Charles Darwin, Natural Selection, and the Biblical Account of Creation
In 1859, Charles Darwin’s “On the Origin of the Species ” challenged the Judeo-Christian belief that God created the heavens and the earth, animals, and man. Darwin’s theory was based on observation and examination of organisms that were in existence at that time. He had no knowledge of genetics, DNA, mutations, or any of the other scientific tools we have at our disposal today.
Darwin’s theory is based on the concept of “Natural Selection” which can be defined succinctly as “Survival of the Fittest.” For Darwin, the goal of every member of a species is to propagate the species; i.e., to reproduce more individuals. Random changes in body structure that give one member of the species a greater chance of survival are passed on in the hereditary line until all, or most, members of the species have that same advantage for survival. For example, a species that survives by outrunning its predators gradually gets faster over time, individually and as a group, since only the fastest runners survive to reproduce.
Using modern scientific advances, proponents of evolution claim to have identified supportive evidence found in the fossil record, genetic studies using DNA, and other comparative anatomical observations. Achieving iron-clad scientific proof, however, is an incredibly difficult task and one that is virtually impossible to achieve. The evolutionary process, even according to its believers, occurred over tens of millions of years. Investigations, in essence, must work backward in time trying to find evidence that is most likely no longer existent.
Having spent a great deal of time with America’s youth in the classroom, Author and national speaker William James Herath realized that the ambiguous definition of evolution, based on bits and pieces of often questionable “science,” left a cavity on the faith of many of his students. To better understand and address their concerns, Herath began to educate himself on the conflict between Darwin’s theory of evolution and biblical scripture, and, through his own research, discovered some shocking information and facts forming the basis for his book What is Evolution.
You won’t want to miss Freedom Forum Radio this weekend with Dr. Dan and William Herath, author of “What is Evolution” and national speaker on the subject of evolution and creationism.
Part one of this two-part interview begins this weekend, Saturday and Sunday, October 28-29, on WJRB 95.1 FM and streamed live over the Internet. Part two airs Saturday and Sunday, November 4-5. All programs are available by podcast following air time here.
| If you are interested in hosting William Herath as a guest speaker at your event, contact his publicist below: Debbie Blanzy |
Hi Dr. Dan, Have’t spoken with you for many a moon. I live in St. Louis now and have been devoting most of my time to spiritual studies and as part of this the new science of quantum physics. In his book as referenced here, Darwin said that future research would most likely replace his “theory”. I believe that that is exactly what has happened. His evolution theory applies to animals (which are all that he actually addressed) and not to homo sapiens. I hope that your series is a success (for you) and William Herath doesn’t muddy the gene pool (bad joke). I wish you peace and good karma. pjb
Great to hear from you, Phyllis. In our interview, William Herath and I discuss how difficult it is to find fossils that bridge the species gap. It is easy for me to accept natural selection as a tool to improve adaptability of an individual species of plant or animal over time. We have observed and recorded in our own era species changing form and coloration to improve chances for survival. It takes a significant “suspension of disbelief” to accept the thought of a bear evolving into a shark as Darwin postulated. That fact makes the biblical concept of Divine Creation acceptable and believable.
Dr. Dan
Great radio evolution v creation. What was the name of your guest website? Thanks for taking the time.
William Herath’s website is: http://www.readysetquestion.com.