Darwin's evolution theory?

[eh7]

Do Christians believe in Darwin's evolution theory? And should Christians believe it? Do christians deny the evolution theory totally?

 

[Raphael777]

It is in my view that the Theory of Natural Selection does not in principle contradict the Christian faith. God's creative action can never be denied - He is the Creator - but it is quite conceivable that God used mechanisms to create through. We are not, as some atheistic evolutionists would argue, the product of random impersonal forces - but each individual was created uniquely by God.

The Bible as I understand it speaks of two forms of creation: 1) God is depicted as the initiator of creation "in the beginning" (Genesis 1:1); 2) God's divine creative action is described as perpetual and continual (Psalm 104) and St. Paul speaks of a "new creation" in Jesus, implying God's constant participation in creation in directing and guiding it. This "creatio continuans" opens up the possibility that God worked through evolution.

I also feel the Genesis accounts have been interpreted too literally, in a way that distorts its purpose. These are the reasons I feel the Genesis creation accounts should be interpreted more symbollically:

1) The no. seven, for the "seven days of creation", in Hebraic numerology symbolised perfection. If the number is symbolic, this suggests that the account itself must be interpreted in an allegorical sense.
2) Origen and St. Augustine observe that the creation days counld not possibly be 24 hour periods. God, they argued, created the sun and moon.. etc on the fourth day, so how could the first three days have been 24 hour periods?
3) The first Genesis account appears hymnal and poetic, with the refrains, "God saw that it was good... Evening came and morning came..."
4) The tree of knowledge of good and evil and the tree of life (Genesis 2:9) do not sound like biological realities. In the book of Revelation, the tree of life is used in a symbolic not literal sense (cf. Revelation 22:2).

This more symbolic interpretation does not diminish but rather enhances its value. The Bible does not teach us scientific empirical facts - knowledge does not improve our propects of salvation, as the Gnostics believed - but rather it communicates religious, moral, and metaphysical values. The Bible teaches that God creates, and that is an essential religious truth, yet there was no necessity for God to confide in Scripture the methods and processes through which He created and continues to create. In fact, the Prologue indicates that it God creates through God's Logos (the eternal Word) - the "And God said, '...'" bits - who as we all know "became flesh and dwelt amongst us" (John 1:14). And the "divine spirit/wind...", the Holy Spirit - pneuma in Greek - described in Genesis 1:2 is according to the NT still actively at work in creation.

 

[Diane_Windsor]

I have never had a problem with Darwin's theories, and it is my belief that it doesn't matter how we got here. We are here, and we are still in need of Jesus.

Diane

 

[JimfromOhio]

Theory is just a theory. Not fact.

To me.... the Bible is FACT. I will stick with my Bible.

 

[Knee V]

Evolution does not, and CAN not, seek to explain origins. It only seeks to explain how things which already exist change over time. To seek an explanation of origins other than in God is not to be an evolutionist; it is to be an athiest. And because athiests are pretty much always evolutionists, people often believe them to be mutually inclusive. Such is not the case.

 

[Dark_Lite]

Do Christians believe in Darwin's evolution theory?

The majority do.

And should Christians believe it?

It's nothing dogmatic. However, most people with any biology education will subscribe to it.

Do christians deny the evolution theory totally?

No.

There are some that do.

 

[GraceInHim]

take evolution as a whole - what does God have to do with it?

I say everything - from beginning to end - the Bible is my base -

Hitler loved to read Darwins theory - and into Arien pychcos to eliminate a stronger race for his own blue eyed blondes.

 

[CardinalBaseball]

This isn't the best forum to post this in.

 

[CaiperLane]

Do Christians believe in Darwin's evolution theory? And should Christians believe it? Do christians deny the evolution theory totally?

Yes. Christians deny Darwin's theory because it is not scriptural. And it takes away an omnipotent Creator who created everything in the universe.

For by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers, all things were created by him, and for him: And he is before all things, and by him all things consist. Colossians 1:16


Check out the "Institute For Creation Research" website. They explain all theories pertaining to Creation theories.

 

[moses916]

well hmmm, evolution THEORY , i'm not really into theories especially from someone who falsified evidence, fossils, bird sketchings and embryo sketchings so all mankind would remember his name I believe what the Church teaches because it doesn't hold theories

 

[CaDan]

take evolution as a whole - what does God have to do with it?

