God is the creator of heaven and earth. Young earth creationism believes that God created the earth to make it look old or that the law of physics was different during the early days of creation. They conclude that the age of the earth is only a few thousand years old, based on the genealogy in Genesis. Carbon dating and other scientific tools are deemed inaccurate due to the changes in carbon composition caused by Noah’s flood. According to this perspective, the earth is like a giant movie set created by God to appear millions of years old, but it is actually only a few thousand years old.
“For since the creation of the world God’s invisible qualities—his eternal power and divine nature—have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that people are without excuse” (Romans 1:20)
I found this view unacceptable. The God from the bible is a God who reveals Himself, not a God that deceives us to believe the earth is only a few thousand years old when there is plenty of scientific evidence telling us that it is millions of years old. When God created the world, He didn’t create it like how we create the stream train model and add up components one at a time, nor did He act like a magician who waved a magic wand, and everything came into being. In my opinion, young earth creationism is repeating the same mistake as the medieval church, insisting that the earth was the center of the universe when scientific evidence pointed out otherwise.
Imagine you were sentenced to death by the firing squad. On the day of your execution, you saw a couple of mean-looking riflemen pointing their rifles at you before you were blindfolded. You heard a few bangs, and to your surprise, you felt no pain and were still standing. Beyond the initial shock, you will probably not think that there are just many executions happening every day, and there is bound to be one that they missed the target. You are just one lucky guy that happened to be at that execution. You will not leave the scene and pretend it is no big deal. Even though there is a finite possibility that all the riflemen missed their target, the most likely explanation is that the executioners are on your side or someone organized a rescue plan for you and killed the executioners. Don’t you think you would want to know what happened? In the same way, the world is so wonderfully made, and it is hard to believe that we are here just by chance. I believe God used His general providence to create a world that allowed intelligent beings to evolve over time. Now let’s see how He did it.
Creation Act I: Setting up physical laws to allow intelligent life forms to exist.
Scientists tell us that for a universe that allows carbon lifeforms like humans to exist, many physical constants must be at a precise value. For example, if gravity is just a bit too big, even by a factor of 10-40, the universe will quickly pull all the particles back together and form a big crunch, reversing the big bang. In this universe, even if a planetary system can be formed, the sun will burn out quickly, so a lifeform will not have enough time to emerge. On the other hand, if gravity is a bit weaker, lighter elements cannot fuse together to form heavier elements, and planets cannot be formed.
Some people argue in a pseudo-scientific way that the existence of multiple parallel universes, each with its physical laws, means there is no need for a designer behind the universe. They claim that since there are many universes, we are fortunate enough to live in one suitable for humans to exist. However, this theory is not scientifically provable or disprovable, and there is no way to communicate with other universes. It ultimately requires a leap of faith to accept this explanation.
Another argument similar to the parallel universe theory is that every big bang eventually results in a big crunch. After each big crunch, there will be another big bang with slightly different physical laws. While this theory is plausible and doesn’t involve multiple universes, it is still based on hypothetical scenarios. A fatal fault in this argument is that in an unfortunate universe where gravity is too weak, it will continue to expand forever, and there will be no big crunch or subsequent big bang; game over! In conclusion, the existence of a designer behind the universe remains a plausible explanation.
As we learned in the chaos section, God not only established the physical constants that gave rise to a flourishing universe but also crafted the equations (physical laws) in such a way that a diverse and intricate world could develop, one where emergent properties could surface and ultimately lead to consciousness. The system is unrestricted, enabling us to achieve our maximum potential. God infused the equations with vitality, producing a magnificent life form. Intelligent life will undoubtedly emerge.
When we say that Steve Jobs created the iPhone, he didn’t actually design and assemble the phone himself. He just created a company that created the iPhone. In the same way, when we say that God created human beings, He just created the conditions so that human beings can emerge, He is still the creator.
Creation Act II. Setting up the right initial conditions.
Darwinists think that random events can allow complex lifeforms to emerge given enough time. Humans evolve from simple lifeforms through natural selection. My biggest issue with the theory of evolution is that until lifeform can replicate itself, there is no survival of the fittest to speak of. How a lifeform that can replicate itself come into existence has yet to be addressed.
