Articles

Creationism, Faith, and the Demand for Evidence

by Derek Jones

Why is it that when Christian creationists deny evolution they not only do it on the grounds that it is not Biblical but they also claim there is no evidence to back it up? Now for those of us with the ability to read and understand an 8Th grade textbook we know full well that evidence exists. We see proof of evolution in many fields of science ranging from biology to genetics. For me, it would be quite acceptable and honest of them if they simply rejected evolution in this manner, “ I do not accept evolution because it contradicts my religious beliefs...end of story.”

We see excuses like this all the time in regards to religions. Mormons do not drink coffee because it’s a religious belief. Hindus avoid eating beef on the grounds of religious beliefs. These people do not need anything more than faith to hold onto these traditions. My biggest issue with creationists is not that they deny evolution (Although I do find it quite ignorant.) My problem is that they go on a counter-offensive by making claims that evolution has no proof; that all fossil, genetic, and empirical evidence is merely speculative at best. It would be one thing if they continued to play the “faith” card but they are actively trying to get into scientific debate by creating pseudo-science such as “intelligent design” or irreducible complexity.

Faith is a belief not based on proof.

The following is a short list of things in the Bible that cannot be backed up by evidence of any kind.

  • 30+ miracles attributed to Jesus

  • The Crucifixion of Jesus

  • The Resurrection of Jesus

  • The Queen of Sheba

  • Sampson

  • Goliath

  • Any of the plagues on Egypt by Moses

  • The Garden of Eden

  • Chariot of Fire for Elijah

  • Transfiguration of Jesus

  • Any of the Empires of Solomon

  • Any of the Empires of King David

  • Who actually wrote any of the Gospels

  • Noah’s Ark

  • The Great Flood

  • Silver Trumpets of Moses

  • The Ark of the covenant

  • The contents of the Ark of the Covenant (10 Commandments, Manna, Rod of Aaron)

Any believer will tell you that for these are miracles...that the only verification needed is faith: faith that the Bible is the true word of god. Of course we would never hear anyone with a rational mind make these claims in regards to evolution. Why? Because evolution has evidence! Evolution can be proven. The claims made by science are tested and tested again. If they are unable to pass rigorous testing then the theory fails.

The word “faith” seems to be the backdoor for theists in that they can use it anytime their beliefs are questioned. Yet when it comes to something they disagree with like evolution, faith is never even a thought. Can you imagine hearing a scientist make a claim as ignorant as, “Well, evolution is only valid because I have faith”? That would be all they needed to hear.

Yet, time and time again we see irrational people totally disregarding the non-existence of evidence for their beliefs while demanding conclusive proof for evolution.

My thought is, if you are going to demand evidence for something that you disagree with, how about demanding more evidence for the things you already agree with. Faith is not good enough....not for evolution and it shouldn’t be good enough in regards to theology.

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