By
Pastor Scott Denham of Harvest Fellowship,
Clarinda
Herald Journal Publication Date : 03/07/2007
“Do
you believe in the biblical account of creation?”
Yes, I do. Last week I stated that
science is good, provided you are aware that it can only make authoritative
pronouncements about the natural realm, and that scientists have biases, just
like everyone else. I see the six-day creation account as a valid and rational
explanation of the origin of the universe. However, there are genuine
Christians who embrace some form of evolution in their belief system.
Christians who merge Darwinian Theory
with Creationism adhere to what is called
"Theistic Evolution" or “Progressive Creationism.” They believe in
evolutionary processes, yet they see God as the one who set these processes in
motion. I believe that one may take such a stance without denying a truth
essential to salvation, but I would offer a few cautions in taking this
approach.
First, how does such a view impact their conviction of the reliability of God's Word?
Those Christians who hold to Theistic Evolution or Progressive Creationism, and
yet believe in the inerrancy of Scripture, do not question God as Creator but
rather see the Genesis account as an allegory. Though not the highest in my
estimation, yet it is a better position than those that question the authority
of the Bible itself.
Secondly, such a view could lead one
to the conclusion of the Deists, who liken God to the cosmic watchmaker who
created the thing, wound it up, and then walked away to let it follow its own
course. Rather, the Bible presents a God who is active in His creation,
sovereign in His oversight, and near those who call up Him (Psalm 145:18).
Finally, what does such a view do for
the sanctity of life and the value of man? Again, those who stand with the
inerrancy of Scripture see man’s distinctive uniqueness from the animal
kingdom—Psalm 8 is a great anthem to the Creator God who gave more esteem to
man than any other part of His creation—we are of great value to Him! However,
apart from God’s word, others are left to assimilate
their faith within a politically correct culture—to the devaluing of man, with
appalling consequences.
Seeing that
science is unable to move evolution from ‘theory’ to scientific ‘law,’ and that
to reduce the biblical account of creation has the potential for negative
spiritual implications, a better position is to trust the eternal Word of the
One True God, who has given His people a secure anchor of truth in a world of
intellectual and moral ambiguity.
--Pastor Scott (www.askpastorscott.com)