Why is evolve such a scary term for Christians?

Question

Anytime I see a question dealing with evolving, I see a lot of answers from Christians arguing its validity and just plain going nuts, when by definition it is just a term… Can’t we say that since biblical times we have evolved into a modern, technological society?
And if we have obviously grown into this technological marvel and it is all God’s plan, then why didn’t he start it way back? Why did he wait until now to share it, I bet Jesus would have loved to have a cell phone! So have we “evolved” into this technological human and if we didn’t then why didn’t God give it to those folks in the Bible?

Answer 1

Because some Christians think that evolution makes 'God' a liar.

They can't grasp that 'God' is truth and science -- and it's the lie of creationism that insults 'God' and depicts 'God' as a liar.

Answer 2

For some Christians, "evolve" is a scary term because it contradicts the Bible. And the Bible is the foundation of their faith and if the Bible isn't true, then their faith, which is based on the Bible also isn't true. And that's a very scary thing. So they will vigorously defend their faith and the Bible and anything that contradicts it must be wrong.

However, those who are not strict literalists or fundamentalists are able to interpret the stories of the Bible allegorically and not as historically or scientifically accurate. They look to the Bible for universal truths about mankind. "Love each other." "Do unto others as you would have them do unto you." "Don't murder, don't steal, don't bear false witness." Everything in the Bible is there to teach us something. This way of approaching the Bible allows for evidence of evolution to exist side by side with the Bible. So what if scientific evidence proves that the earth is 4 billion years old? How does that affect the message that "God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have everlasting life."

And on another point you raise: technology changes with the times. People in Biblical times couldn't even imagine such things as computers and cell phones and microwaves. Much the same way that today we can't imagine the kind of technology that will be around a thousand years from now in the future. And people will ask, Why didn't God give the technology we now have to people back then? (our present time).

Answer 3

its more a philosophical issue than a technical one

no positives examples exist of specific things in operational science of everyday living in technology medicine or agriculture that rest on the theory of macro evolution
that are inconsistent with a world view of intelligent design or of creationary views

many negative in society do rest on naturalistic evolution such as racism and social darwinism and so in the end operational science in no way rests on macro evolution at least not in a positive way

the philosophy of secular humanism and philosophical naturalism need macro evolution to 'make atheism possible' in the words of on person describing Darwin's major accomplishment and 'not letting the divine foot in the door no matter how compelling the data or where it looks like it leads' as another said. It is some philosophies and not operational science that 'need' evolution

ironicall both the text book in the scope trial and the book origin of the species have some pretty storng racists chapters and no surprize pygmies and aborigenies and jews were killed as a result of a realy bad misunderstanding instead of viewing them as men made in God's image

what you are desribing is because both christians and naturalists can be shallow and dogmatic and not take the time to examine the issues in depth

Answer 4

Every time I've been around someone debating between God and evolution, they are generally referring to the idea that we all evolved from apes, not how society as evolved. If that were all we were talking about then it wouldn't be an issue. I just find it hard to believe that we evolved from apes yet we still have apes and no one has ever actually seen an ape become a human.

Answer 5

I think it's arguable that Jesus (if he does exist) would've wanted all these "modern marvels".
Because if you think about it, everything is cause and effect. Everything has a price. You have to admit that technology is give and take.
Meaning that there are costs to "advancement".
More people are lazy and fat now, because they don't have to get off their butts for anything. We take so many of the simple things for granted. Creativity is being lost on our children, since they no longer do things using more than their video game fingers.
I bet if you think about it, you'll find many things that have changed, not necessarily for the better.

Answer 6

I tend to think that their responses are reflexive and dogmatic. They can't open their mind and try to understand what evolution is and means--besides the misinformation fed to them by people that have even less of an idea what it is than they do. I do tend to think that the staunchest advocates for creationism are just insecure in their faith. Especially when they are unwilling to educate themselves on the "other" side of the debate--if only to play devil's advocate. They tend to turn their blinders on whenever something threatens their faith.

In response to: kenny p
Creationism doesn't scare most advocates for Evolution, as long as its kept in the Church. Passing it off as science and teaching it in class bothers us though because it has no basis in science. It's the unwillingness that creationists to see the difference that is irritating. Yes Evolution is a theory, but to be accounted as a justifiable theory in science it still needs to meet certain criteria. Creationists misunderstand this part. As a scientist, I've viewed both sides of the debate, and I'm sorry to say, creationism isn't a viable "theory".

Answer 7

It's scary because for some bizarre reason, it shakes thier faith. I have no idea why or how a scientific fact could give them so much fear but I think it has to do with the fact that thier faith is not strong.
Many people I know that are christians accept the facts of Evolution readily and delight in every new discovery. Not only do these discoveries not shake thier faith, but it reenforces it.
But some people just don't have much faith I guess, so it doesn take much to shake it up.

Answer 8

I agree with you! But, Christians don't go crazy over that, they go crazy about the "Darwin Theory of Evolution". Meaning, the fact that Darwin believed that we, humans evolved from apes. The reason Christians go insane, is because, they believe in the Adam and Eve thing. That God created animals, then created Adam as a human. Then out of his rib, came Eve. And since they believe in this, anything that says evolution referring to apes as human ancestors, goes against their beliefs. I think we should all be open minded! I love your question, you had a great point!
Love it!

Answer 9

Christians (radical Christians) go nuts with the term evolve only in a scientific context. God isn't necessary for evolution to happen, so they think it means people don't need to believe in God anymore.

For civilizations advancing, Christian apologetics will say that God is unfolding his plan step by step so that we will be ready for it when it becomes revealed. According to God, people weren't ready for cell phones in Rome in 33 AD, but for some reason He thought they were ready for them in the 1990s.

Answer 10

I agree wqith you that evolution should be considered as the THEORY that it is.

My question , like yours, why does "creation" scare everyone else?

My feeling is that BOTH should be taught side by side as theories.
It doesn't matter that I believe creationism is absolutely true because others believe just the opposite.
My point is Christians are ok with the theory or evolution being taught but Non christian are NOT ok with Creation being taught.

Something wrong with this pic?.....Sure is.......fear of the part of the evolution only crowd