Is Evolution Science or a Belief?
First of all, what is evolution? Well, there are different kinds that most have probably learned in high school, such as micro-evolution, macro-evolution, etc. But the evolution being discussed here in this writing is Cosmic evolution, which is basically the study of the origin of the universe: The theory that everything came to be when a speck the size of a pea somehow exploded (the Big Bang Theory) and created the sun, moon and stars, us and the world in which we live. But how probable is that theory? Is there any real proof? Does it take just as much faith to believe in this theory as it does to believe that the universe was created by an all powerful Being? Is evolution a belief?
The purpose of this essay is not to present a bunch of facts showing why evolution is not true and the creation theory is true, there are thousands of studies and academic writings on the subject. The purpose is to expose the commonly held belief that evolution is science, and Creationism is a belief. Truly, it takes a large amount of faith to believe in the evolutionary theory because there is no solid proof. As Dutch scientist Cees Dekker said, “It should be understood that evolutionary theory is incomplete and that we are still discovering new things.” (Blancke 793) Science is something that can be studied, tested and demonstrated, especially in a controlled environment, such as a laboratory. Scientists can't prove the evolutionary big bang happened because, even today, they can't make something from nothing. Merriam Webster's definition of science is: "Knowledge about or study of the natural world based on facts learned through experiments and observation." Cosmic evolution has never been observed or seen in the natural world. Astronomers have seen stars explode, sure, but have yet to see one form, or evolve, on its own. So why is evolution being taught as fact?
Because it takes actual faith to believe in something, what people do not realize is that this is not a matter of Religion vs Science, but a belief system butting heads against another belief system. What people believe affects their worldview, and peoples' worldview determines how their actions. History shows the dangers of evolutionary thinking. The holocaust is one such example. Evolutionist Charles Darwin's book on natural selection had a great impact on Adolf Hitler and the Nazi's regime. It was believed that Jews, Blacks, homosexuals and those who had mental and physical disabilities were inferior, and of lesser worth, and polluting the earth simply by being alive. Because of that mindset, people saw nothing wrong with killing off entire people groups- that the act of "ethnic cleansing" simply meant speeding up the process of natural selection, promoting the evolution and development of the more powerful human race. The outcome of this worldview and belief was the despicable persecution and genocide of thousands, millions of people. It wasn't considered murder- because in their mind-set, God doesn't exist, and if God doesn't exist nether does His word therefore there is no absolute standard for morality. It's all subject to man's mere opinion and ideas; humanity's flawed logic and wicked heart. And what people believe is, in essence, their religion.
Because evolution remains, in fact, just a theory, then the question remains: Why aren't other theories presented for consideration? Well, basically the only other alternative to evolution is Creation which largely contrasts with its evolutionary counterpart. If the world was created by God, then that means we are created in His image, as His word says. That means mankind should treat others with love and respect. People should care for others, and the rest of God's creation, as His word instructs. The problem is that people don't want to believe in a Creator generally because they don't want to live by His authority. So what is the alternative to this? No God. The belief in evolution presents the opportunity to believe that there is no Intelligent Designer and that we can live our lives the way we want, even if it means causing others harm. This is why those who believe in the Creation theory come under attack and persecution. People are so quick to throw out good scientific discoveries, studies and facts when they are made by someone who happens to believe in intelligent design. It is coined as religious, and not true science.
Should Creationism be taught in schools? Well, why not? Why shouldn't there be other theories presented to people, specifically children, in public educational settings? Why is only one theory, which hasn't been proven, being taught as fact? It seems very academically, scientifically irresponsible not to present other theories about the origin of the earth.
At the end of the day, even given the overwhelming scientific evidence that supports the Creation Theory as recorded in the Holy Scriptures and in modern day studies, it all comes down to the individual and what they choose to believe. It is not a matter of science vs. a belief or faith, because it takes a step of faith to believe in anything.
Blancke, Stefaan. "Creationism in the Netherlands." Zygon: Journal of Religion & Science. Dec2010, Vol. 45 Issue 4, 793
"Science." Merriam-Webster.com. Merriam-Webster, n.d. Web. 6 July 2016
