Creation Science—methodology
After two years of heavy involvement with the Creation Science Ministry in Queensland, I write this article to share with our readers some of our experiences and the reasons for our approach and our methods.
The Creation Science Ministry is totally convinced God’s Word (the Bible) is Truth
And therefore must provide the framework into which all scientific research about origins must fit. Since this is the only absolute structure, it provides in reality the foundation for all true science. It should be pointed out to evolutionists that if they accept chance random processes as responsible for the origin of life, these same processes are responsible for the development at the very logic they use to unfold their theory. Therefore evolutionists can never be sure whether their logic is right or wrong (there are no absolutes) as their logic is only the result of undesigned procedures.
If the evolutionist’s objection to the Biblical account of origins is not countered satisfactorily, other teaching based on the Word of God comes into question. The Biblical doctrine of origins is foundational to all other doctrines of Biblical Theology. Unfortunately, the theory of evolution dims the faith of many Christians. They begin by doubting the first chapters of the Scriptures and this leads to confusion, and often denial of much of the rest of the Bible. Or-they may agree it is true, but not comprehensible to them, so they ignore it, or even give up trying to understand and live by it.
God expects his children to be ready to give answers
God requires us to be able to give a reason for what we believe, as Peter said in 1 Peter 3:15, ‘Sanctify the Lord God in your hearts and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason for the hope that is in you, with meekness and fear.’ Christianity as distinct from atheism is not a ‘blind’ faith, but an objective one . Our object is Jesus Christ. He does reveal Himself to those who come by faith believing that He is. John 14:21b, ‘… and I will love him and will manifest myself to him’. Hebrews 11:6b, ‘… for he that cometh to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of them that diligently seek Him.’
If reasons for the validity of the Christian’s faith are not forthcoming, then his witness is weakened and open to ridicule. Christians must prepare to make an intelligent defense of the Gospel by arming themselves with knowledge and have an understanding of the forms unbelief takes in these days. Many Christians do not know how to communicate the fact that God’s word is true, and what He says about creation is true. Personal witnessing can lose its impact if the Christian fails to share intelligent reasons for his faith. This must be avoided lest ridicule and dishonor come to the name of Christ.
Furthermore, to be ready to defend the faith is not necessarily being on the defensive in relation to evolution. A Christian can make positive, definitive statements which can lead the evolutionist to admit the weakness of his position. In other words, it is not a negative position to take, but a positive one.
Practical help for the layman
The Creation Science Ministry makes available many of the evidences (scientific and otherwise) that support exactly what the Scriptures say in relation to origins. We look at the philosophy, the scientific structure and the inconsistencies, in the evolutionary cosmology. It is a philosophy of life, a religion if you like, a belief about life—without God. For those who believe that God used the evolutionary process (theistic evolutionists) it should be realized that there are many problems with such a position (theological and philosophical) which cannot be resolved within the Biblical context. I believe true science supports exactly what the Scriptures say in relation to origins. There always will be certain things beyond the comprehension of man, since man is not God, but the Biblical account fits the evidence better than the evolutionary theory. Christians should become informed on these issues so they can witness more effectively.
The main aim to preach Christ
Evolutionary thought is so entrenched in the minds of people that they will not believe the Bible nor consider the claims of Jesus Christ about Whom the Book is written, since they are convinced the Bible is false, irrelevant, and unscientific. To their minds, science has proven there is no God. We believe the presentation of scientific aspects can ‘break down barriers’. People who would not previously listen open their minds and start to take notice when confronted with scientific facts. However, it is not enough to just ‘knock’ evolution in order to destroy a man’s philosophy. Destroy a man’s philosophy and you destroy the man. Nor is it enough to replace the evolutionary philosophy with the Biblical worldview of creation. Creationists can also end up in hell, and will, unless they come to believe and know the Creator-the Lord Jesus Christ-personally. Therefore the most important part of this ministry is to preach the Gospel. The scientific aspects of creation are of secondary importance to the Gospel of Christ. The Creation Science Ministry teaches both the Biblical and scientific facets of creation. The aim is to show how this teaching is related to the Gospel and basic to the truth of the Fall of man.
Nevertheless, we ourselves are not going to convince anybody with facts—it is the Holy Spirit who convinces through the Word of God, but certainly scientific facts used in association with the Gospel can be effective tools in witnessing. To preach, write, or counsel persuasively, the Word of God which is the ‘sword of the Spirit’ (Ephesians 6:17) must be used skillfully. 1 Cor. 4:4 says, ‘The god of this world hath blinded the eyes of them which believe not lest the light of the glorious Gospel of Christ who is the image of God should shine into their hearts.’ People who are not Christians think quite differently from Christians because they are blinded to the truth and it is only the Holy Spirit who opens their ears and eyes and convicts and convinces them.
