Fall of evolved man
David Campbell (bivalve@mailserv0.isis.unc.edu)
Fri, 31 Oct 1997 17:27:47 -0400> How does an evolutionary development of man bring the Fall of Man into the
>>picture?
The only approach I know of that seems credibly orthodox in
recognizing the significance of the Fall is to assume that Adam and Eve,
physically produced by evolution (with or without miraculous intervention),
were miraculously endowed with a spiritual nature. (Some on this list have
suggested that the spiritual nature could have been "built into" the
evolutionary process rather than being "inserted" once Adam appeared; I
suspect distinguishing "when" God acted is very moot considering His
relationship to time.) They were given a choice whether to obey or to
disobey God and chose to disobey.
Many have tried to claim that our being a product of evolution
means that we are not responsible for our actions and are not truly sinful.
However, this is flawed on two counts. First, the logic is invalid-it's
simply a disguised form of trying to claim that the physical process of
evolution has a-theistic [deistic or atheistic] implications. The Bible
says we have natural tendancies to do wrong- "I do this because it's my
nature" is not a valid excuse to a Christian!
Secondly, it is invariably in practice a hypocritical claim. If
you were to hit someone who was endorsing this arguement, he would get mad
and want justice, if not vengeance. He thinks you should be responsible
for your actions!
David Campbell