In writing this article on a computer, the most important component is the Central Processing Unit (CPU), which in this case is an Intel i7 chip consisting of millions of transistors. These transistors function like on/off switches, the building blocks for memory and logic units. While it’s true that there is a finite possibility of a random event triggering a transistor to turn on or off without electricity, the idea that a complex system such as a computer could arise through random events alone is implausible. This is due to irreducible complexity, meaning that a complex system will only function if all individual parts are present and functioning correctly, with no small incremental steps to create the system.
For instance, a logic gate requires at least two transistors to work. Even if we are extremely generous and assume that a single random event happens every hour (3,600 seconds), two random events must co-occur for a logic gate to function, which reduces the likelihood to once every 150 days. If three random events are required, the likelihood drops to once every 150 years. This exponential decrease in probability illustrates how complex systems become increasingly difficult to create through random events alone. Without electricity and an intelligent mind to guide the process, waiting indefinitely for a complex system such as a computer to arise from random events is an impossible feat.
Biology operates under similar principles. DNA is an intriguing molecule as it serves as both the foundation and the blueprint of life. Essentially, it is a straightforward book composed of four characters – adenine (A), guanine (G), cytosine (C), and thymine (T). Yet, this book is incredibly long, with approximately 3 billion characters. Although DNA can naturally evolve given sufficient time, it requires the availability of many fundamental building blocks and favorable conditions on Earth for random reactions to occur. The Earth is about 4 billion years old, and while this seems like a considerable amount of time, most of it was too harsh and unsuitable for life to thrive. Scientists have conducted numerous calculations and have concluded that four billion years is insufficient time for random events to create DNA.
One counter-argument is that DNA may have originated from merging many smaller segments. Although random events may have formed these smaller segments, they need to be in a form that can reproduce. Furthermore, these segments are subject to decay and may not survive long enough to merge with similar segments to form a structure that can reproduce itself.
However, God had created many mechanisms to speed up reactions. Here are a few examples:
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- Driving force. A driving force is a force that promotes change and the alignment of random events. A driving force is not necessarily a physical force; for example, electrical voltage is a driving force that drives electrons from one place to another to form an electrical current; this allows a computer to conduct the computation. Without the voltage difference, electrons will randomly move in all directions and cancel each other out. The temperature difference can also be a driving force that allows heat (energy) to move from one hotter region to a colder region.
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- Catalyst: In chemistry, a catalyst is a substance that reduces the potential barrier required to perform a chemical reaction and dramatically increases the speed of the chemical reaction. They promote chemical reactions that generally don’t happen in normal conditions. For example, the catalytic converter in a car contains platinum, which catalyzes carbon monoxide, which is toxic, into carbon dioxide. Alkaline phosphatase is a compound found in your digestive system. They are the catalyst for breaking down proteins. It also aids in reactions that involve digestion and bone growth.
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- Self-organization: Certain molecules possess the remarkable ability of self-assembly, organizing themselves without external guidance. Such molecules often feature an interlocking mechanism that allows them to mate with identical molecules, ultimately forming a two- or three-dimensional structure akin to crystallization. Unlike crystallization, however, the binding between these molecules is incredibly strong and specific, allowing for almost instantaneous self-assembly. Lipids represent a class of molecules with self-assembly properties, with butter serving as a prime example. As part of my research, I explored the potential of leveraging this self-assembly ability to develop biological transistors. These transistors are long-chain molecules with hydrophobic (water-repelling) properties at one end and hydrophilic (water-attracting) properties at the other. When placed in water, the hydrophilic end bonds with the water while the hydrophobic end protrudes. Although the chemical bonds between atoms in different molecules may be weak, the length of the molecule chain results in a strong intermolecular bonding that leads to quick self-assembly, forming a thin film on the surface of the water.
Once again, I’m trying to be not that specific and only listing a few possible speed-up mechanisms. With the proper mechanisms in place, God speeds up and directs the flow of evolution. It is like turning the power on the computer, allowing predefined programs to run, and allowing the world to achieve its full potential.
Chinese philosophy poses a well-known question about whether current situations create heroes or whether heroes create current situations. God-directed evolution can be compared to the former scenario. God established the physical laws that enabled life to emerge and supplied the essential materials, conditions, and mechanisms. With appropriate circumstances in place, evolutionary advancements (heroes) will inevitably emerge and alter the course of evolution. In our chaotic model, God established the appropriate initial conditions. In theology, God is believed to continuously create and sustain the universe, a concept known as Creatio Continua.
