Huntington Church of Christ

I once had a rebellious young man in a Bible class, who had supposedly been reared by godly parents, say that he behaved as he did because he was "just an animal". Obviously, someone (parents or public school) did a poor job of teaching him concerning his true origin. I realize many school systems throughout our land refuse to allow the Creation of the world by God's infinite power to be taught in science courses, yet they turn around and teach evolution as fact and not theory. Such treatment of the subject of origins is shameful and down right deceptive. The evolution of man is an UNPROVEN THEORY (hypothesis, supposition, opinion). For man to elevate this unreliable and uncertain theory before our youth as a cold hard fact is irresponsible. In fact, this theory violates common sense and logic ("the world through its wisdom knew not God" -- 1 Corinthians 1;21).

The Bible offers us a reliable alternative. It addresses our origins with logic and common sense. While scientists change their theories from year to year, the Bible remains constant and true. "In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth" (Genesis 1;1). It is logical to believe the world was created by a Supreme Being (something from something), rather than to believe in spontaneous generation (something from nothing -- which is illogical). The Christian understands by faith the worlds were framed by the Word of God (Hebrews 11:4).

What about my young friend who believes he is "just an animal"? The Bible says God made man in His own image and after His own likeness (Genesis 1:26). Jehovah God formed man of the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living soul." (Genesis 2:7). God created man different from the animals. Man has a living eternal soul. He shares that Godlike quality. Further more, the Psalmist writes, "What is man that thou art mindful of him? ...For thou hast made him but a little lower than God, And crownest him with glory and honor. Thou makest him to have dominion over the works of thy hands; Thou hast put all things under his feet." (Psalms 8:4-9) No, we are not just animals, we are "fearfully and wonderfully made" (Psalms 139:13-16).

Daniel S. Dow
Huntington Church of Christ