Many of our readers know that I was not brought up in a family which was part of the body of Christ. In fact, the vast majority of my family is, sadly, not religious at all. However, I'm very happy to say that since my becoming a Christian two other members of my immediate family have obeyed the Gospel. That being said, there is a reason for that happening.
This past week, Bill Nye the Science Guy and Ken Ham (the CEO of the Creation Museum) discussed on national TV the topic of creation vs. evolution. During the following Q&A time of their event, the question was asked by one of the audience, "What would change your mind?" To which each speaker answered. Now, although I believe the creation was how the universe came into being, I wholeheartedly disagreed with Mr. Ham on his answer and, surprisingly, agreed with Bill Nye. Of course, I didn't agree with the wording of Mr. Nye's answer but the concept was perfectly honest, and if he were honest and the "reasonable" person he kept touting himself to be he would now be a creationist.
His answer was something to the effect of, "If evidence is shown to contradict my stance, I will change."
This past week, Bill Nye the Science Guy and Ken Ham (the CEO of the Creation Museum) discussed on national TV the topic of creation vs. evolution. During the following Q&A time of their event, the question was asked by one of the audience, "What would change your mind?" To which each speaker answered. Now, although I believe the creation was how the universe came into being, I wholeheartedly disagreed with Mr. Ham on his answer and, surprisingly, agreed with Bill Nye. Of course, I didn't agree with the wording of Mr. Nye's answer but the concept was perfectly honest, and if he were honest and the "reasonable" person he kept touting himself to be he would now be a creationist.
His answer was something to the effect of, "If evidence is shown to contradict my stance, I will change."
| That is exactly what I believe is the CORRECT way of living one's life. Paul said it (1 Thessalonians 5:21), Jesus said it (Luke 13:1-5), John said it (John 20:30-31) and so many other New Testament writers have expressed the same need for going by the evidence rather than one's own convictions or opinions. | "Test all things; hold fast what is good." |
But, can I honestly say that I keep their commands and turn where the evidence leads or do I allow friends, family, society, "(pseudo)scientists", or even my own thoughts to lead me through this life?
I believe God inspired Solomon to write, "There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way of death (Proverbs 14:12)." Do we believe that? Do I know beyond a shadow of a doubt that what Bill Nye or anyone else says is not the means by which I should judge truth and live my life?
Questioning is not sinful! Let me say that again, questioning God and His truth IS NOT SINFUL! He wants His children to use the free will He instilled in them to lay the evidence out on the kitchen table and see whether or not it is accurately being followed in their lives! I know some want to attack my Lord and His way in saying that it is nothing more than blind obedience, but those that are following blindly are not obeying Him. We have to be able to say, "I looked at the evidence and it is true."
Now, does that mean that those who believe differently, especially in light of the current context of evolution, are perfectly justified in their beliefs because their interpretation of the evidence leads them there? No! God doesn't simply call us to question, but to answer truthfully. Paul wrote that those who looked at the evidence in the natural world and failed to see a Creator were "without excuse (Romans 1:20)."
So, GO! Look at what you believe and question it! Don't allow people or forces on the outside to sway your decisions but rather look at the evidence and answer truthfully. Christianity has never been a religion of blindly following an unknown god. No, it is a religion of obediently following a Lord and Master who is visible (through the evidence and His word), knowable, and loving and we are called to seek out that Lord (Matthew 6:33).
I believe God inspired Solomon to write, "There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way of death (Proverbs 14:12)." Do we believe that? Do I know beyond a shadow of a doubt that what Bill Nye or anyone else says is not the means by which I should judge truth and live my life?
Questioning is not sinful! Let me say that again, questioning God and His truth IS NOT SINFUL! He wants His children to use the free will He instilled in them to lay the evidence out on the kitchen table and see whether or not it is accurately being followed in their lives! I know some want to attack my Lord and His way in saying that it is nothing more than blind obedience, but those that are following blindly are not obeying Him. We have to be able to say, "I looked at the evidence and it is true."
Now, does that mean that those who believe differently, especially in light of the current context of evolution, are perfectly justified in their beliefs because their interpretation of the evidence leads them there? No! God doesn't simply call us to question, but to answer truthfully. Paul wrote that those who looked at the evidence in the natural world and failed to see a Creator were "without excuse (Romans 1:20)."
So, GO! Look at what you believe and question it! Don't allow people or forces on the outside to sway your decisions but rather look at the evidence and answer truthfully. Christianity has never been a religion of blindly following an unknown god. No, it is a religion of obediently following a Lord and Master who is visible (through the evidence and His word), knowable, and loving and we are called to seek out that Lord (Matthew 6:33).
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