Evolution

• It is easy to find evidence that evolution is accurate. Not so much creationism. Its a theory...but it makes a lot of sense. Many Christians accept evolution and natural selection as fact.

• I believe in Creationism, but that doesn't mean creation hasn't evolved , adapted for weather or changes in food supply etc. These beliefs aren't necessarily mutually exclusive. In fact, many of those who believe in Noah's ark accept that evolution subsequent to "the global flood" occurred at a pace substantially faster than most biologists are willing to concede possible.

Christians disagree about all kinds of things. On this issue (at the risk of being too simplistic) there are basically two different views.

All Christians firstly would believe that almighty God is the creator. What they disagree on is the 'How' of creation.

Those who take the Bible literally would reject evolution, since it is not found in the Bible and contradicts the Bible.

Those who do not wish, for whatever reason, to take the Bible literally, would incorporate, or seek to incorporate evolution, as God's method of creating the universe and all that is in it to the point of what we observe today.

There are thus two 'camps' on this issue. The 'literalists' would argue that Jesus believed in a literal interpretation of Genesis 1 etc and that God is capable (if He is capable of anything at all) of saying in the bible what He wants to say about the origins issue. They would also argue with some considerable justification, that if one does not believe what God says in Genesis 1 and following, what else does one not believe. The resurrection itself is, to many, another 'unbelievable' event that God has also told us about. The other point which is made by creation scientists on this issue is that science itself does not actually demand an old earth and there are many scientific problems with evolution and the evolutionary ages. They thus see that evolution is tied not just to a false belief about origins but to false science, or at least many who espouse it ignore the serious problems with the data.

Those who support a non-literal interpretation would argue that much incontrovertible science supports the evolutionary argument and so it is necessary to change or reinterpret Genesis to match what science has discovered. They would also argue that this 'infallible' evidence of science makes those who believe the Bible into a laughingstock.

In the end, it would seem that the question boils down to one of authority (even though others may disagree and hold that there is no contradiction at all between what the Bible says and what science says). One camp regards the Bible as the ultimate authority and that science must come into line behind it. The other would argue that scientific understanding must determine how the Bible is viewed.

Answer:

Evolution is not science. Empirical science is

1. observable
2. repeatable
3. measurable

Evolution is not observable, it is not repeatable, nor is it measurable. It contradicts the 1st and 2nd laws of thermodynamics.

1. matter and energy cannot be created or destroyed
2. everything goes from order to disorder

Life only comes from life. That is the only observable, repeatable, and measurable know way of life being created. It has never been observed to come from non-living substances.

Refer to the chart below to more fully see why Christians would disagree with the theory of evolution.

Creation

Evolution

Cause

God was the Cause

For every effect, there is a cause (observable)

There was not cause - 15 billion years ago for no know reason, the universe exploded itself into existence. Time, chance, and natural process created all things.

The creation of the universe is an effect with no cause (not observable).

Origin

The universe was spoken into existence by God's Word.

Matter cannot be created or destroyed by natural processes (observable).

Began with 'singularity', a tiny infinitely hot and dense point

Matter was created by a natural process (not observable).

Energy

We are devolving

Energy goes from a state of usable energy to less usable energy (observable).

We are evolving

Energy goes from a state of less usable energy to more usable energy (not observable).

Space

Earth created first (day 1)

Stars came afterwards (day 4) with the sun and moon.

Stars formed first

Earth formed afterwards

Earths

Covering

Water

Fire

Time Constraints

6 Days - The creation of the World was FINISHED in six day and is no longer taking place (observable).

Infinite Time - 4.6 billion years ago the earth evolved by natural processes. The world is in a continuous process of creation evolution (not observable).

Quality

Very Good

Primitive, Violent

Planning of

Life

By design

Accident

Origin of

Life

God

Life comes from life (observable), no known exceptions.

Forces of Nature

It is possible for life to come from non-life (not observable).

Time needed

for Life

2 Days (Faith based) - all animal/human life was created on day 5 and 6.

Millions of years (Faith based) - They don't know how it happened but given enough time they BELIEVE it will.

Species

Kind begets kind (observable).

Kind begets some other kind (not observable).

Animal Life

Birds first, then

Reptiles

Reptiles first, then

Birds

Human Life

Man was created on day six

Man is made in the image of God.

