Before You Read ...
Dear reader,
A new poll shows that for young adults in particular, belief in God is plummeting. From research, we know a primary driver behind a loss of faith among young people is the church’s rejection of science. To put it bluntly: Young people aren’t leaving the faith because of science, they’re leaving because they’ve been told to choose between science and God. That’s why BioLogos exists—to show that science and faith can work hand-in-hand. And although the challenge is clearly daunting, our work is having an impact!
As a nonprofit, we rely on the generosity of grassroots donors like you to reach those who are being told, “It’s God or evolution!” or “It’s God or vaccines!” or “It’s God or science!” In this urgent moment, we need your help to continue to produce resources such as this.
Why give to BioLogos?
If you’re new to BioLogos, we encourage you to learn more about our work and the impact of your gift, and watch our video below. Your gift to BioLogos is tax-deductible!
There is an abundant variety of life on earth, but how did it come about? Some say it is evolution and others say that is was by divine decree. What if both are true? Accepting the science of evolution does not mean you must accept that there is no purpose or meaning for humans. For Christians it means recognizing God as the source and creator of all life.
The world is full of mystery—one that God is leading us into.
Insights, a series of animated videos, presents facts, stories, and real-life experiences that pull you in, make you wonder, and guide you deeper.
Transcript
There are more than 300,000 types of flowering plants in the world today, and more than 10,000 different species of ants. There’s even a spider with markings on its body that look just like a smiling face. What then explains this variety? What or who is the source for all the marvels and wonders of this world?
Some ascribe this diversity to evolution. Others say this all happened by divine decree. But what if both are true? What if the reality is evolution is a process for the development of all life on earth? And what if God also brought about these wonders using evolution?
But first, let’s get more precise on the terms we’re using. Evolution or evolutionary biology as a field of science sometimes gets mixed up with evolutionism, which is a worldview or belief. The science of evolution is a complex and rigorous study of the development of life on Earth. This study is ongoing with new discoveries continuously being added to the body of knowledge.
Evolutionism is a belief system which applies evolutionary science to areas where it doesn’t belong. It views physical reality as the only reality, denying the existence of God and claims evolved humans have no higher purpose or meaning. But this all goes beyond what science alone can say.
The thing is, one doesn’t have to subscribe to evolutionism to accept the scientific evidence for evolution. Evolutionary creation is a God centered view of evolutionary biology, believing God created all living things, including humans in his image. God works through the evolutionary processes he designed to create each new species. Just as he works through processes he designed to bring each human from a single cell to a newborn baby over the course of nine months. To believe God is at work in evolution, then, is to recognize him as the source of all life.
So what does this all mean? It simply means faith and science aren’t at odds. It means we can glimpse the amazing creativity of God, even as we attempt to understand the way he creates. And it means one can, with both faithful sincerity and intellectual integrity, ascribe value to all life as having been God created and witnessed the wonder of that creation as it has evolved over time.
Related Resources
If you enjoyed this resource, we recommend you check out one of the following:
All ResourcesMore than a Powerhouse: Mitochondria, DNA and Dad
Mitochondria are so much more than powerhouses. While we inherit Mitochondrial DNA primarily from Mom, that doesn't mean Dad's contribution is any less important.
- By Amanda L. Townley
- and Ciara Reyes-Ton
Amanda L. Townley: Evolution Education and Science Literacy in the South
Amanda L. Townley draws on her experience as a former middle school and high school teacher and work as a professor in science education to raise the next generation of educators.
The Webb Telescope and God’s Evolving Universe
From ancient civilizations to modern scientists and everyone in between, we all share a desire to understand where we as humans came from and what our place is in the universe. What might the Webb Telescope reveal to us about these big questions?
Simon Conway Morris | Complete Imponderables
Simon Conway Morris talks about six myths of evolution.
Tiktaalik: Bridging the Gap Between Water and Land
Tiktaalik is a transition fossil that bridges the gap between water and land in our evolutionary history. Its discovery sparked both excitement and controversy.
Are Dinosaurs Extinct? Modern Birds Connect us to Our Ancient Past
Dinosaurs are extinct, or are they? A paleontologist reflects on seeing signs of ancient prehistoric creatures while hiking.
More than a Powerhouse: Mitochondria, DNA and Dad
Mitochondria are so much more than powerhouses. While we inherit Mitochondrial DNA primarily from Mom, that doesn't mean Dad's contribution is any less important.
- By Amanda L. Townley
- and Ciara Reyes-Ton
Amanda L. Townley: Evolution Education and Science Literacy in the South
Amanda L. Townley draws on her experience as a former middle school and high school teacher and work as a professor in science education to raise the next generation of educators.
The Webb Telescope and God’s Evolving Universe
From ancient civilizations to modern scientists and everyone in between, we all share a desire to understand where we as humans came from and what our place is in the universe. What might the Webb Telescope reveal to us about these big questions?
Simon Conway Morris | Complete Imponderables
Simon Conway Morris talks about six myths of evolution.
Tiktaalik: Bridging the Gap Between Water and Land
Tiktaalik is a transition fossil that bridges the gap between water and land in our evolutionary history. Its discovery sparked both excitement and controversy.
Are Dinosaurs Extinct? Modern Birds Connect us to Our Ancient Past
Dinosaurs are extinct, or are they? A paleontologist reflects on seeing signs of ancient prehistoric creatures while hiking.
More than a Powerhouse: Mitochondria, DNA and Dad
Mitochondria are so much more than powerhouses. While we inherit Mitochondrial DNA primarily from Mom, that doesn't mean Dad's contribution is any less important.
- By Amanda L. Townley
- and Ciara Reyes-Ton
Amanda L. Townley: Evolution Education and Science Literacy in the South
Amanda L. Townley draws on her experience as a former middle school and high school teacher and work as a professor in science education to raise the next generation of educators.
The Webb Telescope and God’s Evolving Universe
From ancient civilizations to modern scientists and everyone in between, we all share a desire to understand where we as humans came from and what our place is in the universe. What might the Webb Telescope reveal to us about these big questions?