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Evolution: Evolution: Why It MattersWhy It Matters

What is Neo-Darwinian What is Neo-Darwinian Evolution?Evolution?

Says that life started when certain Says that life started when certain chemicals formed the first cellchemicals formed the first cell

Over millions of years, offspring Over millions of years, offspring from that cell changed and grew in from that cell changed and grew in complexity, resulting in the great complexity, resulting in the great variety we see todayvariety we see today

In other words, all species originated In other words, all species originated from a common ancestor, advancing from a common ancestor, advancing from one generation to the next.from one generation to the next.

Note: “Neo-Darwinian Evolution” is shortened to “Evolution” in the following slides.

What is Neo-Darwinian What is Neo-Darwinian Evolution?Evolution?

The process is said to be driven The process is said to be driven by natural selection acting on by natural selection acting on random mutations. In other random mutations. In other words it is a mindless, words it is a mindless, undirected process.undirected process.

What is Theistic What is Theistic Evolution?Evolution?

The process of evolution was not The process of evolution was not random, but rather, guided by God’s random, but rather, guided by God’s hand.hand.

The Biblical account of creation is The Biblical account of creation is not historical, but is either figurative not historical, but is either figurative or simply gives a general framework or simply gives a general framework of how things came to be.of how things came to be.

What is Theistic What is Theistic Evolution?Evolution?

In one popular version of Theistic In one popular version of Theistic Evolution, Man evolved from an ape-like Evolution, Man evolved from an ape-like creature when God intervened. creature when God intervened. Furthermore, Original Sin resulted in Furthermore, Original Sin resulted in spiritual death, but not physical death, spiritual death, but not physical death, since physical death and natural selection since physical death and natural selection had long been a part of the process God had long been a part of the process God used to “create” man.used to “create” man.

One goal of this presentation is to point One goal of this presentation is to point out the theological problems of this view.out the theological problems of this view.

Overview: If Evolution is Overview: If Evolution is True,True,

The Authority of the Scripture is The Authority of the Scripture is UnderminedUndermined

The Power of God is MinimizedThe Power of God is Minimized The Fall of Man is DeniedThe Fall of Man is Denied The Need for Christ is DiminishedThe Need for Christ is Diminished Hope for the Resurrection is ReducedHope for the Resurrection is Reduced A Key Apologetic for the Problem of A Key Apologetic for the Problem of

Evil is LostEvil is Lost

The Authority of the The Authority of the Scripture is UnderminedScripture is Undermined

Evolution: Why Does It Matter?Evolution: Why Does It Matter?

The Authority of The Authority of Scripture is UnderminedScripture is Undermined

““The authority of the Scripture The authority of the Scripture means that all the words in means that all the words in Scripture are God’s word in such a Scripture are God’s word in such a way that to disbelieve or disobey any way that to disbelieve or disobey any word of Scripture is to disbelieve or word of Scripture is to disbelieve or disobey God.” disobey God.”

(from Grudem, Wayne A. (from Grudem, Wayne A. Systematic TheologySystematic Theology. Grand Rapids, MI: . Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 2000, p. 73)Zondervan, 2000, p. 73)

The Creation of ManThe Creation of Man

Genesis 2:7 “the LORD God formed Genesis 2:7 “the LORD God formed the man from the dust of the ground the man from the dust of the ground and breathed into his nostrils the and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life, and the man became a breath of life, and the man became a living being.”living being.”

The Hebrew for man (adam) sounds The Hebrew for man (adam) sounds like and may be related to the like and may be related to the Hebrew for ground (adamah) it is Hebrew for ground (adamah) it is also the name Adam (see Gen. 2:20).also the name Adam (see Gen. 2:20).

Paul Affirmed the Special Paul Affirmed the Special Creation of Woman as Creation of Woman as

HistoryHistory

In the Genesis account of the In the Genesis account of the creation of Eve, the first woman, she creation of Eve, the first woman, she is fashioned from Adam’s rib. is fashioned from Adam’s rib.

