Science As Evangelism

Recently, I received an article written by George Johnson entitled, "Natural evangelism." It is subtitled, "Science is urged to vie with religion as teller of the greatest story ever told." It appeared in the Toronto Star: www.thestar.com. The point of the article is that scientists should not be afraid to "evangelize" their beliefs over and against those that support creationism, much like churches do.

Steven Weinberg, a Nobel laureate in physics, is quoted as saying, "the world needs to wake up from its long nightmare of religious belief." Also, Carolyn Porco, a senior research scientist at the Space Science Institute in Boulder, Colorado, said, as well, "We should let the success of religious formula guide us. Let's teach our children from a very young age about the story of the universe and its incredible richness and beauty. It is already so much more glorious and awesome- and even comforting- than anything offered by any scripture or God concept I know."

Oh, really? Man-made beliefs and theories are more comforting than God's most holy Word? How tragic! It is time for our churches to take a stand against Darwinian evolution! What so many churches and pastors fail to recognize is that if you take away or question what God says in Genesis, then you open the door to questioning God's Word at any point. If you don't believe the Bible to be God's Word, then there is no possibility of discussion. But, if you believe the Bible to be God's Word, then it is fundamental that you believe that what is recorded in Genesis 1-11, i.e., the origin of the world in Genesis 1 and 2, the fall of man, the flood, the Tower of Babel, is historical and not mythical. There is no reason to question the truth and veracity of God's Word in those chapters. We must believe that God created the world in 6 twenty-four days and rested on the seventh day! We must believe that Adam and Eve were real historical figures! We must believe that a global flood occurred! We must believe that the Tower of Babel really occurred, as well! If we try to accommodate science by trying to work Darwinian evolution into the Genesis record, then we are wrong, first of all. But, fundamental passages in other parts of the Word of God are then, also open to debate. Therefore, we open the door to sexual immortality, abortion, homosexuality, and the undermining of the office of the Holy Ministry, and many other things.

I recommend a great resource in this area. "Answers in Genesis" at http://www.answersingenesis.org/. It is not written by Lutherans, but contains some very good working videos, books and contains some great information.

Again, it is obvious that those who support Darwinian Evolution are encouraging one another to continue to "evangelize" the world. They are getting bolder in their approach. As Christians, we too need to be educated in having answers for the hope that we have (1 Peter 3:15), especially as it relates to the creation of the world. God bless!