It is not possible therefore for a non-Christian to comprehend by logic alone that the heavens declare the glory of God or the Earth shows His handiwork. John 16:8 says, ‘and when he is come he will convict the world concerning sin and righteousness and judgment.’ Heb. 4:12, ‘For the word of God is quick and powerful and sharper than any two-edged sword piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit and joints and marrow and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.’ Rom. 10:17, ‘So then faith cometh by hearing and hearing by the Word of God.’
Pre-evangelism
I see the Creation Science Ministry as one which presents the Gospel of Christ through the facts of creation, never divorcing the Biblical record from the scientific evidence. It is a pre-evangelism, ‘ploughing’, ‘sowing’ ministry, not in any way taking the place of the church, but rather supplementing her ministry. When people come to know Christ through this ministry, we ensure they become part of an evangelical church family.
The approach
Even when presenting seminars for the Education Department, the scientific evidence is never taught apart from the Biblical record. It is understood and accepted that our model is from the Scriptures.
Our ministry aims to present a totally positive approach at all times. And what is meant by that? Simply, that is not a negative one which seems to knock a thing down without putting something in its place. Jesus told the story of a man cleansed in himself of an evil spirit, who then finding the man’s ‘house empty’, brought back seven evil spirits worse than himself to possess that ‘house’. Matt. 12:43-45.
Debates are not sought after, nor media publicity deliberately attracted. If there is a case to complain about the books used in our schools, something better is offered to share those shelves or take their place.
Creation Science and Christian Education
The technique for getting our books into a library is to approach the parents and churches with advice. The principal of a school may be commended for his work in this field and our books offered for his library shelves, explaining that there are other ways of viewing many of the things taught at the school. It is gratifying when many of the suggested titles are accepted when overtures of this kind are made. Especially is it pleasing to find the books in the right sections of the libraries, under Science and History instead of Religion as the atheistic Dewey system would require. Much time is spent with people, advising them on how to achieve the purpose of getting our books into the hands of the students.
From past experience we have found it ineffective to press our way into a school to speak on creation, for when we did, those who came to listen did so to criticize and ridicule. This also happened if a debate was asked for. When an invitation is received for us to speak on creation in a school, and because we are there by request, students and teachers listen intently. Creation Science views are presented rather dogmatically throughout, using Scripture, yet the audience listens very attentively. The use of Scripture is expected-but the reaction instead of being one of antagonism, such as the method of debate produces, is one of friendliness and understanding. In a debate two points of view are assumed to be of equal importance therefore a man has a right to oppose the creation view and students are encouraged to think of reasons for so doing. Also, the winner of a debate will often be the best speaker rather than the one who tells the truth. Hence the rejection of the method of debate as a teaching tool in our ministry.
To give a specific example: a high school science department was visited where none of the teachers were Christians. And why the invitation? The Christian students in that school had been to Creation Science seminars and their enthusiasm had made such an impact in the classrooms that it was agreed they should all ‘hear the other side for themselves’! A visit to upper high school biology students was arranged and the lesson presented on the basis of Biblical and scientific creation. Bias, presuppositions, scientific evidences, what the scriptures say—these were all looked at. All listened with great interest and the invitation was extended to come back again.
Basically however, the aim is to work with Christians first. It would pay for us to remember that Christ first sent his disciples to the lost sheep of the house of Israel. Theistic evolution, progressive creation, and other compromise positions have been widespread in many churches. Many Christians really do not appreciate the importance of the doctrine of origins to the rest of Scripture. As God’s people become informed on this and witness fervently, they affect those around them, who in turn affect others. The Holy Spirit opens hearts and minds to the truth of the Gospel message. There is a mushrooming effect. The Bible says, ‘If my people will humble themselves and pray, and turn from their wicked ways, then … I will heal their land’. Hence our emphasis on working through the Church. God works through his people. We do run public seminars to which non-Christians come, but these would have been far less effective if the Lord’s people had not known of the importance of creation and openly supported us.
Since the commencement of this ministry, the aim has been to present a low profile to the community at large, and in particular the professional community. Today there are many schools where Creation Science books are on library shelves and there are many non-Christian teachers who teach creation. God Himself has opened these doors to this ministry. The Creation Science Ministry seeks to honor the name of Christ, and teach of Him, and praise is given to the One whose promise is, ‘Them that honor me, I will honor’.
Any structure not built on firm foundations is liable to collapse but one built on a strong base will not fall. This work started very slowly in an earnest endeavor to put down a secure groundwork. In the building-up process, patience is being learned from God who is patient and never in a hurry. The value of much prayer regarding each step in the work is also being learned.
The impression on the educational system in Queensland has been significant and prayer has surely been the key. Through the power of prayer the majority can be influenced by a small minority with the omnipotent, omniscient God working through them. ‘If my people who are called by my name will humble themselves and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land’. II Chron. 7:14.
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