Genesis, the Gospel, and Theistic Evolution
analytical Essay
3099 words
Genesis, the Gospel, and Theistic Evolution
Introduction
Humans have asked questions about their origin and their purpose on earth for eons. The Bible tells humans that God created them and explains their purpose. However, since the Renaissance, humanism answers questions about origins by naturalistic means and science has been redefined in the process. Most institutions of higher education and many individuals have adopted the naturalistic theory of evolution to explain human origin without considering its effects on faith. In contrast to prevailing thought at Goshen College, a literal six-day creation is foundational to the Gospel message. Combining evolution and Christianity makes one’s faith less logical and opens one’s science to new quandaries.
Theistic Evolution: A Definition
Before delving into the problems with theistic evolution, let us define it. Theistic evolution rejects the Christian tradition of interpreting the creation days as having been normal 24-hour days. It insists that only naturalistic mechanisms be considered when considering creation and the origin of life. Theistic evolutionists believe that humans and all other life forms evolved from a bacterial precursor in the distant past. For theistic evolutionists, naturalistic science carries precedence over the Word of God. However, in order to justify Christian faith, theistic evolution allows for the supernatural in order to explain New Testament miracles. In Biology Through the Eyes of Faith, theistic evolutionist Richard Wright explains that theistic evolutionists rearrange the first chapters of Genesis into topical sections instead of interpreting them in a straightforward manner (2003, p. 92). He argues that the chr...
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...(1995). The Beak of the Finch: A Story of Evolution in Our Time. Vintage Books: New York.
Wright, Richard. (2003). Biology Through the Eyes of Faith. HarperCollins: San Francisco.
[1] This problem with the theory of evolution was addressed by Stephen Jay Gould and other evolutionists. They postulated the punctuated equilibrium theory of evolution, which does not predict the numerous fossils predicted by the orthodox theory of evolution.
[2] It may be noted that some people have objected to the apostle Paul’s assertion that death first came to earth when Adam sinned on the grounds that animals and humans ate plants. Therefore, plants died before Adam sinned. However, this objection ignores the biblical definition of death. Death is repeatedly defined as being the spilling of blood in the Bible. Consequently, these objections are invalidated.
In this essay, the author
- Argues that humanism answers questions about origins by naturalistic means and science has been redefined in the process.
- Explains that theistic evolution rejects the christian tradition of interpreting the creation days as being normal 24-hour days. they believe that humans evolved from a bacterial precursor in the distant past.
- Explains that theistic evolution meshes two worldviews, naturalism and christianity, laying a foundation for ethics and morality.
- Explains that non-evolutionists object to the theory of evolution because no evidence has been found for mutations leading to new genes that are beneficial.
- Explains that evolutionists often reconstruct supposed transitional forms with a few fossil fragments and imagination. the fossil record does not show the myriad missing links that the evolutionary theory anticipates.
- Argues that theistic evolutionists should consider an alternative worldview, since faith and logic may be antonyms, but one's faith should have as few contradictions as possible.
- Explains that foundational to recent creation is a proper view of god. no limits bound god’s power, wisdom, or love. he created and rules over the universe.
- Explains that recent creationists read the chronological account in genesis 1 in a straightforward manner. they believe that the universe and all life forms were created in six 24-hour days.
- Explains that god planted a special garden of beautiful trees with delicious fruit. after adam and eve were created, god commanded them to care for it.
- Analyzes how accepting the evolutionary theory and death before adam dilutes god’s holiness and justice and destroys the heart of the gospel. if death did not come through adam, there is no hope of restoration to god through jesus christ.
- Argues that theistic evolution pieces together two opposing worldviews: naturalism and christianity, and applies historical science duplicitously. evolutionists have found no new beneficial genes introduced by mutation and only a few disputable transitional forms
- Explains ham, k. (2002). why won't they listen? a radical new approach to evangelism.
- Explains weiner, j., the beak of the finch: a story of evolution in our time.
- Analyzes how theistic evolutionists attempt to mix and match the two worldviews into one.
- Argues that theistic evolutionists are inconsistent in their application of naturalistic science. the basic gospel message is dependent on miracles.
- Explains that origins scientists have redefined science to meet their purposes. they recognize that the relegation of their field to the field of speculation would greatly damage their credibility.
- Explains that stephen jay gould and other evolutionists postulated the punctuated equilibrium theory of evolution, which does not predict fossils.
Related
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- Evolution and Christianityanalytical essayThe riddle of the origin of man has been subject to many ponderings and theories for thousands of years. In America, two theories concerning this timeless question have driven a spike through the general populace. These two beliefs, Evolution and Christianity, have driven a riff through the American populace and fueled several debates and conflicts over which is the truer theory. Incidents such as the decision of the Kansas school board to ban schools from including the Evolution Theory from their curriculum are becoming a tragically frequent and threaten to escalate if not checked soon. However, there is a growing belief in America today in the possibility of believing that evolution is an inescapable fact while still prescribing to Christian faith as well. This radical theology, which seems to meld, distort and expand the theory of Evolution and traditional Christian beliefs, has been termed "Theistic Evolution" by its followers and has emerged as a very respectable alternative to choosing between Evolution and Christianity.
In this essay, the author
- Explains that the riddle of the origin of man has been subject to many ponderings and theories for thousands of years. evolution and christianity have driven a riff through the american populace.
- Explains that the conflict between traditional christian and evolutionary thought stems from the strict, literal interpretation of the bible.
- Argues that darwin's origin of species is often speculative and ungrounded and is invalid for two reasons.
- Argues that the transition was a series of trial and error occurrences that resulted in several different hominid species competing and mating amongst each other.
- Explains that archaeological evidence has also been found that shows a great deal of support for the bible.
- Explains that there is no proof to confirm evolution or christian theology as the true theory of the origin of life. the two theories have strengths and weaknesses, but neither openly disproves the other.
- Argues that although the bible is accurate, it is based on texts written by hebrew scribes thousands of years ago. theistic evolution has been gaining overwhelming archaeological and historical evidence.
1835 wordsRead More - The Debate Between Evolution and Creationismanalytical essay..."Theistic Evolution and Christian Theology." Is Theistic Evolution theologically accepted?. N.p., n.d. Web. 25 Apr. 2014. .
In this essay, the author
- Argues that the debate between creationism and evolution is a repetitive cultural, political, and religious conflict about the origins of the earth.
- Explains that evolution is both a theory and fact, while those who believe in creationism would find that to be fact. evolution although controversial has come along from 1859.
- Explains that barker, kenneth l., and donald w. burdick. zondervan niv study bible: new international version.
- Explains that the pace of evolution is a publication of the adventist theological society.
1637 wordsRead More - Creationism Vs. Evolutionanalytical essayWhile the theory of evolution is very commonly accepted amongst most scholars and intellectuals, when the scientific facts used to 'support' it are closely examined, it becomes apparent that it is merely that: a theory. Inaccurate information, misguided philosophers, and in some cases, just plain ignorance, have all contributed to this 'scientific religion' that does nothing but lead people away from the true nature of our existence, the Genesis creation. The creation 'story' is much more than just a story, it is a scientifically provable fact, and one that should be treated as more than just a parable or story, as the Word of God is pure and the absolute truth.
In this essay, the author
- Analyzes how the evolutionists claim that dinosaurs lived millions of years ago, and died long before humans came to exist. however, the books of genesis and job tell a different story.
- Explains barnes, thomas g., "young age for the moon and earth." vital articles on science/creation 1982.
- Argues that the theory of evolution is merely a theory. inaccurate information, misguided philosophers, and ignorance have all contributed to this'scientific religion.'
- Opines that the evolution theory is a conglomeration of several interesting hypotheses, which is fast becoming its own atheistic religion.