3.5 billion years ago life evolved

Humans evolved from ape-like creatures.

Beginning

of Death

After Adam sinned, not a process of creation - it is a product of man's sin.

Always been present, part of the creation process - the means by which man evolves into a higher being.

Cause of

Death

Sin, there was no death before Adam sinned (plant life not included), the breath of life was breathed into animals but not plants.

Natural process, existed from the beginning of life

Spiritual

Death

Both physical and spiritual, you will give an account of your life after you die.

Physical only, no accountability after death.

Sediment Layers,

Canyons

Form rapidly (liquefaction). Witnessed during Mt. St. Helen (observable).

Form slowly. No evidence witnessed (not observable).

Fossil Creation

Catastrophic event, rapid burial in water, (observable).

Buried by dust over long periods of time (not observable).

Marine fossils on

Mountains

Global flood, Genesis account

Rapid 40 day/night event

Springs of the deep broken up

All creation perished

All mountains covered by at least 20 ft.

About 200 legends from cultures all over the world.

Local floods, earth sinking into the ocean and rising again.

No written record or legend

Trees through

layers

Fossilized trees spanning many layers indicates rapid burial by water, observable with Mt. St. Helen. Can be created in one week (observable).

Over many years plant life died, sank into the earth, and coal formed (not observable).

Coal, Oil,

Petrified

Wood

Coal, Oil, Petrified Wood, can all be made in a matter of weeks, (observable).

Coal, Oil, Petrified Wood take millions of years to form (not observable).

Biblical Day

Recognize that the Biblical day means 24 hours and accept it as fact

Hebrew word "Yom", in all cases, means short period of time

defined to be evening and morning

days are distinguished between seasons and years (Genesis 1:14)

God's own word (Exodus 10:11)

writing style of Genesis is narrative, not poetic

genealogy of human race given

Some, recognize that the Biblical day means 24 hours but reject the account as a myth.

Others, interpret the Biblical definition of day to mean millions of years.

Many claims are made that creation is right and evolution is wrong, as you suggest.

However, this is far from reality. Evolution is both a well-documented scientific fact and a theory. Creation is a religious belief based on the presence of the universe - if something exists, it must have somehow been created.

The belief that evolution (or science in general) must be at odds with religion is largely in error, as Eugenie Scott of the National Center for Science Education points out. Many mainstream christian religions find faith in God perfectly compatible with modern science. Darwin's theory of evolution delved into every aspect of the subject known at the time. Since then, however, science has made enormous progress filling in the details. Darwin knew virtually nothing of molecular biology, which is now a cornerstone of evolutionary science, and exquisitely demonstrates the kin-ships and common ancestral relationships of virtually all extant species.

Young earth creationism, the notion that all organisms were created simultaneously around 6000 years ago remains clearly and demonstrably wrong.

A:

Simply put, it is because one is based on divine revelation, and the other on human speculation: "let God be true, but every man a liar" Romans 3:4. Besides that, discoveries in science, that were made from Charles Darwin's time and up to now have rendered his theory more extinct then the dinosaurs, but you will have to do your own research, if you are interested in science.

Looking at this issue from the Biblical perspective, if evolution was to be proven correct, it would make the Bible and Christianity irrelevant.

Another Answer:

A question of much debate in recent history. And the obvious reason for the rising questions about this 'theory' of evolution postulated in the Age of Enlightenment of the 19th Century, is the astounding increase in scientific knowledge. Yet with all this time passing since the inception of this idea, the missing link still evades all. Indeed, the increase of knowledge has not afforded researchers any comfort levels in confirming the 'assumptions' of the evolutionary theory - and in fact some have been refuted outright. However, there appears to be a powerful insistence if you will, by many in the scientific community not to question the theory, for there is thought to be much at stake - think about the recent scam about 'global warming' broken in the recent past and how little it is communicated to the masses.

In any event, there is more than enough evidence on the worldwide web to help the questioners discover the answer for themselves. Answers here will certainly be skewed towards individual bias - just human nature. In the early 1st Century though, this question was also presented by the intelligensia and this is one of the Scriptural replies from the Apostle Paul to the Gentiles at Rome:

Romans 1:20 New King James Version (NKJV)

20 For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even His eternal power and Godhead, so that they are without excuse,

Most Jews, including Orthodox Jews, believe in evolution.

