Creation, Evolution and the Bible

The Battle for the Beginning by John MacArthur (a book report)

MacArthur doesn't tolerate theistic evolution or an intelligent design position de-emphasizing a literal interpretation of Genesis. Should we? His book raises awareness of h0w we Christians violate clear teachings of the Bible when we presuppose millions and billions of years. He does a scripture by scripture exegesis of Genesis and shows why the Bible and macro-evolution contradict each other (Mutation--so-called micro-evolution--is not the problem).

After reading the book, it appears to me that if we could fit both our right hand and left hand feet into our right hand shoe, then we might just work the miracle of harmonizing God's creation and man's theory of evolution. MacArthur's book clearly shows why this is impossible. Both the Gap Theory and the Day Age Theory are discussed and exploded in the light of sound Biblical study.

The most obvious reason for devising alternative explanations instead of accepting creation ex-nihilo is that people rebel against God's authority. One easily understands why this happens with humanists, naturalists, atheists and agnostics--who are also without excuse--but it boggles the mind that we Christians so easily trash the authority of the very Being who dwells within us. Why should we choose so-called theistic evolution when the truth of Genesis is not that difficult to understand? When Christ validates Genesis, how can those who have His Spirit deny His words?

The clearly revealed fact of a literal six days of creation and the pronouncement of God that the life He founded upon this world is good and very good should anchor our faith in how we came to exist. Away flies the mindmist of millions and billions of years, away goes the ugly theory that hominids and animals savaged each other in a bloody pre-Adamic existence, or that pitiful, partially evolved creatures floundered through the ages. Don't we trust God's word that death, sin, and disintegration happened only after the fall of Adam and Eve? If we don't accept that, then how do we understand the redemptive plan to reconcile us back to the Father? The Battle for the Beginning clearly explains why we dishonor Christ when we accept a prior nature red in tooth and claw rather than a literal, perfect, six days of creation followed by the fall.

The rebellion against God takes several forms. People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals go too far when they insist animals and mankind be treated the same. The Bible says we have dominion over the things of the earth; all was given for our enjoyment. That includes meat in the food pyramid. PETA--for many PETAists--is open rebellion against God.

A feminism that denies the roles for men and women that God circumscribed in scripture is open rebellion against God's authority and express commands. Eve was created as a helpmate, not as one to take dominion over males.

Abortion is a killing of people created in God's image. It is an act oppositional to God's clear declaration that his creation of man on the sixth day was very good. Every child-killing is calling God a deceiver and making man a judge over Him.

The practice of homosexuality and sexual perversion is also fists shaking in the face of God. It was Adam and Eve; not Adam and Steve. Romans 1 clearly nails down authorized sexuality. Lesbianism and sodomy fall outside the definition of holy and acceptable. No matter how sinners--and even some saints--try to soften attitudes towards this sin, it is listed in with those that result in eternal separation from God in Hell. We have failed to understand that homosexualtiy is open rebellion against God. We say error, ignorance, weakness, cultural impress, but God says willful sin.

Any wrestling of God's Word to make it fit deceptive science is open rebellion against our Maker. We needn't think God will excuse it as mere confusion or ignorance. It is called willful disobedience that springs from love of the world rather than love of God. It is open rebellion whether done by a Christ hater or by one who professes Christ's name. The end results are as grievous for theistic, evolutionary teaching as for mainline, Darwinian evolutionary propaganda. These things prejudice children and adults against the truth.

As More Than a Carpenter is to Josh McDowell's Evidence that Demands a Verdict, The Battle for the Beginning is to Henry Morris's Scientific Creationism. In other words, John MacArthur's book brings together a powerful defense of Genesis in one concise book of 237 pages. Unlike the excellent large volumes cited above (not bolded) which analyse Biblical and scientific research, The Battle . . . focuses on the question of origins. The author thoroughly justifies his conclusions based on the Genesis text without attempting to look at all oppositional views. He shows us the fine details of the true currency rather than dwelling on the numerous counterfeits.

The Battle for the Beginnings will enhance your faith.