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Science and the evolution of Christianity - scope for understanding?
The Scopes Trial—formally known as The State of Tennessee v. John Thomas Scopes and informally known as the Scopes Monkey Trial—was a landmark American legal case in 1925 in which high school science teacher, John Scopes, was accused of violating Tennessee's Butler Act which made it unlawful to teach evolution.[1]
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia.
Science v Christianity - Certainly seemed to be the case (literally) in the above mentioned Scopes trial - which effectively was about the doctrine of human origin and evolution. Indeed there were two opposing sides - the scientific and Christian communities, at least that was the public view. The Christian community rejected scientists account of evolution claiming it was unbiblical. Science was wrong!
Is science wrong though? I do not believe it is.
It is some of the scientists who are wrong in their speculations. But I also believe that some in the Christian community should not discount evolution - as a process used by God. I've heard many Christians say "I don't believe in evolution", but there are valid scientific claims in Darwin's theory of evolution; some aspects of his theory were/are obviously speculative.
The creation is another issue that seemingly separates science and Christianity - how old is the universe? Is there a designer? Who created God? etc etc
It is not a case of science v Christianity - rather isn't it a case of science for Christianity? There should be scope for understanding between both communities I believe.
After all - science is only revealing what God has created.
Any thoughts on this?
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Replies to This Discussion
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Permalink Reply by dean burrows on
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You see Amanda you are still in the assumption I am tryingto disprove you by no means we all understand a little different. The account of Noah gives further strength to your understanding. If my objective was to disprove you I would not have mentioned that account.
As for the last days Jesus approx 2000 years ago said the time was at hand. I am not sure how long it will take.
As for context I and it is my understanding I do not expect anyone to understand the same see scripture as a whole all teachings are inter-related.
And yes thakyou very much for the exchange. Such exchanges as I said earlier remind me where I came from and cause me to realize a stronger dependence on The Lord. Thanks again I enjoyed and yes learned.
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Dean,
One question...
How long did it take Jesus to raise Lazarus from the dead?
Why would you think it would take longer for Him to create the universe and everything in it? He says in His word that it took 6 days. This was before He told us how long a day was to God. He created every thing being mature, ready to reproduce. I believe He created the earth as mature also.
In Genesis One, I believe He was giving us a picture of how we should deal with our week. Pattern it after what he did to make the universe. He *worked* 6 days and rested on the 7th. He is showing us that we need to rest after 6 days of work. God could have created everything at one time but then what would be the lesson for us?
Blessings, Dean.
P.S. To take a page from LT, this is always going to be a situation where there'll remain 2 camps, one for a real day and one for 1000 years.
Rita
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You are right Rita there will always be two camps> The fact is I haven't declared that it took longer than 6 literal days nor have I declared creation took any shorter what I have declared is there are many things I at this time do not understand and do not have exact answers for. My declaration is the fact that I trust in the Lord and His example. When and if it becomes necessary for me to know exactly how long creation took The Father will reveal it. At that time I probably will find just how limited my knowledge is . For each of us there is an understanding which effects our belief this in my understanding being one of the things that hinders our faith. Our understanding should not limit our faith or trust in the Lord. Ultimately should not cause the division of the many camps within the Christian community. I trust in the Lord not in my control or need to be right. I have found that trust has brought me more needed answers than my ability to understand has brought me.
Thankyou Father for Your continual guidance.
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Dean,
I have to agree with all that you say. Other than the knowledge of how God wants us to use our week, being sure that we rest, I have to agree there isn't much reason to discuss the time element.
I hope my post didn't offend you and if it did, I hope you will forgive the offense as it wasn't intended.
Blessings,
Rita
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oh no no offense taken. I actually enjoy the postss as they make me think of my past and realize a deeper dependence on The Lord.
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Permalink Reply by a servant (Chris) on
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As there has been so very many post, it I repeat another then I am agreeing.
A thought I have to all this is, God's Way's are past are own. His Thoughts are Higher then ours. In our human minds we are not able to fully comprehend, His Intellect. So I think the Bible was written in ways so that even a child could understand what was being said. So when He say 6 days, I am OK w/ 6 days or 6 million, to me they are the same. I take the Word of God very literal. For me it is the only way I can. But, I make no judgments to those who are far and away smarter then me. And are able to see things clearer then me. so maybe that is only a cent and a half worth. Love to All
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Well said Chris. I agree fully. There are plenty far smarter than me. Therefore can't afford to make judgement. :):)
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This is a very vast and complicated issue, it's one I've spent the last 2 years studying and still barely scratched the surface. I've just ordered John Lennox's new book "7 days that divide the world" which looks at evolution and Genesis. Lennox has written another book "Gods Undertaker" which looks at the whole science vs religion issue. I've tried to do my own article on the subject (http://www.allaboutgod.net/profiles/blogs/beginners-guide-to-faith-...)
Ultimately, there is no conflict between science and religion. As for evolution, that's only in conflict with a literal interpretation of the Bible (universe only 7000 years old, earth created in 6 days etc) I am very much looking forward to reading John Lennox's take on this
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I would say the conflict is between Darwin's theory and religion. The literal use of evolution in one form or another man does that almost daily. I believe we do ourselves an injustice using a word limited to one theory when the word covers a wide range of life. Remember the word only means change. Darwin has a theory in which the word was used.
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Permalink Reply by LucyP on
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yes I see what you saying Dean, e.g I see evolution as how some of our animals have changed over time to suit their environment. Like the famous moth example. You're right it is common to associate evolution purely with one particular area in mind, e. human evolution. maybe darwin just confused the two i.e thinking we are a species when in actual fact were made in Gods image.. (just my scientific theory) LOL.
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Good point dean.
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It is imperative that we not read into it what we want, but truly seek to identify the literay style in order to exegete the Word of God correctly.
That is all I am trying to do LT and that is what I'm trying to encourage others to do as well
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