As a Christian — who also happens to be a biology teacher — I am often haunted with a sort of apologetic schizophrenia when it comes to my thoughts on the origins of life and the amazing variety of species on our planet.
I have no problem accepting that the universe and all it contains exists because of the actions of a higher, intelligent power (whom I personally believe to be Jehovah, Yahweh, I AM, the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob — call him what you will.)
I also have no problem with the evidence, accumulated over the last century and a half, which suggests a common genetic origin for the species, and evolution through the last 4 billion years or so of those species through natural selection, as originally described by Charles Darwin and company.
Am I the only one?
It seems to me that most people in “The Scientific Community” (Hoboken, NJ) are deeply hostile to the idea of a theistic origin. At the same time, most “Church People” seem steepled (ha ha!) in the idea that evolution is 100% NON-reconcilable with the Bible, and is part of a huge athiest plot to evict God (yeah, good luck with that…) from the public sphere.
Here’s what I think.
- I believe in a God who makes sense.
- I don’t believe that our definition of “makes sense” always jives with his, due to our relatively limited understanding of the universe.
- I believe that the creation account in the first chapter of Genesis is NOT intended as a descriptive, in-depth science text, but a basis for God’s authority over his creation. IE, he made it all, did a good job doing so, and he’s the boss.
- I believe that the creation account in the second chapter of Genesis is intended to describe where Man fits into relationships with God, his creation, and with himself.
- I believe that God, in his wisdom, built the ability to adapt into his creation.
So, am I wrong? If so, PLEASE explain to me what I don’t get. And please, rather than call names, be specific — point me toward future reading rather than bash what I’ve already read.
My sources (to give you some idea of where I’m coming from) include writings from Francis Collins, Hugh Ross, Neil deGrasse Tyson, J. Craig Venter, Mike Behe; as well as lectures from my teachers/professors, Sam Rhine, and my own personal observations.
I’m tired of wondering if I should feel like I’m a hypocrite… which I don’t… I don’t think…
