Print
E-mail
Comment
Rate
Evolution and the Bible: Conflict or complement?
By Bob Mullins / Yucca Valley
For the past several weeks I have enjoyed the wide range of opinions about evolution. As an archaeologist and biblical scholar (Ph.D., Hebrew University of Jerusalem), I would like to try and put some perspective on this controversial issue, though limitations of space don't allow me to enter into all the detail that I would like.
There are two parts to evolution - the fact and the theory. The fact of evolution is well established from the fossil record, which demonstrates that life developed from earlier, simpler morphotypes to more complex, multi-cellular forms found in today's plant, fungal and animal kingdoms. Descent with modification from a common ancestor is also supported by the similarity of genetic material among all forms of life. DNA and RNA are so complex it is extremely unlikely that they came about through independent development.
The fact of evolution can only be disputed by those who choose to ignore the evidence. The theory of evolution is the explanation scientists give for how these changes occurred.
Though classic Darwinism has undergone some revision in light of new evidence, the basic tenet of Darwin's theory - natural selection as the mechanism of evolutionary change - is still the best explanation for how evolution took place. Natural selection is so well supported that it has become the consensus scientific view.
The outstanding question, though, is whether evolution happened by accident or by divine intent. Most scientists do not accept the premise of a Creator, but as the late Harvard biologist Stephen J. Gould often pointed out in his essays, one need not jettison belief in God to accept evolutionary theory. Several scientists (including a number of committed Evangelicals) believe in God and yet accept evolution by natural selection. Their position, like some mainstream Protestant denominations and the Catholic Church, is that the Bible declares God as Creator while science explains how God did it.
For many people of faith, however, science is at enmity with the Bible. After all, doesn't Genesis 1 assert that God created heaven and earth in six days?
Besides, if these passages are not scientifically true, how reliable is the Bible in all of its teachings?
Most of us were raised to believe that Genesis 1 literally describes how God created the universe you and I know today. We now know, however, that Genesis 1 was a hymn composed in Late Judean Hebrew during the time of Babylonian exile in the 6th century B.C. Its purpose was to serve as a monotheistic polemic against the polytheism of the Babylonian myth, Enuma Elish (also known as the Babylonian Creation Story). In effect, the hymnist declared, “You may regard creation as the fallout of a cosmic battle between Marduk and Tiamat (two Babylonian deities), but it was really God who created the universe with meaning and purpose.” Thus, it is more accurate to describe Genesis 1 as a response to myth rather than myth itself.
For those able to read Genesis 1 and the other relevant passages in Hebrew, it is clear that we are not dealing with a modern understanding of the universe, but with the common perception of the world at that time. The earth is a flat disc (not a globe). The sky is a solid expanse (not outer space). The sun, moon and stars are set “within” this vault, and the birds “fly up against the face of the expanse.”
If the hymnist of Genesis 1 used a pre-modern understanding of the universe to address certain theological issues alive at the time, then who are we to impose a modern understanding? Quite simply, evolution by natural selection, despite all its randomness and, yes, even “mistakes” (an argument against intelligent design), is how it pleased God to bring about life on earth.
The Bible and Science provide complementary views of the universe and human existence, with no need for the truth of the Bible to conflict with the truth of science. The Bible is instructing us in faith; not in the facts of science (2 Timothy 3:16). This frees us to affirm God as Creator and to accept the results of modern science.
There are two parts to evolution - the fact and the theory. The fact of evolution is well established from the fossil record, which demonstrates that life developed from earlier, simpler morphotypes to more complex, multi-cellular forms found in today's plant, fungal and animal kingdoms. Descent with modification from a common ancestor is also supported by the similarity of genetic material among all forms of life. DNA and RNA are so complex it is extremely unlikely that they came about through independent development.
The fact of evolution can only be disputed by those who choose to ignore the evidence. The theory of evolution is the explanation scientists give for how these changes occurred.
Though classic Darwinism has undergone some revision in light of new evidence, the basic tenet of Darwin's theory - natural selection as the mechanism of evolutionary change - is still the best explanation for how evolution took place. Natural selection is so well supported that it has become the consensus scientific view.
The outstanding question, though, is whether evolution happened by accident or by divine intent. Most scientists do not accept the premise of a Creator, but as the late Harvard biologist Stephen J. Gould often pointed out in his essays, one need not jettison belief in God to accept evolutionary theory. Several scientists (including a number of committed Evangelicals) believe in God and yet accept evolution by natural selection. Their position, like some mainstream Protestant denominations and the Catholic Church, is that the Bible declares God as Creator while science explains how God did it.
For many people of faith, however, science is at enmity with the Bible. After all, doesn't Genesis 1 assert that God created heaven and earth in six days?
Besides, if these passages are not scientifically true, how reliable is the Bible in all of its teachings?
Most of us were raised to believe that Genesis 1 literally describes how God created the universe you and I know today. We now know, however, that Genesis 1 was a hymn composed in Late Judean Hebrew during the time of Babylonian exile in the 6th century B.C. Its purpose was to serve as a monotheistic polemic against the polytheism of the Babylonian myth, Enuma Elish (also known as the Babylonian Creation Story). In effect, the hymnist declared, “You may regard creation as the fallout of a cosmic battle between Marduk and Tiamat (two Babylonian deities), but it was really God who created the universe with meaning and purpose.” Thus, it is more accurate to describe Genesis 1 as a response to myth rather than myth itself.
For those able to read Genesis 1 and the other relevant passages in Hebrew, it is clear that we are not dealing with a modern understanding of the universe, but with the common perception of the world at that time. The earth is a flat disc (not a globe). The sky is a solid expanse (not outer space). The sun, moon and stars are set “within” this vault, and the birds “fly up against the face of the expanse.”
If the hymnist of Genesis 1 used a pre-modern understanding of the universe to address certain theological issues alive at the time, then who are we to impose a modern understanding? Quite simply, evolution by natural selection, despite all its randomness and, yes, even “mistakes” (an argument against intelligent design), is how it pleased God to bring about life on earth.
The Bible and Science provide complementary views of the universe and human existence, with no need for the truth of the Bible to conflict with the truth of science. The Bible is instructing us in faith; not in the facts of science (2 Timothy 3:16). This frees us to affirm God as Creator and to accept the results of modern science.
 |
 |
|
| The Hi-Desert Star's View: Look locally as holidays approach | Reader's letter: Keep the desert looking like desert |
Article Rating
Reader Comments
The following are comments from the readers. In no way do they represent the view of hidesertstar.com.
You must register with a valid email to gain access to this site feature.
Already a Member?Login Here:
|
Become a Registered MemberFill out the form below.
|
RSS
mydoit2002 wrote on Jan 7, 2009 11:34 PM: