Evolution Theory C) Theory of

Evolution Theory C) Theory of Creationism Deistic and theistic Evolution theories Genesis Nature of Man E) Conclusion Anthropology Doctrine of Man Man is still searching for answers to the fundamental questions concerning the why and how of his existence, the purpose of the journey of life and the ultimate destiny. Different theories have been put forward in explaining the origin of man ranging from creationism to evolution. The evolutionary theory of creation attributes all this diversification and the countless species of living beings to the process of systematic natural evolution.

The Christian faith offers a different explanation in the form of the genesis account of creation. Even within the creationism theory there are mildly different views of the creation process. A brief discussion of these differing perspectives of creation would shed more light on that one primeval question which has continued to intrigue all of mankind from time immemorial. Evolution Theory The theory of evolution is in total contrast to the creation theory.

God is totally excluded from the whole picture and it explains that everything from the living to the inert matter originated naturally from gradual changes over millions of years. In other words there is an outright exclusion of the metaphysical or the supernatural realms of existence and everything is described in terms of natural evolution and as a pure chance factor. So man is not a special being but only a natural evolution product from the primitive beings.

The one drawback however in this evolutionary theory of existence is that it does not offer explanation as to how the original material which is supposed to have undergone all this transmutation, transformation and gradual evolution came into existence. That is to say that the evolution theory may explain that the tree came from the seed and the bird came from the egg but has no clue for the existence of the seed or the egg.

Something is assumed to be in existence before everything else and in this aspect this theory is found wanting in a basic aspect. [H.P. Blavatsky] Theory of Creationism This is directly in contradiction to the evolution theory and ascribes every species and every element of creation to have been directly created by god instantly (6 days). That is to say that there is no macro evolution but god created everything that exists during the six days.

(though not necessarily 24-hour day) The entire cosmos with all its magnificence from the primitive bacteria to the final crown jewel of creation (man) is a direct creative work of god. The creationist theory is challenged by evolutionary scientists who claim the close relationship between species as a proof of evolution.

Further modern astronomy has estimated the age of earth to be some millions of years older than the earliest civilizations on earth hence disputing the theory that all this creation evolved within the short frame of time as described in the bible. Branching out from the pure creationist theory are the deistic and theistic evolution theories. These theories, though they have god as the creator of the universe accommodate the scientific evolutionary reasoning to some extent.

[Jay Taylor] Deistic and theistic Evolution theories The deistic theory accounts that god created the initial material and established the laws of evolution and then totally withdrew from the process. That is evolution went on gradually over a long period of time without any intervention from god once the process was initiated. The theistic evolution theory on the other hand indicates that god not only created the initial material but also continued to actively monitor the process of evolution.

Though both these theories are in agreement with the role of the divine hands behind the creation and also concur with evolution theory, they are in contradiction to the biblical account of creation. [CARM] Let us now see the genesis account of creation. Genesis The genesis account explains that man is the supreme crown jewel of all gods' creation. Man was made in the image of god and he placed his knowledge in man. He was the ultimate creation with control and power over all other species.

He was endowed with the capacity to think and reason out and choose the right action. In genesis 2:7 there is an account that god created man out of dust and hence clearly rules out any theory which suggests that man is an evolutionary product. "God formed the man from the dust of the ground & breathed into his nostrils the breath of life, and the man became a living being." [Dr. Robert D. Luginbill].

Genesis 1:26-27 also states that man is created in the image of god and also the only created being to have the capacity to feel the love, enjoy the kinship and the communion with god. Nature of Man Some theologians share a monistic philosophy of man and do not consider the presence of a soul as a separated part of his being. However the dualistic aspect of man is adopted by many Christian followers. The following saying from Jesus as quoted by Matthew 10:28 also confirms the dualistic notion.

"Do not be afraid of those who kill the body, but cannot kill the soul. Rather, be afraid of the one who can destroy both soul and body in hell." Man is considered as mortal from the perspective of the body while his inherent nature of immortality stems from the spirit of god or the soul which sustains life. (Breath of god as related in genesis) There are also other view points where man is considered to be composed of the body, soul and the spirit. (trichotomy).

Genesis 3 also indicates the "fall of man" (Adam succumbing to temptation) which explains the birth of the sinful tendencies. [Greg Herrick] The biblical account answers some of the basic questions of life and human origin in the following way. God created the world and placed in man the knowledge of his existence and he longs for man to know him. Man is the center stage of god's creation and he is endowed with the capacity to feel and relate to god.

With the discriminating capacity, which separates him from all other created beings, man has to stay away from the temptations which lure him from the right path. The purpose of the journey through life is to return back to the source of creation. Conclusion All fields of knowledge which man has managed to garner, either material or.