Introduction
The consensus among scientists is that all living things are products of evolution over millions of years. Does that mean that we should accept the consensus and believe that too? Some say, "Yes." But what are the facts? Should we accept evolution as a fact? We will explore that question in this article.
Theory, Hypothesis, or Fact?
Scientists often speak of evolution as a "fact," when it is actually a theory. That can be very confusing to those who do not understand the terminology used by scientists as it relates to hypothesis, theory, and fact. Well-known evolutionist Richard Dawkins wrote in a New York Times article entitled “In Short: Nonfiction”[1], “No, we are here talking about the fact of evolution itself, a fact that is proved utterly beyond reasonable doubt.”
In an article in Apologetics Press entitled, "Evolution is the Scientific Consensus—So You Should Believe It!” Jeff Miller, Ph. D references the comments made by the writer of an email sent to Apologetics Press. Miller writes, “Specifically, he applied the concept to the idea that belief in Darwinian evolution is the scientific consensus today and therefore should be accepted—not resisted…”
In truth, accepting the consensus view on a theory is a dangerous practice. Scientific theories are not “bad guys.” Theories are important in order to make scientific progress. However, a theory (like the Theory of Evolution or the Big Bang Theory), by its very definition, is not known as absolute, but rather, as a possible explanation of something... A scientific law, however, is not based on “consensus” or speculation, but on the evidence—the facts. Therefore, there should be “consensus” about the laws of nature, even if there isn’t.
Is Evolution a Hypothesis, a Theory, or a Fact?
Nathaniel T. Jeanson, Ph.D., writes in an article in ICR.org entitled Is Evolution an Observable Fact? "Proponents of Charles Darwin want you to believe that his hypothesis is being confirmed right before our eyes." Are they right? Are they right when they claim that all species evolved from one or a few species? Are they right when they claim that all species arose from natural selection, not by creation? Are they right when they claim that life began millions of years ago, not from 6-10,000 years ago, which is the Biblical timescale?
On the first question above, the evidence that man evolved from a common ancestor is paltry at best. On the second question, Natural selection is defined as the "process that results in the adaptation of an organism to its environment by means of selectively reproducing changes in its genotype, or genetic constitution" (Encyclopedia Britannica).
The Bible is consistent in its treatment of the origin of living things. From Genesis through Revelation, there are numerous references to God's creative work. In fact, Paul, writing to the Roman brethren in Romans 1:17-21, said those who do not know God from looking at the creation are "without excuse." David made a similar statement in Psalms 19:1-3:
The heavens are telling of the glory of God; And their expanse is declaring the work of His hands. 2 Day to day pours forth speech, And night to night reveals knowledge. 3 There is no speech, nor are there words; Their voice is not heard.
Jesus, in answering a different question, chose to go back to the beginning to illustrate His point. In doing so, He confirmed the creation of man. He says in Matthew 19:4-6:
“Have you not read that He who created them from the beginning made them male and female, 5 and said, ‘For this reason a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh’? 6 So they are no longer two, but one flesh. What therefore God has joined together, let no man separate.”
The Lord affirms five things here: (1) God made the first couple. (2) God made the first couple male and female. (3) God instituted marriage between a male and a female.(4). God determined that a man and a woman were to have a sexual relationship in marriage - "They shall become one flesh.” (5). Because God joins couples in marriage, man must not end that relationship.
Notice that Jesus affirms that God made man as man in the beginning, not as a lower life form which evolved into man over millions of years. God's Son gives no hint of evolution here.
Conclusion
Should we accept the consensus on evolution? It is the theory of evolution. Therefore, it has not been "proven" as fact. As a theory, it is still subject to further research before it becomes a proven fact. A theory may be proven true or false.
The Bible presents creation as fact. Neither evolution nor creation has been proven as fact, though there is ample evidence to believe in creation. But then, the Bible has never been proven wrong, in spite of centuries of attempts to do so!
We definitely should not accept the consensus on evolution! - L. John Bost
1. Dobzhansky, Theodosius (1956), The Biological Basis of Human Freedom (New York: Columbia University Press).↩
[1] IN SHORT: NONFICTION - The New York Times, April 9, 1989.