A group of Christian scientists advocates for the theory of intelligent design, which claims that because of irreducible complexity, certain features of the universe and living organisms are better explained by an intelligent creator rather than an undirected process such as natural selection. They contend that this is a scientific approach to demonstrating the existence of an intelligent designer, often identified as God. While they acknowledge evolution to some extent, they differ from mainstream evolutionary theory in understanding the driving force behind the process. They believe that humans came into existence by following a blueprint from God, whereas evolutionary scientists attribute it to chance.
In the realm of science, it is impossible to prove anything with absolute certainty. While we can confidently assert that A causes B in events with a high probability of occurrence, events with very low probability are considered impossible, and those in between require us to choose the explanation that offers the highest likelihood of being true. We must rely on educated guesses when dealing with historical or infrequent events, as they cannot be studied systematically. This process of educated guessing involves value judgments and personal assumptions. It is important to note that we may overestimate or underestimate the likelihood of an event, as seen in the Fukushima nuclear disaster, where the possibility of a backup generator being knocked out by the same tsunami that caused the primary cooling system to shut down was not considered. Since educated guesses involve many personal preferences and assumptions, it is difficult to persuade individuals with prior beliefs to change their minds, making it unlikely that intelligent design will ever win over skeptics.
The theory of intelligent design is susceptible to falling into the “God of the Gaps” fallacy. If a simple scientific explanation is eventually discovered for what is currently attributed to intelligent design, people will abandon the idea of God’s involvement. While the probability of an irreducible-complex system arising naturally through a random process is extremely low, I believe God is faithful to the physical laws He created. He didn’t wave His magic wand to create the irreducible-complex systems from thin air, and there is a pathway that allows them to evolute naturally. Today, some empirical evidence suggests that some commonly cited examples of irreducible complexity can occur naturally.
Consider the sign at a train station that reads “San Francisco”. However, it’s theoretically possible for the wind to randomly arrange the 12 letters to look like a sign; if you’re heading to San Francisco, you understand that the sign isn’t there by chance but has meaning behind it. Even when something can be explained by chance, a designer is likely involved if there’s meaning behind it. By viewing God as a provider and guiding force behind evolution rather than solely a designer, we can avoid the potential errors of the “God of the Gaps” fallacy. Science can only address how things work but not why they exist. Regardless of the latest scientific theory of evolution or creation, the God who provides remains at the center of the discussion. I am not suggesting that God is not the designer; I am merely cautioning against using intelligent design to prove God’s existence.
Like natural theology, intelligent design will not lead us to a personal God. A designer God who designs the universe and lets it run automatically is not a God that is any better than the God of Newtonian giant clockwork.
Another reason why I don’t like intelligent design is that people use it as a political movement. In the US, they are trying to force schools to teach intelligent design to counterbalance the teaching of evolution. I don’t want to get into politics here; my aim for this book is the pursuit of knowledge and gaining a deeper understanding of God.
Creation Act III: Self-limitation.
Christians should be familiar with Kenosis, where Christ emptied himself to be human and died on the cross.
“Let the same mind be in you that was[a] in Christ Jesus, who, though he was in the form of God, did not regard equality with God as something to be exploited, but emptied himself, taking the form of a slave, being born in human likeness. And being found in human form, he humbled himself and became obedient to the point of death even death on a cross.” (Philippians 2:5-8)
God is omnipotent and has many ways of creating the world, including the literal descriptions in Genesis. Just as Christ emptied Himself to become human, God, who is love, also emptied Himself to allow for the development of human life through some evolution-like mechanism that allowed free will to emerge so humans can choose to love Him back of their free will. Those who are parents will understand that unless we let go of our children, they will not flourish. An overly protected child may be unable to cope with the real world. You can think of God as an artist who has many ways to create His art. Once He had chosen the media of His choice, He was restricted by the constraints of the media. If He had chosen a canvas of a specific size, He could only paint within the boundary of the canvas. The limit is self-imposed and not by any external force.
While God emptied Himself to allow intelligent lifeforms to emerge, it doesn’t mean God didn’t do anything to guide the development of the new lifeforms. He can affect quantum events as His “back door” to interact with the world. His providence to humankind is continuous and not just at the beginning. God is always at work. As discussed in one previous post, reductionists believe everything can be explained by reducing complex ideas or issues to their simplest parts. Psychology can be reduced to biology, biology can be reduced to chemistry, and chemistry can be reduced to physics.
