Define Evolution

[Falconer02]

Evolution is what people believe in when they don't believe in God

Careful, people. Troll alert.

[Osmara13]

I swear i was trying to see how this thing worked FINALLY 

[queenofnines]

Another classic copy-paste from marieelissa.

Well evolution is a theory. It is also a fact. And facts and theories are different things

Do you seriously think I don't already know this?  The point is, we may not have every single data piece in or the exact workings of how it happened, but the fact is, evolution DID happen.  And that conflicts strongly with anyone who believes the Bible is the inerrant word of god, because like I've mentioned before, it's quite clear in Genesis that humans and animals were created separately, and in 7 days no less rather than millions of years.

In light of this clear conflict, a Christian needs to either (1) reject evolution and resort to fairytales about a dirtman and ribwoman (thus treating the Bible as god's perfect word - like they're supposed to)  (2) "read between the lines" and make up their own version of what happened; like oh, the Christian god totally could have used evolution...even though that doesn't make sense if they stopped to think about it.  Why would god waste so much time evolving humans when he could have just gone, *poof* there it is LIKE THE BIBLE SAYS happened?  Did the first amoebas have souls??

[queenofnines]

A lot of people ask Why, Why, Why towards God's logic and what he does. He does what he does because he can and he is God.

Ooh, Hitler would have loved you.  You would have been so obedient.   

[queenofnines]

All I know is when I was born, it was like *Poof* here I am.

Now marie, when a mommy and a daddy really love each other...

I suggest you watch the movie Bruce Almighty where Morgan Freeman plays God. You will see Morgan Freeman mopping the floor, you know God doesn't have to do that right? Well, he enjoyed it.

Hahaha!  Seriously?  I have happened to see that movie, and I think it's hilarious that you are drawing these deep conclusions from a film that was made by people for ENTERTAINMENT.  Do you think you helped bring Tinkerbell back to life by clapping in Peter Pan, too? 

[animikokala]

Evolution is mans attempt to find out how and why we are here.

No, I'm afraid it isn't.  Evolution occured regardless of our desire to find out how and why we are here.  Just like the universe existed before we discovered its existence.  Just like the world was round even when everyone believed it to be flat.  

And as for those who say you can only believe in God or evolution, and not both: perhaps the best Biology lecture I ever had was from a professor at APSU.  He was both a Biology Professor AND a well-respected minister at his church.  The way he told us to "break the ice" so to speak, when teaching people about evolution was to say this:  "Do you have parents? (yes)  Are you different from both your parents? (yes) Are any of your family members identical (note that even identical twins are different in small ways)?  (no)"  He would then tell them they have proof of evolution, which is the change in a population over time.  So long as change is occurring, evolution is as well.

As for creationism vs. early evolution, he interepreted the Creation to have been spread over an extended period of time.  He said that perhaps, to God, a single day for him could represent millions of years to us.  

[roguetodd]

As for creationism vs. early evolution, he interepreted the Creation to have been spread over an extended period of time.  He said that perhaps, to God, a single day for him could represent millions of years to us.  

That's actually interesting. I had never thought of the Creation Story in terms of warped time from God's perspective. That's actually semi-intriguing.
Which gives the question, could God just be operating at the speed of light? (This would severely distort the time, make him invisible to everyone, and he could actually be there when people "feel his presence") This could actually mean that our ascendance into heaven is purely our spirit just leaving our body and flying around the earth at the speed of light. Sounds serene, huh?

I HAVE SINGLE HANDILY FOUND THE TRUTH!!!! (J/K)

(P.S I don't actually believe God is flying around at the speed of light, but I'm sure someone somewhere if they got ahold of this they could sell it that way and make millions off poor gullible people.

Then Again, who's to say that's not actually true.  )

My theory on the whole thing is that God did create us, but then he kind of looked the other way, insert explanation of free will here, to do as we pleased and let us learn from our imperfections or troubles. The animals adapted to the environments that we encroached on and whatever and humans did as well. Evolution is undeniable, people, plants, and animals are still evolving as we speak the only difference in most peoples beliefs is to the extent that it is believed to have taken.

Do I believe that a Duck could turn into a Eagle because of evolution, given as many years as you see fit to justify it and the right circumstances?
 No way, the differences in species are far too vast. There is no way that a Duck could be forced to become a giant bird of prey just because of specific circumstances.

Do I think a Duck could turn into a different subspecies of Duck that was more focused on being a predator?
Sure thing, it can ADAPT and evolve to what it is given within reason. Its not going to just be swimming along one day and say, "Gee I really wish I was a fish, and I'm going to try my very best to be one and make sure all my descendants do too until we achieve success" and down the line just POOF turn into a fish. Its just not going to happen.

Adaptation: Oh, yea. without a doubt.

Evolution: Within reason.

In short. Ape into man: No way in hell.  Less developed person into a better one: Of course. (This can be seen even in very short terms as well, reference people in say....the 1700's vs people now. Some might argue that better grasp of knowledge=an evolution in itself.)