The Great Debate: Creation vs. Evolution The Great Debate: Creation vs. Evolution The Importance of...

The Great The Great Debate: Creation Debate: Creation vs. Evolutionvs. Evolution

The Great The Great Debate: Creation Debate: Creation vs. Evolutionvs. Evolution

•The Importance of CreationThe Importance of Creation

•The Rise of Anti-Creation ViewsThe Rise of Anti-Creation Views

•The Legal Status of CreationThe Legal Status of Creation

•The Biblical Basis of CreationThe Biblical Basis of Creation

•The Scientific Basis of CreationThe Scientific Basis of Creation

•The Importance of CreationThe Importance of Creation

•The Rise of Anti-Creation ViewsThe Rise of Anti-Creation Views

•The Legal Status of CreationThe Legal Status of Creation

•The Biblical Basis of CreationThe Biblical Basis of Creation

•The Scientific Basis of CreationThe Scientific Basis of Creation

The The CreatorCreator

in the in the CourtroomCourtroom

Copyright by Norman L. Geisler 2006Copyright by Norman L. Geisler 2006

Creation and Creation and EvolutionEvolution

•Creation: Creation: the view that all basic the view that all basic forms of life have a forms of life have a separate separate ancestry, ancestry, being brought into being brought into existence by special acts of an existence by special acts of an intelligent cause.intelligent cause.

•Evolution: Evolution: the view that all the view that all basic forms of life have a basic forms of life have a common common ancestry, ancestry, arising from one original arising from one original form by form by natural causesnatural causes without without any intelligent intervention.any intelligent intervention.

The Evolutionary TreeThe Evolutionary Tree

The CreationForestThe CreationForest

GodGod

Evolution: Common AncestorEvolution: Common AncestorEvolution: Common AncestorEvolution: Common Ancestor

Creation: Common DesignerCreation: Common DesignerCreation: Common DesignerCreation: Common Designer

I. Before the Darwinian I. Before the Darwinian Revolution Revolution

(1620-1859)(1620-1859)

I.I. I. Before the I. Before the Darwinian Darwinian Revolution Revolution (1620-1859)(1620-1859) A. The Founders of Modern A. The Founders of Modern

Science (1620f.) Science (1620f.)

• I. Before the I. Before the Darwinian Darwinian Revolution Revolution (1620-1859)(1620-1859) A. The Founders of Modern A. The Founders of Modern


B. The Declaration of B. The Declaration of Independence Independence (1776)(1776)

• I. Before the Darwinian I. Before the Darwinian Revolution Revolution (1620-(1620-1859)1859) A. The Founders of Modern A. The Founders of Modern


B. The Declaration of B. The Declaration of Independence Independence (1776)(1776)

C. McGuffy’s Reader C. McGuffy’s Reader (1830-(1830-1930)1930)

I.I. I. Before the Darwinian I. Before the Darwinian Revolution Revolution

(1620-1859)(1620-1859) A. The Founders of A. The Founders of

Modern Modern Science--Science--were were creationistscreationists

A. The Founders of Modern A. The Founders of Modern Science (1620-1859)Science (1620-1859)

• Johannes Kepler (1571‑1630) Celestial Mech.Johannes Kepler (1571‑1630) Celestial Mech. Phy. AstronomyPhy. Astronomy

• Blaise Pascal (1623‑1662) HydrostaticsBlaise Pascal (1623‑1662) Hydrostatics

• Robert Boyle (1627‑1691) Chemistry, Gas Robert Boyle (1627‑1691) Chemistry, Gas Dynamics Dynamics

• Nicolaus Steno (1638‑1687) StratigraphyNicolaus Steno (1638‑1687) Stratigraphy

• Isaac Newton (1642‑1727) Calculus, Isaac Newton (1642‑1727) Calculus, Dynamics. Dynamics.


• Michael Faraday (1791‑1867) Michael Faraday (1791‑1867) Mag. TheoryMag. Theory

• Charles Babbage (1792‑1871) Charles Babbage (1792‑1871) Computer Sc. Computer Sc.

• Louis Agassiz (1807‑1873) Louis Agassiz (1807‑1873) Glacial Geo. Glacial Geo. IchthyologyIchthyology

• James Simpson (1811‑1870) GynecologyJames Simpson (1811‑1870) Gynecology

• Gregor Mendel (1822‑1884) Gregor Mendel (1822‑1884) GeneticsGenetics


• Louis Pasteur (1822‑1895) BacteriologyLouis Pasteur (1822‑1895) Bacteriology

• Lord Kelvin (1824‑1907) Energetics, Lord Kelvin (1824‑1907) Energetics, Thermodynamics Thermodynamics

• Joseph Lister (1827‑1912) Antiseptic Joseph Lister (1827‑1912) Antiseptic SurgerySurgery

• James Maxwell (1831‑1879) Electrodynamics James Maxwell (1831‑1879) Electrodynamics Statistical Therm. Statistical Therm.

• William Ramsay (1852‑1916) Isotopic Chem.William Ramsay (1852‑1916) Isotopic Chem.

““It is not to be It is not to be conceived conceived that mere that mere mechanical mechanical causes could causes could give birth to give birth to so many so many regular motions,regular motions, since the since the comets range over all parts of the comets range over all parts of the heavens in very eccentric orbits.... heavens in very eccentric orbits.... This most beautiful system of the This most beautiful system of the sun, planets, and comets, could only sun, planets, and comets, could only proceed from the counsel and proceed from the counsel and dominion of an intelligent and dominion of an intelligent and

powerful Being"powerful Being" ("Scholium," 369). ("Scholium," 369).

““It is not to be It is not to be conceived conceived that mere that mere mechanical mechanical causes could causes could give birth to give birth to so many so many regular motions,regular motions, since the since the comets range over all parts of the comets range over all parts of the heavens in very eccentric orbits.... heavens in very eccentric orbits.... This most beautiful system of the This most beautiful system of the sun, planets, and comets, could only sun, planets, and comets, could only proceed from the counsel and proceed from the counsel and dominion of an intelligent and dominion of an intelligent and

powerful Being"powerful Being" ("Scholium," 369). ("Scholium," 369).

