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Genesis, Science Genesis, Science and History and History John Oates John Oates March 30, 2022 March 30, 2022
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Page 1: Genesis, Science and History John Oates May 5, 2015May 5, 2015May 5, 2015.

Genesis, Science and Genesis, Science and HistoryHistory

John OatesJohn Oates

April 18, 2023April 18, 2023

Page 2: Genesis, Science and History John Oates May 5, 2015May 5, 2015May 5, 2015.

2

What this Class is AboutWhat this Class is About What this class is NOT aboutWhat this class is NOT about

This class is not an attempt to prove that God exists through This class is not an attempt to prove that God exists through science or reasoningscience or reasoning

Several books take this approach by highlightingSeveral books take this approach by highlighting Archaeological discoveries proving the accuracy of the BibleArchaeological discoveries proving the accuracy of the Bible Dietary laws of the JewsDietary laws of the Jews Apparent design in natureApparent design in nature

Thesis:Thesis: God has so designed the universe that you will not find explicit God has so designed the universe that you will not find explicit

evidence in nature for his existenceevidence in nature for his existence He has never desired mere intellectual belief, never sought that He has never desired mere intellectual belief, never sought that

kind of faith: “The demons believe in God, and shudder.”kind of faith: “The demons believe in God, and shudder.” What this class IS aboutWhat this class IS about

Understand what the author is trying to communicateUnderstand what the author is trying to communicate Show that there is no fundamental inconsistency between Show that there is no fundamental inconsistency between

science and the Biblescience and the Bible All apparent inconsistencies arise from eitherAll apparent inconsistencies arise from either

Incorrect “scientific” assumptionsIncorrect “scientific” assumptions Incorrect Biblical interpretationsIncorrect Biblical interpretations

Many traditional Biblical interpretations are inconsistent with Many traditional Biblical interpretations are inconsistent with sciencescience

Page 3: Genesis, Science and History John Oates May 5, 2015May 5, 2015May 5, 2015.

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Outline of Topics to be CoveredOutline of Topics to be Covered 1) Introduction1) Introduction 2) Creation, the Age of the Earth and the 2) Creation, the Age of the Earth and the

Big BangBig Bang In Search of AdamIn Search of Adam

3) The Hominid Fossil Record3) The Hominid Fossil Record 4) The Human Diaspora4) The Human Diaspora 5) Adam, Lost and Found5) Adam, Lost and Found

6) The Flood6) The Flood 7) Evolution7) Evolution 8) The Origin of Life and Intelligent 8) The Origin of Life and Intelligent

DesignDesign

Page 4: Genesis, Science and History John Oates May 5, 2015May 5, 2015May 5, 2015.

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Overview for TonightOverview for Tonight

Importance of Importance of reconciling the Bible with reconciling the Bible with sciencescience

The history of the The history of the conflict between science conflict between science and the religionand the religion

The Bible must be The Bible must be correctly interpretedcorrectly interpreted

ScientismScientism

Page 5: Genesis, Science and History John Oates May 5, 2015May 5, 2015May 5, 2015.

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ImportanceImportance Most issues of Science and the Bible are not essential points of Most issues of Science and the Bible are not essential points of

doctrinedoctrine Believing in the resurrection is an essential point of doctrineBelieving in the resurrection is an essential point of doctrine Believing the earth to be 4.5 billion years old rather than created in Believing the earth to be 4.5 billion years old rather than created in

six days around 4004 B.C. is notsix days around 4004 B.C. is not Yet in some cases scientifically-minded people have been Yet in some cases scientifically-minded people have been

driven away from the church for rejecting traditional driven away from the church for rejecting traditional interpretationsinterpretations We need to know what beliefs do and do not contradict the BibleWe need to know what beliefs do and do not contradict the Bible

A 4.5 billion year old earth does not contradict the BibleA 4.5 billion year old earth does not contradict the Bible Believing humans to be merely biological machines does contradicts the Believing humans to be merely biological machines does contradicts the

BibleBible Does evolution contradict the Bible?Does evolution contradict the Bible? What about the naturalistic origin of life?What about the naturalistic origin of life? What should we believe about the Flood, miracles, the Big Bang, …What should we believe about the Flood, miracles, the Big Bang, …

Bible directivesBible directives ““Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you

to give the reason for the hope that you have.” – 1 Peter 3:15to give the reason for the hope that you have.” – 1 Peter 3:15 ““Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a

workman who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly workman who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth.” – 2 Tim 2:15handles the word of truth.” – 2 Tim 2:15

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ImportanceImportance Scientific education – What should we teach our kids?Scientific education – What should we teach our kids?

