Someone gave a devotion the other day in Dr. Hood's class about evolution and creation. The young man stated that after researching it for a few years, he could not deny it as a high possibility, whether started by God or not. Dr. Hood then stated that it made no sense to her, being a molecular biologist paraphrased, as "I can't see it worth crap". But what she amended was more striking: that despite what we think or do not think about evolution/creation, we are all ending up in the same place, so why fight and bicker?
Many Christians would immediately wish to burn you for saying "evolution" to them, or will at least say to you, "Well at least I know what's right" or something else arrogant and condemning. Do not mistake me, however, for saying that all Christians are like this, in fact it is a disgusting and spotlighted minority that is. For instance, Dr. Hood said that it was great to be at a place where we are not forced to learn one set thing and ignore the rest, but instead have an opportunity to test and study everything for ourselves. Wherever one's studies lead them, what is most important in the debate is that they know Jesus and have a relationship with him. In the end, we are all going to the same place (yes, even those who like evolution or god-inspired evolution) so like she said, why argue about that now? There are more important issues that pertain to how we actually live as Christians other than countless debates, arguments, and philosophies regarding "exactly" how it all must have happened. Do not mistake me for saying that everything is relative, because it is not. We are talking about people who are Christians anyway, who share in the same promises and mercies, not those who mold relativity to every aspect in life. But let's get over it people, we can at least respect each other enough to let someone have a different opinion without thinking that they will burn in Hell for reading about evolution. One can look at Lower criticisms, such as the definition of day in Genesis, and find that the focus of the two creation chapters are vague about exactly "how", but instead show the significance of "who" made creation. The text shows that God is sovereign, and to this I firmly agree. However, to say we know for 100% exactly how something happened is almost naive. To me, if you have an educated opinion, I can respect that; and I do not care for useless debates. Our salvation is not determined by how we think God created the earth, but by how we react to the choice given to us by Jesus to follow and the Sovereign father or not.
We are all still learning as we move in the Christian walk, which never stops. I haven't gotten there, none of you reading this has gotten there. Be respectful of others, and do not sacrifice something so much more important for pride, contempt, and arrogance.
There are places this post could go that I have not and choose not to address, please keep in mind that this was written before class and on the side. Also be reminded this just applies to the scope of Treating Christians and evolution, it is not a broad concept to be applied readily to other areas of the Christian faith.
Many Christians would immediately wish to burn you for saying "evolution" to them, or will at least say to you, "Well at least I know what's right" or something else arrogant and condemning. Do not mistake me, however, for saying that all Christians are like this, in fact it is a disgusting and spotlighted minority that is. For instance, Dr. Hood said that it was great to be at a place where we are not forced to learn one set thing and ignore the rest, but instead have an opportunity to test and study everything for ourselves. Wherever one's studies lead them, what is most important in the debate is that they know Jesus and have a relationship with him. In the end, we are all going to the same place (yes, even those who like evolution or god-inspired evolution) so like she said, why argue about that now? There are more important issues that pertain to how we actually live as Christians other than countless debates, arguments, and philosophies regarding "exactly" how it all must have happened. Do not mistake me for saying that everything is relative, because it is not. We are talking about people who are Christians anyway, who share in the same promises and mercies, not those who mold relativity to every aspect in life. But let's get over it people, we can at least respect each other enough to let someone have a different opinion without thinking that they will burn in Hell for reading about evolution. One can look at Lower criticisms, such as the definition of day in Genesis, and find that the focus of the two creation chapters are vague about exactly "how", but instead show the significance of "who" made creation. The text shows that God is sovereign, and to this I firmly agree. However, to say we know for 100% exactly how something happened is almost naive. To me, if you have an educated opinion, I can respect that; and I do not care for useless debates. Our salvation is not determined by how we think God created the earth, but by how we react to the choice given to us by Jesus to follow and the Sovereign father or not.
We are all still learning as we move in the Christian walk, which never stops. I haven't gotten there, none of you reading this has gotten there. Be respectful of others, and do not sacrifice something so much more important for pride, contempt, and arrogance.
There are places this post could go that I have not and choose not to address, please keep in mind that this was written before class and on the side. Also be reminded this just applies to the scope of Treating Christians and evolution, it is not a broad concept to be applied readily to other areas of the Christian faith.
And every once in a while I step back and think "So he's more than just the good looks..."
;-) Just kidding Dave. That was a really good post, I agree with what you said. And I think it was well put. (I keep telling you you can write well)
you're sounding very postmodern, i like that! you should read books by brian mclaren, you will like them! the following i recomend: "a new kind of christian," "the story we find ourselves in," and "the last word and the word after that." enjoy fall
Thanks for the books Moose, I'll check those out. I'm just now getting around to Blue Like Jazz, we're reading it for RA stuff, it's fun.
cool deal blaser, thats a good book and one that started me down a road of new perspectives. good luck with your journey, you will have a good one, thats for sure! be sure to drink lots of tea! i wish the best for you this year! you are a brother!