Sir Isaac Newton (1642‑1727)

Sir Isaac Newton (1642‑1727)

I.I. I. Before the Darwinian I. Before the Darwinian Revolution (1620-Revolution (1620-1859)1859)A.A. The Founders of The Founders of

Modern Modern Science Science (1620-1859)(1620-1859)

B. The Declaration of B. The Declaration of Independence Independence

(1776)(1776)

B. The Declaration of B. The Declaration of Independence (1776)Independence (1776)

Our National Birth Certificate rests Our National Birth Certificate rests on three fundamental beliefs:on three fundamental beliefs:

1.1.There is a Creator There is a Creator

2.2.All men are createdAll men are created

3.3.There are God-given There are God-given moral lawsmoral laws

““We hold these truths to be We hold these truths to be self- self-evident, that all men are evident, that all men are

createdcreated equal, that they are equal, that they are

endowed by their endowed by their CreatorCreator with with certain certain unalienable rightsunalienable rights, that , that among these are Life, Liberty and among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.…” the pursuit of Happiness.…”

““We hold these truths to be We hold these truths to be self- self-evident, that all men are evident, that all men are

createdcreated equal, that they are equal, that they are

endowed by their endowed by their CreatorCreator with with certain certain unalienable rightsunalienable rights, that , that among these are Life, Liberty and among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.…” the pursuit of Happiness.…”


(1620-1859)(1620-1859)


(1620-1859)(1620-1859)A.A. The Founders of The Founders of

Modern Modern ScienceScience

B.B. The Declaration of The Declaration of IndependenceIndependence

C.C. McGuffy’s ReadersMcGuffy’s Readers

A.A. The Founders of The Founders of Modern Modern ScienceScience

B.B. The Declaration of The Declaration of IndependenceIndependence

C.C. McGuffy’s ReadersMcGuffy’s Readers

C. McGuffy’s C. McGuffy’s ReadersReadersFrom 1830-1930 millions of American From 1830-1930 millions of American

school children used these illustrated school children used these illustrated readers which explicitly taught:readers which explicitly taught:

From 1830-1930 millions of American From 1830-1930 millions of American school children used these illustrated school children used these illustrated readers which explicitly taught:readers which explicitly taught:

1.1.There is a Creator There is a Creator

2.2. All men were createdAll men were created

3.3.There are God-given There are God-given moral lawsmoral laws

McGuffy on CreationMcGuffy on Creation “ “The plants could not have The plants could not have

grown in that pattern by chance. grown in that pattern by chance. Someone had a design…. God is Someone had a design…. God is the Creator, and his creationthe Creator, and his creation enables us to understand him. In enables us to understand him. In proportion as we investigate the proportion as we investigate the secrets of the natural world, we secrets of the natural world, we are able to are able to understand the understand the nature of God.”nature of God.”

“ “The plants could not have The plants could not have grown in that pattern by chance. grown in that pattern by chance. Someone had a design…. God is Someone had a design…. God is the Creator, and his creationthe Creator, and his creation enables us to understand him. In enables us to understand him. In proportion as we investigate the proportion as we investigate the secrets of the natural world, we secrets of the natural world, we are able to are able to understand the understand the nature of God.”nature of God.”

McGuffy on God-given McGuffy on God-given AbsolutesAbsolutes

““God sees and knows all things, God sees and knows all things, for God is everywhere.for God is everywhere. He sees me He sees me when I rise from my bed, when I go when I rise from my bed, when I go out to walk and play. And when I out to walk and play. And when I lie down to sleep at night, he lie down to sleep at night, he keeps me from harm.… keeps me from harm.… He gave He gave you his word, to let you know what you his word, to let you know what he has done for you and what he he has done for you and what he bids you to do.”bids you to do.”

““God sees and knows all things, God sees and knows all things, for God is everywhere.for God is everywhere. He sees me He sees me when I rise from my bed, when I go when I rise from my bed, when I go out to walk and play. And when I out to walk and play. And when I lie down to sleep at night, he lie down to sleep at night, he keeps me from harm.… keeps me from harm.… He gave He gave you his word, to let you know what you his word, to let you know what he has done for you and what he he has done for you and what he bids you to do.”bids you to do.”

II.II. After the Darwinian After the Darwinian Revolution (1860- Revolution (1860-1967)1967)

Charles Darwin’s Two BooksCharles Darwin’s Two BooksCharles Darwin’s Two BooksCharles Darwin’s Two Books

18591859 18711871

II. After the Darwinian II. After the Darwinian Revolution (1859f.)Revolution (1859f.) A.A. Darwin’s Revolution Darwin’s Revolution

(1859)(1859)

A. Darwin’s RevolutionA. Darwin’s Revolution1. On the Origin of Species1. On the Origin of Species (1859) (1859)

2. The Descent of Man2. The Descent of Man (1871) (1871)

Charles Darwin Charles Darwin

To believe in the “continued intervention of creative power is to make my deity ‘Natural Selection’ superfluous...” (To Lyell, Oct 20, 1859).


Darwin: From Orthodox to AgnosticDarwin: From Orthodox to Agnostic

Charles Darwin Charles Darwin


“There is no evidence that man was aboriginally endowed with the ennobling belief in the existence of an omnipotent God” (Descent of Man, Part I, Chap. 3).




Charles DarwinCharles Darwin



“I for one must be content to remain an agnostic” (Autobiography, 84).



“I for one must be content to remain an agnostic” (Autobiography, 84).


Ethical Implication of Ethical Implication of DarwinismDarwinism• “With savages, the weak in body or mind are soon eliminated; and those that survive commonly exhibit a vigorous state of health. We civilized men, on the other hand, do our utmost to check the process of elimination; we build asylums for the imbecile, the maimed, and the sick…. There is reason to believe that vaccin- ation has preserved thousands who, from a weak constitution, would formerly have succumbed to smallpox. Thus the weak members of civilized society propagate their kind. No one who has attended to the breeding of domestic animals will doubt that this must be highly injurious to the race of man” (DM, 323).

• “With savages, the weak in body or mind are soon eliminated; and those that survive commonly exhibit a vigorous state of health. We civilized men, on the other hand, do our utmost to check the process of elimination; we build asylums for the imbecile, the maimed, and the sick…. There is reason to believe that vaccin- ation has preserved thousands who, from a weak constitution, would formerly have succumbed to smallpox. Thus the weak members of civilized society propagate their kind. No one who has attended to the breeding of domestic animals will doubt that this must be highly injurious to the race of man” (DM, 323).