Many of our kids will lose their faith between their freshman Many of our kids will lose their faith between their freshman and senior years in college (James Leuba, 1916)and senior years in college (James Leuba, 1916)

Scientific ideas taught in schools, if not well-addressed, can Scientific ideas taught in schools, if not well-addressed, can be a serious stumbling block to our children, if not ourselvesbe a serious stumbling block to our children, if not ourselves

Alan Hayward: “But it is quite another matter for recent-Alan Hayward: “But it is quite another matter for recent-creationists to argue that the astronomers, the creationists to argue that the astronomers, the astrophysicists, the nuclear physicists, the geologists, the astrophysicists, the nuclear physicists, the geologists, the geochemists and the geophysicists are all on the wrong geochemists and the geophysicists are all on the wrong track, too! When they have had the time to ponder the track, too! When they have had the time to ponder the implications, how many educated young people will accept implications, how many educated young people will accept such a sweeping dismissal of so large a part of science? And such a sweeping dismissal of so large a part of science? And what will happen when they finally turn and reject it? Is what will happen when they finally turn and reject it? Is there not a danger that many of them will swing to the other there not a danger that many of them will swing to the other extreme and reject the Bible altogether?”extreme and reject the Bible altogether?”

If we fail to handle this correctly our kids may brand us as If we fail to handle this correctly our kids may brand us as simpletons and find reason to ignore Christsimpletons and find reason to ignore Christ

Our own faithOur own faith Some of us undoubtedly are insecure regarding some of the Some of us undoubtedly are insecure regarding some of the

apparent inconsistencies between the Biblical and scientific apparent inconsistencies between the Biblical and scientific teachingsteachings

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Overview for TonightOverview for Tonight

Importance of Importance of reconciling the Bible with reconciling the Bible with sciencescience

The history of the The history of the conflict between science conflict between science and the religionand the religion

The Bible must be The Bible must be correctly interpretedcorrectly interpreted

ScientismScientism

Page 8: Genesis, Science and History John Oates May 5, 2015May 5, 2015May 5, 2015.

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Conflict Between Science and ReligionConflict Between Science and Religion The “war” between Science and ReligionThe “war” between Science and Religion

John William Draper: John William Draper: History of the Conflict History of the Conflict Between Religion and ScienceBetween Religion and Science, 1875, 1875

Andrew Dickson White: Andrew Dickson White: A History of the A History of the Warfare of Science With Theology in Warfare of Science With Theology in ChristendomChristendom, 1896, 1896

That Science and Religion have always been at That Science and Religion have always been at war is contentiouswar is contentious

Nevertheless, everyone acknowledges that the Nevertheless, everyone acknowledges that the current relationship is accurately described by current relationship is accurately described by warwar

Page 9: Genesis, Science and History John Oates May 5, 2015May 5, 2015May 5, 2015.

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Flat Versus Round EarthFlat Versus Round Earth Did man from his earliest day Did man from his earliest day

believe that the Earth was flat?believe that the Earth was flat? Early Greek philosophers knew Early Greek philosophers knew

the world was roundthe world was round Aristotle (~350 BC) reasoned that Aristotle (~350 BC) reasoned that

the earth was spherical since only the earth was spherical since only a sphere would cast a circular a sphere would cast a circular shadow on the moon regardless of shadow on the moon regardless of geometrygeometry

Combining astronomical Combining astronomical observations with geometry the observations with geometry the early Greek philosophers early Greek philosophers calculatedcalculated

The earth’s diameter, with high The earth’s diameter, with high accuracyaccuracy

The distance from the earth to The distance from the earth to moon, more or less correctlymoon, more or less correctly

The distance from the earth to the The distance from the earth to the sun (less accurately)sun (less accurately)

By 1492 it was generally By 1492 it was generally agreed that the world is round, agreed that the world is round, at least by the educated classesat least by the educated classes

Eratosthenes (ca. 276 - 194 BC)

Page 10: Genesis, Science and History John Oates May 5, 2015May 5, 2015May 5, 2015.

