Theistic Evolution, do you believe it?

[Darkness27]

That sounds like some weird people I saw while I was walking to work. They think that hurricane Katrina was because God hates the U.S. for excepting homosexuals.

There are a lot of strange people out there that call themselves Christian, they probably aren't going anywhere anytime soon, so get used to seeing these type of people every now and then.

It was God that created these sciences, and though he probably doesn't control them, he can.

God controls the natural by sustaining it. Without God nothing is possible, not even nature.

I still stand on my point that knowing how we came to be isn't all that important, but its what happens to us that is important. Thats just my stance on creation.

I think it is good to have some apathy in this debate. Whether Genesis is literally true or not, we are here and now and we have enough problems to deal with without getting too worked up on who believes what. However, science is a big part of our modern lifestyle, and a basic science education is essential for a modern country. And as evolution is the core theme of biology, anything that will increase or decrease the level of science education among the public will have long lasting effects. So out of being pragmatic, what people believe can be important.

But I will agree on a spiritual level, what you believe about the past has no direct influence on someone's spiritual state, and as a Christian that is an important thing to be aware of I think.

 

[interested in life]

so why did you bother posting?Basically a long post saying it doesnt matter.
The name of the forum is called origins theology.It even matters to the people with many posts in here who dont believe what i do.

 

[Darkness27]

so why did you bother posting?Basically a long post saying it doesnt matter.
The name of the forum is called origins theology.It even matters to the people with many posts in here who dont believe what i do.

It matters to me a lot, actually. I want to do something with science when I'm older (I'm a science major in college), and reconciling scripture with science is not an easy task. It can have spiritual, public and personal consequences.

But on the whole, what does it truly matter at an individual level if they view Genesis as historical or not? Treating Genesis as literal or not has no bearing on whether you accept Jesus as your Lord and Savior, it doesn't prevent or help you taking care of those less fortunate, or praying, or worshiping, or simply doing the right thing. These issues of literalism are non-essential to the faith, and I think having some apathy (perhaps 'inclusive mentality' would be a better term) over the non-essentials is a good thing.

 

[shernren]

It matters to me a lot, actually. I want to do something with science when I'm older (I'm a science major in college), and reconciling scripture with science is not an easy task. It can have spiritual, public and personal consequences.

But on the whole, what does it truly matter at an individual level if they view Genesis as historical or not? Treating Genesis as literal or not has no bearing on whether you accept Jesus as your Lord and Savior, it doesn't prevent or help you taking care of those less fortunate, or praying, or worshiping, or simply doing the right thing. These issues of literalism are non-essential to the faith, and I think having some apathy (perhaps 'inclusive mentality' would be a better term) over the non-essentials is a good thing.

I like your viewpoint. As someone who also wants to go on as a practicing scientist, I think of origins theology as a way of developing a Christian view of science. Is it mandatory for all Christians to develop a mature origins theology? I don't think so: because I am very far from achieving a mature Christian viewpoint on law, say, or economics. I leave that to the lawyers and economists.

As such, I am also in favor of some "reverent agnosticism" in matters of origin theology. But if someone must poke his or her nose into the business of Christian science, then s/he should do so with care and professionalism. Creationists per se don't quite disturb me, but creationists who claim to speak for Christianity and for science as a whole do.

 

[Darkness27]

I like your viewpoint. As someone who also wants to go on as a practicing scientist, I think of origins theology as a way of developing a Christian view of science. Is it mandatory for all Christians to develop a mature origins theology? I don't think so: because I am very far from achieving a mature Christian viewpoint on law, say, or economics. I leave that to the lawyers and economists.

As such, I am also in favor of some "reverent agnosticism" in matters of origin theology. But if someone must poke his or her nose into the business of Christian science, then s/he should do so with care and professionalism. Creationists per se don't quite disturb me, but creationists who claim to speak for Christianity and for science as a whole do.

I agree that it isn't mandatory for all Christians to have a mature origins theology. We each have our own strengths and weaknesses and each of us has a different purpose/duty in God's Kingdom (Ephesians 4:11). If their purpose doesn't involve much in the way of origins, I don't see much point for them to get too deep with their understanding, unless it is of interest to them.

But I also think that some origin theology is necessary for a well-rounded Christian. At least in the modern day when many people have questions about it, and too many fall away or never consider the faith because they feel that in order to be a Christian you have to believe in a 6 day creation a few thousand years ago and such.

I wouldn't mind as much if YECs were more inclusive with TEs, but I've seen it too many times where a YEC has ousted a TE for essentially being a TE. If YECs and TEs could get along better (many do just fine, don't get me wrong), and cater to those who have questions (believers and non-believers alike) about origins as a single cohesive unit while respecting each others differences, that would be a perfect world for me in that one aspect.