Hodge on DarwinHodge on Darwin • "What is Darwinism? It is

Atheism. This does not mean that Mr. Darwin himself and all who adopt his views are atheists; but it means that his theory is atheistic, that the exclusion of design from nature is...tantamount to atheism" (Hodge, What is Darwinism?, 177).

• "What is Darwinism? It is Atheism. This does not mean that Mr. Darwin himself and all who adopt his views are atheists; but it means that his theory is atheistic, that the exclusion of design from nature is...tantamount to atheism" (Hodge, What is Darwinism?, 177).

A.A. Darwin’s RevolutionDarwin’s RevolutionA.A. Darwin’s RevolutionDarwin’s Revolution

3.3. The Death of GodThe Death of God

a.a. NietzscheNietzsche

b.b. Karl MarxKarl Marx

3.3. The Death of GodThe Death of God

a.a. NietzscheNietzsche

b.b. Karl MarxKarl Marx

3.3. The Death of God (19th The Death of God (19th cent)cent)

“ “God is dead. God remains dead. God is dead. God remains dead. And we have killed him. How shall And we have killed him. How shall we, the murderers of all we, the murderers of all murderers, comfort ourselves?” murderers, comfort ourselves?” ----NietzscheNietzsche

““Nowadays in our evolutionary Nowadays in our evolutionary conception of the universe conception of the universe there is absolutely no room for a there is absolutely no room for a creator or ruler.”creator or ruler.” ----Karl MarxKarl Marx

“ “God is dead. God remains dead. God is dead. God remains dead. And we have killed him. How shall And we have killed him. How shall we, the murderers of all we, the murderers of all murderers, comfort ourselves?” murderers, comfort ourselves?” ----NietzscheNietzsche

““Nowadays in our evolutionary Nowadays in our evolutionary conception of the universe conception of the universe there is absolutely no room for a there is absolutely no room for a creator or ruler.”creator or ruler.” ----Karl MarxKarl Marx

4.4. The Death of Man (20th The Death of Man (20th cent)cent)

a.a. Hitler Hitler

b.b. Stalin Stalin

c.c. Mao Mao

d.d. America America

4.4. The Death of Man (20th The Death of Man (20th cent)cent)

a.a. Hitler Hitler

b.b. Stalin Stalin

c.c. Mao Mao

d.d. America America

Hitler’s Evolutionary Hitler’s Evolutionary EthicEthicHitler’s Evolutionary Hitler’s Evolutionary EthicEthic ““If Nature does not If Nature does not

wish that weaker wish that weaker individuals should individuals should mate with the stronger, mate with the stronger, she she wishes even less wishes even less that a superior race that a superior race should intermingle with an inferior one;should intermingle with an inferior one; because because in such a case all her efforts, throughout in such a case all her efforts, throughout hundreds of thousands of years, hundreds of thousands of years, to establish an to establish an evolutionary higher stage of being, may thus be evolutionary higher stage of being, may thus be rendered futile” rendered futile” (Mein Kampf, 239)(Mein Kampf, 239)

““If Nature does not If Nature does not wish that weaker wish that weaker individuals should individuals should mate with the stronger, mate with the stronger, she she wishes even less wishes even less that a superior race that a superior race should intermingle with an inferior one;should intermingle with an inferior one; because because in such a case all her efforts, throughout in such a case all her efforts, throughout hundreds of thousands of years, hundreds of thousands of years, to establish an to establish an evolutionary higher stage of being, may thus be evolutionary higher stage of being, may thus be rendered futile” rendered futile” (Mein Kampf, 239)(Mein Kampf, 239)

19241924

The Social The Social ConsequencesConsequencesThe Social The Social ConsequencesConsequences• “ “But such a preservation But such a preservation

goes hand-in-hand with the goes hand-in-hand with the inexorable law that it is inexorable law that it is the the strongest and the best who strongest and the best who must triumphmust triumph and that they and that they have have the rightthe right to endure…. to endure…. He who does not wish to He who does not wish to fight in this world, where fight in this world, where permanent struggle is the permanent struggle is the law of life, has not law of life, has not the rightthe right to exist” (Mein Kampf, 242).to exist” (Mein Kampf, 242).

• “ “But such a preservation But such a preservation goes hand-in-hand with the goes hand-in-hand with the inexorable law that it is inexorable law that it is the the strongest and the best who strongest and the best who must triumphmust triumph and that they and that they have have the rightthe right to endure…. to endure…. He who does not wish to He who does not wish to fight in this world, where fight in this world, where permanent struggle is the permanent struggle is the law of life, has not law of life, has not the rightthe right to exist” (Mein Kampf, 242).to exist” (Mein Kampf, 242).

II. After the Darwinian II. After the Darwinian RevolutionRevolution

A. Darwin’s Revolution A. Darwin’s Revolution (1859) (1859)

B. B. Scopes Trial (1925)Scopes Trial (1925)

B.B.Scopes Trial Scopes Trial (1925)(1925)• Tennessee law forbid teaching Tennessee law forbid teaching

evolution in public schools. evolution in public schools.

• The ACLU recruited John The ACLU recruited John Scopes Scopes to break the law. to break the law.

• He was convicted and fined He was convicted and fined $100.$100.

• It was overturned later on a It was overturned later on a technicality.technicality.

William Jennings Bryan William Jennings Bryan on on

the Dangers of Evolutionthe Dangers of Evolution

William Jennings Bryan William Jennings Bryan on on

the Dangers of Evolutionthe Dangers of Evolution “ Our first indictment

against evolution is that it disputes the truth of the Bible account of man’s creation and shakes faith in the Bible as the Word of God” (World’s Most Famous Trial, 326).

“ Our first indictment against evolution is that it disputes the truth of the Bible account of man’s creation and shakes faith in the Bible as the Word of God” (World’s Most Famous Trial, 326).

• “Our second indictment is that the evolutionary hypothesis, carried to its logical conclusion, disputes every vital truth of the Bible. Its tendency, natural, if not inevitable, is to lead those who really accept it, first to agnosticism and then to atheism” (326).

• “Our third indictment against evolution is that it diverts attention from pressing problems of great importance to trifling speculations…. Evolution is dead- ening the spiritual life of a multitude of students” (333).