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Charles K. Johnson, president Charles K. Johnson, president of the International Flat Earth of the International Flat Earth

Research SocietyResearch Society

Flat Versus Round EarthFlat Versus Round Earth Several of the early church fathers believed Several of the early church fathers believed

that the earth is flat based on a literal that the earth is flat based on a literal reading of the Biblereading of the Bible

Cosmas Indicopleustes (547 AD)Cosmas Indicopleustes (547 AD) Lactantius (245-325 AD)Lactantius (245-325 AD) ……

Flat-earth scriptures:Flat-earth scriptures: ““He set the earth on its foundations; it can He set the earth on its foundations; it can

never be moved.” – Psa 104:5never be moved.” – Psa 104:5 ““He shakes the earth from its place and He shakes the earth from its place and

makes its pillars tremble.” – Job 9:6makes its pillars tremble.” – Job 9:6 ““After this I saw four angels standing at the After this I saw four angels standing at the

four corners of the earth, …” – Rev 7:1four corners of the earth, …” – Rev 7:1 The Flat-Earth Society is still alive todayThe Flat-Earth Society is still alive today

Their beliefs again based on a literal reading Their beliefs again based on a literal reading of the Bibleof the Bible

The Bible does not say that the earth is flat The Bible does not say that the earth is flat – the early church fathers misinterpreted – the early church fathers misinterpreted poetical passages as literalpoetical passages as literal

““Have you ever given orders to the morning, Have you ever given orders to the morning, or shown the dawn its place, that it might or shown the dawn its place, that it might take the earth by the edges and shake the take the earth by the edges and shake the wicked out of it?” – Job 38:12-13wicked out of it?” – Job 38:12-13

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The Ancient’s View of the CosmosThe Ancient’s View of the Cosmos

““He sits enthroned above the circle of the earth, and its people He sits enthroned above the circle of the earth, and its people are like grasshoppers. He stretches out the heavens like a are like grasshoppers. He stretches out the heavens like a canopy, and spreads them out like a tent to live in.” – Isa 40:22canopy, and spreads them out like a tent to live in.” – Isa 40:22

Page 12: Genesis, Science and History John Oates May 5, 2015May 5, 2015May 5, 2015.

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Augustine of Hippo

The AntipodesThe Antipodes Augustine (~400 AD)Augustine (~400 AD)

““But as to the fable that there are Antipodes, that is to But as to the fable that there are Antipodes, that is to say, men on the opposite side of the earth, where the say, men on the opposite side of the earth, where the sun rises when it sets to us, men who walk with their sun rises when it sets to us, men who walk with their feet opposite ours, that is on no ground credible. … For feet opposite ours, that is on no ground credible. … For Scripture, which proves the truth of its historical Scripture, which proves the truth of its historical statements by the accomplishment of its prophecies, statements by the accomplishment of its prophecies, gives no false information; and it is too absurd to say, gives no false information; and it is too absurd to say, that some men might have taken ship and traversed that some men might have taken ship and traversed the whole wide ocean, and crossed from this side of the whole wide ocean, and crossed from this side of the world to the other, and that thus even the the world to the other, and that thus even the inhabitants of that distant region are descended from inhabitants of that distant region are descended from that one first man. (City of God, XVI.9).”that one first man. (City of God, XVI.9).”

Augustine’s deductionsAugustine’s deductions Verses like Acts 17:26 – “From one man he made every Verses like Acts 17:26 – “From one man he made every

nation of men, that they should inhabit the whole nation of men, that they should inhabit the whole earth” – indicate that all men are derived from Adamearth” – indicate that all men are derived from Adam

Given, therefore, that the antipodes where Given, therefore, that the antipodes where unreachable from Eden, if they exist, they must be unreachable from Eden, if they exist, they must be uninhabiteduninhabited

Augustine used the scriptures to support the view Augustine used the scriptures to support the view that there were no people on the opposite side of that there were no people on the opposite side of the earth, yet at that time the Mayan and the earth, yet at that time the Mayan and Teotihuacan (Mexico) cultures were fully establishedTeotihuacan (Mexico) cultures were fully established

Alan Hayward (Creation and Evolution):Alan Hayward (Creation and Evolution): ““Augustine, of course, believed that he was Augustine, of course, believed that he was

demolishing bad science with Scriptures. In fact, he demolishing bad science with Scriptures. In fact, he was unsuccessfully opposing good science with was unsuccessfully opposing good science with his own his own incorrect deductions from Scriptureincorrect deductions from Scripture – a mistake which – a mistake which has been repeated all through history”has been repeated all through history” http://www.philosophypages.com/ph/augu.htmhttp://www.philosophypages.com/ph/augu.htm

