Can a person believe in God and science? There are two main theories that try to explain how humans came into existence. Many people believe in the story of creationism as told in the Bible. Others believe in the theory of evolution, first published by Charles Darwin in his book Origin of the Species. There is an ongoing debate about these two ideologies, often resulting in war. Although some believe these two ideologies can coexist they are diametrically opposed
In the theory of evolution it is thought that all living organisms evolved from one common ancestor over millions of years. The word evolution means change over time. The theory of evolution first appeared in Charles Darwin's book Origin of the Species. When Origin of the Species was first published in 1909 it was cause for much discussion and debate in both religious and secular circles. In fact, this debate is still going on today. Darwin's theory of natural selection is a contributing factor in evolution. Natural selection is a process where favorable traits are passed onto offspring. These animals then breed, therefore creating a stronger, more adaptable species in the long run. At first Darwin only applied evolution principals to animals, but later expanded it to include human beings. Darwin believed humans evolved from a one-celled organism that existed millions of years ago. Many people believe in evolution, because of the overwhelming evidence that supports it. This evidence--fossil records, DNA analysis, embryology, paleontology--all contribute their unique characteristics to this study.
Creationism, as told in the Bible, is the story of the creation of the earth, oceans, animals and man in seven days. In the book of Genesis God first creates the heavens- "And God said let there be light: and there was light." (Genesis chapter 1, verse 3) Then God created the seas and the earth. Over the ensuing week, he creates the birds of the air, animals of the land, fish in the ocean. He creates man in his own image "to have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over the cattle, and over all the earth, and over every creeping thing that creepeth upon on the earth."(Genesis chapter 1, verse 26) He then creates woman from a rib of the man. Many people believe everything written in the Bible. They state they do not need evidence to support what is written there, as these are the words of God. They have an unwavering faith that the words written in the Bible are true.
It is not possible to believe in both creationism and evolution. In the book of Genesis, God created man in his image. In the theory of evolution man evolved into his present state from a common ancestor. If one is true, the other cannot be true. One reason they can not coexist is because the time line is incorrect. The theory of evolution states that life began billions of years ago & that it took Billions of years for man to evolve. The story of creationism states that the creation of all things, including man in the image of God, happened in 6 days. One is based on scientific evidence, while the other is based on the Bible and faith. The theory of evolution states all life came from simple life forms or lesser organisms, while the story of creation says man was created as he is and did not evolve from anything.Therefore all humans come from Adam and Eve.
These two theories are mutually exclusive. One one hand, is the theory of man evolving from simple organisms over a long period of time. On the other hand, is the theory of man being created instantly by God. These two opposing theories cannot coexist, as they are so opposite in nature. One is based on scientific research, the other based on a written book and faith. As proven over the years, since Darwin's book suggested evolution, this is a hot topic worthy of much study and debate. Which theory a person chooses to believe is a matter of fact, education and/or religious belief.
