Doctrine of Creation

Beautiful Savior Lutheran

Week 9 – 29 February 2004

Professor Gary Locklair

 

Theistic Evolution – Isaiah 29:16; 1 Timothy 6:3-5

 

0. Can’t we Compromise?

 

Is it possible to combine ideas and have the “best of all worlds?”            Luke 16:13

 

Evolution model: origins are the result of natural processes (secondary causes). This is logically consistent with a materialistic worldview.

Creation model: origins are the result of intelligent, supernatural processes (primary causes). This is logically consistent with a Christian worldview.

 

Theistic Evolution: God used (or allowed) the process of evolution for origins.

 

Theistic Evolution is a submodel of evolution, not creation.

 

Claim: Theistic Evolution reconciles the Bible and evolution … but does it?

 

 

1. Is Theistic Evolution Logical?

 

            a. Scientifically, the debate is over cause: primary versus secondary.

 

            Psalm 106:28;            Matthew 5:37

 

            What’s the compromise between primary and secondary causes?

           

 

            b. Philosophically, the debate is materialism(atheism) versus Theism.

 

            1 Kings 18:21;            Isaiah 45:9;               Isaiah 64:8

 

            What’s the compromise between atheism and Theism?

 

 

            c. What Creationary scientists say about Theistic Evolution.

 

            Isaiah 5:20-21;            Matthew 12:34

 

            Theistic Evolution is evolution; it is contrary to Scripture and to science.

 

            d. What Evolutionary scientists say about Theistic Evolution.

 

            Evolution removed the notion of God from rational, scientific discussion.

 

 

            e. Evolution means “no plan, no purpose, no meaning, no God.”

           

            Psalm 14:1;               Proverbs 1:7;            Job 38:2,3

 

            Theistic Evolution is an oxymoron.

 

 

            f. Why is Theistic Evolution accepted by many?

 

            Romans 1:18-23;            1 Corinthians 1:18-25

 

            Due to media bias, many Christians believe evolution is “proven” by science.

            Many Christians desire to avoid “controversial issues.”

 

            Theistic Evolution combines a “god” with evolution; that is not logical.

 

 

2. Theistic Evolution’s effect on Christianity

 

            Revelation 3:15-16            (hot or cold – not a lukewarm compromise!)

 

            The Bible rejects (Theistic) Evolution. Example: order of creation in Genesis 1

            versus macroevolution.

 

            Can’t we “baptize” evolution – cover it with something good – and make it
            acceptable?            Matthew 23:27

 

If we can’t believe Genesis 1, what can we believe? Evolution generates distrust in the clear words of scripture forcing Christians to “pick and choose” what is true and what is false in God’s Word.             2 Timothy 3:16

 

Evolution destroys the meaning of Christ’s redemptive work. Romans 5:12-21 is a myth if evolution is true. Evolution destroys the idea of sin; there is no need for a Savior if there is nothing to be saved from.

 

We don’t have to compromise or accept evolution since there is abundant scientific evidence to support the creation model. The Doctrine of Creation is true – we understand that by faith.            Hebrews 11