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Statue of Aristarchus at Statue of Aristarchus at Aristoteles University in Aristoteles University in Thessaloniki, GreeceThessaloniki, Greece

Copernican System

Ptolemaic System

EarthEarth

PlanetPlanet

EpicycleEpicycleDeferentDeferent

Nicolaus CopernicusNicolaus Copernicus Copernicus published Copernicus published De RevolutionibusDe Revolutionibus in 1543, in 1543,

supporting the idea that the earth rotates every 24 supporting the idea that the earth rotates every 24 hours and that it orbits the sun every yearhours and that it orbits the sun every year

He immediately came under attack from both Catholics He immediately came under attack from both Catholics and Protestantsand Protestants

““People give ear to an upstart astrologer who strove to People give ear to an upstart astrologer who strove to show that the Earth revolves, not the heavens or the show that the Earth revolves, not the heavens or the firmament, the sun and the moon … This fool firmament, the sun and the moon … This fool Copernicus wishes to reverse the entire science of Copernicus wishes to reverse the entire science of astronomy; but sacred Scripture tells us that Joshua astronomy; but sacred Scripture tells us that Joshua commanded the sun to stand still and not the earth.” – commanded the sun to stand still and not the earth.” – Martin LutherMartin Luther

Passages Luther and his contemporaries used Passages Luther and his contemporaries used includeinclude

"So the sun stood still, and the moon stopped, …" – "So the sun stood still, and the moon stopped, …" – Joshua 10:13Joshua 10:13

““In the heavens he has pitched a tent for the sun, In the heavens he has pitched a tent for the sun, which is like a bridegroom coming forth from his which is like a bridegroom coming forth from his pavilion, like a champion rejoicing to run his course. It pavilion, like a champion rejoicing to run his course. It rises at one end of the heavens and makes its circuit to rises at one end of the heavens and makes its circuit to the other; nothing is hidden from its heat.” – Psalm the other; nothing is hidden from its heat.” – Psalm 19:4-619:4-6

"The Earth is firmly fixed; it shall not be moved" – "The Earth is firmly fixed; it shall not be moved" – Psalm 104:5Psalm 104:5

Just like Augustine, Luther misinterpreted the Just like Augustine, Luther misinterpreted the scriptures, ridiculing those who held the truthscriptures, ridiculing those who held the truth

““and it is too absurd to say …” – Augustineand it is too absurd to say …” – Augustine ““This fool Copernicus …” – LutherThis fool Copernicus …” – Luther

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Galileo Galilei

Giordano Bruno

Galileo GalileiGalileo Galilei Galileo Galilei became persuaded of, and championed, Galileo Galilei became persuaded of, and championed,

the heliocentric solar systemthe heliocentric solar system In 1610 he discovered 4 moons orbiting Jupiter, now known In 1610 he discovered 4 moons orbiting Jupiter, now known

as the Galilean moons: Io, Europa, Ganymede and Callistoas the Galilean moons: Io, Europa, Ganymede and Callisto He also found that Venus was a planet, with phases like the He also found that Venus was a planet, with phases like the

moon moon In 1616 Pope Paul V notified Galileo in writing to “not In 1616 Pope Paul V notified Galileo in writing to “not

hold or defend” the Copernican theoryhold or defend” the Copernican theory Under the Copernican theory man and the earth were no Under the Copernican theory man and the earth were no

longer at the center of the Universelonger at the center of the Universe In 1632 Galileo published his In 1632 Galileo published his Dialogue on the Great Dialogue on the Great

World Systems, The Ptolemaic and CopernicanWorld Systems, The Ptolemaic and Copernican Immediately the wrath of the catholic church fell on Immediately the wrath of the catholic church fell on

GalileoGalileo He was summoned to Rome to appear before the InquisitionHe was summoned to Rome to appear before the Inquisition The church produced a written memo, purportedly given to The church produced a written memo, purportedly given to

Galileo in 1616 indicating that he “not hold nor defend nor Galileo in 1616 indicating that he “not hold nor defend nor teach in any way whatsoever, verbally or in writing …” the teach in any way whatsoever, verbally or in writing …” the Copernican theoryCopernican theory

