<< I write particularly to you - notable defender of reflector orthodoxy
and a believer - with a problem. I am finding great difficulty coming to
terms with the notion that an evolutionist may also be a Christian.>>
I don't but that's just me.
Vernon wrote: << Here are some reasons why: 1) During his earthly ministry, Our Lord distinctly claimed that his teaching was Divine in its authority (Jn.12:49,50). To him the Old Testament was true, authoritative, inspired; to him, what Scripture said, God said. Clearly, therefore, his beliefs and teachings brought to us by the gospel writers and apostles must be fully accepted by all
who would be known by the name 'Christian'. If we choose only to believe the bits that appeal; that don't disturb our cherished views of reality; we can hardly claim to stand on the solid rock
that the Lord has provided for the rebuilding of our fellowship with him.>>
So how does the old testament contradict being an evolutionist ?
Vernon: <<2) In Mt.19:4,5,Jesus refers to the Gen.2:24 narrator's comments on the implications of the marriage of Adam and Eve; clearly, in the eyes of the Lord these were real people. Yet, who were they
in the evolutionary scheme of things?>>
Interesting question. Glenn addressed who he believes they could have been.
Vernon writes:
<<5) Clearly, the earlier writings of Moses are directly challenged by the
evolutionary hypothesis. It follows that if one is true, the other must be false.>>
The issue is first "Do the earlier writings of Moses provide a conflict with evolutionary thought ?"
Perhaps you could expand on this idea ? Perhaps the problem lies in your interpretation of 'the earlier writings of Moses' ?
Vernon writes:
<<6) "Thou shalt have no other gods before me...Thou shalt not bow down thyself to them..." (the 1st and 3rd commandments of the Decalogue - Ex.20:3,5). It is appropriate that we ask, Who is the real
Master in the life of a Darwinist Christian? There can be no doubt that it is the god Evolution who calls the tune! He has to be constantly appeased by the yielding of foundational biblical principles!>>
THat is your interpretation. But perhaps you are giving up Biblical principles by adhering to your interpration of the Bible ? What biblical principles need an evolutionist abandon ? What 'god of Evolution' are you refering to ? Evolution is a scientific principle, God refers to a creature of faith. There is no 'Master' in the life of a Darwinist Christian with the name 'Evolution'. Such remarks show severe problems with your understanding of Darwinism as well as Christianity.
Vernon: <<Faced with statements such as these (and these are only a sample), shouldn't all who lay claim the title, 'Christian', examine most carefully the claims of evolution? >>
I am glad to hear about your willingness to more carefully examine the claims of evolution.
Vernon: <<- particularly, when it is observed, (a) that it is extremely popular among atheists
and, (b) that the strict rigour one associates with the practice of science has, strangely and uniquely, been set aside in this one instance. Indeed, a sober consideration of its history, its demands, its
shortcomings, and its fruits suggests that evolution closely fits the great deception spoken of in 2Th.2:11,12.>>
A) is irrelevant B) is incorrect. Perhaps you are right, those who lay title to the claim 'Christian' should most carefully examine the claims of evolution.
Vernon: <<Pim, with respect, the message that you - and many like you - appear to be relaying to your Creator is this: "I agree with much of what you had to say when you ministered to us here on earth; but, of course, you lived and taught long before Darwin; it was he who really put
us right re the matter of origins!>>
Not at all. Darwin just interpreted the evidence put there by our Creator. I'd suggest you follow up on your own suggestion and perhaps we can discuss your findings in more detail.