Tim Challies recently wrote a very good post critiquing the logical conclusions of Darwinism as a comprehensive worldview. He discusses an article in Psychology Today on evolutionary psychology. Challies compellingly argues that the holistic worldview offered by Darwinsm is empty and often rather silly.
I would like to contrast this article with the very typical Christian responses to evolutionary theory: “That’s stupid! You must really be an idiot if you believe that humans evolved from monkeys!” This is not a good argument. It convinces no one, and makes the Christian look like an arrogant dope.
Exhibit 1: Dr. Kent Hovind (aka Dr. Dino)
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Yeah… I can see that.
A few years back, I was invited by an unbelieving friend to attend a Creationism/Evolution debate at a local church. (He had heard about the debate on a conservative talk radio program.) I attended the debate with my friend and his believing co-worker. There were three participants in the debate: Hovind, a Young Earth Creationist (YEC), an Old Earth Creationist (OEC) and an atheistic Darwinist. Hugh Hewitt was the moderator.
The OEC was a perfect gentleman. He asked many good questions of his fellow participants. The Darwinist came off a bit smug, though he was definitely in hostile territory. He also asked intelligent questions of the other participants.
The vast majority of the audience was with Hovind. They seemed more interested in seeing Hovind trounce his foes than in actually learning something. And Hovind was more than willing to oblige.
I cannot remember a time when I was more embarrassed to call myself a Christian. Hovind was a complete arse. He had this silly PowerPoint presentation that he blindly plowed through, completely disregarding the challenges of the other two. It seemed as though he had forgotten it was a debate, but instead believed it to be one of his conferences. He repeatedly referred to evolution, in his grating Dixie drawl, as “stupid”, “dumb”, etc. I can still hear him in my head: “Now, that’s the dumbest thing I ever heard!”
I am convinced that Hovind persuaded no one that evening. Personally, my conviction in the YEC position was temporarily weakened, because Hovind failed to even attempt an answer at several very good challenges.
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Evolution is not stupid. Evolutionists are not stupid. The vast majority of evolutionary scientists have a far better mechanical knowledge and understanding of how this universe operates than I can ever hope to attain. Does this mean they are right about the Big Bang and macro-evolution? No. I am a YEC. However, it is sinfully arrogant and thoughtless to dismiss these people as fools. And this is precisely what Hovind did, and what many Christians do when confronted with evolutionary theory.
Here’s some advice: If you are having a spiritual conversation with an unbeliever, and the topic of evolution arises, DON’T dismiss the theory and its adherents out of hand. Feel free to offer the watchmaker argument. If you must, try the banana argument. (On second thought, don’t. It’s a terrible argument.) If those fail, and you have nothing left - don’t sweat it. It is possible to accept Darwinism and be saved. It’s not a deal-killer. Darwinism is not the unforgivable sin.
I have seen too many evangelists get hung up on this issue. I have seen too many Christians get in way over their head and look foolish. Darwinism does not keep sinners out of heaven. Sin, rebellion, pride… a hard heart does that.
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I recently found this YouTube clip of Hovind and Ali G. I soiled myself.
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