Summary Statements - 15 of X - Theistic Evolution & Critique
Theistic evolutionists typically believe that God “guided” the evolutionary process in an undetectable way so that most scientists think it is all the result of blind, purposeless, directionless, physical and chemical processes.
They are typically 2/3 – 3/3 evolutionists in that they believe in cosmological and geological evolution and vary over whether they believe in the biological evolution of man (esp. the special creation of Adam & Eve, or were Adam & Eve hominids (who were already going to die?) in whom God implanted a “soul”?)
(T. Mortenson, Searching for Adam, p. 473)
This blog will go into additional detail about the problems with evolutionary theories. At this point, however, the focus is to demonstrate that at a high level the stories of origins are radically different and incompatible.
If we start with the Bible (esp. Gen 1-11) as true historical narrative, and therefore don't accept evolution (0/3 - cosmological, geological, and biological evolution), then we as Christians need to understand how to properly “interpret” the various historical/origins & operational science disciplines which provide “apparent” evidence of an old universe/earth and an evolutionary interpretation of the origin of life, including the following: geology, paleontology, ecology, archaeology, biology, physics, chemistry (esp. radiometric dating methods), and astronomy/cosmology.
In some instances, this may mean that whole new areas of science, which run contrary to accepted (evolutionary) theories, may need to be developed or considered and given legitimacy in Christian circles. Interestingly, there are several alternative theories that have been developed which are consistent with the Biblical origins narrative, but such theories are usually never discussed in public schools, colleges/universities (even Christian colleges/universities). The Creation Scientists have done a good job at developing such alternative theories.
Are either of the atheistic or theistic evolutionary stories of origins compatible with the creation story of the Bible, where God created all things, including Adam & Eve, in 6 days, and God saw all that He had made, and behold, it was “very good”?
How do these two types of evolutionary stories compare with one another?
What are the differences between the two evolutionary stories?
How do they compare with the (true) creation story of the Bible?
How can you tell when God is working in the theistic evolutionary creation story if the evolutionary process is so subtle that scientists think it is all the result of blind, purposeless, directionless, physical and chemical processes?
When examining a theory which seeks to reconcile evolution with the Biblical creation narrative, always check to see which types of evolution they are accepting and which they are qualifying (e.g., cosmological evolution, geological evolution, & biological evolution). Theories that seek to harmonize evolution typically accept cosmological and geological evolution, but will take exception to some aspects of biological evolution.
(see also J Byl/T Goss, “How Should Christians Approach Origins” booklet)
Questions to be answered:
What is the theistic evolutionary story of creation?
What is cosmological evolution? Geological evolution? Biological evolution?
Why did the geologists and biologist assume an old earth?
Where did the idea of an ancient earth (deep time) come from?
How does one reconcile chance with God?
Other questions ….
Next reading: 16 of X - Theistic Evolution & Critique (continued - 1)
