Evolution vs Creation

Here is a balanced look at evolution versus creation for those who are open minded enough to consider it.

Over the past week or two, the Monitor has published numerous letters debating Creation versus Evolution. That has tied in nicely to other news stories including the visit to the United States by the Pope and the role of religious belief in the upcoming election.

Many Monitor letter writers dismiss creationism and point to evolution as ‘settled science.’ Yes, these writers believe that they have it figured out, obviously due to their academic indoctrination and enlightenment.

Many Monitor letter writers dismiss evolution and point to creationism. Their absolute truth comes from the Bible and their lifelong teachings and indoctrination of a church.

Here is some food for thought on evolution and creationism and let’s leave Darwin, the Bible, Garden of Eden and natural selection out of the equation for a moment.

Think about this, what came before the universe? Nothingness? What is nothingness?

What is beyond the universe? Is there more than one universe? Who or what created it? If the “Big Bang” is accurate, why did it happen?

Is life on Earth a result of a series of chance events? Are we so enlightened that we know enough about the universe or even our own planet that we can come to firm conclusions about anything scientific?

We are still learning about our own planet as well as the universe and we have only a puny fraction of what we think are answers to life and our existence. Most are theories based on our limited capacity and intellect, which are directly linked and contaminated by our own experience and belief.

Several letter writers implied that they are so certain of evolution due to the ‘science’ involved. Science, after decades of research can’t cure the common cold, cancer, AIDS and thousands of other heinous diseases. They find cures but have no real idea how or why many of them work absent of theories.

Scientific studies show that vitamin supplements are healthy one week and then recently, a scientific study informed us that those same supplements can kill us.

Long held scientific thought and theory is questioned every day and we are still learning about our planet and universe. Gravity is a pervasive force and is a certainty but the reasons for global warming are not. This same principle applies to evolution.

Yet, in light of the trial and error of science, do we know so much about genetics and natural selection to be certain about evolution and validate Darwin’s theory?

We can’t prove many things that exist in the Bible as well, but I do believe that those events were explained with good intent by people who used their limited capacity to explain events, at that point in their development and history.

I believe that future generations may look back on today's evolutionists in much the same way.

Evolution or Creation? I am not sure that any of us has the ability to unequivocally validate either premise. Are we to assume that we are the end all and be all of existence, that there is no creator or that we are a random mistake?

We should be careful not to think in absolutes. To assume that every word of an ancient historical text is 100% accurate without reasoning is questionable. To assume that academic enlightenment is the end all and be all and an absolute truth is naive.

One thing is for certain, we have neither the ability nor the mental capacity to answer with any certainty what came before the universe, if we are alone or if we are the pawn and subject of something bigger.

I will opt for belief in something bigger. I am sure that we have evolved in some way, shape or manner but how did we get here, as bacteria or a single cell amoeba? There are lots of theories but little solid proof. In the end maybe both sides have a legitimate argument. So many questions remain and so many will remain unanswered long after the generations existing in 2008 are dead and gone.

To assume that we understand with any certainty our existence on Earth, how we got here or if it is a chance event is foolhardy, elitist and arrogant!

Remember, 'scientists' in 1300 believed that they Earth was flat and people swallowed that hook, line and sinker, based on flawed sources: the limited capacity of the human brain and our inability to understand what is beyond our world and our grasp.