Creation V. Evolution
In his book Understanding the Times, David Noebel also discusses the theist’s perspective on evolution, specifically Christianity’s view. Most Christians believe in the creation of the universe by God as is described in the first chapters of Genesis. However, in attempt to reconcile faith and scientific reason, some believe in theistic evolution. This is the belief that God created a small speck of life and then allowed evolution to occur; causing the universe to develop into what it is today. In order to reconcile this idea to faith, the Bible must be very loosely interpreted and the account of the creation in Genesis must be figurative.
David Noebel sets forward four arguments of facts and evidence that support creationism. First, he examines the structure and complexity of DNA. DNA is a great coded sequence. How could such a thing exist without intelligence behind it? The greatest languages and codes of our world are pieced together with great plan and ingenuity, how could DNA be any different? Furthermore, Noebel quotes Walter Brown who said, “DNA can only be produced with the help of at least 20 different types of proteins. But these proteins can only be produced at the direction of DNA. Since each requires the other, a satisfactory explanation for the origin of one must also explain the origin of the other. Apparently, this entire manufacturing system came into existence simultaneously. This implies Creation” (155).
Perhaps a more interesting argument that Noebel suggests is the 2nd law of thermodynamics. Noebel quoted A.E. Wilder-Smith about the implications of the 2nd law saying, “The second law of thermodynamics states that, although the total energy in the cosmos remains constant, the amount of energy available to do useful work is always getting smaller” (Noebel, 157). This law contradicts evolution because is describes a universe continuously moving towards disorder, as opposed to the evolutionary idea of progressing towards order. It furthermore suggests that the universe must have had some origin or beginning because the amount of energy useful to do work is always decreasing. “The amount of energy available for useful work would eventually exceed the total energy in the universe that, according to the First Law of Thermodynamics, remains constant. This is an impossible condition” (Noebel, 157).
Genetics are further evidence for intelligent design. Although evolutionists would like to promote endless boundaries for breeding, it simply isn’t true. Variations as a result of breeding can only fluctuate to a certain point, even in the science lab. One example is the research that has been conducted using fruit flies. After decades of fruit fly research, 400 different mutational features were noted, but the fruit fly never changed enough to be called a different species. It has been figured that 1,000 mutations of that caliber put into one fly would still not change the species. None of the mutations achieved would improve the species of the fruit fly. Instead, the flies with mutations were weakened and would never survive in nature. If the mutated flies were permitted to breed on their own, eventually the species would return to their original state. The experiments displayed that no species could evolve into another through such small genetic variations and mutations.
Finally, the gaps in the fossil record suggest the inconsistency of evolution. It simply lacks the evidence of clear, transitional forms. In answer to this, as I mentioned in my previous blog, evolutionists suggest punctuated equilibrium. If evolution did happen in random “spurts,” this would explain the lack of fossil evidence. However, there is no basis for this theory either. It is an assumption and not at all founded on fact or evidence.
To conclude, Noebel writes, “The belief that God created all things, including man in His own image, requires faith. But evolutionary theory requires more faith, since evolution runs contrary to reason, science, and history” (162).
Noebel, David A. Understanding the Times. Colorado: Association of Christian Schools International and Summit Ministries, 1995.