Creation and Evolution - Part 3

THE MIDDLE GROUND

Scientists are correct in having identified that there are, in fact, random processes which govern all of physics in the absence of a creative impulse. We know this in our own lives. When we abdicate all direction in our lives, randomness takes over and leads us through a series of ups and down in life, which can be chaotic. When we let our lives drift, we are asking for the extremities of chance to land upon us.

What some scientists will either challenge or ignore is the very notion that the evolution of life has behind it an intelligence which provides direction. Some may be persuaded when they consider that over the billions of years, there has been a clear direction from simple to complex; from fixed to motile; and from environmentally directed to self-aware and self-motivated. Surely something accounts for this.

Fundamentalists challenge or ignore the notion that the Biblical account is not literal, but is a symbolic description of the action of Creative Mind. There are those who cannot accept this, and the best evidence is the simple fact that they continue to deny the blatant evidence of the geological layering of the earth and the accompanying fossil record, preferring to see this as some cheap trick of nature, or worse, a trick of temptation by some malevolent force or being.

The clearest of evidence was first explained away by pointing out the lack of various ‘missing links’ in the fossil record. Then, as some of those (not all) were filled in, and theories were adjusted, then the fact that theories were alterable was put forth as evidence of their inadequacy. The very strength of a scientific approach, that it adjusts to accept new evidence, was made a weakness, as if rigid, blind belief were somehow superior.

One of the peculiarities of the mind is that when we start with certain biases or prejudices, they act as a filter on our perceptions. This means that we always see or experience life in such as way as to confirm our own beliefs, whether they are aligned with genuine evidence or not. Those who accept beliefs from others without question will always sift the evidence in accordance with those beliefs.

This is not unlike what we see in a hypnotist's demonstration, where those who accept the suggestions made will proceed to experience all sorts of things unseen to any other person watching. We too are hypnotized by parental, community and cultural influences, so that the views we come to jointly hold seem quite obvious.

At any rate, fortunately there is always a middle ground, where Creation is proven by the evidence of evolution. On that ground, I choose to dwell.