Moses wrote these words of truth many years ago: "In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth" (Genesis 1:1). In contrast, Charles Darwin, the father of the modern theory of evolution wrote these words: "Therefore I should infer from analogy that probably all the organic beings which have ever lived on this earth have descended from some one primordial form, into which life was first breathed" (On the Origin of Species; 1964 Harvard University Press edition; p.484). The theory of evolution (also known as "general evolution") says that life came from non-life billions of years ago through a process of gradual change from one life form to another (amoeba to man).
What has been the impact of the theory of evolution on modern man? Well, most secular schools teach evolution. Young people are also taught the theory of evolution outside the classroom from television, games, entertainment, books, etc. Surprisingly, many religious schools teach some form of evolution (for example, the University of Chicago Divinity School). Also, many Americans show signs of the theory of evolution working in their lives. This article will examine of few of those signs. Even a few Christian brethren accept the theory of evolution.
What has the theory of evolution done for America? It has given us a "scientific," but false explanation for the origin of life. But, that's not all! It has attacked the very moral fiber of our nation. Evolution has to do with much more than science or biology. If the theory of evolution is right, then there is no God, no Bible, no law, no standard of behavior, and no order! Consider a few quotes that demonstrate evolution's attack on the morality of man. Sir Julian Huxley, a student of Darwin said: "Darwinism removed the whole idea of God as creator of organisms from the sphere of rational discussion." Jean-Paul Sartre said: "If there is no God, everything is permitted." Woolsey Teller said: "... the God idea cannot be reconciled with our knowledge of evolution." This statement was made in a pamphlet entitled Evolution Implies Atheism published by the AAAA (American Association for the Advancement of Atheism). Charles Smith, the former president of the AAAA said: "The theory of evolution bankrupts the Bible ... If we descended from apes, we do not need a Savior ... If you accept evolution you must give up the Bible ... The theory of evolution is atheism; it substitutes the natural law for supernatural intelligence."
There is no question that the theory of evolution has influenced man negatively. For example, Darwin believed that it was wrong to help the poor because it would interfere with natural selection, or survival of the fittest. Adolf Hitler and his "super race" or "master race" is a prime example of the moral breakdown caused by following evolution ("selective breeding"/ "survival of the fittest"). The theory of evolution, like any teaching, has consequences. Let us examine some of the important moral consequences of evolution.
Moral Consequences of Evolution
Evolution attacks our concept of religion. The Bible says that religion was ordained of God (Genesis 4:3-5; Hebrews 11:4). Evolution offers a total rejection of religion, or a toleration of all religions. According to evolution, since religion, like man, evolved, it can be either completely rejected or tolerated; it doesn't matter. There are other related consequences: 1) since truth evolves, truth is relative, not absolute; 2) Genesis 1-2 is viewed as mythological, not literal or inspired; and, 3) a compromise is made between Creation and Evolution called "Theistic Evolution." Shortly after Darwin's book, Origin of Species, was published both Bible books and legal laws began to be viewed as evolutionary in nature.
Evolution attacks our concept of self. The Bible says we have self-worth (Genesis 1:26-27; 9:6; Psalm 8:3-5; Matthew 16:26). Evolution offers no sense of self worth. According to evolution, we are nothing more than sophisticated animals. For example, Desmond Morris wrote a book called, The Naked Ape, 1967, and Phil Donahue wrote a book called, The Human Animal, 1985. It is no wonder that so many people have low self-worth and low self-esteem which leads to personal problems within themselves and their family.
Evolution attacks our purpose for being. The Bible says we have an important purpose for being which is to serve God (Ecclesiastes 12:13; Matthew 22:37-39). Evolution offers no purpose for being. It leads to a dismal life.
Evolution attacks the concept of our destiny. The Bible says we are destined to one of two places: heaven or hell (Eccl.12:7; Mt.25:34,36,41,46). Evolution offers no destiny. With a sense of destiny comes hope, motivation, and endurance. Evolution offers none of these. It is no wonder that so many people are depressed, despondent and in despair.
Evolution attacks our concept of morality. The Bible says that morality is God-given; is absolute; is accountable (Jeremiah 10:23; Proverbs 3:5-8). Evolution offers human, relative, unaccountable morality. Moral irresponsibility soon follows. Guy N. Woods once wrote: "Convince a man that he came from a monkey and he'll act like one." There are two examples of this in our society today. The first example is the devaluation of human life. There are approximately 1.2 million abortions annually in America. We also have euthanasia and physician-assisted suicide which kill off the elderly. The second example is sexual misconduct. There is a high rate of heterosexual fornication and homosexual fornication in this country. There is no question that the belief in evolution leads man to be immoral. Jeffrey Dahmer admitted that his belief in evolution lead him to do the atrocities that he did.
Conclusion
It is interesting that many evolutionists believe that following "Christian principles" is good. Ronald Nash wrote: "When it comes to living, naturalists (evolutionists - CHR) cheat and borrow aspects of the Christian world-view." Sir Julian Huxley is on record as believing that a person functions better if he acts as though God exists even though he really does not believe it.
Many do not like to talk about consequences. But we must! Consequences are the natural, logical results of ideas and belief systems. What can Christians do about the theory of evolution? First, realize that evolution has its devastating moral consequences. Second, teach the Bible account of creation with renewed zeal. Third, attack evolution at the private level. Attack evolution for what it is: a theory, a faith, based upon unproven conjecture. Get some good books, tapes, etc. against evolution for you and your children. Fourth, attack evolution at the public level. Get involved with what is going on at the school where your child attends.
Will we follow the theory of evolution or the truth of Christ? In the Bible, Christ is Creator, Sustainer,
Judge, Redeemer and Completer of the all mankind. According to the theory of evolution, the blind
chance of evolution is creator, sustainer, judge, redeemer and completer of all mankind. Who do you
want your children to follow? It's time to withstand the attacks of evolution.
GOSPEL MEETING THIS WEEK!
The Lord willing, brother Chris Reeves and his wife, Cheri, as well as their youngest son, Carlin, will be here on Friday as we begin our weekend meeting. We are confident that brother Reeves will do his part in bringing lessons true to the Book and challenging to our lives. Let's all do our part to make sure the meeting is successful by being at every service and inviting others to join us. Announcement card are available on the table in the foyer to use as invitations, whether given personally or mailed. Now is the time to prepare ourselves and other to benefit from this gospel effort.