Out of the
Lab Donald S. Robertson, Ph.D. Chairman, Dept, of Science, Bioia Bible College
NEW!
Evolution (concluded)
I Tor the past six months we have l been considering the p rob lem s which the theory of evolution pre sents to the Christian. We have two lines of evidence left to consider. One has to do with some actual experi mental results that have been ob tained and the other concerns the facts from distribution of organic forms. Experimental Results Perhaps some of the best evidence in support of the theory of evolution has come from the study of poly ploid species. In these studies, for example, it has been possible to cross the radish and cabbage and get a fertile offspring that is recognized as a new species. Similar experiments have been done with other plants so that today there are many examples of “ synthetic species” produced by man. The fact that man has been able to do this does not conflict with the Scriptures since God does not indi cate what the unit of creation was. If it was larger than the species then it is reasonable to assume that by selecting within the variation which God placed in the created unit, it might be possible to produce forms which the scientist would recognize as species. Thus polyploidy would appear to be just one of the ways God has established for producing variation within the unit of creation. Facts from Distribution Not only are forms distributed in time as we saw when we considered the fossil record last month, but they are also distributed geographically. In many instances the scientist has found that this distribution follows a pattern that can readily be inter preted within an evolutionary frame work. For example, forms living on coastal islands may differ from forms found anywhere else but they fre quently resemble those of the nearest mainland. To the evolutionist this suggests that the island forms origin ally came from the mainland. After they became isolated upon the island they varied along different lines than those on the continent so that now they are recognized as distinct groups.
These facts can Readily be inter preted by the Christian for we have already demonstrated that God pro duces forms with the ability to vary. These forms must have been pro duced within this variability. There are no known facts obtained from the distribution of forms that cannot be interpreted within the Ch ristian framework if it is assumed that God created forms at different times in the past. Then at certain set places and subsequent to creation they have migrated from these points and var ied while doing so within the lim its of variation implanted in them at creation. Summary In this series of articles on evolu tion an attempt has been made to build a defense of the Genesis ac count of creation by demonstrating that the Scriptural record does not conflict with the facts that the sci entist has discovered in nature. In closing, a word of caution should be given. It will be noted in our consideration we have made no attempt to disprove evolution. We have pointed up some difficulties with which the evolutionist is faced but you may be sure that he has pro posed plausible, though in most in stances unproven, schemes for getting around them. In this respect the Christian does not, differ from the evolutionist since he too is faced with some problem in his theory of origin when he tries to relate it to the facts of nature so far observed. Thus we see that both theories are possible explanations of how living things were produced. It then be comes a matter of personal choice what explanation one chooses. If one believes in no God or one which is rather vaguely defined then evolution will be his choice to explain the facts. On the other hand if one be lieves in the God of the Scriptures— a creature-creating God — the facts can just as readily be explained by creation. Until a person has had a personal experience with the God of creation it is likely he will see no need of abandoning the theory of evolution. END.
DIFFERENT! 101 new and beautiful, titled, hymn slides in natural, full-color. These are authentic pictures of the Holy Land, attractively lettered with favorite hymns of the Church. Must be seen to be appreciated. To seid for sample slide on approval, together with list of hymn and scene titles, write to: PA LESTIN E HYMN SLIDES, JU A N IT A STUDIÇS 92 North Los Robles Ave., Pasadena 1, Calif. A Penny a Day (Not such a large sum to Invest for eternity) W ill give spiritual sight to the blind H O W ? For information write to THE CHR ISTIAN ASSOCIATION FOR THE BLIND Now in its 26th year of operation 430 East 141st Street - New York 54, N.Y. John Binns, Pres. James E. Bennet, Treos. John Ernest Brown, Field Rept. Subscriptions to King's Business make excellent gifts.
POWER OF THE BLOOD A 25-minute masterpiece, con stantly growing in favor. Color ....................................$10.00 Black and White .............. 7.50
purchase rental
B ffrnffl
send catalog Information on Miracle Projector De*. No. S
C.O. B A P T I S T A F I LM S S U N N V S I O I A V E N U E . W M C A T O N . I l 11 NÒ I $
21
M A R C H , 1 9 5 5
Made with FlippingBook flipbook maker