Creationists?

Question

I know, B-Krak just asked a similar question

But I want to know what Creationists think about the "theory of evolution". In your own words, how do you understand it? Please let me know.

And... everyone, do you feel that a person can reasonably accept Creationism and Evolution - meaning an intelligent designer created things to adapt and progress through evolution? What do you think?

Answer 1

As a Christian (Mormon) and an advocate of Creationism, here's my answer:

The "theory of evolution" is not a theory in the most basic sense at all, it is a fact. There is a principle that says organisms have the tendency to adapt and conform to the environment in which they live (SAID - specific adaptations to imposed demands). As an environment changes, fitter organisms tend to survive and pass on desirable traits to their offspring, while unfit organisms often succumb to the pressures of their changing environment. This is true, and there is plenty of evidence to support it in all of nature. As fit traits become more prominent due to selection pressures, species - over generations - have the tendency to morph, diverge, and change to better adapt and survive.

Charles Darwin, an amazing researcher, wrote a book that I believe every Christian should read - The Origin of Life. In his book he talks about survival of the fittest, species adaptations, and environmental pressures that effect all organisms. He concludes that in times of change fitter traits outlast unfit traits. More importantly, he suggests species are not rigid taxonomic structures incapable of change, but rather they are malleable, changeable groupings able to conform and adjust and survive within their respective environments.

Since Darwin, many scientists and sociobiologists (such as E.O. Wilson, Richard Dawkins, Dean Hamer, Pinker, and Gould to name a few) have expounded on Darwin's data and of course formed their own opinions that many now attribute to Darwin.

Many scientists agree that evolution is not without its own improbabilities and flaws. Most agree that there are inexplicable surges and blossomings of life found within fossil records that seem inexplicable when assuming the current rates of change remained constant throughout all of history. What is to explain these rapid morphological changes? Did someone or something intervene? There are theories, but again these are theories. Also, the initial beginning of life with prokaryotes and eukaryotes springing into existence raises additional questions.

Personally, I believe the idea of evolution is not contradictory to belief in a supreme being. Quite the contrary, I find it to be harmonious with my belief in a divine creator. Many will not agree, but I see no problem in accepting theism and science. In my opinion, true science and true religion both seek truth - although often misunderstood by one another - I believe they can exist in harmony.

Answer 2

Because we were created in the image of the Creator, it is logical to assume that we have the ability to create as the Creator and this makes the evolution theory viable because with age comes wisdom, knowledge and understanding (meant to be and is for some). We however have to work with choice which can sometimes (actually, make that most times) throw a lot of confussion into the mix as we do not evolve/ learn/ gain wisdom/advance (however you like to put it, it is all relative) at the same rate. I like to imagine a host of people at the foot of a mountain. They all gather and know that the objective is to reach the apex. Some believe there will be a reward once they get there, some are in it for the thrill and some want to proof that there is nothing up there while others do not understand what the hubbub is all about and remain on the edges musing over what they presume to be utter stupidity. They huddle into smaller groups, preferably sharing similar reasons and motivations, and begin mapping out strategies on how to reach the apex before the other groups. When that is done they attempt to recruit more people into their groups as common sense says there is strength in numbers. They loose some and win some while others get dissuaded as the commencement of the journey is taking too long - their patience runs out and since they choose not to go they comfort themselves by believing its a wasted journey. The groups set off towards the apex but alas, each group has its own route and truelly belive that their chosen route is the right one and will most definitely get them there unscathed and before everybody else so only they will get the reward that awaits if any. The others must remain empty handed and everybody assumes that that makes it fair. Along the way though. some paths seem steeper, filled with danger, obstacles, unfriendly elements etc. A few stick to their chosen paths and the others keep moving from group to group thinking the grass is greener. The objective remains the same but the reasons and affiliation keeps changing as we shift from group to group. This is where I see mankind and all that matters to me is the objective not the means of getting there.

Answer 3

Evolution is fine. The process is true. People who deny it are ignorant to what it says. Darwin's observations about different species of birds was very insightful. Evolution over can time can transform species (as is seen with ground squirrels and salamanders), perhaps all the way up until different families. We don't know because we have a different taxonomy than the Bible. What we do know is that God created fully formed life. Most likely with ability to create diverse offspring. To say that the mechanism of natural selection given enough time can create life, goes against everything in nature. Something does not come from nothing. It is not illogical to believe that something was created. I believe that God created the mechanism of evolution as a coping mechanism for imperfect animals and environment. It prevents extinction due to a constantly hostile world. Imagine a car company that could design cars that became more fuel efficient as gas prices went up. You'd probably think they were pretty good designers. The same with God, He made it so creatures could have a diversity of offspring and allow some of them to survive and continue to propagate. I do not feel that the facts we know about science in any way compromise my belief in the "truthiness" of the Bible. So in short I think scientists use the factual process of evolution to prove how life started from nothing, but it is an incorrect conclusion, based on tons of speculation rather than actual observation.

