Topic:
In popular opinion many people consider evolution to be a mainline belief about the origin of everything. While this is the majority position, many people still affirm creation and have doubts about the big bang starting everything. This topic has been controversial for years, while the Christian view is less prominent than it was, Christians are having better conversations about creation and God’s role in it. Much of this has come from proponents of Intelligent Design a movement to present an intelligent designer as a possible origin of everything alongside evolution in biology classes across the country. The question at the center of this controversy can be boiled down to “Does God exist?” Those who support creation or Intelligent Design(usually, but not always) point to God as the source of everything. People who deny God’s existence have to look for another way to explain how everything came to be and they do this by supporting evolution.
Purpose:
The origin of life and everything in the world is a fundamental place to look for God. In looking at creation we find evidence of God and can strengthen our faith in him. A professor once said “If God could create everything out of nothing, the virgin birth and resurrection are no problem.” Starting with creation gives us a sense of the eternality, power, and sovereignty of God.
Biblical foundation:
The Bible can lead to two conclusions about creation. The majority position is that God created the world and everything in it in a Literal 7 days, meaning that each day described in Genesis is a 24 hour day just as we understand days now. Others come to the conclusion of theistic evolution based on the Day-Age Theory. This theory assumes that the days mentioned in Genesis were not literal days, but periods of time. God was the creator, but creation came to be through evolution during the “age” that was each “day” recorded in the Bible. Genesis 1, Genesis 2, and John 1:1-18 give us the clearest understanding what was going on at Creation. God is understood as the creator throughout Scripture. One of the most clear claims by God about his role as creator comes in response to Job challenging God after he has lost everything. God begins to answer Job by saying “Where were you when I laid the foundation of the earth? Tell me, if you have understanding. Who determined its measurements—surely you know!” (Job 38:4-5).
Where to start:
In “debating” or discussing this topic respect and grace are important. This topic isn’t limited to the question of origin, but extends beyond religion and science to politics and culture. People can get heated quickly when their views are challenged, which can cause them to stop listening. People can see a car crash and have two different stories about how it happened. The same is true with evidence about creation or evolution. Looking at the same data, people can recognize what supports their view point. Ask probing questions and be willing to listen. Keep in mind that God is the one that transforms people. Your best argument will help plant seeds for faith, but won’t change or save anyone.
What others might say:
Since the implications of this topic (views about God) can bleed into so many areas of life, discussing creation and evolution can get personal and nasty. Recognize that we are all sinners. God’s grace and Spirit in us are changing us, those who don’t know God are still hardened toward God and truth.
Where to learn more:
This subject is debated by some of the smartest people alive. These links will help you understand this topic, but may be a little bit academic.
Intelligent Design: Arguments for a designer
Expelled is a documentary looking at how Intelligent Design education is suppressed in favor of evolution. It goes to some extremes, but provides some context for the debate.
The College Students Back to School Guide to Intelligent Design. This short ebook answers criticism teachers often give of Intelligent Design.
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