The question we have for discussion at this time is contained in a letter, which reads:
“Dear Friends: In Sunday School I was taught many of the stories of the Bible, including the one in the Book of Genesis concerning the creation of Adam and Eve, their disobedience of divine law, and their being driven out of the Garden of Eden. Now I am in college, and am being told that the Genesis account of creation is not intended to be factual, but is merely an allegory, and that man is in reality a creature of evolution. I have discussed this with my parents and others, and they tell me not to be concerned, that we can believe the Bible and also believe the theory of human evolution. Is this really true? Naturally at this point I am somewhat confused.”
We are quite sure that this young man is not alone in facing the problem he presents here. Does the Bible offer a solution? As you read that letter it raises two main points which call for examination. One is whether or not the theory of human evolution is a true explanation of the origin of man. The other question is whether or not one can believe the Bible and also accept the theory of human evolution. First, let us take a look at the theory of human evolution..
Not being a scientist, I do agree with the many scientists who today are frank to acknowledge that the theory of human evolution is as yet unproven so far as archeological findings are concerned. No less an authority than the late Dr. William Emerson Ritter, who was at one time Professor of Zoology at the University of California, made the observation that the whole battleground of evolution will have to be fought over again, not between scientists and theologians, but between the scientists themselves. This being true, those of us who are not scientists might with profit look into the subject ourselves, especially along lines where a great knowledge of science is not required.
In support of the viewpoint of many of the scientists just mentioned, we might add that Charles Darwin himself, who is given credit for being chiefly responsible for introducing the theory of human evolution to the world, made a very revealing statement. In his book, “The Origin of Species,” he says that in spite of all the efforts of trained observers, not a single change of one species into another is on record. If there is no proof of one species changing into another, then there is no proof of the theory of human evolution.
It is interesting to note in this connection that the Bible account of creation declares the fixity of species. We are informed in the Genesis record of creation that each of the various orders of creation was brought forth “after its kind.” Nearly six thousand years later Charles Darwin had to admit that this was true. As we understand it, we should make a distinction between “species” and “varieties.”
There are many varieties of each species. Just think of the many varieties of horses and dogs. All one needs to do is to visit a well-stocked zoo to realize how many varieties of each species of animals there really are. These varieties, however, do not evolve into new species. They remain horses, dogs, apes, and monkeys, etc.
Considering the thought, if the theory of human evolution is true, why do we not see the process of evolution going on all around us today? Evolutionists claim that fish evolved into birds, although, as Mr. Darwin admitted, there is no proof of this. If it were true, why do we not now see fish evolving into birds? Why do we not see creatures which are half fish and half bird wiggling around on the beaches, uncertain as to whether they should dive for the water or attempt to fly? Why did the process of evolution suddenly stop at some point in the dim past? Why did the fish, the birds, and the animals suddenly decide to remain as they were and be content with their lot?
Not being a scientist these are questions that seem very reasonable. Additionally, what about the “missing link” between ape and man for which evolutionists are still searching? The only answer to that question is that the “missing link” is still missing. But why should this be? If there ever was a “missing link,” there must have been more than one. There must have been a species of the creatures which were half ape and half man. Since they must have been of a higher order than the ape, why did they not survive, as the ape has survived? Why did these creatures, superior in intelligence to the ape, go out of existence? Why should it be necessary to dig all over the earth in the hope of finding even a single skeleton, or partial skeleton, of one of these so-called “missing links?”
One of the claimed proofs of the theory of evolution is that the general average of intelligence of the human race is increasing. In this connection, the marvelous increase in scientific knowledge and invention is cited. Actually, however, the general level of human intelligence today is not higher than in the past. We have a few wonderful inventors, it is true, but even so most of the fundamental inventions were stumbled upon by chance. However, looking back into the distant past, consider the Great Pyramid of Egypt, the ancient temples with their marvelous architecture, the hanging gardens of Babylon, the superb paintings by ancient artists, and the unsurpassed music of ancient times. These indicate that the basic intelligence of man in past ages was just as high or even higher than it is today.
Scientific knowledge and invention has grown, but this fact is not because of an increase in man’s intellectual capacity. The real explanation is that our present increase of knowledge has come by God’s design, and in fulfillment of prophecies found in the Bible. The Prophet Daniel foretold this increase of knowledge, and explained that it would lead to much and rapid travel, described by him as a running “to and fro.”— Dan. 12:4
The Bible shows that this is in preparation for the establishment of Christ’s kingdom. It started with the invention of the printing press. This has made possible the accumulation and sharing of knowledge, and its being passed on from one generation to another. Man, or shall we say, a few individuals among men, have achieved marvelous things from which we all benefit. Probably people in ancient times, had they had the opportunity, would have been just as adept at pushing buttons, operating computers and other electronic devices, as we are today.
Doubtless that is true. Also, we know that the scientists today are unlocking some of the secrets and powers of nature which, while they can make certain uses of them, they are unable to control or even fully explain. Indeed, the human race could even be destroyed by them. There are certain questions which God asked the Prophet Job, questions to which Job did not know the answer any more than the scientists know the answers today.
“Who is this that darkeneth counsel by words without knowledge? Gird up now thy loins like a man; for I will demand of thee, and answer thou me. Where wast thou when I laid the foundations of the earth? declare, if thou hast understanding. Who shut up the sea with doors, when it brake forth, as if it had issued out of the womb? Hast thou commanded the morning since thy days; and caused the dayspring to know his place? Have the gates of death been opened unto thee? or hast thou seen the doors of the shadow of death? Where is the way where light dwelleth? and as for darkness, where is the place thereof? Canst thou lift up thy voice to the clouds, that abundance of waters may cover thee? Who hath put wisdom in the inward parts? or who hath given understanding to the heart?”— Job 38:2-4, 8, 12, 17, 19, 34, 36