The debate and discussion surrounding the origin of life and particularly the subject of evolution versus creation has existed at least since Charles Darwin published his theory of evolution 150 years ago. Now, in the 200th anniversary year of Darwin’s birth, we are encountering a ferocity of viewpoint which has been growing over recent years.  It has been called the “new atheism’ and rides into town in the militant form of “the Four Horsemen”, Richard Dawkins, Sam Harris, Christopher Hitchens, and Daniel Dennett. They are unashamedly out to attack religion and particularly Christianity. A battle of origins of considerable proportion is forming and Christianity stands in its pathway as it has through the centuries

The Horsemen and their followers exhibit scientific pretensions but their ideas and arguments as expressed in books like Dawkin’s The God  Delusion and Harris’s The End of Faith have clearly crossed the border from the domain of  good empirical science which follows the evidence wherever it leads, into the territory of pseudo science, philosophy, and religion . The real trouble is not the soundness of their arguments, for they are not strong, but that their onslaught of popular books in the public arena and their militant rhetoric appear overwhelming to some and even intimidating to those not equipped to properly process their verbiage and ideas.

For some Christians it can lead to doubt and loss of faith. Others try to ignore it and hope it will all go away soon. That is both sad and disturbing when one realizes that many individuals and scholars exist today who are very capable of challenging the ideas and arguments being advanced.

Indeed the present times present an opportunity like never before in history for the truth upon which our faith stands to shine brightly into the darkness and blindness of mankind. Those that challenge this “new atheism” are often far more credible and skilled at dealing with such lines of thought than the proponents themselves.

What is required is for discerning and knowledgeable people to carefully analyze what is being expounded and respond appropriately.  We can be greatly encouraged that such people do exist, that they are manifestly equal to the task, and that we can guide those who are troubled toward them.

Analysing definitions and terminology with precision and understanding is a very important starting point. Along with this is the need to dissect language, argument and logic. Without that precision and skill much energy and time is simply squandered in this debate and controversy.  In part it is one of the reasons that people in disciplines beyond science are justified in entering what appears at first glance to be a debate solely within the domain of science.

However some definitions of “science” are actually intended to exclude such people entering the debate. Some examples of learned advocates include  law professor Phillip Johnson who has written many books in this area including Darwin on Trial, Reason in the Balance, and Objection Sustained.  There are professional philosophers like Anthony Flew (until recently held to be one of the world’s leading atheists) with his book There is A God, and  David Berlinski (respected mathematician and professional philosopher) with his book The Devil’s Delusion.  Then there is William Lane Craig the esteemed Christian philosopher who only last year at a forum at Laidlaw College destroyed Richard Dawkins’ argument as expounded in The God Delusion in just 15 minutes flat.

These scholars hold science writers like Richard Dawkins and others   accountable for their statements, arguments, and so-called logic, which in some instances is quite deceptive to the untrained.  Challengers of this caliber also understand the important connection between genuine evidence and argument, and the critical need to follow both evidence and argument wherever it may lead.

They do not tolerate reckless or loose premises that allow for wrong conclusions. They also expose gross deficiency in knowledge when proponents like the Four Horsemen cross the border and purport to be knowledgeable in matters of theology and philosophy when they are actually classed as amateurs. This is particularly relevant in science today where subjects are now often being presented in popular books for popular consumption.  It can quickly lead to pseudo science and philosophical positions rather than scientific ones.

So why bother with this stuff? Many will view the subject and debate of little relevance and say “who cares”?  I suggest it is the logical implications that directly follow from one position or another that are devastatingly serious.

For example, if we are considering neo-Darwinian evolutionary theory (or "fact" as some maintain) at a macro level for explaining the origin and gradual development of life as we know it, and which today is presented in our school text books and being taught in universities, then there appears to be no room in the actual evolutionary process itself for purpose or selective intelligence or specification or a designer or a god.

