Old Things: Day 5

Never again will I curse the ground because of man, even though every inclination of his heart is evil from childhood.

Genesis 8:21

If such things were possible, the book of Genesis could sue for age discrimination. In the eyes of many, Genesis’ main problem is that because it is an old book, recording even older events, it follows that it is must be wrong.

This is one of many examples of how deeply evolutionary theory has sunk its roots into our culture. Evolution isn’t only about fanciful bird-fish-lizard combos; it is the belief that every day in every way we are all getting better and better and the past has nothing to teach us.

A few years ago our little neighborhood Bible study boldly went where none of us had gone before and undertook a study of the Creation account in Genesis 1 and 2 with accompanying video lectures by a Christian who is also a brilliant paleontologist. Each week we would try to wrap our little brains around his lectures as he presented scientifically sound, alternative theories for popularly-held evolutionary “truths.” And each week, when the hour-long lecture ended, we would swear that if we could hear his material about ten more times, we might retain a point or two with which to impress our unbelieving friends.

As the series progressed though, we began to understand two things: First, creation science is no “God said it, I believe it and that settles it” proposition. It is real-deal science and there are outstanding scientists from all disciplines who take their faith to work with them. Second, most people you will meet neither know nor care about the science. Evolution provides them with an elevated position from which to sit in judgment on a worldview that says God created it all and as Creator, God is sovereign over all, including us.

As our Bible study discovered, very few have what it takes to make a thorough study of all sides of the evolution vs. creation argument. If you are one or know someone who is, there are lots of books and websites out there to help you. But all of us, yes, all of us, need to recognize that this is simply the latest chapter in the same old spiritual battle.

Noah couldn’t offer his scoffing neighbors “convincing proofs” regarding the coming flood. After ten plagues, the Passover and the parting of the Red Sea, Moses’ charges were still bent on going their own way. Each Sunday, from America’s pulpits, spiritual leaders will be teaching their flock that Jesus was a good man who though limited by his historical context has much to teach us much about love and self-sacrifice.

Therefore, if any man is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come (2 Corinthians 5:17). In the end, this is the only “evolution” that matters!

Nancy Shirah