- Explains that cairns-smith, a. g. genetic takeover and the mineral origins of life. cambridge university press, 1982.
- Explains that "there ought to be a law against evolution -- and there is!" missouri association for creation, 1994.
1854 wordsRead More - The Validity of Creationism and Evolutionanalytical essayAbstract: This paper discusses the validity of both creation and evolution and examines whether they can interact with each other. Besides doing my own research, I have chosen to interview four people extensively involved in either Christianity or biology. I specifically picked interviewees who strongly supported either evolution or creation to get both sides of the issue. Two of the people were from United Christian Fellowship (UCF): Andrew Larratt-Smith, leader of UCF, and Ricardo Dawkins, UCF small group member. I also interviewed two biologists: Paul Matsudaira, MIT Biology professor, and Bettina Bauer, a post-doctoral fellow in the HST department. Paul considers his religious beliefs in between agnosticism and Catholic. He was baptized in the Roman Catholic church but has not thought about God extensively. Bettina is neither religious nor anti-religious. She says that if God really exists, it would not change her life. From these interviews, I hoped to gain a better understanding of creation and evolution and examine whether they can co-exist.
In this essay, the author
- Discusses the validity of both creation and evolution and examines whether they can interact with each other. they interviewed four people involved in either christianity or biology to get both sides of the issue.
- Explains that creationism is based on the belief that god is the intelligent designer who created our universe and the natural things in it.
- Argues that paul and bettina are not vehemently opposed to creationism. they see the bible as a contemporary publication, written centuries after the fact, that tries to resolve self, being, and spirit.
- Analyzes how the romantic response to the age of reason supported creationism, but many movements in the 18th century favored scientific empiricism and religious agnosticism.
- Analyzes how the big bang theory supports that there was an origin, but stanley miller's experiments provide a mechanism by which the origin of life may have come about.
- Analyzes the shift in creationism from widespread acceptance to skepticism, and concludes that the growth of science has led to questions about the beginning of life.
- Argues that science has developed so much that it stands face-to-face with religion in asking questions about the creation and purpose of life.
3549 wordsRead More - Evolutionists Vs Evolutionist Essayanalytical essayAfter Sir Charles Darwin had introduced his original theory about the origins of species and evolution, humanity’s faith in God that remained undisputed for hundreds of years had reeled. The former unity fractured into the evolutionists, who believed that life as we see it today had developed from smaller and more primitive organisms, and creationists, who kept believing that life in all its diversity was created by a higher entity. Each side introduced substantial arguments to support their claims, but at the same time the counter-arguments of each opponent are also credible. Therefore, the debates between the evolutionists and the creationists seem to be far from ending. And though their arguments are completely opposite, they can co-exist or even complement each other.
In this essay, the author
- Explains that after darwin introduced his original theory about the origins of species and evolution, humanity's faith in god had reeled. evolutionists believed that life as we see it today had developed from smaller and more primitive organisms.
- Explains evolutionists' argument that fossils are proof of the evolutionary process, but creationist's counter argument is that all fossil findings are already fully formed and remained in a so-called stasis condition.
- Analyzes how evolutionists and atheistics state that there is no factual evidence of god's existence despite ultra-sensitive observation systems, such as orbital telescopes, but indirect evidence exists of its existence.
- Explains that evolutionists believe that the matter which forms our universe had shaped out into stars, planets, chemicals, and finally, living organisms. they also refer to science to oppose this thesis.
- Argues that both sides seem to forget that one point of view does not necessarily contradict other one. god could have planned everything, prepared certain semimanufactures for the universe's development, and then just pressed the "start" button.
- Compares evolutionist and creationist positions, stating that neither side can co-exist or be successfully combined.
