An Essay
Introduction
The Big Bang Theory[1] and Darwin’s Theory of Evolution[2] both have proponents and critics in the scientific world today. Critics argue based on fossil findings or complexities that beg for an intelligent design rather than pure chance and natural selection[3]. Recently this theory of intelligent design has gotten attention, with scientists like Stephen Meyer bringing forth scientific evidence that point to an intelligent force behind the created universe[4]. While these efforts take a step towards theism, they do not acknowledge the Christian God or Christ Jesus as the author of life.
So I’d like to take a different angle in this short essay. Rather than approaching these theories from a scientific perspective, as intelligent design attempts to do, I will look at the lies that surface beneath the narrative of these theories, the effects on our lives if we believe them, and contrast them with the truth that I believe we find in God’s word.
No creator – Mere physics
The Big Bang Theory tells the story of a universe whose formation is the result of the laws of physics that by chance brought about the universe we can behold today. This includes us humans too. No supernatural force, no creator, mere physics. If chance is the governing principle behind our very existence, what deeper purpose do we have than to live today and die tomorrow? Being born blind, in poverty, or in an abusive home is just simply unlucky.
A person with a comparatively privileged starting point may have a stronger inclination to accept this narrative than a person with an “unlucky” starting point. The latter may wonder about the “why” and pursue to find meaning while the former may be comfortable to rest on their privileges.
If we believe that all is born out of a series of “lucky chances”, what holds us accountable for the choices we make in life? The laws of physics that supposedly govern the creation process do not regulate human interaction. With no “higher force” there is no absolute morality, meaning that right and wrong are relative and subject to change. And if we agree on the premise that human reasoning is fallible, then so is their perception of what is right, wrong, and good.
Scripture provides a different narrative:
“In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.” – Genisis 1:1
“By wisdom the LORD founded the earth;
by understanding he created the heavens.” – Proverbs 3:19
In the beginning God.
A creator with a purpose, a will, and a plan.
All that is seen, and unseen is created out of “ex nihilo” – out of nothing.
Ironically, the very skies the Big Bang theory looks to for proof are the ones pointing to God:
“The heavens declare the glory of God, and the sky above proclaims His handiwork.”
– Psalm 19:1
If there is a wilful directed act of creation, everything receives a purpose.
No longer can the “privileged” person rest on his lot in life without wondering what his response should be while the “unlucky” person is encouraged that there is more to his circumstances than meets the eye. God has given his creation a blue print for life and clarity as to what is right and wrong – absolute morality. There is no question about purpose or what may be good and true.
“He has shown you, O mortal, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.” – Micah 6:8
Purpose is at the heart of what drives people. If we believe the lie that the heavens are merely a witness to observable physical principles and void of a creator, subject to chance and continuous change, there is no stability or accountability.
Not created – Evolved
Charles Darwin’s Theory claims that humans are a product of evolution and natural selection. What makes us humans different from other animals are evolved traits and the cognitive abilities that come with them. Based on these differences we carry a notion of superior worth, having evolved more favourably. We can see this mentality manifested in unequal rights that are found across species, genders, and ethnicities.
And herein lies the issue. If what makes us superior or have more worth is tied to a favourable natural selection, how does this shape my understanding of identity and other humans? Is a person with a higher IQ or stronger physique worth more than a human born with a weaker build or more limited cognitive abilities? And where does this leave humans born with a disability? We may treat people, even subconsciously, based on our discernment of their worth and dignity. One person with more “favourable” traits may much enjoy their standing and this idea of natural selection and evolution while another may wrestle with their self-worth.
Believing that this sense of superiority that we claim over other species is tied to evolutionary processes, leaves people with an identity rooted in their superior standing (“being the fittest”) among others. A worth that is dependent on comparison and triggers competition.
The Bible roots the worth and dignity of a person in the creator’s design.
“Then God said, “Let us make mankind in our image, in our likeness, so that they may rule over the fish in the sea and the birds in the sky, over the livestock and all the wild animals, and over all the creatures that move along the ground.”
So God created mankind in his own image,
in the image of God he created them;
male and female he created them.” – Genesis 1:26-27
Created in the image of God – imago dei. The Bible is clear on the source of a person’s worth by linking it back to the will of the one who created them. There is no difference between men and woman in respect to their worth and divinely granted authority over the rest of creation. God makes it clear, that humans are a purposeful design and set apart from the beginning.
Rather than a sense of superiority, scripture encourages humility and wonder in view of our creation and relation to one another and God:
“ As a father has compassion on his children, so the LORD has compassion on those who fear him; for he knows how we are formed, he remembers that we are dust.”
– Psalm 103:13-14
“For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well.” – Psalm 139:13-14
Where we derive our identity from shapes how we relate to others and the world around us. Where is the sense of superiority or self-belittling, when we understand that we are purposefully created, set apart with an inherit unchanging worth, and far inferior to the one who created us? Rather than comparing ourselves to others and competing for more worth, there is a freedom in discovering our identity and worth in the creator God.
Last thoughts
While intelligent design can offer competing scientific evidence and arguments challenging the two theories addressed in this essay, they do not offer answers to questions that arise regarding the larger narrative of life. Questions that move beyond a scientific understanding to our perception of self, others, the world, and this “intelligent designer”:
- What is my purpose? / Why was I created?
- How does this creator “force” relate to me?
- What is my place in this creation?
- Who am I?
Intelligent design and other theories end where faith begins and searches for answer to these existential questions. Scripture offers the same answer it did 2000 years ago:
“For in him (Christ Jesus) all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things have been created through him and for him.” – Colossians 1:16
“For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.” – John 3:16
“Now this is eternal life: that they know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom you have sent.” – John 17:3
[1] “The Big Bang Theory is a scientific definition of the origin of the universe that is widely accepted. This theory says that our universe began as a singularity. A point of extremely high temperature and infinite density and has been expanding ever since.” What is the Big Bang Theory? How did our universe begin? – Astronomy Explained
[2] “Charles Darwin was a British naturalist who proposed the theory of biological evolution by natural selection. Darwin defined evolution as “descent with modification,” the idea that species change over time, give rise to new species, and share a common ancestor.” Darwin, evolution, & natural selection (article) | Khan Academy
[3] Darwin’s Top 10 Arguments Against His Own Theory | Evolution News
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