There is no simple answer to such a question. It incorporates many aspects of psychology and sociology, and a true answer would vary slightly between individuals.

Generally speaking, people believe Creationism in some form because they are indoctrinated with it at an early age, and it becomes one of their core beliefs. Later, when presented with a scientific answer to existence, they simply cannot defy their core beliefs, regardless of how credible they may find the alternatives. Often, in such cases, individuals end up believing multiple, conflicting items, or blatantly refusing to discuss any similar topic, in an attempt to avoid the inner conflict that would ensue.

Another reason people may choose to disbelieve the theory of evolution is ignorance; if one has never been presented with information, or has only been presented with information in a one-sided or biased manner, one's conclusions will be made according to the information at hand, and, as in the instance of early indoctrination, one may simply refuse to question one's core beliefs. An example of this is the way science has progressed; 400 years ago, there was no explanation for our existence more viable than creation by a supreme being[s], so most cultures had some adaptation of such a theory. As technology and science progressed, evidence for an alternative theory was discovered.

A third reason why one might choose to believe in having been created by a supreme being[s] rather than having emerged from a long string of cosmic accidents and biological mutations is fear. Being the creation of a supreme being[s] provides comfort and a sense of importance, in a way that few can derive from the knowledge of having been the result of a series of chemical coincidences. No matter how overwhelming evidence to the contrary may be, people fear the implications of having no grand purpose, and therefore choose to disbelieve, ignore, and shun the idea.

The answer to that question is extremely complicated. This involves an understanding of human psychology, of the development of both religion and science through the ages.

In very simple and general terms: people identify themselves by memes and ideologies because it gives them a firmer stance in a social context. We like to believe what people around us believe, because it makes for more socially robust groups. It's a form of peer pressure. We can identify with such memes to such an extent that we're no longer able to separate ourselves from what we believe: those beliefs become basic tenets that may not be questioned.

Answer:

The Jewish answer is that we have an unbroken national tradition of 3300 years to the Revelation at Sinai. God states that He created the universe (Genesis 1:1; Exodus 20:10). Not to mention, that Evolutionists have not put forth any putative proofs that would undermine the Jewish tradition.

God's creation of the universe explains the vast wisdom found within it.

Answer:

The scientific answer is that we know that the the universe began almost 14 billion years ago. We, at least, can admit that we don't know how at this time. Ours is not a tradition but truths that have been pursued and changed with time and with addition facts. There are now findings in archeological digs in Israel that show the fact that man used fire in homes more than 500,000 years ago. The central ideas of evolution are that life has a history. It has changed over time and that different species share common ancestors.

As lineages evolve and split and modifications are inherited, their evolutionary paths diverge. This produces a branching pattern of evolutionary relationships. We call this phylogeny or the "tree of life".

The tree is supported by evidence, but it is not flawless. As scientists gather more data, they may revise these. For example, evidence discovered in the last 50 years suggests that birds are dinosaurs and that required some adjustments.

Check the link below for more information:

Nobody can tell if humans are going to become extinct or not. It all depends on circumstances that are not entirely predictable.

Another answer:

No. Bible prophecies reveal that Jesus Christ is coming back to prevent that, and to save the world.

Jesus, however, tells us that, in the time just ahead of us [the time of the end of God's plan and man's rule on the earth], mankind and all life on planet WOULD BECOME EXTINCT if He doesn't come back:

"For that will be a time of greater horror than anything the world has ever seen or will ever see again. In fact, unless that time of calamity is shortened, THE ENTIRE HUMAN RACE WILL BE DESTROYED. But it will be shortened for the sake of God's chosen ones." (Matt.24:21-22 NLTNew Living Translation)

Mark's chapter 13 account says: "In fact, unless THE LORD SHORTENS that time of calamity, the entire human race will be destroyed. But for the sake of His chosen ones He has shortened those days." (verse 20)

Answer:

Evolution is a theory put forward by Charles Darwin. Some claim erroneously that he eventually discarded his own theory of evolution. One has to take into consideration that evolution is taking place, but it is the law of evolution which doubted by those who reject evolution. Men today are much taller, fitter and we live longer. Girls become women at an earlier age. This, according to some people, is the law of evolution. This phenomenon is not necessarily part of Darwin's theory. According to some, we did not evolve but were the sons and daughters of God. According to people who believe this, it was He who organized the first man and the first woman from elements that were already available to Him.