He was sentenced to recant his views under a charge of He was sentenced to recant his views under a charge of heresy and then placed under house arrestheresy and then placed under house arrest

Compared to Giordano Bruno Galileo got off easy – Bruno Compared to Giordano Bruno Galileo got off easy – Bruno had been burned at the stake as a heretic in 1600had been burned at the stake as a heretic in 1600

The The DialogueDialogue was added to the index of banned books was added to the index of banned books where it remained until 1832where it remained until 1832

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From Conflict to all-out WarFrom Conflict to all-out WarJames James UssherUssher

Sir Charles Sir Charles LyellLyell

Charles DarwinCharles Darwin John ScopesJohn Scopes

Henry MorrisHenry Morris

Phillip E. Johnson Phillip E. Johnson

In 1650 Irish Archbishop James Ussher (1581-1656) In 1650 Irish Archbishop James Ussher (1581-1656) arrived at a date 4004 BC for creation, 2349 for the arrived at a date 4004 BC for creation, 2349 for the FloodFlood

By the mid-1800s the Uniformitarianism of James By the mid-1800s the Uniformitarianism of James Hutton (1726-1797) and Charles Lyell (1797-1875) Hutton (1726-1797) and Charles Lyell (1797-1875) became the universally accepted geological theorybecame the universally accepted geological theory

In the second half of the 19In the second half of the 19thth century various century various interpretations of the creation days were proposed to interpretations of the creation days were proposed to reconcile the Genesis account with geologyreconcile the Genesis account with geology

In 1859 Charles Darwin (1809-1882) published the In 1859 Charles Darwin (1809-1882) published the Origin of the SpeciesOrigin of the Species

By the beginning of the 20By the beginning of the 20thth century evolution was century evolution was accepted almost universally by scientists and accepted almost universally by scientists and churchmen alikechurchmen alike

The beginning of Fundamentalism is marked by the The beginning of Fundamentalism is marked by the publication of publication of The FundamentalsThe Fundamentals in 1909 in 1909

At this same time a strong anti-evolutionist movement At this same time a strong anti-evolutionist movement was mounting in the United Stateswas mounting in the United States

The Scopes “Monkey Trial” of 1925 propelled the The Scopes “Monkey Trial” of 1925 propelled the Science-Religion conflict to the forefront of the Science-Religion conflict to the forefront of the public’s attention worldwidepublic’s attention worldwide

““Creation Science” took root in the early part of the Creation Science” took root in the early part of the 2020thth century, but had little support until the publication century, but had little support until the publication of Henry Morris’ “The Genesis Flood” in 1961of Henry Morris’ “The Genesis Flood” in 1961

Throughout the second half the 20Throughout the second half the 20thth century numerous century numerous court and school-board battles were fought over the court and school-board battles were fought over the Evolution vs. CreationismEvolution vs. Creationism

In 1964 Arno Penzias and Robert Wilson discovered In 1964 Arno Penzias and Robert Wilson discovered the CMB radiation and measured its temperature – the the CMB radiation and measured its temperature – the first experimental confirmation of the Big Bang theoryfirst experimental confirmation of the Big Bang theory

The Intelligent Design movement began with the The Intelligent Design movement began with the publication of Darwin on Trial, by Phillip Johnson, 1991publication of Darwin on Trial, by Phillip Johnson, 1991

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What can we learn from the conflict?What can we learn from the conflict?

The Bible has been misusedThe Bible has been misused to support a flat earthto support a flat earth

to preclude people on the opposite side of the to preclude people on the opposite side of the earthearth

to support a geocentric solar systemto support a geocentric solar system

ConclusionsConclusions The Bible has been REPEATEDLY misinterpretedThe Bible has been REPEATEDLY misinterpreted

Caution must be exercised in interpreting the Caution must be exercised in interpreting the BibleBible

The conflict has become increasingly The conflict has become increasingly acrimonious with timeacrimonious with time

Page 17: Genesis, Science and History John Oates May 5, 2015May 5, 2015May 5, 2015.

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Overview for TonightOverview for Tonight

Importance of Importance of reconciling the Bible with reconciling the Bible with sciencescience

The history of the The history of the conflict between science conflict between science and the religionand the religion

The Bible must be The Bible must be correctly interpretedcorrectly interpreted

ScientismScientism

Page 18: Genesis, Science and History John Oates May 5, 2015May 5, 2015May 5, 2015.