662 wordsRead More - Weaknesses Of Evolution Essayopinion essayA lot of people, Christians and non-Christians alike often question the accuracy of the theory of evolution. Those who express doubts about the theory are often labelled “unscientific” or “backwards” by some in the pro-evolution camp. At times, the popular perception of evolution seems to be that it has been proven beyond all doubt and there are no scientific obstacles left for it. In fact, there are quite a few scientific flaws in the theory that provide many reasons for it to be doubted. It is true though, none of these questions necessarily disproves evolution, but they do show how the theory is less than settled.
In this essay, the author
- Explains that chemicals accidentally structured themselves into a self-replicating molecule. this spark of life was the ancestor of every living thing we see today.
- Explains that charles darwin was the first to formulate a scientific argument for the theory of evolution by means of natural selection.
- Opines that christians and non-christians alike question the accuracy of the theory of evolution.
- Opines that evolution can be criticized scientifically, but most criticisms are highly specific. genetic characteristics, ecological systems, evolutionary trees, enzyme properties, and other facts are difficult to square with the theory of evolution.
- Explains the contradiction between "punctuated equilibrium" and "gradualism." there are two possibilities for how naturalistic evolution can occur.
- Explains gradualism and punctuated equilibrium, which say that mutation rates are influenced by a unique set of accidents.
- Explains that the fossil record seems to be contradicted by gradualism. organisms appear suddenly and reveal little change over long periods.
- Argues that punctuated equilibrium assumes that a very few creatures, all from the same large population, will experience several positive, beneficial mutations all at once.
- Explains that scientific studies have cast doubt on the positive benefits punctuated equilibrium would bring about. separating members from larger populations causes inbreeding, which results in decreased reproductive ability and harmful genetic abnormalities.
- Opines that punctuated equilibrium is not a refined version of gradualism, and that there are no other reasonable options for how evolution can operate.
- Explains the problem of extending "microevolution" into "macro evolution." scientific studies have shown that organisms are capable of adaptation, but these changes can only go to a certain extent.
- Explains that long-term evolution requires "macroevolution," which refers to large-scale changes. there is a huge difference in scale and effect between micro and macro evolution, and experimentation does not support the ability of many small changes to transform one species.
- Explains that macroevolution isn't scientific as it's not testable, observable or repeatable. darwin observed finches on the galapagos islands, but never saw them becoming pelicans.
- Explains that the media irresponsibly report the sensational claim that some scientist has found the fossilized remains of monkeys, apes and humans. darwinists tend to hone in on any artificial aspect
- Analyzes how the piltdown hoax is an example of how bone fragments and pig's teeth have been imagined into ape-men, sold to the public and placed in textbooks.
- Opines that evolution has been hijacked as an anti-religious symbol by those with an axe to grind against god.
- Concludes that there are scientific reasons to question the theory of evolution. these weaknesses may be resolved by science, or they may eventually do away with it all together.
1304 wordsRead More - Darwin's Theories vs. The Fossil Record: A Philosophic Challengeanalytical essayDid you know the odds of proteins necessary to create a strand of DNA lining up in order naturally are only once in 4x10022 years (Werner 104)? That’s highly improbable! Darwin didn’t anticipate that future discoveries would disprove the fundamental tenants of his theory of evolution. Modern science is repeatedly uncovering evidence that suggests that Darwinian evolution could not be the explanation for life on earth. The theory of evolution, proposed by Darwin, has been increasingly disproved due to its reliance on an implausible claim of spontaneous generation, gaps in the fossil record for which evolution lacks explanations, and contradicting scientific discoveries that overturn concepts upon which evolutionists relied.
In this essay, the author
- Analyzes how evolution argues that life on earth began more than 3.5 billion years ago as a single species, and the early organisms tolerated quick genetic alterations.
- Argues that darwin's theory of evolution has been disproved due to an implausible claim of spontaneous generation, gaps in the fossil record, and contradicting scientific discoveries.
- Argues that mounting scientific evidence undermines evolution's defenses. evolution claims that embryos and vestigial organs are similar among all organisms, but vertebrate embryo patterns are very different.
- Cites driscoll, mark, and brashears' "chapter 3: god makes" doctrine: what christians should believe wheaton: crossway, 2010.
1331 wordsRead More - The Triple Helix and The Beak of the Finchanalytical essayWeiner, Jonathan. The Beak of the Finch: A Story of Evolution in Our Time. New York: Knopf, 1994. Print.
In this essay, the author
- Analyzes how richard lewontin and jonathan weiner's the triple helix and the beak of the finch transport the reader to the world of evolutionary theories.
- Analyzes how lewontin acknowledges that the triple helix has a "distinctly negative flavor" to explain how reductionist approach may lead us to formulating an incomplete picture of biological processes of living organisms.
- Analyzes how lewontin's argument, "gene and organism", focuses on the problem of relying on genetics for all the answers to organism development.
- Analyzes how lewontin uses an "empty bucket" analogy to explain an organism's capacity and how it might or might not be reached depending on its environment.
- Explains that lewontin's idea of an organism and the environment comes from ideas of the central relationship of these two factors.
- Explains that the triple helix envisions evolution as an interlocking system of genetics, organism, and the environment. genetic determinism is not the key to understanding evolution of living organisms.
- Compares jonathan weiner's beak of the finch with lewontin, who focuses on the galápagos research of peter and rosemary grant on daphne major and darwin’s finches.
- Analyzes how the beak of the finch is a complete 180 in terms of attitude of biologists and evolutionary theory.
- Explains that darwin's finches needed to be isolated to fully explain the changes and variations within each finch. daphne major was the ideal area for any researcher to detect natural selection working in all of its glory.
- Explains that darwin wrote that even the slightest variations are the foundation of natural selection and the important beginning stage of evolution. the grants studied the beaks of the thirteen species of finches on the island.
- Explains how peter and rosemary grant found that the variability of the finches helped or hindered their ability to survival.
- Argues that lewontin's the triple helix elucidates that the environment plays a tremendous role in organism development. the differences of organisms and their ability to reconstruct their environment, must be incorporated into weiner’s writings.
- Explains that dna is becoming the answer for evolutionists and learning about the "history of life." the mutations in darwin's finches increased the variation in their genes and increased their evolution.
- Analyzes how lewontin disagrees with weiner's idea that dna is the fundamental force in the variability of the finches at daphne major.
- Analyzes how the use of darwin's model in the origin of species impacted the grants' conclusions about the finches because it relied heavily on the theory of natural selection.
- Analyzes how lewontin describes how the grants skimmed over the possibility that organisms reconstruct their environment and can pick certain parts of the environment to use in survival.
- Opines that lewontin's criticism of the finches would not be justified, since they have been isolated on daphne major for a tremendous amount of time, and their characteristics do not fit the mold of normal organisms.
- Concludes richard lewontin's the triple helix and the beak of the finch written by jonathan weiner engage the reader to view evolutionary theory in juxtaposed lenses.
1716 wordsRead More - The Theory of Evolutionargumentative essayThe theory of evolution by natural selection does not interfere with the Judeo-Christian view of god as the creator, based on multiple sources including statements from the Pope himself. Although throughout history there are many instances of conflict between people, science, and the Catholic Church, there has recently been a widespread acceptance for science and many even say it does not interfere with the Judeo-Christian view of god as the creator. This essay will discuss the different types of views there are on evolution and creation, as well as go in depth to prove how evolution by natural selection does not interfere with the Judeo-Christian view on evolution.
In this essay, the author
- Explains that the theory of evolution by natural selection does not interfere with the judeo-christian view of god as the creator.
- Explains that there are many different views on evolution, including scientific creationism and fundamental christianity.
- Analyzes how galileo was a prime example of conflict between the catholic church and science. he had many contributions to the world such as the telescope and his many discoveries in outer space.
