A CALL TO DEFEND THE FOUNDATION OF OUR FAITH

Modern Warfare: The Creation vs. Evolution

Conflict

Vision

Vision (looking ahead) Bring glory to God through the study of the creation-evolution

debate. Encourage our church to see the value in diligent study of truth. To remain confident, certain, and communicate our belief effectively. 1 Timothy 4:7-14

Have nothing to do with godless myths and old wives’ tales; rather, train yourself to be godly. 8 For physical training is of some value, but godliness has value for all things, holding promise for both the present life and the life to come. 9 This is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance. 10 That is why we labor and strive, because we have put our hope in the living God, who is the Savior of all people, and especially of those who believe. (NIV)

2 Timothy 1:7 For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power,

love and self-discipline. (NIV)

Mission

Mission (acting on the vision) To be better prepared to defend and proclaim the

relevance of God’s word to a lost world, and to do this with love, patience and respect.

1 Peter 3:15 But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be

prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect. (NIV)

What do we want to accomplish?

Objectives (goals) Teach from a Biblical perspective Understand how science points to the Bible Investigate evolutionary and creation theories Challenge our church to defend its faith with love and

respect Encourage our church to engage in creation /

evolution dialogue

Class Format

Ground Rules Open discussion is encouraged but we ask you stay on topic. We don’t mind disagreement on views but ask that you will not argue.

Weekly Quizzes Every week we will hand out a quiz to get you thinking about the

topics we will be covering. Do you have to be super-de-duper smart or hold a degree

to participate and understand this class? Absolutely not, but we do ask that you do spend time studying the

topics and putting effort into the class for the benefit of us all. (iron sharpens iron)

Length of Class 55 minute classes 3 lessons

Introduction / Science Evolution Creation

Opening Discussion

Is the Creation-Evolution debate important? Why?

Is the debate still relevant today?

What are some popular views today regarding Creation? Evolution?

Does science disprove the Bible?

What is science?

Science Defined

Science Derived from a Latin verb meaning ‘to know’1

Way of knowing1

Knowledge based on observed facts and tested truths arranged in an orderly system2

The search for truth2

Science- The investigation of natural phenomena through observation, theoretical explanation, and experimentation, or the knowledge produced by such investigation. (The American Heritage Science Dictionary. 2002)

Types of Science

Discovery, Inquiry, or Descriptive Science¹ Describes natural structures and processes as

accurately as possible. Based on Inductive Reasoning

Derive generalizations based on a large number of specific observations

Types of Science

Hypothesis-Based Science (Scientific Method) ¹ An educated postulate (guess) based on past

experience and the available data of discovery science Predictions that can be tested by recording additional

observations or by designing experiments Deductive Reasoning

Starting with a generalization and trying to prove the specific

“If…then” Logic

Types of Science

Hypothesis Continued¹ Must be testable Must be falsifiable **No amount of experimental testing can prove a hypothesis

beyond a shadow of a doubt because it is impossible to exhaust the testing of all alternative hypotheses.

Gains credibility by surviving various attempts to falsify it while testing eliminates (falsifies) alternative hypotheses.

The Myths of the Scientific Method¹ Very few experiments follow this method exactly Proven research takes many years of experimentation Does not apply for all scientific inquiries

The Scientific Method4

Laundry Detergent Experiment

Ask a question (curiosity) ¹ What makes some laundry detergents better than others?

This is an example of a controlled experiment using deductive reasoning (“If…Then” logic)

Do Background Research What are the best laundry detergents available and which is

the most effective? Is there a need for further study in this area? Is Tide better than Downy, Arm & Hammer, and Era?

For example, according to current research there is no specific conclusion comparing laundry detergents’ effectiveness.

Laundry Detergent Experiment

Construct a Hypothesis This is an educated guess of the outcome of the

experiment Hypothesis:

Tide is more effective at removing stains in white t-shirts than Downy, A&H, and Era.