Another Answer:

Most all religious fundamentalists reject evolution and at present a growing number of scientists also differ.

Another View:

Religious people might take evolutionary theory - or any scientific theory, for that matter - as an affront to themselves, their beliefs, or their gods. This is because scientific explanations are not required to pay hommage to gods without evidence that such gods were involved or even exist, a property of science that might cause religiously-minded people to think of scientific theories as 'atheistic'.

Biblical Nomenclature

The first man was Adam, and the first woman was Eve.

Evolutionary Species

The first humans were likely Ethiopian, predecessors of Cro-Magnons, and the first Homo sapiens sapiens (modern humans). Fossils skulls of other extinct humans, the sub-species Homo sapiens idaltu, were also found in Ethiopia. Other early humans exhibited some archaic traits, specifically the Skhul or Qafseh fossils found in Israel.

Competition.

If the competition occurs between individuals of the same species it is called intraspecific competition.

If the competition is between individuals of different species it is called interspecific competition.

Christians increasingly do accept the science on the origins of the world, and some major Christian denominations say they support teaching the scientific theories. However some Christians continue to fear that if the scientific theories are true, it will undermine their faith in the Bible. They insist the Bible is literally true and inerrant, believing that the Book of Genesis tells us all we need to know.

However, Christians increasingly are compromising, just because they are convinced that the 'evidences' for evolution is genuinely supporting the evolutionary theory.

Contributors, please keep the question in mind. If you have any kind of material that answers the question, go for it. There are already several lively discussion entries; maybe what you would like to say should go there. Remember too that whatever your opinions of religion, the question is in the Religion & Spirituality category. Religious opinions are welcome, and consideration for others is never out of fashion.

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Much, if not most, of the structure of contemporary evolutionary theory, particularly as it is expressed in modern evolutionary synthesis (MES) is difficult in the extreme to refute. Biologists are on board with the theory, and now researchers in genetics are joining the supporters of modern evolutionary systhesis. But there's a problem with evolution. A most serious one.

The smoking gun points at the origin of life. Did it evolve from "non-life" here on earth (abiogenisis), or did another "type" of life begin the process here by arriving from somewhere else (biogenesis)? Even in its most simple form, a living thing presents a long and complex biochemical molecule. Nothing with the size and complexity of this basic chemical block of life can be manufactured in the laboratory. And how, if we cannot make something like, say, RNA, in the controlled environment of a lab, could such a large, complex chemical engine arise "naturally" on the planet - or anywhere else? Evolutionists cannot answer this question.

The one condition we cannot "artificially create" in the laboratory is the great length of time over which the earth changed geologically before life appeared. Who knows what could have happened throughout a time span we can barely imagine. We cannot set up experiments and "simulate" a billion years of passing time on our project to see what kind of outcome we will get. Even though we can do just about everything else in an experimental setting, letting an experiment run for the length of time the evolution "experiment" has been running is out of the question.

How could life have been created here? How could life have been created elsewhere to get itself trucked here to spread and evolve? There are a number of theories regarding the beginning of life on earth. But none of them comes even close to explaining the generation of the "magic" complex molecule that is a biochemical machine which is alive, which can grow and reproduce itself. Can a lightning bolt be made to animate a puddle of mud? We don't know how life began, but we do know it has been extant on earth for billions of years. Throughout this time, the earth has changed, and life changed with it. If it did not change, did not evolve and adapt, it became extinct.

This is no credible argument against evolution. It is the best that science has to offer, and it best fits all the evidence around us. This includes the billion year time frames given by evolution scientists and cosmologists alike. There is a mountain of scientific evidence supporting evolution, and let's be clear that the evidence wasn't "manufactured" to support the theory. No, the theory is derived from that huge pile of evidence; it comes after all the facts are spread out and examined. There is little of substance that can be proposed to challenge what we know as modern evolutionary synthesis.

There is evidence against evolution. While there are many facts that support it, there are also many facts that contradict it. For example, many of the chemicals in a cell would destroy each other if they were not already in the form of a cell. How could these chemicals then form a cell? And while Evolution is accepted by many people, so is its top competitor, Creationism, and there is no more evidence against it that there is against Evolutionism.