I say everything - from beginning to end - the Bible is my base -

Hitler loved to read Darwins theory - and into Arien pychcos to eliminate a stronger race for his own blue eyed blondes.

Godwin.

 

[GraceInHim]

Godwin.

see you took my advice and the avatar is back - like it a lot

 

[PaladinValer]

Hitler loved to read Darwins theory - and into Arien pychcos to eliminate a stronger race for his own blue eyed blondes.

And the KKK worship Jesus.

I guess that means we can throw Christianity into the garbage heap where it belongs, no? After all, I'm using the same "logic" as you are.

 

[GraceInHim]

And the KKK worship Jesus.

I guess that means we can throw Christianity into the garbage heap where it belongs, no? After all, I'm using the same "logic" as you are.

if you do not like my post then do not answer them with sarcastic remarks - anyone who hates another is no part of God referring to KKK - that is not the same - Hitler thought he was a God.

I guess you as I recall into evolution - can throw out the Bible - because it just doesn't fit into Gods plan. Intelligent design does though.

 

[GraceInHim]

And the KKK worship Jesus.

I guess that means we can throw Christianity into the garbage heap where it belongs, no? After all, I'm using the same "logic" as you are.

oh by the way

 

[Kripost]

if you do not like my post then do not answer them with sarcastic remarks - anyone who hates another is no part of God referring to KKK - that is not the same - Hitler thought he was a God.

I guess you as I recall into evolution - can throw out the Bible - because it just doesn't fit into Gods plan. Intelligent design does though.

Firstly, evolution, like any scientific theory, does not make any statements regarding God.

Secondly, any scientific theory goes against God's plan by removing him from His involvement in the world. For instance, Plate Tectonics theory implies the world is still being created, implies that God has no place in the creation of geologic features, and also that certain phenomena (e.g. earthquakes) are only random events.

Thirdly, address the theories' points, not the person who derived the theory, or any proponent's failings. For example, consider this: 'Newton was an alchemist and hated his own mother, and he was also quite wrong in his theories regarding light. Therefore Gravity is a godless theory.'

 

[GraceInHim]

Firstly, evolution, like any scientific theory, does not make any statements regarding God.

Secondly, any scientific theory goes against God's plan by removing him from His involvement in the world. For instance, Plate Tectonics theory implies the world is still being created, implies that God has no place in the creation of geologic features, and also that certain phenomena (e.g. earthquakes) are only random events.

Thirdly, address the theories' points, not the person who derived the theory, or any proponent's failings. For example, consider this: 'Newton was an alchemist and hated his own mother, and he was also quite wrong in his theories regarding light. Therefore Gravity is a godless theory.'

we all agree to disagree -

yes but evolution creeped in schools and teaching kids we came from Monkeys - and thank God it is going to court - so there are problems when certain evolution theories go against God who is the Creator and kids would know there is a higher power to answer to - and that is kids without any parental advise - and there are millions of them. sorry.

 

[Dark_Lite]

- and thank God it is going to court -

And getting destroyed (Creationism or "Intelligent Design" that is).

 

[mark53]

we all agree to disagree -

yes but evolution creeped in schools and teaching kids we came from Monkeys - and thank God it is going to court - so there are problems when certain evolution theories go against God who is the Creator and kids would know there is a higher power to answer to - and that is kids without any parental advise - and there are millions of them. sorry.

We might have came from dolphins, too, they are much more intelligent (than us, that is!)

Why should a scientific theory like evolution go against God?! If God created everything why is evolution so wrong. God is still there, isn't he? I don't think that rebellious kids would see evolution as a means to misbehave!

 

[GraceInHim]

We might have came from dolphins, too, they are much more intelligent (than us, that is!)

Why should a scientific theory like evolution go against God?! If God created everything why is evolution so wrong. God is still there, isn't he? I don't think that rebellious kids would see evolution as a means to misbehave!

you may think we came from dolphins - and I do not see them driving cars or doing thingd human can do - but indeed God did make them -excuse me - do not take my words out od text - I said some theories do not go with God - and how do you know Kids not knowing thier creator does not make them think there is a higher power to answer to? - Who said misbehaving? we all have one time or another - but we do repent!!