Purpose of This Lesson:
To continue the discussion about the origins of life while asking where science and religion intersect.
Watch Video 5: Click Here to see the streaming sessions
Discussion Questions
What comes to mind when you hear the word evolution?
Which of the three Christian perspectives on evolution is most similar to your personal view? Have you always had the same view or has it changed over time? What views do your Christian friends or families hold?
Which of the five different “definitions” of evolution—microevolution, pattern of change over time, common ancestry, the theory of evolution, and evolutionism--have you heard of before? Which definition have you been taught to associate with the word evolution?
How do you imagine God creating the world? How do you imagine God causing rain to fall and trees to grow? How do you imagine God causing species to adapt to changing environments?
“I can now see Genesis as teaching who created everything and the theory of evolution as describing how God created. This was God’s design from the beginning.” Discuss how this statement fits with the various interpretations of Genesis that we have been exploring.
How does this explanation of how evolution works differ from the idea of evolution you have been taught in the past?
Should we expect scientific proof in nature that God is the creator and sustainer? Why or why not?
Prayer Point:
Amos 3:7 - Indeed, the Sovereign LORD never does anything
until he reveals his plans to his servants the prophets.
Pray that the revelation of God's goodness in creation is revealed in hearts across this campus.
These six videos are companions to the book Origins: Christian Perspectives on Creation, Evolution, and Intelligent Design by Deborah B. Haarsma and Loren D. Haarsma (2011, Faith Alive). Purchase book on Faith Alive.