The critical aspect of Darwin’s multifaceted theory, namely the role of the random mutation process, does not leave any place for purpose or design.  Chance is the god. In that case, with respect, it becomes  very difficult indeed to reconcile religious belief and purpose with neo Darwinian evolutionary theory despite what some respectable people may advocate

Belief or faith in a creator can be compartmentalized as separate from
science and attempt to respectfully co-exist  as the famous Harvard University professor and leading evolutionist Steven Jay Gould advocated with his “NOMA principle”, but that doesn't seem to help anyone except provide a mechanism for coping and minimizing conflict between viewpoints. It more than likely continues to cause a loss of faith.

Darwinian theory also opens the door wider to arguments for euthanasia,
abortion, suicide, assisted suicide, eugenics, animal rights, stem cell development, and infanticide, to name some consequential issues  Some of these issues have been around for a while but others are now really coming on the radar and generating a groundswell for change in public policy and law.

If we are all simply the product of a chance encounter of atoms with no creator or designer in sight and when you’re dead that’s finally it, then these public and private issues will have far less relevance and importance. So long as we simply don’t destroy each other as we continue to seek to survive together on this planet aided by the state and its law to keep us in order, then surely everything is up for grabs and is permissible. There seems little basis for saying it is not acceptable except perhaps simply a majority opinion of voices.  It also begins to minimise and even eliminate any absolute basis for free will, morals, or life after death. Any meaning of life beyond self interest and preservation (along with personal peace and affluence as Francis  Schaeffer would say) can go out the door.

At this point however we still haven't reached the aggressive “new atheism” stage now being vigorously put forward by Dawkins and others to rid the world of the scourge of religion and superstitious belief altogether.

If neo Darwinian scientific thought can readily lead to such conclusions,
then if it is vigorously advocated as fact, officially taught and state
funded in an environment of dogma with no debate or challenge allowed, it becomes an incredibly serious issue of our time. (Watch out for the challenging new movie “Expelled….No Intelligence Allowed” soon to arrive on our shores).

In fact once it reaches that stage I believe we are justified in describing it as a force to be seriously reckoned with and we ignore it at our peril. That calls for all of us as Christians to be much more discerning, and as vigilant watchmen seeing the danger coming upon us, consider these matters and sound appropriate warnings. We can start to do this at a grass roots level as we engage in our conversations with others. The times have never been better and more urgent for this type of conversation. It provides us with the opportunity to gently and humbly explore the basis of what others may believe or not believe and at the right time reflect back some of the reason and hope that underpins our own faith. Such conversations can be extremely revealing and enlightening and light can shine in.

I have listed below some of the valuable books which can be drawn to the attention of people who are searching for answers or a response.  We do not need to present the whole answer or vigorously argue ourselves but rather present a gentle challenge for people to explore for themselves some of the counter-balancing comments and arguments available from highly credible people. The times economically and culturally are such that we need to be urgent about encouraging one another in our faith journey and to reach out to the faint hearted or blind.  I believe if people pursue their search for truth with sincerity and an open mind, and we patiently engage with them in some of these issues rather than dismiss or ignore them, then I suggest people will find solid answers that match reality for Jesus Christ is the ultimate answer and truth and He is available.

Relevant books to Google for more information :

“Science and Christianity : Conflict or Coherence”  by Henry F ( Fritz) Schaefer
One of the worlds most distinguished physical scientists ( 5 time nominee for the Nobel Prize).   Extremely credible

“The Devil’s Delusion  ..Atheism and its Scientific Pretentions” by David Berlinski Holds his PhD from Princeton and has taught both mathematics and philosophy at universities in the USA and France . Devastating critique

“The Dawkins Delusion”  by Alister McGrath. Once an atheist himself , he gained a doctorate in molecular biophysics before going on to become a leading theologian and professor of Historical Theology at Oxford University. Masterly and meticulous

“Answering the New Atheism…Dismantling the Dawkins Case Against God” by Drs Scott Hahn and Bejamin Wiker. (A book endorsed by Professor  Anthony Flew )
Very compelling

“God’s Undertaker – Has Science Buried God” by John C Lennox MA, PhD, DPhil DSc
Brilliant and powerful

"The Edge of Evolution - The search for the Limits of Darwinism" by Michael Behe, the Bestselling Author of "Darwin's Black Box". Described by one Professor Emeritus member of the National Academy of Sciences as "Balanced, careful and devastating. A tremendously important book"

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