This question is techinically for (fundamentalist)Christians, but anyone else can chime in if they want...?

Question

Have you ever, or would you ever consider researching theories about human evolution and/or paleoanthropology? By this, I mean high school or college courses as well as outside resources, like books or scholastic journals.
Just a quick survey.

standard disclaimer applies: not trying to be mean here...just a thought I had. I'm not a believer, but I'm interested in studying religious texts--makes for some lively debate with my religious friends--so I was just wondering if it goes the other way.

Answer 1

Great question...

Yes, I have studied both models of our Origin. I took a college class that compared Creation and Evolutionary models side by side using current science and mathematics to really scrutinize both. Any person who REALLY studies the facts (not just a bunch of rhetoric that is slanted in one direction) is in for an eye-opener.

Here's the bottom-line on the comparison: evolution as proposed (and there are several different models proposed due to the inadequacies of each one) is NOT a possibility. Mathematically, the odds are unfathomable, even trying to factor in enormous amounts of time and unrealistically favorable conditions. The chemical processes themselves won't work, even if the oceans were filled with just the chemicals (and conditions) necessary.

The sci-fi crowd who try to counter these impossibilities with the cosmic "panspermia" idea (that life was seeded here from another planet) need to realize that life would have to have it's origins there, too, and the math/chemistry on planet X would fare no better than here on Earth.

Side by side, unbiased down the line, neither can be scientifically proven, and because both events are over with, we can't apply the Scientific Method. That's why neither model can be called a "Theory". But compare the models, and what you find is that Creation is the victor by virtue of the fact that all the evidence and scientific understanding we have today shoots down evolution. The Second Law of Thermodynamics (entropy) in particular will always be a stumbling block for the pro-evolution gang. Most people who buy into the evolutionary model do so because they are taught it in school and just accept it without questioning it, or because they are opposed to anything with roots in religion. It's like accepting Democrats because you hate Republicans. Doesn't mean you really believe in the Democrats, it's just a vote against the other party.

I have a strong background in math/science, and growing up I rejected Christianity because of the garbage that was being taught in the churches I attended. I knew they were full of beans. When you study the scriptures in the original languages, you come away with a whole new perspective. This is especially true with the Book of Genesis. Radically different from what is being taught in mainstream Christianity. That story of Creation (the 6,000 year thing) is retarded, and is false. It's not what the scriptures truly say. God did create us. Mankind was created (chapter 1), Adam was formed (chapter 2). Two completely different things.

Excellent question.

Answer 2

Actually, it might surprise you how many fundamentalist Christians have extensive educations (in the life and anthropological sciences) and yet they believe either in Creation or Intelligent Design. It might surprise you further how many PhDs there are who have serious doubts about the theory of evolution. I know of many, many others who are not fundamentalist Christians, and yet believe in Intelligent Design. I have a bachelor's degree in Biology, am a medical student, and do not agree with the theory of evolution. I am speaking solely of serious scientists here - I have studied the issue from every angle, and believe that much evidence weakens a full-blown theory of evolution. Maybe you are not aware of this, but there are actually many alternatives to the theory of evolution. It is really quite fascinating to anyone with an open mind, but as of right now none of the different theories can be totally proved. Evidence that is very convincing can be found for multiple theories - I believe that it is an intriguing situation in this respect. Check out the links below to see some qualified scientists who have differing views of origins.

Answer 3

Yes, I have considered and studied those theories when I was in college. I found it enlightening and useful. It is not fair to dismiss so much research without giving it fair consideration.

When it came down to it, I believe that evolution may be one of God's mechanisms. Certain examples of microevolution have been clearly documented. Example- a fish species is split into two populations when some natural or unnatural means. A few generations pass and the fish have separated into two different species, (meaning that they can no longer have viable offspring). Still, that is microevolution, not macroevolution.

Now there are differences between micro and macro and it is difficult to draw the line between the two. Still, keeping the concept of microevolution in mind helped me. Either way, God's will be done on this Earth... in the way He allows and plans.

Answer 4

In my opinion -
An uneducated - blind follower of faith is severly destructive to the faiths ideology.

It is import for the issue of debate to have knowledge of any aspect that may be utilized to provoke a sense on misunderstanding durring debate.

The true question is whether a fundamentalist has the guts to examine other faiths.

I have seen very few that agree that evolution exists - although it can be proved sceintifically - gods presence cannot.

I have spoken to a few very knowledgable fundamentalists who agree that evolution is a viable sceintific idea & they have incorporated this into their faith - this in turn has created a very open minded & well versed fundamentalist.

Some would even venture to call these few - christian sceintists.

I call them intelegent beings that are well versed in what they beleive in & are "adaptable" - (evolutionary theory) to what is proven to be true. this in turn has brought them closer to what they originally believed to be true

Answer 5

That sort of thing doesn't interest me a great deal. Nothing against it, mind you. I don't believe evolution as it is currently understood is any more than a theory, and far from proven. However, I also do not see it as any kind of threat to my understanding of theology, either.

I think astronomy, climatology or ecology are more beneficial areas of study.

I'm not sure what those old bones can teach us that would benefit us in the future. But knowing more about preventing destruction of our atmosphere I think would be very beneficial.

Answer 6

yes i have i have taken high school and college bio along with other science classes and none of it changed my mind because it came down to faith even for evolution like how were the elements created that caused the big bang faith needed ! so i felt there was more proof for creation so i went that way:)

Answer 7

Actually, one biology teacher I had in college had found a way to accept evolution so that it did not interfere with his christian faith. If he had not done a lecture for a comparative religion class I took, I would not have known what faith he claimed either. He even encouraged us to look at model skulls to see for ourselves what science is discovering.

Answer 8

Not a "fundamentalist", but as a Christian, I've been there, done that. There's no where in the Bible that says evolution or palentoloogy aren't true. God is capable of anything, even things my human brain can't even imagine.

Answer 9

They'd only read enough to twist the words of those who know Evolution is science fact. Fundie aren't interested in learning the truth, they just want proselytize their fairytales.

A Pagan/ Heathen

Answer 10

Wait up brain boy! evolution is NOT a theory, natural selection and its consequenses are FACT, like gravity, proven years ago!