Evolution: a step of faith?

Here is an overview of Monday's lesson:

We started by testing ourselves in our memory verse challenge and books of the bible challenge. Everyone did a good job with the verses (keep trying your best to memorize it word-for-word), but some of us struggled with the books challenge. Keep at it and we'll try again next week. Remember the acronym I came up with for the first 7 minor prophets:
Hosea-Joel-Amos-Obadiah-Jonah-Micah-Nahum
(H)osea (J)ust (A)dores (O)range (J)uice (M)orning & (N)ight

The last five just need to be memorized but notice that there is a slight pattern:
Habakkuk-Zephaniah-Haggai-Zechariah-Malachi
Hab-Zeph, Hag-Zech, Malachi

Here are some highlights from our discussion:
- It was significant to note that there is currently no agreement among the scientific community concerning life's origin. It is still an open issue for debate and discussion. Evolution may explain differentiation within species but does not explain life's origin.

- When Darwin was developing his theories, scientists did not realize how complex even a single-celled organism can be. So they assumed the jump from inanimate chemicals to a living organism was not very big. But now we realize that one single cell is far more advanced and stores more information than our most advanced computers.

- The Miller experiment which supposedly re-created the elemental environment of primitive earth and created life (amino acids) from non-life by an electrical charge was successful but had a huge scientific flaw. The elements used in the experiment were not present in primitive earth in any significant amount, but rather the actual elements (inert gases) in primitive earth would not have reacted to form life.

- Some scientists have finally acknowledged that no natural explanation can be given to explain the origin of life on earth, so they have suggested that life spores must have come from outer space - either riding on a meteorite or another civilization actually "seeded" our earth by intentionally sending life here. Okay - if you are willing to turn to little green men to explain life's origin, then why would you not consider the possibility of the supernatural, ie. a Creator God? This goes to show that being a secular, naturalistic scientist can require more faith than being a believer of God.

- The next time you study for a science test, specifically a biology test remember...as you see the detail and beauty inherent in all animals, plants, water, rocks, amebas, viruses, biological processes, and even evolution itself...allow it to lift your heart in worship of our Infinitely Wise and Creative Creator God.


Some interesting questions and links:
- Adrian brought up the huge question about homosexuality and a genetic link. If we found a link how would it impact our theology of God's fairness, of sin, of moral accountability? Here is a response to those question by Dr. Al Mohler.

- Jessica also asked about cloning and its moral implications. Is human cloning and genetic engineering - for the purpose of creating "healthy" babies - a morally or theologically right thing to do? Are we playing God? Mohler strikes again...and again.