- Explains that evolution is widely accepted by many popes, as well as the catholic church. the big bang theory is another piece of evolution that many people don't think the church is okay with.
- Explains that although the catholic church is okay with most of science findings on the theory of evolution by natural selection, there are still clashes between groups that literally interpret the bible and scientists.
- Explains that they grew up believing that god was the creator of the earth, no questions asked. they believe that evolution created our earth and species, but in body form.
- Concludes that the theory of evolution by natural selection does not interfere with the judeo-christian view of god as the creator — the pope affirmed it to have substantial validity.
- Cites scarolas' developmental creation and agnosticism / atheism.
- Explains what is the difference between creation, evolution, and intelligent design.
- Narrates how truth cannot contradict truth. the galileo controversy. 'an outrageous notion' by bill nye.
1266 wordsRead More - The debate of evolution and creationism has extended since the beginning of time. In fact, it is not even as simple as these two opposing views. Each person seems to have formed their own theory which has a unique list of beliefs and dimensions. This makes a complex and difficult task when trying to find agreement between each of these unique theories. However, many Christians are finding it necessary to discover an alternative to the extremist views of evolution and creationism.
In this essay, the author
- Explains that the debate of evolution and creationism has extended since the beginning of time. each person has formed their own theory which has a unique list of beliefs and dimensions.
- Summarizes the debate between evolution and creationism in an article on the world wide web. evolutionists believe that everything happens as a result of natural forces, not by the command of the deity.
- Explains that christians have tended to defend the theory which supports the existence of god. creationism is centered around god, but there are also many christians who believe that evolution is the mechanism which best explained how life originated.
- Analyzes how darwin's origin of species shocked many people and caused them to reevaluate their established beliefs. since god was no longer the focal point of science, christians began to question and even reject new theories about origins.
- Explains the definition of evolution according to webster's dictionary. evolution is defined as the alterations that occur through a vast time period.
- Analyzes how jesse myers addresses the religious dissension that occurred as a result of darwin's proposal of evolution in his paper entitled "a look at scientific creationism."
- Explains that darwinism suggested that all living creatures evolved from a single ancestor and were not all put on earth by god in the manner described in genesis.
- Explains darwin's theory that living organisms originated from a single primeval cell through naturalistic and mechanical processes.
- Explains that darwin introduced darwin's theory of evolution, and the creation scientists emerged from the tradition of creationism.
- Explains that most christians consider themselves to be "creationists" because god is the originator of the universe. creation scientists believe that genesis is not a religious dogma, but rather an alternative scientific hypothesis.
- Explains that most creation scientists follow the "new earth" theory of creation. they believe evolution is denying god of his rightful role as the creator of the universe.
- Opines that the core argument is not the theories themselves, but in the real meaning of human existence.
- Opines that christians have been trying to mesh god with the "creation" of our world. st. augustine and john calvin were among the first people to support the idea of accommodation.
- Opines that calvin's statement encourages christians to accept scientific findings as a revelation from god.
- Explains that darwin's ideas of concordism and physico-theology replaced the previous accommodation ideas. the combination of these ideas opened the way for the eighteenth and nineteenth century views of mechanics.
- Explains how two influential men of the nineteenth century joined the evolutionist bandwagon and encouraged other christians to do the same.
- Explains that pope pius xii established that the genesis story should not be taken literally, but symbolically, and that science at its best can only strengthen faith.
- Opines that christians should avoid the restrictive use of biblical interpretation and reject the fundamental teachings and nature of god.
- Opines that it is an individual's privilege to believe in the biblical story or the evolutionary pathway.
- Explains that christians develop many interpretations, but there are two things that we need to remember when dealing with these differences.
- Explains that evolution does not diminish the spiritual importance of the human race or question the existence of god. faith supports the belief that god sent jesus to earth to be crucified on the cross.
- Explains wright, richard t., and harpersanfrancisco's biology: through the eyes of faith.
3318 wordsRead More