• “Our fourth indictment against the evolutionary hypothesis is that by paralyzing the hope of reform, it discourages those who labor for the improvement of man’s condition” (The World’s Most Famous Court Trial, 333). “Our fifth indictment of the evolutionary hypothesis is that, if taken seriously and made the basis of a philosophy of life, it would eliminate love and carry man back to a struggle of tooth and claw” (Bryan, 335).

• “Our second indictment is that the evolutionary hypothesis, carried to its logical conclusion, disputes every vital truth of the Bible. Its tendency, natural, if not inevitable, is to lead those who really accept it, first to agnosticism and then to atheism” (326).

• “Our third indictment against evolution is that it diverts attention from pressing problems of great importance to trifling speculations…. Evolution is dead- ening the spiritual life of a multitude of students” (333).

• “Our fourth indictment against the evolutionary hypothesis is that by paralyzing the hope of reform, it discourages those who labor for the improvement of man’s condition” (The World’s Most Famous Court Trial, 333). “Our fifth indictment of the evolutionary hypothesis is that, if taken seriously and made the basis of a philosophy of life, it would eliminate love and carry man back to a struggle of tooth and claw” (Bryan, 335).

1.1.Text in Scope’s Trial was Text in Scope’s Trial was racist:racist:

1.1.Text in Scope’s Trial was Text in Scope’s Trial was racist:racist:

B.B. Scopes Trial (1925)Scopes Trial (1925)

“ “At the present time At the present time there exists upon the earth there exists upon the earth five races of man… [Negro, five races of man… [Negro, Malay, American Indian, Malay, American Indian, Mongolian]; and finally, Mongolian]; and finally, the the highest type of all, the highest type of all, the Caucasians,Caucasians, represented by represented by the civilized white the civilized white inhabitants of Europe and inhabitants of Europe and America.”America.” ( (Hunter,Hunter, A A Civic Biology)Civic Biology)

“ “At the present time At the present time there exists upon the earth there exists upon the earth five races of man… [Negro, five races of man… [Negro, Malay, American Indian, Malay, American Indian, Mongolian]; and finally, Mongolian]; and finally, the the highest type of all, the highest type of all, the Caucasians,Caucasians, represented by represented by the civilized white the civilized white inhabitants of Europe and inhabitants of Europe and America.”America.” ( (Hunter,Hunter, A A Civic Biology)Civic Biology)

The sub-title for Darwin’s The sub-title for Darwin’s book book On the Origin of On the Origin of SpeciesSpecies reads: reads: “The “The Preservation of Preservation of Favored Favored Races Races in the Struggle for in the Struggle for Life.”Life.”

The sub-title for Darwin’s The sub-title for Darwin’s book book On the Origin of On the Origin of SpeciesSpecies reads: reads: “The “The Preservation of Preservation of Favored Favored Races Races in the Struggle for in the Struggle for Life.”Life.”

B.B. Scopes Trial (1925)Scopes Trial (1925)B.B. Scopes Trial (1925)Scopes Trial (1925)

2.2.Tennessee Forbids EvolutionTennessee Forbids Evolution

““Be it enacted…that it shall be Be it enacted…that it shall be unlawful for any teacher…to unlawful for any teacher…to teach any theory that denies the teach any theory that denies the story of the Divine Creation of story of the Divine Creation of man as taught in the Bible, and man as taught in the Bible, and to teach instead that man has to teach instead that man has descended from a lower order of descended from a lower order of animals”animals” (House Bill No. 185). (House Bill No. 185).

2.2.Tennessee Forbids EvolutionTennessee Forbids Evolution

““Be it enacted…that it shall be Be it enacted…that it shall be unlawful for any teacher…to unlawful for any teacher…to teach any theory that denies the teach any theory that denies the story of the Divine Creation of story of the Divine Creation of man as taught in the Bible, and man as taught in the Bible, and to teach instead that man has to teach instead that man has descended from a lower order of descended from a lower order of animals”animals” (House Bill No. 185). (House Bill No. 185).

B.B.Scopes TrialScopes Trial

Results of the Scopes TrialResults of the Scopes Trial Results of the Scopes TrialResults of the Scopes Trial

Scopes TrialScopes Trial Scopes TrialScopes Trial

Results of the Scopes TrialResults of the Scopes Trial

OfficialOfficial win for creation win for creation






ActualActual win for evolution win for evolution








In public opinion generated In public opinion generated by the liberal mediaby the liberal media

Decision was overturned in 1927 Decision was overturned in 1927

(on a technicality) (on a technicality)




In public opinion generated In public opinion generated by the liberal mediaby the liberal media

Decision was overturned in 1927 Decision was overturned in 1927

(on a technicality) (on a technicality)


II. After the II. After the Darwinian Darwinian RevolutionRevolution

II. After the II. After the Darwinian Darwinian RevolutionRevolution

A. Darwin’s Revolution A. Darwin’s Revolution (1859f.)(1859f.)

B. Scopes Trial B. Scopes Trial (1925)(1925)

C. Secular Humanism C. Secular Humanism (1933)(1933)

A. Darwin’s Revolution A. Darwin’s Revolution (1859f.)(1859f.)

B. Scopes Trial B. Scopes Trial (1925)(1925)

C. Secular Humanism C. Secular Humanism (1933)(1933)

C.C. Secular HumanismSecular HumanismC.C. Secular HumanismSecular Humanism

• Secular Humanism is a self-Secular Humanism is a self-proclaimed “religion” whose value proclaimed “religion” whose value systems depends on human rather systems depends on human rather than divine standards.than divine standards.

• Published in 1933, the Published in 1933, the Humanist Humanist ManifestoManifesto affirmed three core beliefs, affirmed three core beliefs, which stand in direct contradiction to which stand in direct contradiction to The Declaration of Independence.The Declaration of Independence.

• Secular Humanism is a self-Secular Humanism is a self-proclaimed “religion” whose value proclaimed “religion” whose value systems depends on human rather systems depends on human rather than divine standards.than divine standards.

