2 Views on Human Evolution: Evolutionary-Creation vs. Unique-Origin
Discussions surrounding Christianity and science have been fraught with taut rhetoric and polarizing polemics on both sides of the aisle. The new Dictionary of Christianity and Science aims to shape these conversations by offering a framework for better dialogue.
Perhaps in no other discussion do we need such a sure, sturdy referee than in the one surrounding human origin. Through the Dictionary‘s “Multiple-View Discussions” entry type, two able scientists lead the discussion: Darrel R. Falk and Ann Gauger.
Below, we’ve engaged one aspect of their lengthy, robust discussion: the genetic evidence for so-called common descent—the view that our species, Homo sapiens, descended from ape-like ancestors.
We trust it will give you a taste of this definitive reference, showcasing why Scot McKnight says “Every Christian studying science will want a copy within arm’s…
Explore God’s Two Books: God’s Word and God’s Works – Reflecting on “Evolution: Scripture and Nature Say Yes!”
25% and 23%
These two numbers represent the reason why Denis Lamoureux wrote his new book Evolution: Scripture and Nature Say Yes!
The first is the percentage of young adults who perceive Christianity as anti-science. The second is the percentage of those who have been turned off by debates surrounding evolution and creationism. Lamoureux finds both numbers shocking; he thinks you should, too.
To help mitigate the fallout of these two numbers, Lamoureux has offered readers a framework for understanding the two “Books” of God. He hopes this framework hopes will help Christian students navigate the tension of modern science and the Bible. What are these two books, you ask?
The Book of God’s Words is the Bible. Scripture reveals spiritual truths concerning our Creator, his creation and us. The Book…
Four Views of the Historical Adam: Denis Lamoureux Says “No Historical Adam, Evolutionary Creation”
For the better part of a decade I have noticed a shift within evangelical origins conversations from merely the temporal and methodological to the ancestral. Rather than the debate pivoting around six literal days or six billion years and evolution vs. creation, the conversation has shifted to the veracity of a historical Adam.
Four Views on the Historical Adam hopes to shepherd what Richard Ostling calls "a groundbreaking science-and-Scripture dispute" by offering four leading evangelical scholars as advocates for the dominate positions. You can view a preview of the positions, here. Throughout this week we will be highlighting interesting and intriguing points from each of the views, beginning with Denis Lamoureux, Associate Professor of Science and Religion at St. Joseph's College in the University of Alberta.
Lamoureux embraces so-called evolutionary creation, "the belief that the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit created the universe and life, including humans, through an ordained sustained, and intelligent design-reflecting natural process." (37)
He helpfully distinguishes this view from so-called theistic evolution, saying such a view "places the process of evolution as the primary term and makes our Creator secondary and merely a qualifying adjective." (43) Instead his scheme emphasizes a Creator who used the method of evolution to make the universe and life.
He rejects the "assumption that God revealed scientific facts in the Bible thousands of years before their discovery by modern science," insisting instead that the Bible features an ancient understanding of the physical world and biological origins. (37)
His goal isn't to win people over to his view, per se. Rather he has a more pastoral concern in mind: "I want young men and women to know that there is a Christian view of origins that accepts evolution and recognizes that our faith does not rest on the existence of Adam." (38)