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The Bible Must Be Correctly InterpretedThe Bible Must Be Correctly Interpreted Examples where the Bible must be interpretedExamples where the Bible must be interpreted

““By the seventh day God had finished the work By the seventh day God had finished the work he had been doing; so on the seventh day he he had been doing; so on the seventh day he rested from all his work.” – Gen 2:2rested from all his work.” – Gen 2:2

““Cursed are you above all the livestock and all Cursed are you above all the livestock and all the wild animals! You will crawl on your belly the wild animals! You will crawl on your belly and you will eat dust all the days of your life.” – and you will eat dust all the days of your life.” – Gen 3:14Gen 3:14

How should we read the Bible?How should we read the Bible? Literally? At face value? Seriously?Literally? At face value? Seriously? There is no simple answer, except to earnestly There is no simple answer, except to earnestly

seek after the truth usingseek after the truth using all the resources andall the resources and all the faculties that God has given usall the faculties that God has given us

God has always intended that we use our God has always intended that we use our minds in reading the Bibleminds in reading the Bible

““Love the Lord your God with all your heart and Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind” – Mat with all your soul and with all your mind” – Mat 22:3722:37

Jesus’ parables (Mat 13:13) and the Proverbs Jesus’ parables (Mat 13:13) and the Proverbs (2:1-5) were apparently design to make people (2:1-5) were apparently design to make people search for the meaningsearch for the meaning

Many Old Testament passages, while historical, Many Old Testament passages, while historical, were also allegorical (Col 2:17, Heb 8:5, 1Cor were also allegorical (Col 2:17, Heb 8:5, 1Cor 2:10)2:10)

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The Bible Must Be Correctly InterpretedThe Bible Must Be Correctly Interpreted We must recognize the genre and We must recognize the genre and

artistic methods being employedartistic methods being employed The genre is sometimes apocalypticThe genre is sometimes apocalyptic Biblical language is poetical or Biblical language is poetical or

allegoricalallegorical The scriptures are sometimes The scriptures are sometimes

phenomenologicalphenomenological The Bible often speaks in The Bible often speaks in

hyperbolehyperbole ““Even from birth the wicked go Even from birth the wicked go

astray; from the womb they are astray; from the womb they are wayward and speak lies” – Psalm wayward and speak lies” – Psalm 58:358:3

““This is the gospel that you heard This is the gospel that you heard and that has been proclaimed to and that has been proclaimed to every creature under heaven, …” – every creature under heaven, …” – Col 1:23Col 1:23

““If your right eye causes you to sin, If your right eye causes you to sin, gouge it out and throw it away” – gouge it out and throw it away” – Mat 5:29Mat 5:29

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Ken Ham, Executive Director, Answers in Genesis

The Bible Must Be Correctly InterpretedThe Bible Must Be Correctly Interpreted Ken HamKen Ham

““For me to accept an old age (billions of years) for For me to accept an old age (billions of years) for the earth is to accept that fallible man’s fallible the earth is to accept that fallible man’s fallible methods are in authority over God’s infallible methods are in authority over God’s infallible Word. I can’t do that!”Word. I can’t do that!”

Derek KidnerDerek Kidner ““We are asserting our own infallibility, not that of We are asserting our own infallibility, not that of

the scriptures, when we refuse to collate our the scriptures, when we refuse to collate our factual answers with those of independent factual answers with those of independent inquiry.”inquiry.”

Suggestion for Biblical interpretation in the light Suggestion for Biblical interpretation in the light of extra-Biblical knowledgeof extra-Biblical knowledge Does the Bible really exclude evolution?Does the Bible really exclude evolution? What about a local rather than global flood?What about a local rather than global flood? Suggestions:Suggestions:

If we can find a reasonable interpretation of the If we can find a reasonable interpretation of the Scriptures that accommodates the scientific Scriptures that accommodates the scientific observations, the problem is solvedobservations, the problem is solved

If not we have a paradox – that’s okIf not we have a paradox – that’s ok If scientific evidence is stacked against a literal If scientific evidence is stacked against a literal

reading to such a great extent that the only reading to such a great extent that the only alternatives arealternatives are

(a) science must be correct, or (a) science must be correct, or (b) God must intentionally be deceiving us(b) God must intentionally be deceiving us

then the conclusion must be that science is correctthen the conclusion must be that science is correct

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Disputable MattersDisputable Matters Biblical injunctionsBiblical injunctions

