I wake up slowly and go through a routine that I have learned over the years. Among other activities, I pray, read, and at some point, eat my breakfast. During breakfast, I am still in the process of waking up and often reading a newspaper. In other words, I am not an early morning person.
This morning, during the wakingup process, my eyes landed on an editorial in the Washington Post.* The editorial expressed concern about an effort to insert into science textbooks once again the phrase “strengths and weakness” in connection with life origins, specifically with the concept of evolution. This case is in Texas, but the issue has been repeated in other regions.
This editorial is not a discussion of evolution and creation (though my perspective will be evident), rather how those who advocate evolution enthusiastically defend their views and what ministers of the gospel can learn from this spirited—almost evangelistic—defense.
The newspaper editorial is not advocating that creation should not be believed but that in science classes, we “should teach science.” From their perspective, that means you should not teach creation; it’s either evolution or nothing. That evolution is science and anything else is classified as a religious view, which should not be imposed on students, seems to be the message.
This newspaper editorial is only a minor example of the ongoing defense of evolution. Last year, a number of churches agreed to a statement that evolution is the only acceptable view of how life originated. Some churches participated in what was known as Evolution Sunday. I have to confess that I am impressed by the passion that many advocates of evolution show. The other day, I was listening to a radio program during which the host interviewed a number of scientists about life origins. Only one or two references were made to those who teach creation, and it was obvious that the host and the participants had a warped view of the concept of creation. Each of the participants spoke with evangelistic fervor about evolution. Each spoke with certainty even when they did not have an answer. I was surprised how one participant made the statement about not knowing how original matter came into existence, but then moved into other areas as if the admission was a minor point.
Why the fear?
Yet in spite of the certainty of those who advocate evolution, many exhibit a fear that any alternative views are taken seriously. I find that strange. In other areas of life, we usually consider the facts and then consider our options. When a physician tells us the results of laboratory tests, frequently we then discuss the options we have. Whenever there is a problem with my car, the mechanic usually goes over the options I have.
That’s the way we usually function whenever facts are presented to us.
But when we discuss the question of origins, for evolutionists there is only one option—evolution. There is a zeal for and certainty about evolution that goes beyond just relating the facts.
Certainty
What can ministers of the gospel learn from the proponents—may I say evangelists—of evolution? Perhaps the first thing we should learn is to not allow our enthusiasm to go beyond that which can be supported. We must not go beyond the message of the Word of God.
It seems to me that is what is happening with many proponents of evolution. Many of them speak with certainty of what happened many years ago without acknowledging that their predecessors spoke with the same certainty even though today’s experts often disagree with experts of the past. As clergy, we need to address complex challenges with humility. It is tempting, for example, to tell a person suffering from a life-threatening illness that God will heal them, but the fact is we don’t know what will happen. A woman who was in the final stages of life told me how a minister assured her that God told him that she would not die. When she died, he had no credibility with the family.
On the other hand, there are times when we should speak with certainty, but instead, we hold back. Should we not speak up about the power of God in our lives? Can we not speak with assurance that if individuals follow God’s leading they will experience new hope? To those who live with guilt, can we not remind them that God offers forgiveness? Perhaps we confuse timidity with humility and that is why too many clergy come across as lacking enthusiasm for the God whom they worship. Clergy are not merely religious consultants—giving faith options to people. We must communicate from the perspective of firm conviction. Conviction by itself is not enough, but conviction is needed. We should tell people that the faith we are advocating will bring positive change into their lives and give them hope for the future. If we don’t believe that, then our faith is worthless.
Yes, I admire the evolutionists who present their view with evangelistic fervor. Surely God’s servants—pastors, chaplains, teachers, and administrators—also have a message about which they are enthusiastic. Let’s reclaim God’s message of hope.
* “‘Strengths and Weaknesses’ Will the Texas Board of
Education Evolve Backward?” Editorials, Washington Post,
sec. A, March 25, 2009.
