> Secondly, how does the creationist or
> theistic explanation for the existence
> of different races differ from the
> evolutionary one? All races are
> descended from Adam. Yet the races are
> different, why?
I think the answer lies in the distribution of peoples following the
flood (Genesis 10) and the subsequent dispersion of peoples (Genesis
11:1-9). Of all ancient writings, none is more accurate in discribing
the breakdown and breakup of the human family than these scriptures.
> I think many creationists allow for
> (micro)evolution to account for the
> different races, but with God
> intervening in some way. But why did
> God make the races different and if they
> are different surely they will have
> different strengths and weaknesses.
As in the creation of the universe and earth (Genesis 1), I believe that
G-d used both natural and supernatural mechanisms to create the racial
diversity of man. He did not have to do this--it pleased Him to do so.
When I look at my human brethren--Caucasian, Asian, African, Indian,
etc.--I see men and woman of total equality and equal value. When G-d
created them as such, He preferred none over any other (Romans 2:11,
Ephesians 6:9, Colossians 3:25, I Peter 1:17), and He commanded His
children to emulate Him in this regard (James 2:1,9).
Any differences we perceive between the races are the result of cultural
steering and *not* divine programming. (I admit that some cultural
steering may have been brought about by G-d but only to the end of
creating a cultural diversity which will eventually be unified into a
single people--e pluribus unum.) I know we see differences between the
races, but when people of various races have access to the same
education, resources, and opportunities, they all advance alike--the
differences seem to melt away.
I recognize that there are real differences that underly the awesome
racial diversity of mankind--awesome because of the social and cultural
diversity in the absence real biological differences. Thomas Sowell
wrote an excellent book describing these differences in races all over
the world. It was the result of a very exhaustive study on the topic.
The book is called _Race and Culture: A Worldview_. I strongly
recommend the book with the caveat that observed differences between
various racial groups--regardless of whether the differences are the
result of biological, economic, or cultural condition--must never be
used as a fitness test or value judgement. Christianity teaches the
great Truth that there is no difference (in value or status) between
races or genders. Even if you do not believe in the Christian G-d, This
is still a noble and worthy ideal for a people to hold.
Russ
Russell T. Cannon
rcannon@usa.net