““Accept him whose faith is weak, Accept him whose faith is weak, without passing judgment on without passing judgment on disputable matters.” – Rom 14:1disputable matters.” – Rom 14:1

““All of us who are mature should take All of us who are mature should take such a view of things. And if on some such a view of things. And if on some point you think differently, that too point you think differently, that too God will make clear to you.” – Phil God will make clear to you.” – Phil 3:153:15

““It is not good to have zeal without It is not good to have zeal without knowledge, nor to be hasty and miss knowledge, nor to be hasty and miss the way.” – Prov 19:2the way.” – Prov 19:2

““When pride comes, then comes When pride comes, then comes disgrace, but with humility comes disgrace, but with humility comes wisdom.” – Prov 11:2wisdom.” – Prov 11:2

““The first to present his case seems The first to present his case seems right, till another comes forward and right, till another comes forward and questions him.” – Prov 18:17questions him.” – Prov 18:17

““Let us therefore make every effort to Let us therefore make every effort to do what leads to peace and to mutual do what leads to peace and to mutual edification.” – Rom 14:19edification.” – Rom 14:19

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Overview for TonightOverview for Tonight

Importance of Importance of reconciling the Bible with reconciling the Bible with sciencescience

The history of the The history of the conflict between science conflict between science and the religionand the religion

The Bible must be The Bible must be correctly interpretedcorrectly interpreted

ScientismScientism

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Richard Dawkins Richard Dawkins

Steven Weinberg Steven Weinberg William ProvineWilliam Provine

Scientism / NaturalismScientism / Naturalism William ProvineWilliam Provine

““Naturalistic evolution has clear Naturalistic evolution has clear consequences that Charles Darwin consequences that Charles Darwin understood perfectly.understood perfectly.

1) No gods worth having exist; 1) No gods worth having exist; 2) no life after death exists;2) no life after death exists; 3) no ultimate foundation for ethics 3) no ultimate foundation for ethics

exists;exists; 4) no ultimate meaning in life exists; 4) no ultimate meaning in life exists;

andand 5) human free will is nonexistent.”5) human free will is nonexistent.”

Steven WeinbergSteven Weinberg ““As far as we have been able to As far as we have been able to

discover the laws of nature, they are discover the laws of nature, they are impersonal, with no hint of a divine impersonal, with no hint of a divine plan or any special status for human plan or any special status for human beings”beings”

Richard DawkinsRichard Dawkins ““The universe that we observe has The universe that we observe has

precisely the properties we should precisely the properties we should expect if there is, at bottom, no expect if there is, at bottom, no design, no purpose, no evil and no design, no purpose, no evil and no good, nothing but blind, pitiless good, nothing but blind, pitiless indifference.” indifference.”

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Scientism / NaturalismScientism / Naturalism There is nothing outside of the There is nothing outside of the

physical worldphysical world Moral ideas are nothing more than Moral ideas are nothing more than

societal rules that man has found societal rules that man has found convenient for the smooth operation convenient for the smooth operation of societyof society

We are all merely biological machinesWe are all merely biological machines We have no free will and we are not We have no free will and we are not

responsible for our actionsresponsible for our actions There is no absolute good and evilThere is no absolute good and evil There is no purpose for what happens There is no purpose for what happens

in the universein the universe Miracles do not happen and never Miracles do not happen and never

have happenedhave happened There is nothing special about manThere is nothing special about man

Man is no different from the animalsMan is no different from the animals Man does not have either a soul or a Man does not have either a soul or a

spiritspirit At death we simply cease to existAt death we simply cease to exist

““God” is a concept invented by God” is a concept invented by ignorant man who did not know ignorant man who did not know betterbetter

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Michael RuseMichael Ruse

Scientism / NaturalismScientism / Naturalism The core assumption of science is that effects are due to The core assumption of science is that effects are due to

causes, and that by repeatedly reproducing the causes causes, and that by repeatedly reproducing the causes we can repeatedly reproduce the effect.we can repeatedly reproduce the effect.

