Re: [asa] Teenagers and Evolution

One of the great things about the materials for teenagers Loren recommended
to me (
http://shop5.gospelcom.net/epages/FaithAlive.storefront/EN/product/130705)
is that they are very well balanced. They explain, very briefly, what a
scientific theory is and present, very briefly, some things that relate to
the theory of evolution. They also make clear that evolution is not the
sole cause of our existence, and outline the spectrum of approaches
Christians take to origins questions, with appreciation for the nuances of
different YEC, OEC, and TE views.

On 1/12/07, Debbie Mann <deborahjmann@insightbb.com> wrote:
>
> I do not believe that evolution is the sole cause of our existence.
>
> Did your face just turn red and your blood pressure go up ten points? That
> is a problem.
>
> Generally, if you cannot listen to someone's point of view without your
> appendages twitching, there is a problem.
>
> I come from a math background, and an engineering one. The first contains
> statistics, the second practicality. I have never seen anything to convince
> me that there is proof that statistically, advanced evolution - as in
> evolution of man - could have occurred in the short time available. Yes, I
> am talking about an old earth - from the mathematical standpoint, I believe
> that is too short a time. Actually, there are other obstacles to evolution
> being the total answer that I have not overcome.
>
> My point is that we do not know it all and that teenagers like to discuss.
> Teenagers need to be encouraged to come to their own conclusions. Even if
> you (you evolutionists, you) are totally correct, telling teenagers that
> their parents are wrong and you are right or dumping tons of information on
> them is not going to be nearly as effective as a curriculum that allows for
> the exploration and discussion of both alternatives. Most kids will soon
> accept the evidence of an old earth - I certainly do. They will
> particularly, I think, be interested in the opinions of other Christian
> kids. The evidence for evolution as a contributor to the earth as it is
> today is also irrefutable for an open-minded person.
>
> Lest you missed my point:
>
> The evidence for evolution as an overall answer to everything does not
> appear as strong to most of us as you seem to suppose. There is a great deal
> of handwaving going on. The insistance upon an academic dictatorship
> enforcing the teaching of evolution while virtually censoring any idea of
> creationism does not strike me as being enlightened. This is a great topic
> for classroom debate and discussion. 'Who are you and where do you come
> from?' is a fundamental question. (And it is usually expressed with a
> dangling preposition.) Failure to include the discussion in a curriculum, in
> my opinion, is missing the boat.
>
>
> Debbie Mann
> AKA Joan Saunders, author of 'Doors of the Megdalines'
>
>

-- 
David W. Opderbeck
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