Each claims to have the answer to the puzzle of creation. But does either represent true science or true religion?
EVOLUTIONARY doctrine is deeply ensconced in today's schools as a legitimate part of most science classes. It is no longer presented as an unproven idea or theory. It is presented as fact. When children go to school they are usually taught the theory of evolution as the only intelligent answer to existence. Virtually all science teachers speak about it as dogmatically as though they saw evolution happen. Class instruction is done so effectively that students generally are embarrassed to admit before their peers that they still believe in a Creator God. But what if creation were taught in schools? Which version would be taught? Could creationists agree on the exact version to include in the school curriculum? Liberals, calling themselves theistic evolutionists, consider the Genesis account symbolic or allegorical. They would insist that God brought about the creation through the process of evolution. Fundamentalist groups, often called scientific creationists, are in the forefront of a crusade to free school children from the evolutionists' firm grasp. They would teach that all creation, including the sun, moon and stars, took place very recently-hardly more than six or seven thousand years ago. They seek scientific evidence to show that the fossil beds and fossil bearing strata were nearly all laid down during a Flood in the historic past. They contend that life forms were separated and arranged into sequential layers by the water's turbulent action. The Plain Truth teaches that creation took place anciently "in the beginning." That when the creation first appeared the angels were so enthralled with its magnificence they "sang together and... shouted for joy" (Job 38:7). That God placed an archangel on earth to administer God's government in love and concern. He rebelled (Ezek. 28:15-16). Destruction came to the earth. Then God's Spirit moved upon the face of the waters (Gen. 1:2) and God began to recreate today's realm. This time he gave mankind dominion over the physical creation. It is obvious that no single version of creation will satisfy this world's differing religious groups. So, even if creationists were given equal forum with evolutionists, what version would be taught? Even if a compromise could be worked out, who could be trusted to teach it convincingly enough to compete successfully with evolutionary teachings?
Roles Reversed
The problem that we face in education today is just the reverse of that which men faced a few centuries ago. At that time the church sat above the government in matters of education. Few dared to teach anything contrary to the religious dogma because of its backing from the civil government! When discovery or experimentation uncovered facts that were contrary to traditional teachings, the church not uncommonly vigorously repressed them. When men were finally freed from that oppression in the pursuit of truth, the liberated world assured itself that it would not again come under such bondage. Educational institutions that were once part of the church became a part of the state. It is under state control that most schools now carry out the mandate of teaching future generations what the adult society considers the ideals of life. The doctrine of evolution, timidly suggested by Charles Darwin, came just at the right time. It was seized upon and promoted beyond Darwin's wildest dreams. It became instantly popular and has continued to grow in influence simply because it was the nearest thing to a plausible explanation of creation without a creator. Interpreting the will of the adult generation to be the desire to be free of hindrance from doing what they want to do, educators feel safe only in taking the evolutionary approach. By denying God's role in creation, freedom to do as one pleases seemed complete. But, there remains a problem. How can one explain the evidence of God's creation without the Creator? This is why not all scientists are evolutionists. A significant number of scientists now acknowledge that the magnificent, intricate universe is so extremely well organized and complex that it requires a supreme designer and sustainer in order to exist. Some freely admit that the God of the Bible is the only intelligent answer. A few even worship him in truth. The question then becomes, not whether to include religious views of creation in the classrooms, but whether evolution should continue to be taught as a scientific theory of origins. Evolutionists know that the question of origins lies outside of the scope of natural science.
You Must Choose!
If you believe evolution, you must believe that man has no ultimate purpose in the universe. But if you believe in creation,
"When children go to school they are usually taught the theory of evolution as the only intelligent answer to existence. Virtually all science teachers speak about it as dogmatically as though they saw evolution happen."
you have a unique choice. You can believe you were created to spend eternity in idleness and ease in heaven, or that you were created for a grand purpose-of becoming a son of God (Heb. 1:1-5, 2:6-10, Rom. 8:29). Most creationists thoughtlessly assume the former view. They do not know we humans were born to become sons of God and that our creation is not yet complete! We are created in the form and shape of God, but out of matter. We are not yet spirit. Before God will complete our creation and give us eternal, spiritual LIFE from his very own person, we must develop godly CHARACTER. Or we would not be fit to be his sons. This is what human life is all about! Evolution knows nothing of it. Most creationists are blinded by their false ideas of Christ and his message and have not understood it. God cannot create righteous, godly character by fiat. This has been demonstrated by the creation of angels. God created angels as perfect spiritual beings, but some turned sour and chose to do evil (Ezek. 28:14-16, Rev. 12:3-4). Chief among them was the archangel Lucifer. We humans were created as fleshly beings and given TEMPORARY physical life so that if we turn sour we will not live forever as evil beings. This physical life was made to ebb away and our bodies to grow old and die. It is in this physical state of existence that God works in a chosen few, now, to build the type of character that is required of sons of God. We have our part, choosing God's ways and his laws, striving against temptation and resisting the devil and the practices of this world. This, if you please, is the tree of life of Genesis 2:9 and Genesis 3:22 that Adam and Eve rejected. Only those whom God now calls and works with can enter the process of further creation. When God calls us he sets before us the same choice as he set before Adam and Eve. He says to us just as clearly as he said to ancient Israel: "I call heaven and earth to record this day against you, that I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing: therefore choose life, that both thou and thy seed may live" (Deut. 30:19). You cannot create righteous character within yourself by yourself. God must do that in and through you by his Spirit, which is his very nature. You must become willingly and wholeheartedly oriented toward God, like clay in the hand of the Master Potter (Isa. 64:8, Jer. 18:1-6, Rom. 9:20-21). You must TRUST him to shape you into what he decides. You cannot start until the Potter singles you out and begins to deal with you. Only then, if you become soft and pliable through the addition of God's Holy Spirit, can you begin to be shaped into the CHARACTER of God. If you turn away, to remain lumpy and hard, he will cast you aside and work with other clay. The ways of God are outlined broadly by the Ten Commandments and are enlarged upon throughout the rest of the Bible. The example of how to live by them successfully and perfectly was first demonstrated by Jesus Christ (I John 2:6), who blazed the trail for all who henceforth will live God's spiritual way.
When This Truth Will Prevail
One day truth will be taught in all schools.
"But what if creation were taught in schools? Could creationists agree on the exact version to include in the school curriculum?... Would any single version of creation satisfy this world's differing religious groups?"
It will be God's truth as recorded in the Bible. Not false religions of men. It will be truly scientific. It will acknowledge not only the Creator but his laws and his authority It will teach us all that there is to know about the creation around us; how and why it was put here, and what our role shall be according to God's exciting plan and purpose. In that day enlightenment will be so complete that it will make today's knowledge explosion seem like the popping of corn by comparison! Here's how it will be brought about. When Christ returns to the earth to bring the whole world peace, he will come to set up the kingdom of God. It will be a world ruling empire and Christ will be its "King of kings and Lord of lords" (Rev. 19:6, 16; 20:4). When forced to think about God's perfect laws of love and happiness, people will become more enthralled with life than they have ever imagined that they could be. Stubborn evolutionists, confused creationists- and all men alike-will be ashamed that they strove so hard to deny God's way while they clung to their own folly. What a wonderful day that will be!
Does God Exist? Skeptics doubt it. Many scientists say it cannot be proven. Yet no question is more fundamental to man's own existence. How can you know for sure? Can the existence of God be demonstrated to the rational mind? Is there tangible evidence that a Supreme Being sits at the controls of the. Universe? Our free booklet Does God Exist? provides, with reasoned proof, a solid answer.
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