Creation vs. Evolution- a classroom approach.

TEACHERS IN CATHOLIC SCHOOLS: Please note, that what is called into question in the text which follows is the 'Big Bang' theory and 'Evolution' theory, if what is meant by that contradicts the teaching of the Catechism of the Catholic Church and a belief in Original Sin. The Church, and therefore the Catholic School, teaches that God created the world, by whichever process that took place, (although it is clearly understood that the Evolution Theory is exactly that - a theory - which lacks a great deal of evidence) and the Catechism of the Catholic Church clearly refers to 'our first parents' (390 CCC) and to the teaching that God creates freely 'out of nothing' (296 CCC). It is important that we never describe the evolutionary process or the Big Bang theory as an aid to God.

Some facts that support the Creation of the world.

Traditionally Biologists believe that Life is a freak - the result of a zillion-to-one accidental concatenation of molecules. If you believe this then the belief in other life forms on other worlds AND the existence of other worlds themselves could not have taken place. Why? Because something as ‘freaky’ as that is not likely to ever happen again. Since we know there are other worlds, then this is not how life began.

So what about Evolution, which, it is to remembered, is only a theory; one among others. According to Orthodox view, Darwinian selection is blind. "The path of evolution is merely a random walk through the realm of possibilities." Darwin himself said ‘The horrid doubt always arises whether the convictions of man’s mind, which has developed from the mind of the lower animals are of any value or at all trustworthy. Would anyone trust the convictions of a monkey’s mind if there were any convictions in such a mind? In other words, if my brain is no more than that of a superior monkey, I cannot even be sure that my own theory of my origin can be trusted." (J. Sire, The Universe Next Door, p. 84).

Creation happening by chance then is as likely as a dictionary being produced by an explosion in a printing factory.

Apart from the existence of God, there is nothing that comes about without a cause.

Those who study the universe have seen that natural laws operate. Scientists call one the Second Law of Thermodynamics, which says that any physical system, if left to itself, will decay. Instead of being highly organised, everything will break down. But, the processes that operate on Earth remain highly organised. These processes are not breaking down. This led a Russian Scientist, who was taught not to believe in God, to arrive at the following conclusion.

" As I thought about all of that, it suddenly dawned on me that there must be a very powerful organising force counteracting this disorganising tendency within nature, keeping the universe controlled and in order. This force must not be material; otherwise it too would become disordered. I concluded that this power must be both omnipotent [all-powerful] and omniscient [all knowing and all wise]. There must be a God - one God - controlling everything"

Implications of believing in Evolution without God, instead of Creation by God

• there is no God and no Devil so we can do what we want
• since there is no God, there is no Heaven or Hell and no moral code by which we should live
• the notion of 'right' and 'wrong' is therefore socially conditioned and not absolute.
• the Bible's reliability is questioned
• humans descend from a long evolutionary process and are not much more than animals
• humans are therefore not created in the image of God
• as animals we need not have regard for others and other acts are acceptable and excusable - a sign of 'instinct'
• there are some humans who are not fully human as they are still on their evolutionary journey
• people turn away from believing in God and put their trust in science which SOME scientists use to suggest that God does not exist
• we are not spiritual beings according to this theory

Implications of believing that Evolution is just a theory and that Creation is still credible

• if the theory of Evolution is wrong the only explanation for the existence of such a Universe can only be a Grand designer who caused it to come about
• the church and the Bible suddenly become credible testimonies to the existence of God
• if God and Scripture is correct in matters of faith and morals, then we are made in God’s image which means we have a spiritual side as well
• all claims that indicate that God does not exist will be tested more
• miracles and the hope in miracles will increase and more people will add meaning to their life and not suicide
• Heaven and Hell do exist and we have free will to choose where we ultimately end up. We must choose to ask God for help in daily life.
• we are moral people and we have a responsibility to help those in need.
• moral responsibility and conscience are not of human origin. Whilst they are affected by social conditioning, they are created by God. St Paul speaks of the moral law written on the human heart.
• any action which seeks to destroy the image of God in a human, e.g. through murder or abuse of the body, is therefore harmful and begins a journey potentially leading to death in a spiritual and, at times, physical sense
• people will be more aware of the forces in society which encourage people, especially youth, to turn away from God, and be more critical of them.