Reading Critique Essay

Critical Analysis of a Religious Article: Principles of Scientific Creationism and Biblical Creationism

Objective Description
The article “Principles of Scientific Creationism” details the various principles of the theory of Scientific Creationism, together with the principles of the theory of Biblical Creationism.
Under the theory of Scientific Creationism, the articles state that the physical universe in which we live in, together with everything in it, did not always exist. Instead, it was created supernaturally by a Creator. The Creator, according to the article, has been in existence since time began. The article also states that biological life was formed by the Creator. It also contends with the view that the major types of animals and plants were created as “complete” in the beginning and did not undergo evolution from some other type of animal or plant. The article also posits that the first human beings were not as a result of evolution from an animal ancestor. Instead, they were created in their full, human form in the beginning. Concerning the record of earth’s history as presented by unearthed fossils and rocks, the article states that the record instead represents the catastrophic forces of the various natural phenomena that work within even natural laws. It also states that currently, the phenomena are still under the manipulation of the Creator. The Creator can utilize them miraculously, and proof of such use by the Creator has to be examined critically.
Under the theory of Biblical Creationism, the article states that the Creator of the universe is one transcendent God made up of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit. It also reports that the Bible is God’s inspired revelation to man. It also states that everything in the universe was created by God in 6 days and that all the theories that speak about evolution are false. Everything that exists now is sustained by God’s care. It posits that the inspiration contained in the Bible is entirely authoritative on all subjects with which they deal and are free from any errors of any kind. Another important aspect, as described in the article is that the first human beings (Adam and Eve) were created by God and that all other men descended from these two. In Adam, God placed in him the power to rule over the earth itself, and over all other organisms. The article also states that the alienation of man from God due to sin can only be fixed by God himself through the Lord Jesus Christ. It also indicates that the ultimate restoration of God’s perfection is yet to come, but that individuals can instantly be restored to communion with God by receiving forgiveness through the Lord Jesus Christ. The article concludes by stating that the final fulfilment of God’s everlasting purposes will occur when the Jesus comes back to earth to judge and purge sin.

Objective Critique

The ideas contained in the article have the backing from several angles. The most obvious support is that there is no existing evidence that proves that evolution occurred because there are no transitional life forms that have been discovered. It is my view that scientists cannot provide conclusive proof with the fossils they have found that amphibians evolved from fish, or that reptiles evolved from amphibians. Another idea that supports the view of scientific creationism is the lack of a huge number of skeletons and ancient cave paintings that have been discovered. It is my view had the earth been in existence for a long time so as to prove evolution as being true, that a lot more skeletons and old artifacts would have been discovered as evolution states that the earth has been in existence for billions of years.
The complex nature of the various organs such as the eyes, nose and ears has not been sufficiently explained by other theories other than that of Scientific Creationism and Biblical creationism. For the eyes, for instance, the manner in which they capture light in the dark points to the work of an intelligent design from an intelligent being. Another idea that supports the views of Scientific and Biblical Creationism is that the view of evolution does not in any direct words say that God does not exist. Instead, it uses proof from the natural world to describe the various phenomena that happen all over the world. The view makes no preclusion about God’s existence and other spiritual beliefs. It is my view that it simply states that they do not form part of science. This can be seen to support the view that there a transcendent Creator or God responsible for the universe’s existence. The final idea that supports the views of the Bible Creationism is the allegory that is used in the Bible. In it, it is stated that God created the earth in six days. The time period, however, can be interpreted to mean ages (or a very long time).
The ideas that disprove the views in the article are also plenty. That there are no transitional life forms to prove evolution does not discount it altogether. Molecular studies have proven the links between the various life forms. Geological and physical evidence that make use of carbon dating has shown that the earth is billions of years old. The complexities of the various life organs have all been proven to have developed from the exposure to various environmental conditions. The article states that the Bible is God’s authoritative word; however, translational issues from the old manuscripts may have led to the loss of some information it contained. The Bible also talks about several prophecies, many of which are yet to happen, such as the destruction of Tyre.

Conclusion

After reading the article and analyzing other pieces of information, it is my view that the views or Scientific and Biblical Creationism are not logical. The view that the universe was created by a Creator or God is too simplistic. The nature of the ways in which the various cosmic, geographic and biological phenomena unfold and come together to blend into one unit is too complex to have been the work of a single Creator.

References

Major, J. (2010, 10). Creationism. Ploughshares, 36(4), 42.
McCalla, A. (2007, 9). Creationism. Religion Compass, 1(5), 547-560.