Creation vs. Evolution
In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth.
Genesis 1:1
The debate over creation vs. evolution has been going on for a long time. Why? Because neither side can prove to the other they are right. Why not? Because both sides require faith, and your starting point will determine how you view the evidence. The evidence is the same for everyone. But not everyone sees the evidence in the same way.
EVOLUTION
I will be the first to admit that I don't know that much about evolution, but I do know it's an alternative to God creating the world. Evolution seeks to answer the question as to how the universe came into existence, and when life began. Historical science can't prove evolution because no one was present when it happened, and there are no historical documents to back up the claim for evolution. Schools and universities can teach it as fact, but that in itself doesn't make it true. Historical science can only make intelligent guesses.
TWO KINDS OF SCIENCE
There are two kinds of science: observational and historical. Observational science deals with the present and can be tested, observed, and repeated. It builds computers, sends a rocket to the moon, and finds cures for diseases. Historical science deals with the past, and can't be directly tested, observed, or repeated. That's why scientists can only examine present evidence and make assumptions about the past. It is impossible to go back in time and verify their claim. It cannot be proven and therefore requires faith.
CREATION
Creation starts with God. God's invisible qualities--His eternal power and divine nature can be clearly seen and understood by what He has made (Rom 1:20). When you look at the mountains or a single flower or the ocean, you know they had to first come from somewhere. You know people didn't create them. We can make a lot of things, but we don't even come close to creating life or nature or atoms. The world had to have a beginning. Everyone agrees with this assertion. But not everyone agrees that the Bible is the standard for what is true. Believing God exists takes faith. Believing the Bible is the inspired Word of God takes faith. But not more faith that it takes to accept the educated guesses we have for evolution.
THE RELIABILITY OF HISTORICAL DOCUMENTS & EYEWITNESS ACCOUNTS
When something can't be repeated, tested or observed, the next best thing is to look at historical documents and eyewitness accounts. But even these require faith. We have to trust the reliability of the witness, or the truthfulness of the text. No one questions who the first president was. There is lots of evidence within historical accounts. It is doubtful that so much evidence would be wrong. But when it comes to how life began or how the world came into existence, we have God and the Bible. God was there; He is an eyewitness. The Bible is a historical document and gives us the account of how the world began and where life comes from. The Bible has been tested again and again and found to be reliable on the historical evidence.
SUMMARY
The question to ask in the debate over creation vs. evolution is: Where will you put your faith? In God, the eyewitness, and the Bible, the historical document that has been tested and shown to be reliable, or in the theories and educated guesses of scientists who have no way of backing up their claims?
Answers in Genesis: Is Science Secular?
Answers in Genesis: Two Kinds of Science?