Is it dangerous to teach evolutionary theory to children?

I think this is key. What does the Bible mean when it says Eve is the mother of all life? Does it mean spiritual life or physical life? The Bible does clearly refer to both those concepts, at different times, and we have to examine the context to figure out which is meant, rather than just assuming one or the other.

In this case, if Eve were the mother of all physical life, it would mean she was the mother of creatures, land animals and sea animals and birds, and even of plants and trees. If, on the other hand, it means she was the mother of spiritual life, then it can clearly refer to the humans who came after her.

In either case, we should be cautious of taking the word all literally, unless we choose to argue that Eve was the mother of Adam as well.

I actually really like the statement that God created kinds. It seems like a really good description of evolution to me. Every kind of creature is covered by this description; there are no creatures not created by God. And each creature is created after its kind; this means it is created from other creatures similar to it. This is exactly what evolution claims! The whole animal kingdom, and every creature in it, all life and every kind of organism, is related, kin, family!

Even though you accuse those here of “feverish intensity” to prove the Bible wrong, that is not the case. It is only certain unnecessary interpretations which are being thrown out. You use the words of the Bible as though your interpretation is the only meaning they could have, but when you assume your own rectitude in this way, you cast thoughtless aspersions on the faith and intelligence of your fellow Christians on this site.

3 Likes