QUESTION:
What should a Christian Student do if asked to discuss the origin of mankind in a science examination? Will an essay on "Theory of Evolution" be contradictory to his faith? OR should he write on "Biblical story of creation" and fail the exam?
Here are the answers given by our panelists on Invasion Channel:
1. Mr. Tobiloba Giwa
I found myself in the same scenario some years back. I took a course on Ecology and Evolution in my second year in school. The exam question was: "The theory of evolution is a farce. Argue for or against." As a student who wasn't ready to fail, I had to support the notion stating scientific facts and figures discussed during the lectures.Supporting or opposing trivial issues like this does not and will not change the truth. The TRUTH is God created the heavens and the earth. The FACT is the earth came to being as explained by the big bang theory.Talking about the FACT and TRUTH. The FACT is that which is apparent but not always true. The TRUTH is that which it is and cannot be disputed. For instance, science says ten thousands of people are killed by cobra snakes every year - FACT. The TRUTH is that we have been given authorities over scorpions and snakes and they will not harm us (Luke 10:19).It's about time, we, believers, placed our lives on the standards of the TRUTH and not on FACTS and figures.
2. Mr. Emmanuel Atijohan
In my own way of approach, I would give the scientific explanation in such a philosophical way such as to leave the evolution theory invalid and yet subjected to further probing and research. This was something i actually did with a Doctor who was by it compelled, and invited me over for a chat after which he believed in God. All things done, should be only at the level of everyone's faith. The big bang theory, for instance is a theory I could reason from the bible to validate it's proof:Genesis 1:1, in the beginning God created the heaven and the earth. Thus is a perfect indication of a single massively irregular jointed block(earth) and it space(heaven).Furthermore, vs 4 shows that the light that God created was inseparable from the darkness until God divided the light from God, I believe that 'term' divide better explain the big bang and the latter many heavens described in the scriptures.Vs 6 further explain the division of waters and the different atmosphere encompassing each cell of broken blocks. I believe a good oral presentation would convey the idea better.
3. Mr. Matthew Olaoluwa
To me, writing on "Bbiblical story of creation world" in a science examination would .be "suicidal". In the same way, what if a Christian medical student was asked how to cure cancer for example? Will he write about how to use faith for healing? Or will he quote Isaiah 53:5? Therefore, a Christian student who wants to pass such an exam should better write as he was taught. Thank you.-
4. Mr. Emmanuel Komolafe
The origin of the universe either written in the exam or not biblically doesn't alter the real truth or fact that God created the earth and it's only made believable by those who care to be humble and receive the good news of Jesus. A student may be so interested and passionate about having his teacher know God and if he writes the biblical story of creation could serve as an honourable means of conveying the gospel but it doesn't change the sacrosanct belief of the man who's a sinner to first "believe" and encumber the available grace that has been made available in Jesus.Writing things that amount to the course is what is expected of the student. If I may ask, what will be the motive of his writing biblical opinion? To change the teacher's perspective? No! When dealing with Biblical principles and Bible tenets, it must be purposeful as there must be a goal. And if he knows that he would love the teacher get saved, he should properly arrange a meeting between himself and the teacher so he could tell him about Christ and not mere thinking people's perspective could change by writing things that amounts to his faith in an exam.
5. Mr. Garuba Oshikhena
To me he should write what was taught by the teacher and compare it with what was in the Bible.
***REJOINDER***
Much thanks to our panelists who shared their knowledge with us as regards this question. They have all done due diligence in their different ways of approach.
This was the answer given to the High School students who asked this question:
Since wisdom is profitable to direct, the lads were counselled to write what they were taught in class BUT to begin their sentences with "The Theory of Evolution states that OR It has been scientifically proven that" rather than absolute statements like "The origin of man can be traced back to OR We know that"... In that way, they are not making any absolute statement that implies their own beliefs, but rather, are giving a report of scientific findings and someone else's beliefs.
N.B- In counselling people on their personal moral convictions, while we guide them to tow the path of wisdom, we must be careful not to violate their conscience as that may have a negative rebound effect on their sense of moral justice later on. Moreso for those lads, their being uneasy with the 'atheistic' theory of evolution may be a seed in their heart that will prompt them later in life to do series of scientific research that will disprove evolution theory- a feat that not only will be a great tool in Christian Apologetics but will also build them a legacy forever.
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