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Creation #1 Understanding the Choices Introduction: For a number of years there has been a battle between those that believe in the Bible and those that do not, 2 Corinthians 10.3-6. One area where the battle has been waged has been where we came from? In our school systems, at the college level, and in many professions the "Theory of Evolution" is accepted as dogma. In a 1991 Gallup Poll 9% of the people believe nature by itself created life. Most people believe that God created life as recorded in Genesis 1 (47%) or God by the means of evolution created the universe (40%). In this lesson we want to understand what is meant by each of these choices and why it matters. I) The Theory of Evolution A) Background 1. Charles Darwin went on a five year voyage on the HMS Beagle. a. Observed differences in species in different places. b. 1838 came up with the theory of natural selection c. 1859 wrote, "On the Origin of Species" 2. Maintained all life has a common ancestry. B) Macroevolution and microevolution 1. macroevolution is used to refer to any evolutionary change at or above the level of species. It means at least the splitting of a species into two (speciation, or cladogenesis, from the Greek meaning "the origin of a branch", see Fig. 1) or the change of a species over time into another a. Creation of a new species, not just changes in a species. b. Would allow one cell to evolve into different species 2. Microevolution refers to any evolutionary change below the level of species, and refers to changes in the frequency within a population or a species of its alleles (alternative genes) and their effects on the form, or phenotype, of organisms that make up that population or species. It can also apply to changes within species that are not genetic. a. Selective breeding used to enhance qualities and reduce undesirable qualities would be an example. b. This is observable and true. Can be seen in cattle breeding, dogs, and other animals. c. We see that animals can and will adapt to their environment. d. People in different areas have different characteristics due to their environment. C) Problems 1. No fossil records show such a gradual evolutionary change 2. There are sudden appearances of new species in the fossil record. 3. Evolutionist are constantly having to change their "theory" due to new discoveries. a. Experts: People evolving at faster clip "If evolution had been proceeding steadily at the current rate since humans and chimps separated 6 million years ago there should be 160 times more differences than the researchers found" b. Either have to change the age of the universe or the rate of change. They have problems changing the universe due to time and chance. The more time the greater the chance of evolution. Our Living Language : Darwin's theory of evolution by natural selection assumed that tiny adaptations occur in organisms constantly over millions of years. Gradually, a new species develops that is distinct from its ancestors. In the 1970s, however, biologists Niles Eldridge and Stephen Jay Gould proposed that evolution by natural selection may not have been such a smooth and consistent process. Based on fossils from around the world that showed the abrupt appearance of new species, Eldridge and Gould suggested that evolution is better described through punctuated equilibrium. That is, for long periods of time species remain virtually unchanged, not even gradually adapting. They are in equilibrium, in balance with the environment. But when confronted with environmental challenges—sudden climate change, for example—organisms adapt quite quickly, perhaps in only a few thousand years. These active periods are punctuations, after which a new equilibrium exists and species remain stable until the next punctuation. 4. Belief that non-living material can create life. D) Facts 1. Many evolutionist are opposed to an examination of the Bible. a. Texas-Based Creation Institute Seeks to Offer Science Education Degree (December 19, 2007) Box News b. "According to the school’s mission statement, the proposed program would prepare teachers to "understand the universe within the integrating framework of Biblical creationism" c. "It’s just the latest trick," said James Bower, a neurobiologist at the University of Texas at San Antonio and a critic of creationism… "They have no interest in teaching science. They are hostile to science and fundamentally have a religious objective. 2. Many college professors that do believe in the Biblical account are ostracized by their peers. 3. At the same time we have to recognize that college biology, chemist, anthropologist, and evolutionist are smart people. a. Young people may be ridiculed for their beliefs b. Presents conflicts between what the Bible says and what they need to say in order to pass classes. 4. Could be a challenge to the faith of a Christian. Keep in mind the difference in often the interpretation of information. a. Evolutionist see the commonality between species are a common ancestry. b. The Bible sees the commonality as proof of a common creator. II) Creationism A) Belief that God created all living creatures in six days 1. Acknowledges that this is by faith, Hebrews 11.3 2. Man was created in the image of God, Genesis 1.26-27 a. Starts with God and not the material universe. b. Which is more logical? Non-living material created life or a living being created living beings? B) Interprets Genesis 1 & 2 as literal III) Theistic Evolution A) Tries to reconcile Genesis 1 & 2 with macroevolution 1. Requires Genesis 1 & 2 to be interpreted as an allegory or figuratively. a. The Bible is not a science book and was not written as such. b . It was written to a primitive people in a way they could understand. 2. God used evolutionary means to create the universe. B) Problems 1. Other Bible passages refers back to Genesis 1 & 2 as being literal. a. Matthew 19.4-5 b. Psalm 33.6-9 2. How can one separate Genesis 1 & 2 from the rest of the book or the rest of the Bible? a. Adam and Eve living in the Garden of Eden b. Satan coming as a snake and tempting Eve c. The miracles in the Bible IV) Keep in Mind A) Evolutionist and Creationist both are relying on faith B) The Theory of Evolution contradicts established scientific principles Conclusion: Next we want to look at Genesis 1 & 2 to see what it says and does not say. Romans 1.22 man accepts evolution by faith or God by faith. Evolution says man is totally physical. Creation says man is a physical and spiritual creature. As a spiritual being he is called upon to live a life of service to God and will stand before God in judgment. That is why Christ died on the cross. If you accept the theory of evolution you must either say the Biblical account of Jesus is totally made up or He was a lunatic. If you say it was made up, he never existed, you have to prove He never existed and that means the writings of the apostles were lies and even the writings of people that were not Christians were lies also. If you say He was a lunatic then you must explain the resurrection. D.T. @ Westside Church of Christ 01.13.08 |