Charles Darwin presented his theory of evolution in 1859. For various reasons Atheism arose at the end of the 19th century and during the 20th century in the Western world. During this time evolution became the big idea – so rather than saying ‘God created it’, people now say ‘it evolved.’
The church survived the Atheist secular climate by proclaiming that the natural processes of evolution were God’s method of creation.
In our society science is equated with truth, while religious belief is an irrelevant side show, ignored by most people. Theology bows to the theories of modern science – in this way we avoid conflict with a secular world.
But who is this Creator God? Can he do anything? Can we do anything?
Is it right that we should bow down to the idols of science to the extent of not daring to question the theories of science?
Science was my first love and remains the focus of my life. But I serve God by asking the questions, searching for new understandings, and I believe I have found many of the answers.
When I examined genetics and what is known through the Human Genome Project (which is on-going), I found that mutation does not build up new genes, mutation disables genes and switches them off.
The switching off of genes may lead to genetic disease – this is disadvantageous mutation. But when the non-expression of genes is useful, it is selected by natural selection – this is advantageous mutation.
I developed a new theory of evolution called Entropic Evolution. Life was created able to evolve. For evolution to be possible, it is necessary to start with a high level of complexity. Complex life can evolve in many different directions and produce a great diversity of species.
It is right that the church should uphold science and accept belief in evolution – but in the right way. As citizens and as Christians we have the right to debate the meanings of things. The church is a good platform for debate.
So I put it to you – that evolution properly understood – does not fit into the picture as a means of creation, but as part of the fall.
The Principles of Creation 