Evolution is an intimidating theory. It predominates among scientists all over the world, who marshal swarms of weighty facts and powerful assertions in its support. It has filtered down into common acceptance by laymen through classroom instruction, books, documentaries, TV shows, and casual conversations. It is ubiquitous and unchallenged by all but those who believe in creation.
However, the massive heft of evolutionary theory depends upon one simple presupposition: the God-option must be excluded from the discussion at all costs. For evolution to be true, the God-option must be shoved off the table.
The God-option is excluded by a deceptively simple tactic—limit the discussion to the exclusive realm of science. Science has defined itself as distinct from religion. The God-option is inherently religious, so its proponents do not have a seat at the science table. Intelligent God-option arguments are irrelevant and will never change the course of the discussion, because the God-option does not belong in the discussion. As experts huddle themselves around the table to decide the origin of all things, they come to a haughty consensus by tightening the huddle. No matter how loudly we object, we will be ignored. The God-option is not, under any circumstances, a legitimate option.
If the God-option is excluded, what can the evolutionists conclude? They must propose that life originated through natural processes. They have no choice. They have limited themselves through the arrogance of their own self-definition. They must therefore marshal their arguments as powerfully as their limitations allow. The full weight of their expertise, education, experience, and intellect is thrust behind the only conclusion they can possibly derive.
As long as Christians fail to recognize this simple fact, evolution will continue to be intimidating and will claim the faith of those who give in to its weight. If God created everything, there is no fact of science that is outside the scope of his domain. If He created everything, no aspect of evolutionary theory is truly intimidating. As Van Til said, “there are not because there cannot be other than God-interpreted facts.” God’s creation cannot undermine itself. God has not proved Himself wrong by means of science. Scientists have instead left God out of the picture, limited themselves to their wild imaginations, and must desperately cling to their conclusions as a result. If they do not, they must fearfully face what they do not dare—the God who made them.
[...] tonight, reading the words of my friend, Dennis, my pulse has only quickened in [...]
ReplyDeleteI just finished Dinesh D'souza's "What's so great about Christianity" last night. It was a really well written and very accessible book. It covered subjects like what Dennis wrote about here, but many others that crop up in the Athiest vs. Christianity debate. Dealing with the problem of evil, has Christianity been a net positive or negative in the world, the crusades and the inquisition.
ReplyDeleteD'sousa spends some time supporting the assertion that most (or many) athiests choose athiesm using their loins, not their brains.
Concerning Dennis's observation: it has to be the height of arrogance to say if I can't understand it (the Supra-Natural), then it must not exist.
Dennis,
ReplyDeleteWell-written and aptly stated. This is the crux of the matter in a nutshell. If you don't mind, I'd like to link this post to my blog article entitled "The Folly of Atheism." Keep up the good work.
Bob Gonzales
[...] ed. (Inter-Varsity, 1993). Let me recommend an excellent post by my friend Dennis Bills entitled, “What Evolutionists Fear Most.” [2] For a fuller development of the moral argument for the existence of God, see John Frame, [...]
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