I know what I was taught from the witnesses in the book Evolution or Creation, but is this an accurate portrayal of what evolutionists believe? Is it really that black or white? Evolution, meaning that God didn't have a plan, things just happened, or creation,God created Adam, the first man? Couldn't it be possible that God meant for evolution to happen, that was his plan for creating man ? Creation through evolution. What do you think?
Evolution or creation.....
by searching4? 81 Replies latest jw experiences
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tetrapod.sapien
welcome to the board searching! the evolution vs. creationism debate is one that still rages on in ex-JW circles for some reason. the Society is strict on Creationism because they have painted themselves into a corner doctrinally. if evolution is true, then their whole doctrine on original sin, imperfection, salvation and perfection crumbles to pieces. actually, i should say, it already has crumbled to pieces, they just will not admit that it has.
I know what I was taught from the witnesses in the book Evolution or Creation, but is this an accurate portrayal of what evolutionists believe?
not at all. the entire book is filled with misquotes of scientists, and misquotes of non-biologists. if you want to know what evolutionists believe, an excellent place to start is http://talkorigins.org/origins/faqs-evolution.html
Is it really that black or white?
nothing is black and white. the creation book is filled with lies. the theory of evolution is one of the most successful theories in the history of science.
Evolution, meaning that God didn't have a plan, things just happened, or creation,God created Adam, the first man?
you can hold to evolution and still believe in a god. evolution doesn't have anything to do with atheism. but adam and eve, the concept in literal interpretation, i am afraid falls apart when you learn about evolution.
Couldn't it be possible that God meant for evolution to happen, that was his plan for creating man ? Creation through evolution. What do you think?
it's possible, though i think only very slightly. this is esential what deists believe. that god was/is a grand programmer, and executed his program of the universe in the big bang, and steps back from his work. but this is certainly not the tinkering christians god, as it reduces him to such a small scale, theologically. and so you can see where the deabte rages. here are some links about the book you mentioned, that i think you would find helpful. the first one is by one of our rather famous posters here at JWD, AlanF. let me know if you have any questions about evolution. i would be happy to explain what i can. http://talkorigins.org/faqs/jw-evolution.html http://talkorigins.org/faqs/jw-book.html best wishes, TS
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tetrapod.sapien
more articles by AlanF on all things JW:
http://www.geocities.com/osarsif/index2.htm
you'll see biology on the list there too.
as well, i have the article AlanF wrote about his interview at Bethel with Harry Peloyan, the main compiler of the Creation book. it's long, but i will post it in your thread here if you so desire. just let me know.
:)
TS
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AlmostAtheist
To add a vote for what Tetra said, forget everything you read in the "Creation" book. Not that creation isn't an idea to pursue, but pursue it with a blank slate, not as portrayed by the Celebrated Watchtower Scholars responsible for the travesty of a treatise called "Evolution or Creation".
I think you'll find that evolution is a very comfortable way of looking at things. It fits very nicely with what you see around you, what has been discovered about biology and genetics. It doesn't leave you in the position of having to explain away very obvious and concrete evidence that contradicts it, as creationists find they must do.
Dave
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searching4?
Thanks guys
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Sheepish
Sorry boys, I will have to disagree, just to keep things even here.
I gotta comment. Without getting into a wearisome debate, because let's face it, this is one thing that can't be proved scientifically, as no one was there to witness it first hand.And ultimately it has to be taken on faith either way you believe...
There are so many holes in the theory of Evolution it is basically a religion for scientists who won't consider a Creator. There is sooo much written on this. Although the theories (theologies) even differ between Bible believeing Christians, the concept of all "this" evolving over millions and millions of years (something no one has been able to prove oddly enough) really is at odds with the Bible.
So, do some research and be sure to look at both sides of the issue, before you let someone make up your mind for you .ish
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AlmostAtheist
So, do some research and be sure to look at both sides of the issue, before you let someone make up your mind for you .
ALWAYS good advice. Thanks for the balanced reply, Sheepish.
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hooberus
http://www.answersingenesis.org http://www.creationresearch.org/ http://www.evolutionfairytale.com/articles_debates/mutation_rate.htm
http://naturalselection.0catch.com/Files/dnamutationrates.html http://www.icr.org/index.php?module=news&action=view&ID=6 http://www.icr.org/index.php?module=articles&action=view&ID=2324 http://www.trueorigin.org http://www.grisda.org -
Now What?
Creation through evolution.
That sums it up for me!
Ironically I do not find this at odds with the Bible. However I am well aware that it is at odds with some interpretations of the mythic-style writings of Genesis.
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tetrapod.sapien
Sorry boys, I will have to disagree,
don't be sorry. you are entitled to your assertions.
just to keep things even here.
but this implies that there is equal chance that creationism is as right as evolution. not so. the evidence in support of evolution by natural selection is overwhelming. it's creationism that has no evidence to support it.
I gotta comment. Without getting into a wearisome debate,
it'll only be wearisome if you reply.
because let's face it, this is one thing that can't be proved scientifically, as no one was there to witness it first hand.And ultimately it has to be taken on faith either way you believe...
i'm sorry, but THIS is just not true. no one was there to witness it first hand because evolution takes place over geologic time spans, not humanistic time spans. how can you observe something that takes place over long time spans? with evolution, you have the paleontological record, and genetics. in astronomy, for example, it is the same historical type experiementation that takes place.
with the mountain of evidence in support of evolution, there is NO FAITH required.
There are so many holes in the theory of Evolution
this is interesting. if you wish, please back up your assertion.
it is basically a religion for scientists who won't consider a Creator.
so, if you say so, then it must be? i must say, that at best, this is a bit of a disingenuous and facetious statement.
There is sooo much written on this. Although the theories (theologies) even differ between Bible believeing Christians, the concept of all "this" evolving over millions and millions of years (something no one has been able to prove oddly enough) really is at odds with the Bible.
your right, it is at odds with the bible: http://www.jehovahs-witness.com/10/100532/1731875/post.ashx#1731875
but to assert that evolution is not proven, is simply false and misleading. it is exactly the opposite of what you assert, and i cannot let the statement slip by. i don't really care if people think that all i want to do is debate. reality is reality, and i will defend it.
TS