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| Volume 22 Number 10 October 2020 | Page 9 |
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| Volume 22 Number 10 October 2020 | Page 9 |
The Influence of Evolution
Ben Jones
Charles Darwin’s theory of evolution seemingly has become one of the most universally accepted ideas of our time. Debates on the subject have highlighted the alleged conflict between science and faith, although capable men and women have shown the two disciplines to be compatible. Unfortunately, evolution’s influence permeates everything today from textbooks to television to children’s toys. As a result, this theory can have a dangerous affect on the way people think about important spiritual matters.
Evolution and
the Purpose of Life
The Bible reveals God’s purpose for man, both in creation through Adam, and recreation through Christ. God’s power is displayed by man’s weakness (Exodus 9:16), while man’s potential is realized in Christ (Ephesians 2:10). By contrast, evolution essentially teaches that the purpose of life is simply to exist. The weak die; the strong adapt and survive. In effect, this way of thinking is the ultimate form of materialism. However, a man’s life consists neither in the abundance of his possessions, nor the superiority of his genes. Long life, good health and a large family may all be desirable, but they do not commend men to God. In fact, the absence of these things may well teach men to depend on God for their strength (2 Corinthians 12:10). “And we know that to them that love God all things work together for good, even to them that are called according to his purpose” (Romans 8:28).
Evolution and
the Value of Life
Long before Thomas Jefferson wrote that all men are created equal, the apostle Paul proclaimed that “God has made from one blood every nation of men to dwell on all the face of the earth” (Acts 20:26). However, the principle of natural selection demands that all men are not equal, and the removal of inferior traits is necessary for the good of the species. This sort of warped mindset has influenced entire cultures (including our own) to accept the atrocities of slavery, eugenics, ethnic cleansing, euthanasia and abortion. Evolutionary thought places value on human life based on a given set of characteristics considered desirable at the time. The Bible places value on every human life because it is created in the image of God (Genesis 1:27), it is very good in God’s sight (Genesis 1:31) and it is the motivation for Christ’s death (Romans 14:15).
Evolution and the
Existence of Morality
The Apostle Paul quoted a poet who wrote, “Cretans are always liars, evil beasts, lazy gluttons” (Titus 1:12). Today, some men still behave like beasts. The Bible defines this behavior as willful ignorance and disobedience, which will be punished at the Judgment (Romans 1:18-32; Acts 17:30-31). Evolutionists, however, try to explain man’s behavior as the result of primitive survival instincts, which have no intrinsic moral value. A Natural History of Rape, published by MIT Press, is one such so-called scientific attempt to explain a heinous act as the byproduct of natural selection. God will ultimately require accountability even if men do not (2 Corinthians 5:10).
Evolution and the
Inspiration of the Bible
During the infamous Scopes Monkey Trial, William Jennings Bryan was forced to admit his doubt in the biblical account of creation. The inability to reconcile the millions of years necessary for evolution to occur with a literal account of creation has since caused many other Bible readers to doubt the credibility of the Scriptures. Several theories have been devised to allow the seven days of Genesis to be interpreted figuratively, but the notion of theistic evolution has only served to further weaken the conviction that the Bible is the fully inspired, authoritative Word of God (2 Timothy 3:16).
Conclusion
Evolution is simply an idea, but ideas have real consequences. They influence decisions, and eventually they shape the values of a society. Surely the danger can be seen in a valueless society shaped by the folly of evolution.
Jerry R. Kendall
Several things have come on to the national scene during the last few years to remind us of the ongoing moral war. Serious moral issues are involved. Many lessons may be gleaned from our national disgrace.
Sin Will Find Us
Out (Numbers 32:23)
There have been denials, which were nothing but lies, about relationships, which were adulterous. These involved married men and young women who were vulnerable to people in positions of power. I believe those involved felt no one would ever learn the details. How wrong they were! Our sins are an open book, completely known to God. We all have seen some of those involved walking from religious services carrying their Bibles. Was this because they believed the Book or wanted to be seen through the media as men holding a faith? God’s Word condemns unfaithfulness, dishonesty, deceitfulness, lying and adultery. What people do in their private lives are reflections that carry over into their public lives. Their examples of character, fidelity and honesty must be consistent. Sins against others are wrong, whether they come to national attention or not. How can we be expected to respect men who cheat on their wives and children, dishonor those who voted for them, mock the taxpayers who pay their salaries, use government moneys and campaign contributions to pay legal bills that should not have been necessary in the first place, and then act as though it is no big deal? Sin is sin, regardless of who is guilty.
Leadership Demands
Character and Morality
We have frequently heard, ‘‘Moral character doesn’t matter; what one does in private is no one else’s business as long as it doesn’t affect his job performance.” Too many have swallowed this lie as though it were the truth (Romans 1:25). Leadership that is not faithful in private conduct will and has failed in greater responsibilities (Luke 16:10; Matthew 25:21). The key to effective leadership has always been godly morality and character. Anything less is evil leaven, which will rise to the surface. The media parades the ungodly before us and calls it normal; the disgusting, it calls acceptable; the immoral, it says is love; and the media even pronounces as a love child the result of adultery, though the man had a wife and children. It is not the innocent child’s fault, but the lust involved was sin, leading to adultery! May we wake up as a nation and hold these men accountable before God withdraws from us and sends His unsparing judgment. If we will not uphold righteousness and justice, then we will be a reproach to the Lord (Proverbs 14:34).
Genuine Repentance
Is the Answer
Throughout each of these incidences of this nature, historically, we have been served a smorgasbord of apologies in different tones and deceitful language that led us to question the apologists’ sincerity (2 Corinthians 7:6-11). When the language is vague, excuses are made, rationalization is expressed and blame is shifted to justify self, what are we to conclude? Genuine repentance and godly sorrow would be noticeable if voiced. Worldly sorrow seeks to delay, not diligently settle matters; seeks to conceal wrongdoing, not clear it; gives strange definitions to obvious acts of sexual misconduct; has indignation toward those who seek to resolve matters, not absolve self for ungodly acts. Leaders of this sort appear to have no fear of consequences for breaking the law, and even act as though they are above the law. They have a vehement desire, not to correct misconduct, but to destroy accusers. Their zeal is directed to protect self and position, not cease nauseating wrongs. Often, public figures persuade others to speak up for them to try to clear them, rather than admitting and dealing with sins committed. Where is the repentance?
We are at a critical juncture as a nation. If a society allows such actions to run rampant and fails to uphold the principles by which God blessed it and which made her great, then she will be brought down by God, who controls this world. What used to slither down the backstreets now parades down main street, with far too many standing and applauding as the circus passes by. As my grandma used to say, “It’s time to do some needed cleaning up before things get worse.” We must care about the facts and not be ruled by our feelings.
Many Americans are rightfully embarrassed about the reprehensible conduct from their leaders. We must not let their attitudes and actions that mock God win. We must not laugh, but rather be repulsed and ashamed of what has taken place, and we need to pray and work for positive change. May we remember that what we tolerate is what we will have. From our house to the White House, may we all realize that when we make commitments to Almighty God, to constituents or a marriage partner, our vows and promises should be taken seriously and kept. Let’s get back to purity of life and truly be one nation under God.
[Editor’s Note: The foregoing is not a political statement but a commentary on the moral depravity within a nation, inclusive of the common man as well as notable people, too (entertainers and politicians). Christians dare not approve of immorality regardless of whom practices it (Romans 1:32). ~ Louis Rushmore, Editor]