• Published in 1933, the Published in 1933, the Humanist Humanist ManifestoManifesto affirmed three core beliefs, affirmed three core beliefs, which stand in direct contradiction to which stand in direct contradiction to The Declaration of Independence.The Declaration of Independence.

http://apod.gsfc.nasa.gov/apod/image/0102/m100_hst_big.gif

C. Secular HumanismC. Secular Humanism C. Secular HumanismC. Secular Humanism

1. NO Creator1. NO Creator 1. NO Creator1. NO Creator

No CreatorNo Creator No CreatorNo Creator

““Religious humanists regard Religious humanists regard the universe as self-existing the universe as self-existing and not created.”and not created.”

Humanist Humanist ManifestoManifesto

First AffirmationFirst Affirmation

““Religious humanists regard Religious humanists regard the universe as self-existing the universe as self-existing and not created.”and not created.”

Humanist Humanist ManifestoManifesto

First AffirmationFirst Affirmation

C. Secular C. Secular HumanismHumanism

C. Secular C. Secular HumanismHumanism 2.2. NO CreationNO Creation 2.2. NO CreationNO Creation

2.2. No CreationNo Creation 2.2. No CreationNo Creation

“ “Humanism believes that man Humanism believes that man is a part of nature and that is a part of nature and that he has emerged as the result he has emerged as the result of a continuous process.”of a continuous process.”

Humanist ManifestoHumanist ManifestoSecond AffirmationSecond Affirmation

“ “Humanism believes that man Humanism believes that man is a part of nature and that is a part of nature and that he has emerged as the result he has emerged as the result of a continuous process.”of a continuous process.”

Humanist ManifestoHumanist ManifestoSecond AffirmationSecond Affirmation

C. Secular C. Secular HumanismHumanism

3. NO God-Given Moral 3. NO God-Given Moral AbsolutesAbsolutes

3. NO God-Given Moral 3. NO God-Given Moral AbsolutesAbsolutes

3. No God-Given Moral 3. No God-Given Moral AbsolutesAbsolutes

3. No God-Given Moral 3. No God-Given Moral AbsolutesAbsolutes

““Humanism asserts that the Humanism asserts that the nature of the universe depicted nature of the universe depicted by modern science makes by modern science makes unacceptable any supernatural unacceptable any supernatural or cosmic guarantee of human or cosmic guarantee of human values…. We affirm that moral values…. We affirm that moral values derive their source from values derive their source from human experience. Ethics is human experience. Ethics is autonomous and situational….”autonomous and situational….”

Humanist ManifestoHumanist ManifestoFifth AffirmationFifth Affirmation

““Humanism asserts that the Humanism asserts that the nature of the universe depicted nature of the universe depicted by modern science makes by modern science makes unacceptable any supernatural unacceptable any supernatural or cosmic guarantee of human or cosmic guarantee of human values…. We affirm that moral values…. We affirm that moral values derive their source from values derive their source from human experience. Ethics is human experience. Ethics is autonomous and situational….”autonomous and situational….”

Humanist ManifestoHumanist ManifestoFifth AffirmationFifth Affirmation

III. Supreme Court III. Supreme Court Protects Protects

Evolution Evolution (1968)(1968)

III. Supreme Court III. Supreme Court Protects Protects

Evolution Evolution (1968)(1968)

III. Supreme Court Protects III. Supreme Court Protects Evolution (1968)Evolution (1968)


The Law:The Law: ““That statute makes it That statute makes it

unlawful for a teacher unlawful for a teacher

in any state-supported in any state-supported

school or university to school or university to

teach or to use a text-teach or to use a text-

book that teaches, ‘that mankind book that teaches, ‘that mankind ascended or descended from a lower ascended or descended from a lower order of animals.’” order of animals.’”

““That statute makes it That statute makes it

unlawful for a teacher unlawful for a teacher

in any state-supported in any state-supported

school or university to school or university to

teach or to use a text-teach or to use a text-

book that teaches, ‘that mankind book that teaches, ‘that mankind ascended or descended from a lower ascended or descended from a lower order of animals.’” order of animals.’”


The Epperson Decision:The Epperson Decision:““[T]he law must be stricken [T]he law must be stricken

because of its conflict withbecause of its conflict with

the constitutional pro-the constitutional pro-

hibition of state laws hibition of state laws

respecting an establishment of religionrespecting an establishment of religion

or prohibiting the free exercise thereof”or prohibiting the free exercise thereof”

(cf. Everson, 1947).(cf. Everson, 1947).

The Epperson Decision:The Epperson Decision:““[T]he law must be stricken [T]he law must be stricken

because of its conflict withbecause of its conflict with

the constitutional pro-the constitutional pro-

hibition of state laws hibition of state laws

respecting an establishment of religionrespecting an establishment of religion

or prohibiting the free exercise thereof”or prohibiting the free exercise thereof”

(cf. Everson, 1947).(cf. Everson, 1947).


Further Court Decision:Further Court Decision: The Supreme Court The Supreme Court

forbid even posting forbid even posting the Ten Command- the Ten Command- ments on a bulletin ments on a bulletin board in a public board in a public school school (Stone v. (Stone v. Graham, 1980). Graham, 1980).

Further Court Decision:Further Court Decision: The Supreme Court The Supreme Court

forbid even posting forbid even posting the Ten Command- the Ten Command- ments on a bulletin ments on a bulletin board in a public board in a public school school (Stone v. (Stone v. Graham, 1980). Graham, 1980).

IV.IV. Federal Court Federal Court Forbids Forbids Creation Creation (1982-2005)(1982-2005)

IV.IV. Federal Court Federal Court Forbids Forbids Creation Creation (1982-2005)(1982-2005)

Act 590 (March 19, 1981)Act 590 (March 19, 1981)

“ “An act to An act to require balanced treatmentrequire balanced treatment of creation science and evolution in of creation science and evolution in public schools; to public schools; to protect academic protect academic freedomfreedom by providing student choice; to by providing student choice; to ensure freedom of religious exerciseensure freedom of religious exercise; to ; to guarantee freedom of belief and speechguarantee freedom of belief and speech; ; to prevent establishment of religion; to to prevent establishment of religion; to protect religious instructionprotect religious instruction concerning concerning origins; origins; to bar discriminationto bar discrimination on the basis on the basis of creationist or evolutionist belief….”of creationist or evolutionist belief….”