The Apostle Paul affirms the Genesis The Apostle Paul affirms the Genesis account, writing, “For man did not account, writing, “For man did not come from woman, but woman from come from woman, but woman from man.” (1 Cor. 11:8)man.” (1 Cor. 11:8)

The Creation of Man The Creation of Man According to Theistic According to Theistic

Evolution Evolution Man was “Created” from a Man was “Created” from a

chimpanzee or ape-like creature, not chimpanzee or ape-like creature, not from the dustfrom the dust

A man and a woman would have to A man and a woman would have to be created the same way at about be created the same way at about the same timethe same time

This idea is very different from the This idea is very different from the Genesis narrativeGenesis narrative

Jesus Understood the Jesus Understood the Creation of Man as Earliest Creation of Man as Earliest

Earth HistoryEarth History Jesus said, “But from the beginning of Jesus said, “But from the beginning of

creation, God made them male and female” creation, God made them male and female” Mark 10:6Mark 10:6

If God created everything almost instantly as a If God created everything almost instantly as a special creation, the phrase “beginning of special creation, the phrase “beginning of creation” means “beginning of time”. The creation” means “beginning of time”. The parallel passage, Matt. 19:4, affirms this, “…parallel passage, Matt. 19:4, affirms this, “…He who created them He who created them from the beginning from the beginning made made them male and female.”them male and female.”

If God used evolution to create over millions of If God used evolution to create over millions of years, Jesus’ statement doesn’t make sense. years, Jesus’ statement doesn’t make sense.

Peter Alludes to Special, Peter Alludes to Special, Instantaneous CreationInstantaneous Creation

2Peter3:5 “by God's word the heavens 2Peter3:5 “by God's word the heavens existed and the earth was formed”existed and the earth was formed”

This verse gives the impression that God This verse gives the impression that God spoke and the heavens and earth spoke and the heavens and earth appeared almost immediatelyappeared almost immediately

If God used natural processes to create, If God used natural processes to create, this verse doesn’t make sense. Yet this this verse doesn’t make sense. Yet this is God’s word through Peter, a foremost is God’s word through Peter, a foremost apostle. apostle.

Genesis Refers to the Genesis Refers to the Creation Passage as Creation Passage as

HistoryHistory Genesis 2:4 (NKJV) “This is the history Genesis 2:4 (NKJV) “This is the history

(towledah) of the heavens and the (towledah) of the heavens and the earth when they were created…”earth when they were created…”

The Hebrew “Towledah” is also The Hebrew “Towledah” is also translated as “account” (NIV, NASV, translated as “account” (NIV, NASV, NLT), or “generations” (KJV, RSV, NLT), or “generations” (KJV, RSV, ESV). ESV).

All these imply an historical, not a All these imply an historical, not a figurative, passage.figurative, passage.

A Straightforward A Straightforward Reading Indicates a 6 Reading Indicates a 6

Day CreationDay Creation Genesis 1:3-5 Genesis 1:3-5

God created light and darknessGod created light and darkness ““and there was a morning and an and there was a morning and an

evening, the first day”evening, the first day” Genesis 1:6-8Genesis 1:6-8

God created the skyGod created the sky ““and there was a morning and an and there was a morning and an

evening, the second day”evening, the second day”



God created dry ground and plantsGod created dry ground and plants ““and there was a morning and an and there was a morning and an

evening, the third day”evening, the third day” Genesis 1:14-19Genesis 1:14-19

God created the sun, moon and starsGod created the sun, moon and stars ““and there was a morning and an and there was a morning and an

evening, the forth day”evening, the forth day”



God created fish and birdsGod created fish and birds ““and there was a morning and an and there was a morning and an

evening, the fifth day”evening, the fifth day” Genesis 1:24-31Genesis 1:24-31

God created the animals and manGod created the animals and man ““and there was a morning and an and there was a morning and an

evening, the sixth day”evening, the sixth day”

Moses Wrote GenesisMoses Wrote Genesis

Moses wrote the first 5 books of the Bible, Moses wrote the first 5 books of the Bible, known as “The Law” or “The Book of known as “The Law” or “The Book of Moses”; Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Moses”; Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, and Deuteronomy. We know this:Numbers, and Deuteronomy. We know this: From Duet. 31:24-26 – Moses writes and gives From Duet. 31:24-26 – Moses writes and gives

the law to the Levites to put into the ark of the the law to the Levites to put into the ark of the covenant.covenant.