Laundry Detergent Experiment

Methods and Procedures This provides all the necessary supplies and steps that

must be taken to make the experiment repeatable. 1 Hanes 100% white cotton t-shirt cut into four 3”x3”

squares 3 oz. of Welch’s all natural grape juice 2 oz. of liquid detergent from each brand is used as

stain remover 1 Whirlpool washing machine

Laundry Detergent Experiment

Tested with an Experiment Grape juice is applied to t-shirt in a controlled area Juice is allowed time to dry into white shirt (4 hours) Liquid detergent is applied and scrubbed in with a toothbrush Each shirt with separate detergents is washed in washing

machine for 15 minute cycle Shirt is then air dried on a clothes line and the stain is analyzed

based on the following: Color, darkness/lightness of the color, size of the stain

Results Show exactly what we found, nothing more, nothing less

Could include measurements of each stain, color analyses pictures, before and after pictures, etc.

Laundry Detergent Experiment

Discussion Variables effecting results Errors in any process of the experiment Any unusual or unexpected results or findings Limitations and the need for further studies

Conclusion The primary conclusion is whether the hypothesis was

falsified or supported by the experiment Tide is more effective at removing stains in white t-shirts

than Downy, A&H, and Era Did our results support or deny this statement?

Types of Science

Case Study¹ A single case studied as an isolated event Generally a story of a specific observation

Controlled Experiment¹ Designed to test the effect of one variable by

canceling out the effects of any unwanted variables **A common misconception is that scientists control

the experimental environment and keep everything constant except the one variable being tested.

This is impossible and not realistic, even in highly regulated lab environments

Theoretically Speaking…….

Theory¹ proposed explanation whose status is still conjectural, in contrast to well-

established propositions that are regarded as reporting matters of actual fact

Theories in Science¹ Similar to a hypothesis but much broader General enough to spin off many hypotheses Generally supported by a much more massive body of evidence

Theory of Natural Selection

Theories Constantly Fluctuate! ¹ Scrutiny of general theories continues through testing of the specific,

falsifiable hypotheses they spawn Scientist must sometimes modify or reject theories when new research

produces results that don’t fit **If there is “truth” in science, it is conditional, based on the

preponderance of available evidence

Discussion Questions

What is the nature of Scientific Evidence?

How is it interpreted?

Worldview

What exactly is Creation?

Creation Defined: The act of making a thing which has not been made

before2

A being created2

A thing produced by intelligence or skill2

Out of nothing

Creation Theory

Biblical Creation:A threefold approach3

1.) Perfect Creation In six days God created the heavens, the earth, and all that is

in them from nothing.

2.) Corrupted by Sin God destroyed the world with a world-wide flood and gave

it a fresh start with Noah, his family, and the animals from the ark.

3.) Restored by Jesus After the flood the earth is filled once again with death

and destruction because of human sin. Christ came to heal and restore by his death and resurrection. (no more death)

What exactly is evolution?

Evolution: All the changes that have transformed life on Earth

from its earliest beginnings to the diversity that characterizes it today1

Any process of formation or growth2

The theory that all living things developed from a few simple forms of life through a series of physical changes2

Evolutionary Theory:

A Quick Thought

Do you consider creation-science a religion? Why?

Do you consider evolutionary theory a religion? Why?

What is religion? Belief in God or gods2

Worship of God or gods2

Anything done or followed with reverence or devotion2

Cause principle or system of beliefs held to with ardor and faith3

So you don’t care, and you have no opinion?

Opinion a belief or judgment that rests on grounds insufficient

to produce complete certainty2Skeptics

doubt or unbelief with regard to a religion, esp. Christianity3

Discussion Question: What is a worldview?

I’m Absolutely Sure You Can’t Know For Sure!

Agnostics a person who holds that the existence of the ultimate cause, as

god, and the essential nature of things are unknown and unknowable, or that human knowledge is limited to experience2

a person who denies or doubts the possibility of ultimate knowledge in some area of study2

Absolutes Adjective: (describe)

viewed independently; not comparative or relative; ultimate; intrinsic: absolute knowledge2

Noun: (person, place, thing, idea) something that is not dependent upon external conditions for

existence or for its specific nature, size, etc. ( opposed to relative).2

So you tolerate every view? Really?

What is tolerance? Definition

a fair, objective, and permissive attitude toward those whose opinions, practices, race, religion, nationality, etc., differ from one's own; freedom from bigotry2

diversity, equal opportunity and respect for differences

What are you really saying if you say you tolerate every view?

Is it possible to be 100% tolerant of everything and everybody?

Your biased! But so are you!

Discussion Question:Is it possible to be tolerant and unbiased?