Act 590 (March 19, 1981)Act 590 (March 19, 1981)

“ “An act to An act to require balanced treatmentrequire balanced treatment of creation science and evolution in of creation science and evolution in public schools; to public schools; to protect academic protect academic freedomfreedom by providing student choice; to by providing student choice; to ensure freedom of religious exerciseensure freedom of religious exercise; to ; to guarantee freedom of belief and speechguarantee freedom of belief and speech; ; to prevent establishment of religion; to to prevent establishment of religion; to protect religious instructionprotect religious instruction concerning concerning origins; origins; to bar discriminationto bar discrimination on the basis on the basis of creationist or evolutionist belief….”of creationist or evolutionist belief….”

IV. Federal Court Forbids IV. Federal Court Forbids CreationCreation


Court Ruling (Jan 5, 1982):Court Ruling (Jan 5, 1982):

““Indeed, Indeed, creation of the world ‘out of creation of the world ‘out of nothing’ is the ultimate religious nothing’ is the ultimate religious statementstatement because God is the only actor.” because God is the only actor.” ((Creator in CourtroomCreator in Courtroom, 174), 174)

“ “Such a concept is not scienceSuch a concept is not science because it because it depends upon supernatural intervention depends upon supernatural intervention which is not guided by natural law.” (176)which is not guided by natural law.” (176)

“ “Such a reasoning process Such a reasoning process is not the is not the product of natural law;product of natural law; not explainable by not explainable by natural law; nor is it tentative.” (177)natural law; nor is it tentative.” (177)

Court Ruling (Jan 5, 1982):Court Ruling (Jan 5, 1982):

““Indeed, Indeed, creation of the world ‘out of creation of the world ‘out of nothing’ is the ultimate religious nothing’ is the ultimate religious statementstatement because God is the only actor.” because God is the only actor.” ((Creator in CourtroomCreator in Courtroom, 174), 174)

“ “Such a concept is not scienceSuch a concept is not science because it because it depends upon supernatural intervention depends upon supernatural intervention which is not guided by natural law.” (176)which is not guided by natural law.” (176)

“ “Such a reasoning process Such a reasoning process is not the is not the product of natural law;product of natural law; not explainable by not explainable by natural law; nor is it tentative.” (177)natural law; nor is it tentative.” (177)


V.V. Supreme Court Supreme Court Forbids Forbids Creation Creation (1987)(1987)

V.V. Supreme Court Supreme Court Forbids Forbids Creation Creation (1987)(1987)

V. Supreme Court ForbidsV. Supreme Court ForbidsCreation (1987)Creation (1987)

V. Supreme Court ForbidsV. Supreme Court ForbidsCreation (1987)Creation (1987)

CreationCreation

V. Supreme Court Forbids CreationV. Supreme Court Forbids Creation The Edwards Decision (1987):The Edwards Decision (1987):

““The Act impermissiblyThe Act impermissibly endorses the endorses the religious belief that a supernatural being religious belief that a supernatural being created humankind.”created humankind.” (1. (b)) (1. (b)) “ “Concepts concerning God orConcepts concerning God or a supreme a supreme being of some sort are manifestly religious.”being of some sort are manifestly religious.” (V, A)(V, A) “ “The preeminent purpose of the Louisiana The preeminent purpose of the Louisiana Legislature was Legislature was clearly to advance the clearly to advance the religious viewpointreligious viewpoint that a supernatural being that a supernatural being created mankind.” (III, B)created mankind.” (III, B)

V. Supreme Court Forbids CreationV. Supreme Court Forbids Creation The Edwards Decision (1987):The Edwards Decision (1987):

““The Act impermissiblyThe Act impermissibly endorses the endorses the religious belief that a supernatural being religious belief that a supernatural being created humankind.”created humankind.” (1. (b)) (1. (b)) “ “Concepts concerning God orConcepts concerning God or a supreme a supreme being of some sort are manifestly religious.”being of some sort are manifestly religious.” (V, A)(V, A) “ “The preeminent purpose of the Louisiana The preeminent purpose of the Louisiana Legislature was Legislature was clearly to advance the clearly to advance the religious viewpointreligious viewpoint that a supernatural being that a supernatural being created mankind.” (III, B)created mankind.” (III, B)

V. Federal Court Forbids CreationV. Federal Court Forbids Creation Dover Court Dover Court (2005):(2005):

““The belief that a supernatural creator was responsible The belief that a supernatural creator was responsible for the creation of human kind is a religious viewpointfor the creation of human kind is a religious viewpoint and that the Act at issue advances a religious doctrine….”and that the Act at issue advances a religious doctrine….”

• “ “The concept of intelligent design (hereinafter ‘ID’), The concept of intelligent design (hereinafter ‘ID’), in its current form, came into existence after the Edwards in its current form, came into existence after the Edwards case was decided in 1987. For the reasons that follow, we case was decided in 1987. For the reasons that follow, we conclude that conclude that the religious nature of ID would be readily the religious nature of ID would be readily apparent to an objective observerapparent to an objective observer, adult or child.”, adult or child.”

V. Federal Court Forbids CreationV. Federal Court Forbids Creation Dover Court Dover Court (2005):(2005):

““The belief that a supernatural creator was responsible The belief that a supernatural creator was responsible for the creation of human kind is a religious viewpointfor the creation of human kind is a religious viewpoint and that the Act at issue advances a religious doctrine….”and that the Act at issue advances a religious doctrine….”

• “ “The concept of intelligent design (hereinafter ‘ID’), The concept of intelligent design (hereinafter ‘ID’), in its current form, came into existence after the Edwards in its current form, came into existence after the Edwards case was decided in 1987. For the reasons that follow, we case was decided in 1987. For the reasons that follow, we conclude that conclude that the religious nature of ID would be readily the religious nature of ID would be readily apparent to an objective observerapparent to an objective observer, adult or child.”, adult or child.”

A. It is a Violation of First AmendmentA. It is a Violation of First Amendment

Establishment of Religion Clause.Establishment of Religion Clause.

Response:Response: It is not religion because: It is not religion because:

1. It does not establish a 1. It does not establish a nationalnational religion. religion.

““Congress Congress shall make no law respecting shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, an establishment of religion,

nor nor prohibiting the free prohibiting the free exercise thereof.”exercise thereof.”

a. “Congress” is the a. “Congress” is the nationalnational government. government.

b. Five of the States that ratified this b. Five of the States that ratified this Amendment had State religions. Amendment had State religions.

