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Once while I was a missionary in
Honduras I rushed into a small building supply store and asked how much
their bricks cost. The young lady behind the counter showed me several
different types, and we discussed the qualities of each one. After we
negotiated a price, I told her that I’d like to purchase 1000 bricks.
Her expression changed to disappointment. "But we don’t have any bricks
for sale now."
"Why," I asked curiously, "didn’t you tell me that when I
first came into the store?"
"Because," she replied, "you didn’t ask. You only asked
how much bricks cost."
When we ask the wrong question, we get the wrong answer.
Those who believe that the universe was created by God
often try to scientifically debate those who believe we evolved from
inanimate elements. In the process, creationists tend to discredit all
types of natural selection or changes within species. And yet, there can
be little doubt that species do change.
People tend to be taller than they were a hundred years
ago. Horses and dogs have been bred into stronger animals. Even microbes
have changed so that they are more resistant to penicillin.
Christians today need to carefully read their Bibles in
regards to creation. While the Bible does say that each species produces
after its kind and that humans were created by God, it never says that
there cannot be a process of natural selection within species.
The Bible clearly says that God created all things.
However, with the exception of humans, it doesn’t say how or from what
he created. In fact, the original languages do not suggest a one time
creation, but rather the beginning of a creation process.
Biblically, we can never accept that people evolved from
lower life-types. However, some of evolution can be accepted if we
remember that God can create any way he chooses. Instead of trying to
scientifically debate those who discredit creationism, Christians need
to ask the right question: "And where did that come from?"
When it is said that the universe came from the
condensing of a cloud of dust, ask, "Where did the dust come from?"
If someone claims that the universe was formed from the
explosion of a great star, ask, "Where did the star come from?"
When others say that life evolved from the sun warming
the sea, ask, "Where did the sun and the sea come from?"
If someone tries to teach that life came from the
elements of some passing asteroid, ask, "And where did that come from?"
In the end even the most ardent supporter of evolution
cannot answer the question, "And where did that come from?" Only Genesis
1:1 tells us: "In the beginning, God…."
Paul Jetter, Upper Valley Community Church |