A second common A second common assumptionassumption made by scientists is that made by scientists is that there is nothing outside of the natural world, and there is nothing outside of the natural world, and therefore the only way to gain knowledge is through therefore the only way to gain knowledge is through scientific investigationscientific investigation

William Newsome, Professor of Neurobiology at Stanford William Newsome, Professor of Neurobiology at Stanford UniversityUniversity ““Conflict arises when the additional assumption is Conflict arises when the additional assumption is

introduced that the scientific process is the introduced that the scientific process is the only only reliable way reliable way to acquire truth that is meaningful and universal. This to acquire truth that is meaningful and universal. This radically materialist proposition is, of course, fundamentally radically materialist proposition is, of course, fundamentally incompatible with most traditional forms of religious belief incompatible with most traditional forms of religious belief and practice. At one fell swoop, it dismisses the existence of and practice. At one fell swoop, it dismisses the existence of God, the possibility of divine revelation to humanity, any God, the possibility of divine revelation to humanity, any notion of universal grounding for right action (ethics), or any notion of universal grounding for right action (ethics), or any possibility that humanity can participate in a reality that possibility that humanity can participate in a reality that transcends itself—none of which is testable by scientific transcends itself—none of which is testable by scientific method or required for understanding the mechanics of method or required for understanding the mechanics of nature.”nature.”

Matt Cartmill, president of the American Association of Matt Cartmill, president of the American Association of Physical Anthropologists, Physical Anthropologists, DiscoverDiscover magazine, 1998 magazine, 1998

““Many scientists are atheists or agnostics who want to Many scientists are atheists or agnostics who want to believe that the natural world they study is all there is, and believe that the natural world they study is all there is, and being only human, they try to persuade themselves that being only human, they try to persuade themselves that science gives them the grounds for that belief … It’s an science gives them the grounds for that belief … It’s an honorable belief, but it isn’t a research finding.”honorable belief, but it isn’t a research finding.”

Michael Ruse, philosopher-historian, himself a Darwinist, Michael Ruse, philosopher-historian, himself a Darwinist, calls this Naturalism “a religion”calls this Naturalism “a religion”

William NewsomeWilliam Newsome

Matt CartmillMatt Cartmill

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ConclusionsConclusions ImportanceImportance

We must not shut the doors of the church to the scientifically-We must not shut the doors of the church to the scientifically-minded or the atheistminded or the atheist

We need to know what beliefs do and do not contradict the BibleWe need to know what beliefs do and do not contradict the Bible Many of our kids will lose their faith between their freshman and Many of our kids will lose their faith between their freshman and

senior years in collegesenior years in college Conflict between science and religionConflict between science and religion

The conflict dates back at least to the 4th century ADThe conflict dates back at least to the 4th century AD It continues to this day, the conflict becoming increasingly It continues to this day, the conflict becoming increasingly

acrimoniousacrimonious Scientists have become alienated with prospects of outreach Scientists have become alienated with prospects of outreach

limitedlimited The Bible must be interpretedThe Bible must be interpreted

The genre of the writings need to be understoodThe genre of the writings need to be understood Literary devices need to be identifiedLiterary devices need to be identified There is no simple rule of interpretationThere is no simple rule of interpretation

Are science and religion fundamentally at odds? What is the Are science and religion fundamentally at odds? What is the source of the conflict?source of the conflict? On the part of the religious, the Bible has been often On the part of the religious, the Bible has been often

misinterpretedmisinterpreted On the part of scientists, the assumption of naturalism is On the part of scientists, the assumption of naturalism is

misrepresented as sciencemisrepresented as science

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Creation, the Age of the Earth and the Big BangCreation, the Age of the Earth and the Big Bang Is the Earth merely 6000 years old?Is the Earth merely 6000 years old?

Does the Bible really indicate a Does the Bible really indicate a young Earth?young Earth?

What was the original intent of the What was the original intent of the author(s)?author(s)?

How do scientists determine the How do scientists determine the age of the Earth?age of the Earth? What is the evidence for an old What is the evidence for an old

earth?earth? Is radiometric dating reliable?Is radiometric dating reliable?

What are the supposed evidences What are the supposed evidences for a young Earth?for a young Earth?

What is the Evidence for the Big What is the Evidence for the Big Bang?Bang?

Can the Bible be reconciled with a Can the Bible be reconciled with a 13.6 billion year old universe?13.6 billion year old universe? Does the order of events recorded Does the order of events recorded

in Genesis 1 agree with science?in Genesis 1 agree with science? How have the seven days of How have the seven days of

creation been variously interpreted?creation been variously interpreted? Do Genesis 1 and 2 represent two Do Genesis 1 and 2 represent two

contradictory creation accounts?contradictory creation accounts?

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The EndThe End


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