A. It is a Violation of First AmendmentA. It is a Violation of First Amendment

Establishment of Religion Clause.Establishment of Religion Clause.

Response:Response: It is not religion because: It is not religion because:

1. It does not establish a 1. It does not establish a nationalnational religion. religion.

““Congress Congress shall make no law respecting shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, an establishment of religion,

nor nor prohibiting the free prohibiting the free exercise thereof.”exercise thereof.”

a. “Congress” is the a. “Congress” is the nationalnational government. government.

b. Five of the States that ratified this b. Five of the States that ratified this Amendment had State religions. Amendment had State religions.

VI. Answering ObjectionsVI. Answering ObjectionsVI. Answering ObjectionsVI. Answering Objections

2. It does not establish 2. It does not establish anyany religion religion since:since:2. It does not establish 2. It does not establish anyany religion religion since:since:

• a. It does not demand belief in or worship a. It does not demand belief in or worship of of God or commitment to an Ultimate.God or commitment to an Ultimate.

• b. The concept of a Creator can be b. The concept of a Creator can be religiously neutral (cf. Aristotle & Plato).religiously neutral (cf. Aristotle & Plato).

• c. Same object (Creator) can be approached c. Same object (Creator) can be approached 1) as an object of worship (which is 1) as an object of worship (which is

religious) or-- religious) or--

• 2) as the cause of the cosmos (which is 2) as the cause of the cosmos (which is not religious). not religious).

• a. It does not demand belief in or worship a. It does not demand belief in or worship of of God or commitment to an Ultimate.God or commitment to an Ultimate.

• b. The concept of a Creator can be b. The concept of a Creator can be religiously neutral (cf. Aristotle & Plato).religiously neutral (cf. Aristotle & Plato).

• c. Same object (Creator) can be approached c. Same object (Creator) can be approached 1) as an object of worship (which is 1) as an object of worship (which is

religious) or-- religious) or--

• 2) as the cause of the cosmos (which is 2) as the cause of the cosmos (which is not religious). not religious).

2. It does not establish 2. It does not establish anyany religion religion since:since:2. It does not establish 2. It does not establish anyany religion religion since:since:

• d. If all objects that have been worshiped are d. If all objects that have been worshiped are religious, then so is using stones (in geology religious, then so is using stones (in geology class) and referring to Buddha or Jesus (in class) and referring to Buddha or Jesus (in history class).history class).

e. Teaching both views does not establish one e. Teaching both views does not establish one view, but teaching only one view does. view, but teaching only one view does. f. What is compatible with religion is not f. What is compatible with religion is not necessarily religious, or else there could be necessarily religious, or else there could be almost no laws about human belief or almost no laws about human belief or behavior behavior (since they are also part of some (since they are also part of some religion).religion).

• d. If all objects that have been worshiped are d. If all objects that have been worshiped are religious, then so is using stones (in geology religious, then so is using stones (in geology class) and referring to Buddha or Jesus (in class) and referring to Buddha or Jesus (in history class).history class).

e. Teaching both views does not establish one e. Teaching both views does not establish one view, but teaching only one view does. view, but teaching only one view does. f. What is compatible with religion is not f. What is compatible with religion is not necessarily religious, or else there could be necessarily religious, or else there could be almost no laws about human belief or almost no laws about human belief or behavior behavior (since they are also part of some (since they are also part of some religion).religion).

VI. Answering ObjectionsVI. Answering Objections A. Teaching Creation is ReligionA. Teaching Creation is Religion

B. Teaching Creation is not Science because:B. Teaching Creation is not Science because:

1. It is not observable, repeatable, or testable.1. It is not observable, repeatable, or testable.

2. It involves a supernatural cause.2. It involves a supernatural cause.

Response:Response:

1. a) Neither is macroevolution observable, etc. 1. a) Neither is macroevolution observable, etc.

b) This confuses b) This confuses operationoperation and and origin origin science. science.

2. a) This begs the question in favor of naturalism. 2. a) This begs the question in favor of naturalism.

b) It demands a natural cause, even where there b) It demands a natural cause, even where there is none (e. g., archaeology, SETI, cryptology, is none (e. g., archaeology, SETI, cryptology,

information theory, Mt. Rushmore). information theory, Mt. Rushmore).

A. Teaching Creation is ReligionA. Teaching Creation is Religion

B. Teaching Creation is not Science because:B. Teaching Creation is not Science because:

1. It is not observable, repeatable, or testable.1. It is not observable, repeatable, or testable.

2. It involves a supernatural cause.2. It involves a supernatural cause.

Response:Response:

1. a) Neither is macroevolution observable, etc. 1. a) Neither is macroevolution observable, etc.

b) This confuses b) This confuses operationoperation and and origin origin science. science.

2. a) This begs the question in favor of naturalism. 2. a) This begs the question in favor of naturalism.

b) It demands a natural cause, even where there b) It demands a natural cause, even where there is none (e. g., archaeology, SETI, cryptology, is none (e. g., archaeology, SETI, cryptology,

information theory, Mt. Rushmore). information theory, Mt. Rushmore).

1.1. HISTORICAL IMPLICATIONHISTORICAL IMPLICATION The founders of modern science were not The founders of modern science were not scientific because they believed in creation.scientific because they believed in creation.

2.2. NATIONAL IMPLICATIONNATIONAL IMPLICATION TheThe Declaration of IndependenceDeclaration of Independence is is

unconstitutional.unconstitutional.3. CONSTITUTIONAL IMPLICATION 3. CONSTITUTIONAL IMPLICATION

There is no freedom of speech in schools for There is no freedom of speech in schools for creationistscreationists..

4. SCIENTIFIC IMPLICATION4. SCIENTIFIC IMPLICATION Only natural causes are scientific Only natural causes are scientific

(Archaeology, Cryptology, and SETI). (Archaeology, Cryptology, and SETI).

1.1. HISTORICAL IMPLICATIONHISTORICAL IMPLICATION The founders of modern science were not The founders of modern science were not scientific because they believed in creation.scientific because they believed in creation.

2.2. NATIONAL IMPLICATIONNATIONAL IMPLICATION TheThe Declaration of IndependenceDeclaration of Independence is is

unconstitutional.unconstitutional.3. CONSTITUTIONAL IMPLICATION 3. CONSTITUTIONAL IMPLICATION

There is no freedom of speech in schools for There is no freedom of speech in schools for creationistscreationists..

