Is there any doubt that GOD created EVOLUTION?

Question

Why does it have to be either or? If human beings can create artificial intelligence is GOD incapable of creating an intelligent universe that is programmed to evolve with the environment?
Are human beings foolishly divided between the two camps of Creationism and Evolution? What if Creation was programmed to Evolve and Darwin is a blessing of GOD but a curse to preachers that wish to maintain a monopoly over the layman's faith? Is it a sin or heresy to dare and combine both or has GOD just spoken to me and through me to you, sponsored of course by YAHOO.

Answer 1

Ah, the familiar "no doubt" scenario.

Uh, yes, there is doubt -- in reasonable, thinking people who *sincerely* seek the truth. But please note that I don't rule out the programmed universe hypothesis.

I appreciate your ability to see more than one side to an issue (which is impossible for so many people) and your desire, perhaps, to get two warring camps together. Also, your comments appear to be somewhat tongue-in-cheek, so I'll try not to get too serious. The problem with your scenario is: evolution works without supervision. It is explainable without a god.

Let me ask you, how would this "intelligent universe that is programmed to evolve" work? Even programs require some mechanism (which they direct) for anything to happen. What is the mechanism which God's program uses? Did he create, and does he now guide the atomic forces involved in each genetic mutation, each birth, and each death of every animal and plant which now lives or ever lived?

No doubt some will sink to such an easy explanation, but science does not, thankfully. It allows us to explore further. Oh, and, uh... if you say yes, he did create those forces -- how do we know that from your holy book? No offense, I'm just big on how people "know" things. Which brings me to my next point...

It's critical to understand that those who are certain are often wrong. Why? Because they have closed their mind to possibilities. They are demonstrating that they see only one small part of an issue.

I have doubt that God exists. But I'm not certain, and will never profess to *know* as so many do -- on either side.

This is precisely why science is the best tool we've invented for uncovering truth. It does not allow one to hear or read -- or *feel* -- something is true and therefore deem it so. It does not allow sloppy reasoning to conclude with a declaration of fact. It requires empirical evidence.

Science neither refutes nor proves the existence of God. But it *has* uncovered overwhelming evidence for evolution. I therefore bristle when some know-it-all (who has done no work to attain his "knowledge") deems evolution false simply because he doesn't want to believe it... and justifies his viewpoint with ridiculous "evidence."

Incidentally, don't you wonder *why* God would create a universe whose inhabitants (at least in our tiny speck of it) evolve? I guess I'm just more curious than many people.

To summarize, this sounds like an attempt to squeeze God into something which doesn't *require* a more complex explanation. (Yes, more complex. For some, as soon as God enters the picture it feels easy and simple, they no longer have to think, and all is right with the world. For me, it only raises more questions which they aren't willing to consider, such as "where did God come from?")

I don't fault them for their laziness... I insist they don't try to fault me for my willingness to think and learn.

Answer 2

I agree with you that it is very foolish that some are so divisive over this issue. The Genesis account tells us in very basic terms that God created the world...however, the means or manner through which he performed His creative activity is simply not detailed out for us.

The issue that you are alluding to is really a problem of some wanting a strictly literalistic interpretation of Genesis. For example, there are those who want to interpret the 6 days of creation as: 6 literal 24-hour days. There is much in the text that would suggest we not take this view, but people do it nonetheless.

The basic content of Genesis follows what we now observe scientifically:

1) The creation of the universe & laws of physics
2) The forming of the atmosphere
3) The emergence of Land & Plants
4) The fixing/stablizing of the earth's orbit into days/years
5) The creation of sea creatures and birds
6) the creation of animals & man

...however, there is no basis for using the Genesis account as a chronological or scientific "textbook". That was never the intent. Rather, Genesis conveys a literal truth (that God is the creator of all) expressed in simple & somewhat figurative language.

Again, the word "day" is one that some want to see as a 24 hour period. However, the meaning of "day" or ("yôm" in Hebrew) has five meanings:

1) a period of light in a day/night cycle

2) a period of 24 hours

3) a general or vague concept of time

4) a specific point of time

5) a period of a year

Each "day" may very well represent an "age" or "era" of creative activity. The scientifically estimated 14.5 billion year age of the universe is a problem that literalists have created via their interpretation, not because the wording of Genesis rules it out as a possibility.

Having said all that, responders like "andymcj66" still irk me a bit with statements like; "Species evolution is a fact". Uh, no, its not. As of now, there are only theories that attempt to solve the problem of macro evolution. Micro evolution (change/adaptation within a species) is obvious. However, the idea that mutated DNA somehow adds data to the genetic code & creates a new species is a totally unsupported theory...

Answer 3

Species evolution is a fact- the available evidence doesn't point to any God having set the ball rolling but that possibility is not directly challenged by evolution.

Answer 4

You are presupposing the existence of a "God". Until there is evidence of any God, there is no reason to suppose that such being had anything to do with Evolution.

Answer 5

That concept is simply your trump card. When something you can't get around any other way comes at you, it is simply engulfed in the godmachine and claimed to be fashioned by the creator.

Ultimately, arguing with a believer is like arguing with a deaf mute. (no offense to you deaf mutes out there)

Answer 6

Evolution is one of the reasons that rational people don't believe in the existence of gods any more.

Answer 7

I do know that humans solve in the since that they adapt to there enviroments, but I know that we didnt evolve from monkeys.

Answer 8

Just the God part they're having trouble finding evidence for...

Answer 9

There's always doubt. But your theory sounds more plausible then Creationism.

Answer 10

I say there is NO doubt that God created evolution.

Genesis 1.20: And God said, "Let the waters bring forth swarms of living creatures."

Genesis 1.24: And God said, "Let the earth bring forth living creatures of every kind."