Posted by Ryan on March 23, 2005 at 17:08:35:
In Reply to: something that must be said posted by cav on March 23, 2005 at 06:40:01:
John thanks for put this out there. I feel exactly the same way where ever you are with the debate first most you have meet people where they are at in this life journey.
Ryan
I know this is largely preaching to the choir here, but perhaps some of you can use it in other places. Please feel free to reprint it, as long as you keep it intact.
: I just recently encountered several articles debating the worn out old topic of evolution versus creation. I don't know what has spawned such a media flare, but I have to say something about the whole of it. And since I am better inclined to speak to Christians in this matter, that is largely my focus here.
: For God's sake, if you are a Christian, do not use creation as any sort of point to prove, or even as an entry into deeper discussion of your faith. It's a bad idea. Personally as a scientist by training and a Christian I don't really care what side of the debate you come in on, but I can assure you that there is no good to come from debating something so idiotic and unimportant...and it is just that, idiotic. I mean that because the debate is obviously fueled by people for whom any challenge to their established worldview is devastating to their faith. It certainly doesn't speak to a true loving intelligent God no matter how the debate falls out. All you will manage to do is give athiests a forum to grand stand over Christianity by citing all the empirical victories of evolutionary science (and I assure you there are many) or else screw up any real apology of faith yourself by sounding foolish or dogmatic, neither of which will tend to draw anyone toward God. Thankfully, in spite of all of our idiocy, God is able to reach people where they are and touch them in ways that are important to them. Perhaps if those who feel this argument is crucial to their faith would direct some of that energy toward actually addressing issues that matter to OTHER people, there would be far more people realizing the transforming power and intense sensibility of a relationship with God.
: The only way to win such a debate is to simply not play! So let's give it a rest, ok?