Since, in The New Testament, The Old Testament Since, in The New Testament, The Old Testament is often referred to as “Moses and the Prophets”.is often referred to as “Moses and the Prophets”.

From Jewish and Christian tradition.From Jewish and Christian tradition.

Moses Knew the Correct Moses Knew the Correct Interpretation of GenesisInterpretation of Genesis Moses is a very highly regarded Moses is a very highly regarded

figure in the Bible.figure in the Bible.

He lead the people of Israel from He lead the people of Israel from captivity in Egypt.captivity in Egypt.

He is referenced over 800 times, 80 He is referenced over 800 times, 80 times in the New Testament.times in the New Testament.

Moses Knew the Correct Moses Knew the Correct Interpretation of GenesisInterpretation of Genesis God Dictated The Old Testament Law to God Dictated The Old Testament Law to

MosesMoses Exodus 19:3, “Then Moses went up to God, and Exodus 19:3, “Then Moses went up to God, and

the LORD called to him from the mountain and the LORD called to him from the mountain and said, "This is what you are to say to the house said, "This is what you are to say to the house of Jacob and what you are to tell the people of of Jacob and what you are to tell the people of Israel:” Israel:”

Following Exodus 19:3 are 4 chapters of direct Following Exodus 19:3 are 4 chapters of direct dictation from God at Mount Sinai!dictation from God at Mount Sinai!

““Moses then wrote down everything the Moses then wrote down everything the LORD had said.” Exodus 24:4aLORD had said.” Exodus 24:4a

Moses Knew the Correct Moses Knew the Correct Interpretation of GenesisInterpretation of Genesis

Moses met with God for days at a time.Moses met with God for days at a time. Exodus 24:17-18, “To the Israelites the glory Exodus 24:17-18, “To the Israelites the glory

of the LORD looked like a consuming fire on of the LORD looked like a consuming fire on top of the mountain. top of the mountain. 1818 Then Moses entered Then Moses entered the cloud as he went on up the mountain. the cloud as he went on up the mountain. And he stayed on the mountain forty days And he stayed on the mountain forty days and forty nights.”and forty nights.”

Surely, much was truth was revealed to Surely, much was truth was revealed to Moses, including the details of the creation.Moses, including the details of the creation.

Moses Believed in Moses Believed in a 6 Day Creationa 6 Day Creation

Exodus 20:8-11"Remember the Sabbath Exodus 20:8-11"Remember the Sabbath day by keeping it holy. day by keeping it holy. Six daysSix days you you shall labor and do all your work, but shall labor and do all your work, but the seventh day is a Sabbath to the the seventh day is a Sabbath to the LORD your God. On it you shall not do LORD your God. On it you shall not do any work, neither you, nor your son or any work, neither you, nor your son or daughter, nor your manservant or daughter, nor your manservant or maidservant, nor your animals, nor the maidservant, nor your animals, nor the alien within your gates. ..alien within your gates. ..

Moses Believed in Moses Believed in a 6 Day Creationa 6 Day Creation

……For in six days the LORD made the For in six days the LORD made the heavens and the earth, the sea, and all heavens and the earth, the sea, and all that is in themthat is in them, but he rested on the , but he rested on the seventh day. Therefore the LORD seventh day. Therefore the LORD blessed the Sabbath day and made it blessed the Sabbath day and made it holy.”holy.”

This command would make no sense This command would make no sense if Moses or the Israelites believed in if Moses or the Israelites believed in millions of years of “Theistic millions of years of “Theistic Evolution”.Evolution”.

If Genesis is figurative, how do If Genesis is figurative, how do we know? What are the clues? we know? What are the clues? How do we know moral How do we know moral teachings aren’t figurative as teachings aren’t figurative as well?well?

If the Genesis account of If the Genesis account of creation is not true, at what creation is not true, at what point does the Bible start telling point does the Bible start telling true history? How can we know?true history? How can we know?

