some concluding thoughts

I have spent several days now reviewing the debate concerning Darwinian evolution. Those of you who may have glossed-over eyes, you can breathe a sigh of relief, I am done for a while on this topic. Please know that this is an important issue. For example, it is a good entry point for discussion with your atheist or agnostic friends. The debate is not over by a long shot. As evidence for “something else” continues to mount, we will see science adapt. Now I will make some final observations before moving to different topics.

Darwinian evolution is not a crackpot theory. There is much in this theory that has solid evidence behind it. Most scientists wouldn’t call themselves classic Darwinians anyway. In fact, it is said that if he knew the new evidence today, Darwin himself would not be a Darwinist! Most scientists have adapted from this position and have modified their views. The late Stephen Jay Gould is probably the most prominent (he was featured on the Simpson’s after all!) scientist in this camp. Neo-Darwinism, or whatever term is in vogue, questioning some of the aspects of the Darwinian model, is what science is all about. Examine the evidence.

I think it is important to put your cards on the table and examine the evidence. In a proper education environment, the weaknesses of an argument are always clearly stated. Those few “pure” Darwinians left out there will not be able to hold on to a monopoly (intended or not) on public information in government and education much longer. The search will continue.

As far as a Christian view of all of this, I don’t consider the Bible a science book. I don’t base my validating of the biblical texts according to their accuracy with the scientific traditions. At the same time, I find it interesting that there are so many allusions in scripture which “coincide” with the evidence of the latest scientific theories. I address this in detail on my website.

Saying all of this, examining the evidence is what Christian faith is all about. It’s not just good theology; it’s good science.