Issues: Science and Christianity

A Conflict Between Science and Christianity?

The theory of evolution and the Big Bang do pose some questions to Christians. The scientific account seems to be so radically different from the accounts in the Bible. The theory of evolution seems to suggest that humans aren't more important than the animals. Humans have been so successful because they have adapted well to their circumstances. The Bible suggests that humans were the most important part of creation and the only part of creation to be made in the 'Image of God'. (The Bible, Genesis chapter 1 verse 27)

Also, if there was a time when humans didn't exist but the world and many animals did, it questions whether the world was made specifically for humans. The Bible suggests that humans were given authority over the rest of creation at the beginning (Genesis chapter 1 verse 28). Also, the animal kingdom was brought to the first humans to name (Genesis chapter 2 verse 19) which seems to suggest that humans were in existence from the beginning. Many Christians also believe that the world was made for the enjoyment of humans primarily.

The Theory of Evolution is often taken to imply that the world has evolved by chance. Scientists not infrequently suggest that there is no reason, no plan to the universe. It happened this way but it could have easily happened in another way. Christians believe that the world has a purpose. It was designed by God and everything within the universe has a reason. Christians believe that the creation of the universe and of humans was all part of God's grand plan.

If the Genesis account is taken in a literal way, it suggests that all the different species existed from the beginning. The evolutionary picture would be ruled out.