The Genesis Creation Account Must be Literal

History

Non – Literal Interpretation of Non – Literal Interpretation of Genesis has led to:Genesis has led to:

““Higher criticism” Higher criticism” Liberal theology and mass exodus Liberal theology and mass exodus

from churchesfrom churches Relativism, post modernismRelativism, post modernism Marginalization of the Bible and Marginalization of the Bible and

Christ in our universitiesChrist in our universities

The Power of God is The Power of God is MinimizedMinimized


God’s Power is shown God’s Power is shown through His Creationthrough His Creation

GenesisGenesis Job 38-41Job 38-41 Romans 1:20Romans 1:20

God’s Awesome Power is God’s Awesome Power is Known Through the Known Through the

CreationCreation Paul wrote of creation as evidence of Paul wrote of creation as evidence of

His power, “For since the creation of His power, “For since the creation of the world God's invisible qualities—the world God's invisible qualities—his eternal power and divine naturehis eternal power and divine nature—have been clearly seen, being —have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been understood from what has been made, so that men are without made, so that men are without excuse.” Rom. 1:20excuse.” Rom. 1:20

If God didn’t make the Universe and all that is in them, maybe He’s not that powerful. Why should I respect Him and do what He wants?

The Fall of Man is The Fall of Man is DeniedDenied

Read Gen. 2Read Gen. 2


The Fall of Man The Fall of Man Explains…Explains…

Shame & worry about what Shame & worry about what others thinkothers think

Fear of punishmentFear of punishment Blame shiftingBlame shifting Increased pain in childbirthIncreased pain in childbirth Thorns, thistles, toilsome workThorns, thistles, toilsome work …… (See Genesis Chapter 3)


Death!Death!

The Fall of Man is DeniedThe Fall of Man is Denied

Evolution says:Evolution says: Millions of years of death Millions of years of death

passed before the first manpassed before the first man

The Bible Says:The Bible Says: Death entered the world Death entered the world

through Adam’s sin through Adam’s sin

Death entered the world Death entered the world through Adam’s sinthrough Adam’s sin

Rom. 5:12 “Therefore, just as sin Rom. 5:12 “Therefore, just as sin entered the world through one man, entered the world through one man, and death through sin, and in this and death through sin, and in this way death came to all men…”way death came to all men…”

What Kind of Death What Kind of Death Entered the World at the Entered the World at the

Fall of Man?Fall of Man?


Fall of Man?Fall of Man? All creation was cursed at the fall of man. All creation was cursed at the fall of man.

Rom. 8:20-21 “Against its will, all Rom. 8:20-21 “Against its will, all creation was subjected to God’s curse. creation was subjected to God’s curse. But with eager hope, the creation looks But with eager hope, the creation looks forward to the day when it will join God’s forward to the day when it will join God’s children in glorious freedom from death children in glorious freedom from death and decay.” and decay.”

Part of that curse was death.Part of that curse was death.



Rom. 8:20-21 “Against its will, Rom. 8:20-21 “Against its will, all all creation creation was subjected to God’s curse. was subjected to God’s curse. But with eager hope, the creation looks But with eager hope, the creation looks forward to the day when it will join God’s forward to the day when it will join God’s children in glorious freedom from death children in glorious freedom from death and decay.” NLTand decay.” NLT

Part of that curse was death.Part of that curse was death. All creatures were affected by the curse All creatures were affected by the curse

of death.of death.

But surely plants and micro organisms died before the Fall of Man…

Yes!Yes!

In the language of Bible, creatures In the language of Bible, creatures (nephesh chayyah) die and plants (nephesh chayyah) die and plants wither. wither.

The curse of death affected The curse of death affected creatures. Plants, invertebrates and creatures. Plants, invertebrates and micro organisms were already dying micro organisms were already dying before the fall.before the fall.




Part of that curse was death.Part of that curse was death. In the Bible, creatures die, plants wither.In the Bible, creatures die, plants wither.



Rom. 8:20-21 “Against its will, all Rom. 8:20-21 “Against its will, all creation was subjected to God’s curse. creation was subjected to God’s curse. But with eager hope, the creation looks But with eager hope, the creation looks forward to the day when it will join God’s forward to the day when it will join God’s children in glorious freedom from death children in glorious freedom from death and decay.” NLTand decay.” NLT

Part of that curse was death.Part of that curse was death. In the Bible, creatures die, plants wither.In the Bible, creatures die, plants wither. The death was spiritual and physical.The death was spiritual and physical.

