Receiving the Gift We Give. by Campbell Martin Neil;

Author:Campbell, Martin Neil;
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: BookBaby
Published: 2014-08-15T00:00:00+00:00

Chapter 26

Created and Evolving

There is a long-standing argument between creationists and those who believe in evolution. Some creationists have taken a literal stance on interpreting the bible, stating that the world was created during a period that spanned thousands of years. Meanwhile, many evolutionists believe the world is billions of years old and claim that the basic building blocks for life appeared over three billion years ago.

This controversy has evolved into a black and white argument between the two sides; it is either one way or the other. Judging from the media hype, each faction has placed their integrity on the line. It saddens me when disagreements are taken to such a level. Everyone is entitled to their beliefs. The problem is that when people do go “black or white” it appears they don’t believe others are entitled to their beliefs.

While I believe students should be educated about the multiple beliefs around the process of creation, many people want only their beliefs taught in schools. This has been an increasing problem in our education system because it shows disrespect for other beliefs. Whether through science, religion or history, we push one-sided stories on our children that promote one belief, one theory, one viewpoint. People become fixated on what they believe is true and declare that everyone else is wrong. This type of behavior is prevalent in our societies, evidenced by individuals not being open-minded enough to entertain possibilities beyond their beliefs or traditions.

Is it any wonder we have coined the phrase “dumbing down of the public”? It is about time we were honest and objective about what we teach, and that we let people make up their own minds. What are the other theories? What do others believe? What does the other side say about that historical event? We must allow our children’s use of their critical thinking abilities to encourage them to ask some crucial questions. What our education system provides now is not education; it is brainwashing. We can no longer afford to teach our one-sided stories.

The creationists versus evolutionists conundrum is a good case in point. I have read articles where people have discussed the possibility of both sides being correct. God is the creator—the consciousness behind our universe—and the reason we are here. In addition, we have evolved and changed, as all life does.

To deny the overwhelming evidence about evolution is to ignore the facts and remain close-minded. The position creationists take stems from not putting bible records into historical context. I believe some bible passages that have been used to support creationism have been misinterpreted.

King James Bible, Genesis 2:2: “And on the seventh day God ended his work which he had made; and he rested on the seventh day from all his work which he had made.” This suggests God made our universe in six days. However, no one takes this as literal truth. In order to support their conjecture the earth was created in thousands of years, many creationists went to another section of the bible.

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