4. SCIENTIFIC IMPLICATION4. SCIENTIFIC IMPLICATION Only natural causes are scientific Only natural causes are scientific

(Archaeology, Cryptology, and SETI). (Archaeology, Cryptology, and SETI).

VII. The Sweeping VII. The Sweeping ImplicationsImplications


5.5. RELIGIOUS IMPLICATIONRELIGIOUS IMPLICATION

Only the origin beliefs of non-Only the origin beliefs of non-theistic religions can be taught.theistic religions can be taught.

6.6. THEOLOGICAL IMPLICATIONTHEOLOGICAL IMPLICATION

It implies there is no Creator or It implies there is no Creator or Designer of life and, hence, no Designer of life and, hence, no purpose in life.purpose in life.

7. MORAL IMPLICATION7. MORAL IMPLICATION

No God-given basis for morals No God-given basis for morals can be taught in public schools.can be taught in public schools.

5.5. RELIGIOUS IMPLICATIONRELIGIOUS IMPLICATION

Only the origin beliefs of non-Only the origin beliefs of non-theistic religions can be taught.theistic religions can be taught.

6.6. THEOLOGICAL IMPLICATIONTHEOLOGICAL IMPLICATION

It implies there is no Creator or It implies there is no Creator or Designer of life and, hence, no Designer of life and, hence, no purpose in life.purpose in life.

7. MORAL IMPLICATION7. MORAL IMPLICATION

No God-given basis for morals No God-given basis for morals can be taught in public schools.can be taught in public schools.



8. SPIRITUAL IMPLICATION8. SPIRITUAL IMPLICATION

There is no official way to teach true There is no official way to teach true knowledge (which is based in the knowledge (which is based in the fear of God--Prov. 1:7) in public fear of God--Prov. 1:7) in public schools.schools.

9. POLITICAL IMPLICATION9. POLITICAL IMPLICATION

“ “Taxation without representation Taxation without representation is tyranny”--Thomas Jefferson.is tyranny”--Thomas Jefferson.

10. EDUCATIONAL IMPLICATION10. EDUCATIONAL IMPLICATION

If only one view is allowed, then it is If only one view is allowed, then it is indoctrination, not education.indoctrination, not education.

8. SPIRITUAL IMPLICATION8. SPIRITUAL IMPLICATION

There is no official way to teach true There is no official way to teach true knowledge (which is based in the knowledge (which is based in the fear of God--Prov. 1:7) in public fear of God--Prov. 1:7) in public schools.schools.

9. POLITICAL IMPLICATION9. POLITICAL IMPLICATION

“ “Taxation without representation Taxation without representation is tyranny”--Thomas Jefferson.is tyranny”--Thomas Jefferson.

10. EDUCATIONAL IMPLICATION10. EDUCATIONAL IMPLICATION

If only one view is allowed, then it is If only one view is allowed, then it is indoctrination, not education.indoctrination, not education.



ACLU Scopes Attorney ACLU Scopes Attorney Malone:Malone:

““For God’s sake let the children For God’s sake let the children have their minds kept openhave their minds kept open——close no doors to their close no doors to their knowledge; shut no door from knowledge; shut no door from them…. them…. Let them have both. Let Let them have both. Let them both be taught.them both be taught. Let them Let them both live.” both live.” (Scopes Trial(Scopes Trial,, 1925)1925)

ACLU Scopes Attorney ACLU Scopes Attorney Malone:Malone:

““For God’s sake let the children For God’s sake let the children have their minds kept openhave their minds kept open——close no doors to their close no doors to their knowledge; shut no door from knowledge; shut no door from them…. them…. Let them have both. Let Let them have both. Let them both be taught.them both be taught. Let them Let them both live.” both live.” (Scopes Trial(Scopes Trial,, 1925)1925)

ConclusionConclusion

What Can I Do?What Can I Do?• 1. Home school your children in the truth.1. Home school your children in the truth.• 2. Send your children to a Christian 2. Send your children to a Christian school. school. • 3. Become a First Amendment attorney.3. Become a First Amendment attorney.• 4. Run for office and help change the laws.4. Run for office and help change the laws.• 5. Vote for conservative presidents (who will 5. Vote for conservative presidents (who will

appoint conservative judges).appoint conservative judges).• 6. Become a cultural apologist and help 6. Become a cultural apologist and help defend defend

the truth in our culture.the truth in our culture.• 7. Get a doctorate and teach in a secular 7. Get a doctorate and teach in a secular college college

or university.or university.• 8. Exert influence through journalism.8. Exert influence through journalism.• 9. Use influence via the film making 9. Use influence via the film making industry. industry. • 10. Support groups, seminaries, and colleges 10. Support groups, seminaries, and colleges

that are defending the truth.that are defending the truth.

What Can I Do?What Can I Do?• 1. Home school your children in the truth.1. Home school your children in the truth.• 2. Send your children to a Christian 2. Send your children to a Christian school. school. • 3. Become a First Amendment attorney.3. Become a First Amendment attorney.• 4. Run for office and help change the laws.4. Run for office and help change the laws.• 5. Vote for conservative presidents (who will 5. Vote for conservative presidents (who will

appoint conservative judges).appoint conservative judges).• 6. Become a cultural apologist and help 6. Become a cultural apologist and help defend defend

the truth in our culture.the truth in our culture.• 7. Get a doctorate and teach in a secular 7. Get a doctorate and teach in a secular college college

or university.or university.• 8. Exert influence through journalism.8. Exert influence through journalism.• 9. Use influence via the film making 9. Use influence via the film making industry. industry. • 10. Support groups, seminaries, and colleges 10. Support groups, seminaries, and colleges

that are defending the truth.that are defending the truth.

Pray this Prayer

Pray this Prayer“God save the United States

and this honorable Court.”“God save the United States and this honorable Court.”

--United States Marshal Opening Federal Court

--United States Marshal Opening Federal Court

Be Informed!Be Informed!

The Great Debate: Creation vs. Evolution The Great Debate: Creation vs. Evolution The Importance of...

Documents

Transcript of The Great Debate: Creation vs. Evolution The Great Debate: Creation vs. Evolution The Importance of...