Both of you have pointed out the anti-Christian nature of the metaphysical
claim of secular evolutionists. On this basis, you reject evolution.
Here's where we differ. A theistic evolutionst (or an evolutionary
creationist as preferred by some) and a theistic realist (as I understand
the position to be) would agree with Neal and Steve that the metaphysical
claim is antithetical to our faith. However, we would then go on to ask, is
the science accurate.
The point is that the metaphysical claim and the scientific claim need to be
independently evluated on their own merits. The two claims are not so
intertwined that to reject one necessitates rejection of the other.
Conversely, if you accept one, it does not automatically follow that you
accept the other.
Thus, a Christian can embrace evolution without doing damage to the faith,
and, interestingly enough, an atheist can reject evolution without doing
damage to her faith. There are, in fact, atheists who reject evolution, as
there are Christians who do not reject evolution.
Shalom
STeve
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Steven S. Clark, Ph.D. Phone: (608) 263-9137
Associate Professor FAX: (608) 263-4226
Dept. of Human Oncology and email: ssclark@facstaff.wisc.edu
UW Comprehensive Cancer Ctr
University of Wisconsin
Madison, WI 53792
"It is the glory of God to conceal a matter, but the glory of kings to
search out a matter." Proverbs
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