1. How did the species that inhabit planet Earth come about: creation (as described in one or other scriptures) or evolution?
As a proponent of the ‘dialogue project’ (Hinnells 2005, p.459) both creationism and Darwinism hold validity in explaining how life originated on earth. Scientific fact is the evidence of fossil remains and observance of the natural order of species which point to evolution as the correct theory (p. 457). However, questions remain unanswered. For example, if all life on Earth evolved from a single species, where did that species come from? If man evolved from the ape, why are there still apes? What of the missing link? Unanswered questions also plague creationist theory: If God created man as a finished product some 10,000 years ago (Genesis 1:26), why are there fossil remains of the Neanderthal, Cro-Magnon man, etc? The ancient men of the Bible are said to have lived for 500 years, contradicting the 20 life-span evidenced from said fossils. These as yet unknown elements can be viewed as either problems for the theories of Darwinism and creationism, or opportunities for dialogue. Obviously, scientific evidence cannot be denied, however, the view that the complexity of life and the exactitude of the Cosmos can only come from the hand of a Divine creator, rather than the happenstance of a ‘Big Bang’, when examined, does seem valid. No doubt, there will be more scientific discoveries, and religious counter-theories in answer, which all seems, to this writer, ideal grounds for continued dialogue.
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