Questions where theory meets theology

The theory of evolution, theory of the speed of light and even the theory of tectonic plate movement has been taught for so long that one of the words appears to have been deleted — “theory.” Now when all of these subjects are discussed they are addressed as fact rather than theory. In view of this, I am proposing a new theory; however, any person with basic common sense will understand that a theory is also easily provable just by looking at known facts.

In a recent service I was interrupted by a question from a gentleman in the congregation who asked, “Did man evolve?” Depending on a person’s definition of the word evolve, I simply answered yes, that “we are evolving, but not the way most assume we are.”

A very basic simple study of biology and diseases will easily confirm my claims. For argument’s sake I will use the theory of natural selection as an example of how I view evolution.

The first known cases of cancer were recorded about 1500 B.C. by the Egyptians in hieroglyphics. In short, cancer has been around a long time. Using the theory of natural selection, cancer should have disappeared long ago or we should have adapted to overcome the disease. This is not the case. As a matter of fact, the cases percentage-wise appear to be growing.

How about birth defects and genetic disorders? Using the theory of natural selection these diseases would also have disappeared long ago. But again, they seem to be increasing per-capita. Something such as the common cold should not even occur. Using the evolution theory of natural selection, every species on Earth should have developed an immune system to every disease and hereditary problem that exists. But they have not, and it is only getting worse.

Just simply looking at the known facts proves this. If the theory of natural selection can’t overcome these problems, what can it overcome?

It is a well-know fact that two gifted (high IQ) people can have children, but such a union isn’t guaranteed to produce a gifted child. At the same time, if two handicapped people have children, they are far more likely to have a handicapped child. Using the theory of natural selection I would say that we are absolutely evolving. Some of our political leaders are evidence of that. Using the theory of evolution and natural selection if man (as the evolutionists believe) came from pond scum, then we should be a lower form of life by now.

Several years ago a group of legionnaires were having a conference in a hotel when a large number of them suddenly became sick. A new disease was discovered now called legionnaires disease. New offshoots of old diseases are popping up to the point that now doctors have to number them to keep track. AIDS came from nowhere; it was a brand new disease. In just the past few weeks, several new diseases have popped up in schools and collages.

In view of this, a person is forced to ask how does that theory of natural selection work again? I challenge a person to find a single disease or condition we have evolved to extinction. Just one, I’m not fussy. Just find me one in recorded history. We should have at least naturally eliminated the common cold over the past 3,000 or 4,000 years. Taking a longer step we should all be super intelligent, able to leap tall building in a single bound, run faster than a speeding bullet … OK, I’m getting a little carried away. Physically and mentally, we have gone exactly nowhere.

The Bible records people living hundreds of years. What is our life expectancy now? The last I checked, it was about 70 years in this country and expected to fall in the next generation. How does that theory of natural selection/evolution work again?

I absolutely agree that natural selection is affecting mankind, and any person who reads and believes in the Bible can easily verify and reconcile natural selection. In Genesis, after God created each part of what we now have, it is recorded that he thought what he had made was good.

Using the original language of the time that Genesis was written, the word “good” means essentially flawless or perfect. When something is perfect it cannot be made any better, and in fact only deteriorate. So what’s an example of something becoming better over time? The immediate thought for some would be wine, but alas, even that if left long enough will turn into vinegar. Yes, we are evolving or maybe the word should be de-evolving. At this point, a person can only ask into what are we devolving?

Mike Blodgett is chaplain for Lighthouse Chapel. Contact him at lighthouse_chapelak@yahoo.com.

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