On the other hand, a non-reductionist believes that a system is more than the sum of all parts. New emergent properties can emerge from a complex system, giving it new behaviors and networks of relationships. When you combine a group of complex systems with emergent properties, a new level of emergent behaviors will emerge again. The emergent property is getting more complex and abstract with each new level. We do not know at which level self-awareness emerges, but I’m pretty sure it is not hard-wired in the physical law.
We also learned from the previous post that the delicate balance between chance and necessity allows life forms to emerge. DNA can reproduce millions of times without making a single mistake, but it still allows for random mutations to occur and create diversity or allows higher order to emerge.
God, in His infinite wisdom, set up the physical laws so that layers of emergence systems got built up on top of each other and eventually came self-awareness and consciousness. I’m unsure whether God has a detailed blueprint dictating every aspect of human evolution. I suspect that God does not particularly cares about the final human form; whether we have 10 or 12 fingers is of no significance to Him. What He cares about most is for a being to emerge with free will and can love him back according to his free will.
Death is a necessary condition so that new lifeforms can emerge. When we die, we become food or nutrition to other biological organisms. Without the death of the old ones, new systems cannot evolve. To some people, this is a waste of time and causes too much suffering. Can God create humans via a different path without so much suffering? This is a metaphysical question to which one can never get a satisfactory answer. You can always ask the same question if God uses a different way. For me, the gift of free will is worth the price, especially if we have hope in God; we know He is the ultimate comforter, and we will rise with Him. Perhaps, we can look at the cycle of death and new life through Christ’s resurrection. The death of Christ is God’s necessary plan to rescue humankind; without the death of Christ, everlasting life will not emerge.
God paid a heavy price in self-limiting Himself to allow humans to emerge. God makes Himself vulnerable when He allows humans to choose. It breaks His heart when humans rebel against Him. There are a few instances in the bible where He regrets making man. He chose this path to create humans out of love for humanity. The vulnerability of God is fully embodied in Jesus Christ. He was rejected by His chosen people, betrayed by His disciples, and died on the cross.
The idea of God self-limiting Himself when He interacts with the world is very similar to the idea presented in process theology. Process theology is heavily influenced by the process philosophy of Alfred Whitehead. They assert that God is experiencing time with us and is changing with time. He is not omnipotent in the traditional sense. The divine has the power of persuasion rather than coercion. In their view, God is not self-limiting Himself when He interacts with the world; God’s limitation is out of metaphysical necessity. My main objection to process theology is that it offers a too severely diminished conception of God’s power. It is unclear how a god with the power of persuasion can only raise Jesus from the dead. This God is not the God that I know and worship.
In Genesis 22:14, God is also called Jehovah Jireh, which means The Lord provides. He is not a God who allows random events to take over without guidance. Instead, He provides conditions to ensure that things do not spiral out of control while allowing for the emergence of complex systems with free will. Human history is an open book, with new chapters constantly being written. God is like a loving parent who provides for and guides us to stay on the right path.
The theory of evolution is not a fully developed theory; it only explains some things about the creation of humankind. Many gaps and missing links remain in the fossil record, which does not necessarily falsify the theory. Evolution is still at work; we can see it happening before our eyes. When we think COVID is under control, the virus mutates and becomes more transmissible. Dogs, man’s best friend, are descendants of wolves. To be fair, dogs were domesticated by man and not by evolution. If a man can naturally domesticate the wolf into the dog, God can direct the flow of evolution to allow humans to evolve.
Many Christians deny evolution not based on its scientific merit but rather on the philosophical and moral implications of the theory. The British evolutionary biologist Richard Dawkins pushed the philosophical implications to the extreme. In his book “The Selfish Gene,” he argued that humans are merely survival machines for genes and that morality is a social construct to help genes survive. However, Darwin did not subscribe to the philosophical implications put forward by his supporter. Throughout his life, he was profoundly moral and spoke publicly against slavery. Although he lost faith in a personal God, he was never an atheist, so believing in God and evolution is perfectly fine.
I encourage people to investigate it scientifically before making their decision. Christians should not be afraid of the theory of evolution; there are a lot of common grounds between the Christian faith and evolution, and we should focus on them and have a meaningful dialogue. Confrontation and saying the opposite side got it completely wrong is not the way to have a meaningful dialogue.
God chose to self-limit to allow humans to evolve over a long period. His plan was already in place with His active involvement in the direction of human evolution. He plans to allow potentiality to be actualized and become a reality; His creation can become beings that can love Him back freely. We call this Kenosis Evolution.