get some interaction from you, I’ll post the next installment. And by the way, thank you for going on this little journey with me!

8 comments:

  1. This sounds like an interesting series.

    I listened to a sermon once, by a professor in Hebrew language, and he said that in Hebrew the phrase "And the evening and the morning was the first day" actually refers to a 24 hour period.

    So, no, I don't think God used evolution to create the world.

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  2. Just go ahead and steal my thunder, Catherine! Just kidding. I will address this next post. Thank you for sharing!

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  3. Oh, I love creation science! This is going to be good! I believe God tells us in Genesis that he created the world. Therefore, if the Bible is accurate, and God is trustworthy, then evolution cannot be true. And as a Christian, being able to trust God fully is a must. I think that is why Ken Ham is so passionate about creation. Proving that God's story of creation is true proves that God is true and can be trusted in all areas of the Bible and our lives!

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  4. The wonder of God is amazing and may not even be confined to our time frame. Thats the beauty of Him. He marveled at everything He created because it was so good! He might have even enjoyed watching seeds sprout and grow ... I don't know what time frame 6 days fall under and thats ok with me (even though I LOVE studying it) I just love that God had so much love and passion in creating something so beautiful!

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  5. I used to believe that God could have created the world through evolution, and that possibly he did. Unfortunately, I was an adult, was in a new church, and stood and proclaimed it in a Sunday School class. Fortunately for me, they were studying the book, "Understanding the Times", and I was in for a treat (if not a re-education). Oh how I laugh to think of the irony now! And my foolishness!! :) I was young and arrogant and prideful and used to getting good grades in college. It was a good thing for me to be humbled among these adults. But it's also a good reminder to us now--when we encounter people who hold differing beliefs we must also be careful not to ridicule or belittle, yet bold to share the truth. :)

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  6. Great beginning. :) I'll be anxious to read every word and every comment--especially about being both a Christian and an evolutionist. We'll probably discover it is a matter of growing in faith and the knowledge of God. After all, anyone can be saved, but it's the sanctification journey we take and where we end up that proves our salvation.

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  7. hey hey, gave you a blog award today...love reading your blog. check it out:
    girlsandsunflowers.blogspot.com

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  8. Looks awesome! Great job for starting this series up!

    Found you over at Gen's blog. I was another recipient of her award giveaway.


    Traci

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I'm an on-the-run mom to 6 kids who studied and taught exercise science in a previous life. I love all things running, nutrition, and health-related. I usually run at zero dark thirty in the morning and am often quite hungry before, during, and after my run, but I live a rich, full, blessed life with my children, family, and friends. My faith in God is my anchor, and looking to Him and His promises allows me to live fully even when life circumstances are difficult. While running gives me an appetite, my desire is to hunger and thirst for righteousness more than for physical food.