Spiritual DeathSpiritual Death Man was separated from God by his sin.Man was separated from God by his sin.

Physical DeathPhysical Death

Physical Death vs. Resurrection:Physical Death vs. Resurrection:

1 Cor. 15:21-22 “For since death came 1 Cor. 15:21-22 “For since death came through a man, the resurrection of the dead through a man, the resurrection of the dead comes also through a man. For as in Adam comes also through a man. For as in Adam all die, so in Christ all will be made alive.”all die, so in Christ all will be made alive.”

This passage makes it clear that the Fall of This passage makes it clear that the Fall of Man resulted in physical death, since it is Man resulted in physical death, since it is contrasted with the physical resurrection.contrasted with the physical resurrection.




Part of that curse was death.Part of that curse was death. In the Bible, creatures die, plants wither.In the Bible, creatures die, plants wither. The death was spiritual and physical.The death was spiritual and physical.

The Fall of Man is DeniedThe Fall of Man is Denied

Evolution says:Evolution says: Millions of years of death Millions of years of death

passed before the first manpassed before the first man

The Bible Says:The Bible Says: Death entered the world Death entered the world

through Adam’s sin through Adam’s sin

If evolution is true, and we have the right understanding of death, the Fall of Man is

not true!


Shame & worry about what Shame & worry about what others thinkothers think

Fear of punishmentFear of punishment Blame shiftingBlame shifting Increased pain in childbirthIncreased pain in childbirth Thorns, thistles, toilsome workThorns, thistles, toilsome work …… (See Genesis Chapter 3)


DeathDeathThe need for Christ!The need for Christ!

Where there is sin, Where there is sin, God requires death. God requires death.

Adam’s sin brought deathAdam’s sin brought death Sin committed under the Law of Sin committed under the Law of

Moses required the death of an Moses required the death of an animalanimal

Jesus died in our place to atone Jesus died in our place to atone for our sinsfor our sins

Sin – Death RequirementSin – Death Requirement under the Law under the Law

Lev. 4:32-33 "`If he brings a lamb Lev. 4:32-33 "`If he brings a lamb as his sin offering, he is to bring a as his sin offering, he is to bring a female without defect. He is to lay female without defect. He is to lay his hand on its head and slaughter his hand on its head and slaughter it…’”it…’”

Jesus Christ is known as the Lamb Jesus Christ is known as the Lamb of God!of God!

Christ Came to…Christ Came to…

Bring us back to relationship Bring us back to relationship with God by paying the price for with God by paying the price for our sinsour sins

Conquer deathConquer death (spiritual and (spiritual and physical)physical)

……

Christ Redeemed us Christ Redeemed us from the Fallfrom the Fall

Rom. 5:19 “Rom. 5:19 “For just as For just as through the disobedience of through the disobedience of the one man the many were the one man the many were made sinners, so also made sinners, so also through the obedience of the through the obedience of the one man the many will be one man the many will be made righteous.”made righteous.”

Evolution: Why Does It Evolution: Why Does It Matter?Matter?

If evolution is true, the Fall of Man is not true.

If man did not fall, then Christ is not needed!

Hope for the Resurrection Hope for the Resurrection is Lost is Lost


The Centrality of the The Centrality of the ResurrectionResurrection

1 Cor. 15:13-19 “If there is no 1 Cor. 15:13-19 “If there is no resurrection of the dead, then not even resurrection of the dead, then not even Christ has been raised. And if Christ Christ has been raised. And if Christ has not been raised, our preaching is has not been raised, our preaching is useless and so is your faith. More than useless and so is your faith. More than that, we are then found to be false that, we are then found to be false witnesses about God, for we have witnesses about God, for we have testified about God that he raised Christ testified about God that he raised Christ from the dead. But He did not raise from the dead. But He did not raise Him if in fact the dead are not raised.” Him if in fact the dead are not raised.”

