This is a repeat of a post I wrote a couple years ago, but it's still true and needed a new venue. As we begin our unit on evolution I needed a reminder of these words to give me perspective.
Earlier this evening I got into a conversation with my wife about evolution stirred on by a
recent purchase of
mine(proud to say I got it for 6 pennies + cheap shipping - no joke).*
We were discussing the poster and suddenly I was forced into playing
devil’s advocate as the creationist. She wanted me to explain how
someone could refute all of the scientific evidence for evolution(as if I
was an expert). At first I really struggled giving a creationist
argument and then I remembered the greatest one - the Bible. All I had
to do was say “the Bible tells me so” and I won.
Finally I said “wait, wait, wait - why do I have to be the
creationist in this situation?” But then I remembered - I am a
creationist(so is she). I believe that God created “the heavens and the
earth,” the “beasts of the earth,” the “seed bearing plants and the
fruit bearing trees.” So why do I have such a hard time being labeled a
“creationist?” I know it’s a fear of the negative connotations that come
with that term, like ignorant and close-minded, for starters.
I am a creationist - but I am a scientist and I can see the beauty of
God’s creation through the lens of science. Natural selection is a
gorgeous process. It’s amazing when you stop to think about how life has
grown and evolved over millions of years. Soak it in - it’s
awe-inspiring. I believe God deserves more credit for the process of the
masterpiece. It’s more compelling than thinking He spoke some words and
stuff just happened.
I’ll use an analogy to explain. Take the most beautiful painting in
the world. What are you more impressed by? Knowing the intricate process
the artist took in creating this work of art or knowing that the artist
just spoke “Art!” and it appeared? I’ll take the artist’s process any
day.
A friend of mine in college told me once why she studied science. To
paraphrase: “I want to know science to better understand God’s
creation.” That’s always stuck with me. Some people read the Bible to
understand God better. I understand God better by studying science.
Read your Bible, savor the words. I’ll take those words and add to
it. I’m a nature man. I see God in the photosynthetic greenery, in the
genetic variation of insects, in the dead epithelial tissue that covers
my body, in the invisible world of pond water, and our celestial sunset.
I love the creation - and I love it even more through the lens of
natural selection.
Picture 1: view from hillside in Vail, CO looking towards Rocky Mountains
Picture 2: around the corner from my house after cornering a little friend
Picture 3: Hanging Lake - Glenwood Springs, CO. Hike it. Pictures don’t do it justice.
*The poster still hangs in my classroom, reminding us we are all related.
Secret's out. It's me.
