Science & Creation
Course Description
This course deals primarily with the debate between special creation and evolutionary theory. As such, it will also lay the foundation for the reconciliation of science and the Bible. Religion and science are usually seen in modern society as independent and contradictory ways of knowing. This is especially true for Christian fundamentalism. The debate between evolution and creation is both the emblem of this greater animosity, and its most important battleground.
Modern science and fundamental Biblicism, however, are not contradictory. Apparent contradictions occur whenever scientific observations or the text of the Bible (or both) are misinterpreted, provide insufficient information on which to form a theory, are applied without appeal to context, or are misrepresented.
True science is not the enemy of the Bible, nor is the Bible an enemy of science. The belief in special creation as the origin of life is a matter of faith, not science. The belief in evolution as the origin of life is also a matter of faith, not science. While both sides will produce observations, models, and theories to support their position, neither is falsifiable at the present time. Of these two belief systems, many fundamentalist Christians choose to accept creationism. This is not accepted by blind faith, for it rests upon the surest word of truth one can find – the written Word of God Himself. A look at scientific evidence from the viewpoint of special creation will only serve to bolster that faith.
About Evolution
Biological evolution is “a process that results in heritable changes in a population spread over many generations.” When biologists say that they have observed evolution, they mean that they have detected a change in the frequency of expressed genes in a population. The increase in height among Caucasians over the past several hundred years is an example of observable evolution, as are the color changes in the peppered moth population. Breeders of flowers, dogs, cattle, etc. purposefully create heritable changes. These changes result in huge differences between, for example, a Great Dane and a Chihuahua.
However, most evolutionists would conclude from these heritable phenotypic changes that the genotype itself has changed. So far, all observed changes, such as those mentioned in the previous paragraph occur within a single “kind.” The evolutionary model postulates that, should enough changes eventually occur, a new species would develop. Evolutionists assume that they can trace all living things back to a common parent by determining the changes that “must have” occurred over time. At this point, evolutionary theory has left the realm of science and embarked on a voyage in the imagination. While the Bible supports the concept of biological change within a “kind,” it clearly denies the wild theories that have sprung from the philosophies and fantasies of many evolutionists.
Evolution, while strictly a biological theory, has been applied to nearly all natural and human systems. Thus, most evolutionists assume that “particles evolve into elements, elements into complex chemicals, complex chemicals into simple living systems, simple life into complex life, [and] complex animal life into man” by means of natural laws and processes which operate today. Why should people exercise moral courage when they are nothing more than highly evolved animals? Put another way, when a man believes he is an animal, should we be surprised that he acts like one?
Evolution has colored the interpretation of history, psychology, ethics, medicine, economics, art, and even religion. The incorrect application of a biological theory to nearly all areas of human life has lead to a sense of randomness and meaninglessness in everyday life, while preserving the view that, as a race, mankind is headed toward a god-like, ultimate evolutionary form. Nutritionists base dietary advice on what proto-humans supposedly ate. Historical societies are pictured as “evolving” into more complex forms. When medical science does not understand the function of various human organs, they are labeled “vestigial” leftovers from a previous evolutionary state. “Accidental” and “found” art attempt to recreate the natural forces of evolution through meaningless randomness. Racism, assisted suicide, eugenics, ethnic cleansing, and other modern horrors are outgrowths of the misapplication of evolutionary principles. For the Christian, our hope is in our God, creator and sustainer of the universe. (The preceding paragraphs were written by Dr. Raymond Crownover, Urshan Graduate School of Theology and prior Academic Dean of Christian Life College.)
Course Goals
The goals of this course are to…
® Introduce the student to basic scientific theories dealing with origins, ancient ages, evolution, and progress of mankind;
® Stimulate application of Biblical evidence that relates and explains scientific data;
® Demonstrate the harmony that exists between true science and biblical truth;
® Prepare the student with evidence to support special creation and refute evolutionary origins of life; and
® Help the student adopt and apply the scientific attitude to the production and evaluation of knowledge, whenever appropriate.
Course Structure
This course will include audio lectures supplemented by PowerPoint presentations. The learner is encouraged to ask questions by email the course facilitator at mfccmark@aol.com.