It is sometimes heard that belief in evolution disproves the scriptures, and turns people toward Atheism. Theistic evolution is said to be no better, leading down that same path (toward Atheism). What do you think?
Here is an interesting cartoon I stumbled across recently that may provide some insights into the concept of a slippery slope of theistic evolution:
I find the progressions of some of the steps to be interesting...For instance, why is "No Deity" placed higher than "No Atonement" and "No Resurrection?" Why is "No Virgin Birth" placed below "No Miracles?" I would be interested in hearing other's thoughts on this...
I haven't read Meyer's book, but I've read some of his other writings. The reason why I'm not particularly impressed with his arguments (or those of other ID proponents) is that they really target atheistic evolution, which I don't accept at all. Arguments about the information content of the cell and the highly improbable development of random changes are frankly ineffective if we assume that there is a Creator behind everything that we see.
I don't know anyone that has been led to atheism by accepting evolution, I can only talk about what I know. To me, the concept of creation through such intricate and complex processes only deepens my appreciation for the wisdom, knowledge, and power of God. I have been teaching college students for nearly 20 years and have not had a single student express that my views on God and evolution made them question anything in their Christianity. I have however, heard from a dozen students or more that have expressed their appreciation for my explanations and insights.
Just in case you guys haven't heard....Christ is Risen! Alleluia! Blessed Easter to all of you. CWH, have you read the book, "Signature in the Cell" by Stephen Meyer? If you have, what do you think of it? Just a comment, more on the discussion question. I believe that the devil is still using the same diabolical tactic that he used on Eve: "Did God really say?" Satan first tempts us to doubt God's Word. Then he entices us to distort or even deny God's Word. Then he gets us to forsake and even rebel against God's Word. There are several reasons why people adopt an atheistic worldview, and I know from personal experience that evolutionary theory is often a "doorway" to atheism for some folks. So, yes. I would have to say that evolutionary thought can be a slippery slpe for some.
Evolutionary biology is not my area of expertise, but I can confidently say that I am not on a slippery slope at all. The more I understand about the molecular machinery of the cell (which is my area of expertise), the more I can see how the hypotheses that make up the evolutionary theory are consistent with observations. And I can truly say my appreciation for these discoveries has not changed my faith in the slightest, only made me appreciate even more the simultaneous overwhelming power and deep subtlety of the creative work of our Lord.
I believe that Theistic evolution is indeed a round about path towards the same end. Evolution and scripture simply don't fit together, and while on the surface, theistic evolution may appear to work, digging deep only results in more questions and contradictions. Eventually a choice will have to be made, and that choice, I believe, will overwhelmingly favor "mainstream science"
Here is an interesting cartoon I stumbled across recently that may provide some insights into the concept of a slippery slope of theistic evolution:
I find the progressions of some of the steps to be interesting...For instance, why is "No Deity" placed higher than "No Atonement" and "No Resurrection?" Why is "No Virgin Birth" placed below "No Miracles?" I would be interested in hearing other's thoughts on this...
Amen, brother! He is risen, indeed!
I haven't read Meyer's book, but I've read some of his other writings. The reason why I'm not particularly impressed with his arguments (or those of other ID proponents) is that they really target atheistic evolution, which I don't accept at all. Arguments about the information content of the cell and the highly improbable development of random changes are frankly ineffective if we assume that there is a Creator behind everything that we see.
I don't know anyone that has been led to atheism by accepting evolution, I can only talk about what I know. To me, the concept of creation through such intricate and complex processes only deepens my appreciation for the wisdom, knowledge, and power of God. I have been teaching college students for nearly 20 years and have not had a single student express that my views on God and evolution made them question anything in their Christianity. I have however, heard from a dozen students or more that have expressed their appreciation for my explanations and insights.
Just in case you guys haven't heard....Christ is Risen! Alleluia! Blessed Easter to all of you. CWH, have you read the book, "Signature in the Cell" by Stephen Meyer? If you have, what do you think of it? Just a comment, more on the discussion question. I believe that the devil is still using the same diabolical tactic that he used on Eve: "Did God really say?" Satan first tempts us to doubt God's Word. Then he entices us to distort or even deny God's Word. Then he gets us to forsake and even rebel against God's Word. There are several reasons why people adopt an atheistic worldview, and I know from personal experience that evolutionary theory is often a "doorway" to atheism for some folks. So, yes. I would have to say that evolutionary thought can be a slippery slpe for some.
Evolutionary biology is not my area of expertise, but I can confidently say that I am not on a slippery slope at all. The more I understand about the molecular machinery of the cell (which is my area of expertise), the more I can see how the hypotheses that make up the evolutionary theory are consistent with observations. And I can truly say my appreciation for these discoveries has not changed my faith in the slightest, only made me appreciate even more the simultaneous overwhelming power and deep subtlety of the creative work of our Lord.
I believe that Theistic evolution is indeed a round about path towards the same end. Evolution and scripture simply don't fit together, and while on the surface, theistic evolution may appear to work, digging deep only results in more questions and contradictions. Eventually a choice will have to be made, and that choice, I believe, will overwhelmingly favor "mainstream science"