The Centrality of the The Centrality of the ResurrectionResurrection

For if the dead are not raised, then For if the dead are not raised, then Christ has not been raised either. Christ has not been raised either. And if Christ has not been raised, And if Christ has not been raised, your faith is futile; you are still in your faith is futile; you are still in your sins. Then those also who have your sins. Then those also who have fallen asleep in Christ are lost. If fallen asleep in Christ are lost. If only for this life we have hope in only for this life we have hope in Christ, we are to be pitied more than Christ, we are to be pitied more than all men.”all men.”

The Hope of the The Hope of the Resurrection is Linked to Resurrection is Linked to

AdamAdam

1 Cor. 15:21-22 “For since death came 1 Cor. 15:21-22 “For since death came through a man, the resurrection of the through a man, the resurrection of the dead comes also through a man. For dead comes also through a man. For as in Adam all die, so in Christ all will as in Adam all die, so in Christ all will be made alive.”be made alive.”

The Hope of the The Hope of the Resurrection is Linked to Resurrection is Linked to

AdamAdamIf death did not come through Adam, If death did not come through Adam, perhaps the resurrection won’t come perhaps the resurrection won’t come through Christ. Paul’s theology of through Christ. Paul’s theology of the resurrection is linked to the fact the resurrection is linked to the fact that death entered the world that death entered the world through one man, Adam. If death through one man, Adam. If death didn’t come through one man, why didn’t come through one man, why should we expect that one man, should we expect that one man, Jesus, could redeem us and bring us Jesus, could redeem us and bring us life?life?

Evolution Removes an Evolution Removes an Important Apologetic for Important Apologetic for

the Problem of Evilthe Problem of Evil



the Problem of Evilthe Problem of Evil God’s PlanGod’s Plan

Perfect Creation – no evil or sufferingPerfect Creation – no evil or suffering Fall of Man, introducing moral and Fall of Man, introducing moral and

natural evilnatural evil Spiritual Restoration Through ChristSpiritual Restoration Through Christ Christ’s Rule at 2Christ’s Rule at 2ndnd Coming Coming Creation of New Heavens, New EarthCreation of New Heavens, New Earth

Removing moral and natural evilRemoving moral and natural evil Perfection RestoredPerfection Restored

Moral Evil vs. Natural Moral Evil vs. Natural EvilEvil

Moral evil is Moral evil is caused by man caused by man choosing to inflict choosing to inflict pain.pain.

Moral evil is often Moral evil is often explained by the explained by the

““free will” argument.free will” argument.

Natural evil is Natural evil is suffering due to suffering due to natural events and natural events and processesprocesses

Natural evil can be Natural evil can be explained by the explained by the fall of man.fall of man.


the Problem of Evilthe Problem of Evil

If God used evolution to create, then If God used evolution to create, then God always intended natural evil and God always intended natural evil and suffering.suffering.

This is in contrast to a good God This is in contrast to a good God which created a “good” paradise which created a “good” paradise with no suffering.with no suffering.

The New Atheists are trying The New Atheists are trying to use evolution to to use evolution to marginalize religious faith. marginalize religious faith. See PZ Myers atSee PZ Myers at

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=So2k9QkDAdU


Evolution: Why Does It Evolution: Why Does It Matter?Matter?

“Christianity has fought, still fights, and will fight science to the desperate end over evolution, because evolution destroys utterly and finally the very reason Jesus’ earthly life was supposedly made necessary. Destroy Adam and Eve and the original sin, and in the rubble you will find the sorry remains of the son of god [sic]. Take away the meaning of his death. If Jesus was not the redeemer who died for our sins, and this is what evolution means, then Christianity is nothing!”

G. Richard Bozarth, “The Meaning of Evolution,” The American Atheist, Vol. 20, No. 2, February 1978, p. 30.

Since Evolution undermines the Since Evolution undermines the following truths…following truths…

History given in the Bible can be trustedHistory given in the Bible can be trusted The Creation is a display of God’s The Creation is a display of God’s

awesome powerawesome power The Fall of Man brought spiritual and The Fall of Man brought spiritual and

physical death and Natural Evil into the physical death and Natural Evil into the worldworld

Through Christ we have a sure hope for Through Christ we have a sure hope for the resurrection and release from the resurrection and release from physical deathphysical death

……it matters greatly !it matters greatly !

Evolution: It Evolution: It Matters Greatly !Matters Greatly !