There are two ways of explaining the world around us. It was put here by design or it is here by pure chance. These two views are respectively defended by the Bible and the theory of evolution and they cannot be harmonized.
Evolution contends that all matter and life are a result of chance and randomness and are not caused by any outside force. Man is sprung from a lower life form though we might be hard pressed to determine what defines a lower versus higher life form since these would appear to be rather subjective terms. In fact, the theory of evolution itself argues against creation and design. If there is intelligent design, then evolution would not be possible since it is random and inefficient. Thus, evolution would be proof that there is no God.
The Bible states in Colossians 1:16-17, 16For by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him, and for him: 17And he is before all things, and by him all things consist." Furthermore, Genesis 1:27 states, "So God created man in his own image, in the image of God created he him; male and female created he them."
There are major differences between creation and evolution. From God/design versus non-life/randomness; a difference in the methods of origins of animal and vegetable; a difference in man's origin. When looked at closely, there is no way one can harmonize the Bible and evolution. I urge everyone reading this article to research the vast amount of material concerning creation and evolution and decide for yourself, which is the most viable. For example, I recommend the article "What Giraffes will do for a Drink" that can be found on the Apologetics Press website (apologeticspress.org). This article by Nathaniel Nelson is an introduction to the many examples of life that serve to illustrate that evolution does not have the answer.
If you look around and research creation versus evolution, I am comfortable that you will come to the conclusion that David did in Psalm 19:1, "The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament sheweth his handywork." Does it really matter? Yes, it does. If you cannot believe the Bible concerning creation, how can you believe the Bible concerning salvation?
Charles Royal, Decatur, AL
