Intelligent Design
Accidental Genius or Intentional Genius
“Open & Welcome” oil pastel by Myra Alibrando
Before Man - Smarter or Dumber?
If man did not invent nature and God did not invent nature . . . the animals have been improving their own species?
Today, man cannot improve our wonderful biology, but are we to assume cavemen evolved by new features that never existed before?
Either accidents or animals are far superior to man inventing nature’s superior engineering or . . . someone smarter than man.
Mankind is unable of building a planet, star, or a single living thing. Yet all around is is an ecosystem supporting all this life. Invidually, each life with nervous systems, eyes, reproducing cells, a nervous system, instincts, and so much more. It is here so we cannot say it is impossible that it was created, it is only impossible for man to create.
No Power Greater than Man
One of the most important foundations for the evolutionary theory is the absence of a Creator and also the absence of any intelligence involved with inventing nature. This is already extremely problematic. The condescending way to say this has been “We can’t just credit a magician. That isn’t science.” Therefore for more than 150 years has been a great effort is to discover the “natural” way things have come to be.
Faith Either Way: Evolution or a Creator
You don’t need a Phd or even high school diploma to have an opinion. We must simply decide if genius engineering comes from accidents or a genius. An honest person will tilt toward whatever is most likely.
I cannot present God creating the world and evolution cannot present accidents creating the world. No matter what you choose, it is a conclusion based on your logic, not your proof. It applies to evolution or creationism.
If I use a hammer and nails, screwdriver and screws, a saw and rope, evolutionists would say my tools were the creators, not me. If God uses lightning, evolution would say lightning is the inventor.
A Century-Old Unproven Theory
Typically, the older the theory the weaker it becomes for lack of proof. Evolution is more entrenched as traditionally true rather than scientifically true.
For me, since the foundational assumptions of evolution flatly contradicts what is right in front of our noses, I opt for intentional genius is a more likely cause than lucky accidents. I will give you some specific examples next week.
Intelligent Design-Brilliant Intentionality
But we all know the claim: Creationism is religion and evolution is science.
In order to remove the stigma of relgion “Intelligent Design” was offered as a scientific alternative theory to random evolution. In fact, there are very qualified scientists who disagree with evolution (Dr. James Tour, Dr. Michael Behe) but villanized for thinking independently. It sure doesn’t sound like a scientific community to me.
What do evolutionists do when an atheist says he believes Intelligent Design to be more scientifically feasible than evolution? They say he’s not a scientist for not agreeing with the majority. How’s that for science?
Obey, Don’t Question
Basically, every professional field has key leaders. To disagree with them can lead to being criticized, ostracized, or cancelled professionally. This is not unlike the doctors who lost their license during Covid for questioning the effectiveness or safety of the vaccines. It was a top-down dictate.
We all thrive when there is transparency, respectable debate, and a public exchange of ideas.
The Bible or the Teacher?
In fact, many of us are afraid to question the teaching of our church even though we know the Bible is the pure “DNA” from God and the all of us are growing. I admit, it is simply uncomfortable. You can do it privately, and lovingly, but don’t stop growing in the Word.
“ . . . Now these Jews were more noble than those in Thessalonica; they received the word with all eagerness, examining the Scriptures daily to see if these things were so." Acts 17:11
Paul celebrated the Bereans who did not accept Paul’s teaching until they checked the scripture first. To me, this would be like a scientist or student checking the evidence before believing expert opinion.
"But you are not to be called rabbi, for you have one teacher, and you are all brothers. And call no man your father on earth, for you have one Father, who is in heaven. Neither be called instructors, for you have one instructor, the Christ." Matthew 23:8-10 (ESV)
Here, Jesus warns against elevating human teachers to a spiritual authority above Himself. He alone is the true instructor. We all agree with that but honestly, most of us coast with someone doing the research. Not God’s will, folks
“Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind . . .” Romans 12:2
It seems a basic and universal characteristic of Christians to think independently practicing discernment in a way that leads to greater wisdom and maturity.
I’ve Looked Again and Again
After doing articles, columns, books, and 1000 2-minute radio segments on the topic of nature’s genius versus man’s intelligence, I have had decades to experience triggering additional “idea ripples” related to nature.
Reconsidering any concept again and again is a form of meditation and has its benefits. For me, unexpected new insights.
I already wrote 3 samples to give you but I didn’t want to make this article/devotional too long. I’ll send it next week.