Answer 4

Evolution is is a theory to help understand the changes in lifeforms over time. It does not have anything to do with the original creation or manifestation of these lifeforms. Evolution does not mean a belief in random events or chaos.

Most people who accept this theory would tell you that humans did not come from apes, but rather humans and many apes seem to have a common ancestor (different branches of the same family tree).

Much of that difference in DNA between humans and apes is the genetic coding for the brain and how the brain is used. Just because humans have languages and logical thought patterns which can be taught from generation to generation does not mean that basically humans are not animals. To believe this might be considered the height of arrogance.

If you look carefully at human behavior in a mob or group expecting an immediate danger (large predator or fire, for example) you might find much less difference between your behavior and that of many of the great apes.

The simplest cases of change in a lifeforms over time deal with microbes. Humans know through study that some species have changed enough to now be considered a different species. This is more than just changes in antibiotic response or nutritional needs. These changes are associated with changes in DNA coding.

Please understand that some people are so set in their own dogma that they cannot begin to change their belief system no matter what evidence is presented to them. They have no method to begin to understand how a flu virus can change from year to year. Evolution does not have all the answers, especially if one is interested in the original creation of life. Evolution can, on the other-hand, help understand how life can change.

Answer 5

The "theory of evolution" is generally misunderstood. What is most often presented is variations within a species, which is best described as a genetic "quality control" mechanism.

From this basis, vast conclusions are drawn, such as the "evolution" of hydrogen into other elements, or the "evolution" of planets and stars. Evolution from one kind of animal to another, etc.

Variations within a kind (micro-evolution) is an observed phenomenon and well documented science. Macro-evolution has never been observed, is genetically implausible and has no basis in true, valid science.

Can evolution and creationism be reconciled? Micro evolution does not contradict creationism since no "kind" of animal ever "evolves" into another. So while creationism does not contradict true science, even micro-evolution as it is observed, evolution precludes creation because it has as its underlying basis that there is no God and that everything has naturalistic explanations, including the origin of life. Mud to man, which has never been observed, and never will be.
.

Answer 6

This isn't a very good answer to the question, but it reminds me of deism, the thought that god made the world and left, and everything we did would automatically fall into place according to his will. Very oversimplified.

I however am agnostic. I have a hard time reconciling Creationist theory with any branch of science.

Answer 7

Of course they can co-exist. I believe that God is the Master Creator and Master Scientist. I believe he created many species, but also that species can and do evolve. The "theory of evolution" does not give sufficient explanation of the basic and early "machine" like organisms and their working parts, which I feel is due to the creation.

Answer 8

Hi Kai. There is a WORLD of difference between evolution and ADAPTATION, no pun intended. We only have hard evidence of adaptation. That's all that can actually be proved. Evolution is an UNPROVEN THEORY. Period. Think about it. Thousands of species, and no proven evolution. Not once. Ever.
Why would anyone go to such lengths to promote so much misinformation? It's ALWAYS all about the money. Think about what would be different--and would not be sold--if everyone accepted the reality of GOD, and didn't go after their own little piece of self-defined happiness.
Divide and conquer. I'm not going to say who is doing it. The clues are there for you to figure it out.
You seem to honestly be seeking answers, so best of luck.

Answer 9

Pink Unicorns created the Heavens and Earth, Santa Clause is the director of Intelligent Design and Micro Evolution, The Easter Bunny Rules in Hell, and the Green Faerie is the savior.

Prove me wrong. I believe it so to criticize me makes you a religious persecutor.

Answer 10

As with religion and politics, there is a slight amount of truth in everything. The majority of open-minded people do not feel right or left sided in any one subject, but make up their own conclusion based on facts and theories from every point of view. Whereas there may be a Christian who believes in forms of evolution (plants, animals, etc...)

My theory is, sure, we may have evolved from hairier humans, or more slender humans, or whatever it may be....

At the same time, pure evolutionists say "Humans came from Monkeys..."

Christians say, "God created Man in His image."

I say, "My God is not a Monkey!"