Answers to tough questions: Applied Apologetics – Wk 3

Introduction Any chance to share your faith this past week? Prayer requests & prayer You should all know your memory verse… National Atheist’s Day is coming…

Review Any questions or comments from last week Any questions you want addressed in these classes Stand up survey The cake story illustrates what? Another illustration, the poison story

A statement to deal with Science sent man to the moon, eliminated many diseases, and is responsible for modern technology and our high standard of living and science says that man evolved from monkeys, so it must be true

A response Generally agree with all but the last statement Different kinds of science: experimental, repeatable, verifiable, versus: Conjecture on the past, without evidence, observation of happenings

Some questions What is evolution? What does the bible say on the topic? Who popularized the theory? Why was/is it so popular? Let’s try to think of some problems with evolution - brainstorm

Some problems with evolution (there are 100s)… Can information evolve? Irreducible complexity means _________ Evolution of instincts Evolution of plants Who did the first ___ marry? The probability issue Steve’s rock example

The real reason behind the belief in evolution “Can’t let the divine foot in the door” We don’t want to believe in God, therefore… Where is the wise man? Where is the scholar? Where is the philosopher of this age? Has not God made foolish the wisdom of the world? I Corinthians 1:20

A key verse Since what may be known about God is plain to them, because God has made it plain to them. For since the creation of the world God's invisible qualities—his eternal power and divine nature—have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that men are without excuse. Romans 1:19-20

Do scientists believe in evolution? Many of the greatest were creationists If you do believe in creation, you are expelled from many areas of advanced science Evolution has no impact on many areas of science

Evolution in school/university Have you been taught it? Should religion be excluded from science classes? Competing theories US and Australian examples

Billions of years Disagreement between many scientists and a literal interpretation of Genesis Did God ever create with an appearance of maturity, yet with no history? Some examples:

Science and the bible Could there be any contradictions between true science and the bible? What about theistic evolution? “evolution is a fact like the law of gravity” !!

Richard Dawkins’ quotes Today’s most militant atheist, a “pitbull” His new book The Greatest Show on Earth proclaims evolution Let’s respond to chapter 1 & 2 He does believe in intelligent design – quote Although they claimed to be wise, they became fools Romans 1:22

Some personal thoughts My high school biology class The fish on the car Do you have to be a scientist to discuss? Ask them questions?

Some great verses 7 "But ask the animals, and they will teach you, or the birds of the air, and they will tell you; 8 or speak to the earth, and it will teach you, or let the fish of the sea inform you. 9 Which of all these does not know that the hand of the LORD has done this? 10 In his hand is the life of every creature and the breath of all mankind. JOB 12:7-10

Today’s memory verse For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart. Hebrews 4:12Hebrews 4:12

Closing There is so much more to discuss on this topic Homework assignment The church library and I have lots of creation books you could borrow, here is one I am away next week, your guest leader will be Sam McNaull Prayer