I asked earlier about evolution and I got the feeling that I can’t be a Christian and think that evolution is true. My son really wants to be a scientist and really likes the Science Channel. I’m a single mom so dad is out of the picture. Should I be talking to my Pastor about this?
2006-10-27 07:01:49 · 42 answers · asked by Anonymous in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
It's only bad if you don't want your son to learn.
How is knowledge a bad thing?
2006-10-27 07:04:05 · answer #1 · answered by Miss. Bliss 5 · 3⤊ 0⤋
Evolution is only a problem if you don't know what it is. Your son is 8. Let him learn. I hardly think watching the discovery channel (which I look upon with distain for it's shallow ill researched programmes), is a currupting influence. They've even done several dos on creationism-works-with-evolution, which you should probably also see. With your pastor.
I should point out that things such as becoeming a minister require understanding of a great number of scientific concepts, on some basic level. Including evolution. they're usualy taught incorrectly, which really DOESN'T HELP. If you want to understand more of God, there is no better way than to look at his work. If you want to argue with scientists that they are wrong, you must also understand what they have done. He'll have to learn it all soemtime.
2006-10-27 07:06:07 · answer #2 · answered by erynnsilver 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It would be rather difficult to believe that God created everything AND the big bang theory also happened. Micro-evolution has been documented, but macro-evolution, when one species completely changes into a different species, has not. I love the Discovery channel, though, and I really think you should let him watch it. I even think it's OK to let him watch things regarding evolution, but only if you're there and can set him straight. Perhaps you may want to wait until he has a good foundation in science before you let him learn about evolution, or else he may become confused. I hope that you can figure out what to do. :o)
2006-10-27 07:08:27 · answer #3 · answered by Iamnotarobot (former believer) 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Dancer it is absolutely not true that you cannot believe in both evolution and Christianity (or any religion for that matter). You can still believe that God created the world and that evolution came along with the package (it is, after all, a remarkably clever thing).
What you might have trouble reconciling is fundamentalism and evolution.
Either way, why not let your son watch the diiscovery channel and allow him to make up his own mind in a few years time.
2006-10-27 07:07:26 · answer #4 · answered by Grant K 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I am a scientist and I do watch the Science and Discovery channels. I would only allow my 7 and 9 year old sons to watch those channels if I were present. Both stations have somewhat of a liberal slant. I would whole heartedly suggest Star Trek the Next Gen though. The NASA channel is fairly neutral, but not well organized. Feel free to contact me anytime for other suggestions.
God Bless,
MoP
2006-10-27 07:12:18 · answer #5 · answered by ManOfPhysics 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I'd let him watch it. He needs to know what scientific theories are out there and what they teach.
I don't see the creation and evolution theories as necessarily mutually exclusive. Science knows a lot, but they don't know everything. [if it's even possible to know everything] I think if science COULD find out everything, the fossils, research, etc would serve to PROVE the Biblical account of creation, not refute it. The Bible does not specify any HOW details on creation either.
I honestly do not base my life or my faith on the creation vs. evolution debate. There ARE those that would say you cannot be a Christian and believe in evolution, I've even read that here in R&S. I won't say I believe in evolution bag and baggage, but I think the theory does have some merits and no one on either side of the argument can explain it fully. From a Christian perspective, I don't believe any man, no matter how learned, can explain the mind of God.
2006-10-27 07:08:54 · answer #6 · answered by Char 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Well dicretion is advised as there are things that may not be suited for such a young child but not everything should be taken to heart as anyone in the science field would question these things. I believe you can be a Christian and believe in evolution but to a point. There's different types of evolution such as the survival of the fittest wipes out the weak. Or certain traits in people are more dominant because of selective breeding. But as far as evoluting from monkeys I say that totally goes against believing in the fact that Man and Woman were created by the hands of God. I cant tell you what to or not to believe in the vast area of evolution because thats purely up to you. You may wish to consult with your pastor for guidance.
2006-10-27 07:07:22 · answer #7 · answered by Holla 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If your child develops a thirst for the truth then he will find it. I think that science and religion shouldn't be scarred of each other. Scientist disagree on many things just because he is one doesn't mean he must believe in evolution. Also I'm sure Christians can disagree on some points also. There are different ways of interpreting the bible opposed to the one that is currently the most popular.
2006-10-27 07:06:52 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
No it is not. Both those channels are excellent for a young man that is interested in science and discovery. To be a good christian you don't have to believe in evolution but it is a theory that is being studied allot. Your son will be exposed to it and all sorts of different theories, so let him explore and enjoy. It won't make you less a christian.
2006-10-27 07:08:04 · answer #9 · answered by mharrop@sbcglobal.net 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Nothing in the Bible says that you cannot understand that evolution is God's method and also be a Christian. There, that'll get me zapped by a bunch.. Anyway, the science channel is great for kids, so long as you are nearby to explain the less than obvious to them.
It's great that your son wants to be a scientist. What field will he be following? Has he thought about that yet?
2006-10-27 07:05:51 · answer #10 · answered by credo quia est absurdum 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
There is ABSOLUTELY no reason why you can't believe in evolution and Christianity. Look up the topic Theistic Evolution. And, if you pastor gives you grief about it, find another pastor because he is a fool.
As to being a scientist - many, many scientist have religion. Look at it as a method to discover God's Handiwork.
But please don't buy into the narrow minded thinking that some people have - not for you and not for your son.
Good luck,
A
2006-10-27 07:04:36 · answer #11 · answered by Alan 7 · 3⤊ 0⤋