What is a Bias: an opinion before there is reason for it

“Which Bias is the Best Bias with which to be Biased?”

What are some of your biases?-i.e. Foreign vs. Domestic cars, Religion, Politics, and so on…..

White Coat Syndrome: commonly believed facts about the scientist3 He or She is unbiased He or She is objective He or She is infallible He or She wears a white coat

The truth regarding scientists3 Biased, not objective, human, and seldom wears a white coat.

Honest Science

It takes time to find evidence The evidence supports a hypothesis, nothing more,

nothing less.Science has limitations

Cannot measure, quantify, or qualify everythingScience cannot provide life’s answers

Testing the natural will never disprove or prove the supernatural

Supernatural is outside the realm of science Science is based on and was founded on

Naturalism1

The Truth About Science

Limitations of Science (p.24)1 Science requires that a hypothesis be testable and falsifiable and

that observations and experimental results be repeatable.Testable

Can it be tested?Falsifiable

Observations that can’t be verified may be interesting or entertaining, but they cannot count as evidence in scientific inquiry.

The unconfirmed eyewitness accounts and computer-rigged photos are amusing but unconvincing.

Repeatable In science, evidence from observations and experiments is only

convincing if it stands the criterion of repeatability.

Naturalism

• Naturalsim• a. the view of the world that takes account only

of natural elements and forces, excluding the supernatural or spiritual.2

• b. the belief that all phenomena are covered by laws of science and that all teleological explanations are therefore without value.2

Naturalism

• Ultimately, the limitations of science are imposed by its naturalism—its seeking of natural causes for natural phenomena.1

• Science can neither support nor falsify hypotheses that angles, ghosts, or spirits, both benevolent and evil, cause storms, rainbows, illnesses, and cures. Such supernatural explanations are simply outside the bounds of science.1

What about Reason and Logic?

Reason a statement presented in justification or explanation of a belief or action. the faculty or power of acquiring intellectual knowledge, either by direct

understanding of first principles or by argument2Logic

the science that investigates the principles governing correct or reliable inference

a particular method of reasoning or argumentation2 the system or principles of reasoning applicable to any branch of knowledge or

study2

Dogma a settled or established opinion, belief, or principle2

Theory proposed explanation whose status is still conjectural, in contrast to well-

established propositions that are regarded as reporting matters of actual fact2

The Human Factor

Humanism (philosophy) a variety of ethical theory and practice

that emphasizes reason, scientific inquiry, and human fulfillment in the natural world and often rejects the importance of belief in god2

Relativism any theory holding that criteria of judgment are relative, varying with

individuals and their environments2

Atheism The doctrine or belief that there is no God2

God as a Factor

Theism the belief in one god as the creator and ruler of the

universe, without rejection of revelation2 note: this definition includes all other religions that also

believe in one god and revelation through that god

Why is a Solid Foundation so

Imporant?The Sears Tower

1,454 ft. tall (110 stories) Foundation:

“foundation begins about 30m below grade with a concrete mat foundation that is, in turn, supported by 200 rock caissons bored to reach the bedrock another 30m below.”

www.allaboutskyscrapers.com/sears_tower.htm

The wise man builds his house upon the Rock. Mathew 7:24-27 Luke 6:46-49

A Foundation built on Sand or Stone?

Domino Effect

The ‘Domino Effect’ of your foundation3 Origins

The foundation, if inconsistent with the Bible leaves us on unstable ground.

Science If science disproves God’s Word, it becomes the authority

in our lives and weakens the structure of our trust in God.

Religion If your beliefs don’t lineup, you are inconsistent and

uncertain. Doubt erodes your faith. The Bible becomes secondary.

Culture War

What is the foundation issue that fuels our culture war?

Why?

Discussion Question

What is the relationship between a person’s worldview and evidence?

Discussion Questions

What are the logical outcomes (or consequences) of the whole concept of Evolution?

The rejection of the Biblical account of creation?

References for Lesson One

1Campbell and Reece. Biology. 7th edition. 2007. Pearson Education, Inc. San Francisco, CA.

2 Thorndike and Barnhart. The World Book Dictionary. 1993. World Book Inc. Chicago, IL.

3 Ham, K. The Lie: Evolution. 1987. Master Books Inc. Green Forrest, AR.

4 http://www.sciencebuddies.org/science-fair-projects/project_scientific_method.shtml