.Updated:
05/01/03
THE WORD - "EVOLUTION" - EXAMINED
Much discussion and dissension for and against the concept of evolution is caused by a misunderstanding of the meanings and usage of the word "evolution". We will divide the word “evolution” up into the three phases or three concepts of the word and emphasize them differently. Note the differences.
1. evolution (physical change for everything living or non
living - natural change.)
2. Evolution (chemical
and biological change in living things and non living things.)
3.
EVOLUTION (everything developed from something earlier - life included.)
First, "evolution" is simply the change (development or disintegration) of anything. So societies evolve, governments evolve, as do movements such as the Christian, Muslim, Jewish or Hindu religions. Language evolves as does writing, styles in clothes or house building. Change or evolution is always based on some pressure or need to change. Empires rise and fall as do food supplies and the value of money. A rock evolves and is evolving. Once it was clay. Before that it was sand. Before that it was part of living matter (shells, vegetation, etc.) Before that it was magma rock. Before that it was space matter. Before that it was part of a star. And so on back and back until it was hydrogen and oxygen and/or energy. That is evolution with a small "e". It has nothing at all to do with religion, belief or opinion.
Second, "Evolution" (with a capital "E") is applied to the chemical and biological change, which takes place in and on everything in the universe. A bird isolated on an island (if it lives) will eventually become many different types of birds with many different adaptations for gathering food, protection, raising its young and such. This type of Evolution is simply an adaptation necessary for survival. If something does not adapt, it does not exist very long. Animals adapt, plants adapt. Even the land and seas adapt to the ever changing weather, climate, seasons and cosmic pressures of nature. Even the elements adapt to changes.
Our science of chemistry and biology is based upon our observations of these changes. Changes are forced upon the elements as we mix them, heat them, pressurize them, force them against each other, freeze them, spin them and deny them elements they depend on for their existence. We have become Junior Masters of Evolution. We have learned how to observe the ultra small and found out how to interrupt or speed up their development. Thus, we have evolved cures for diseases and maybe caused some new diseases. We have observed the super large elements of our space and watched suns and galaxies being formed. We are watching planets being formed. We apply those observations to our own earth and form conclusions as to how our planet was formed. We have studied the speed of light and found out our earth is a young recycled planet made from stardust in a very old universe. Again, this has nothing to do with religion, belief or opinion. These are simply observations of Evolution at work. And that is Evolution with a capital "E."
Finally, we come to the third concept and the real trouble maker, "EVOLUTION." We have now entered into the realm of religion, belief and opinion. EVOLUTION simply stated says, "everything, which now exists does so through the natural processes of change."
In order to challenge the claims of scientific EVOLUTION the religions, beliefs, and opinions must not give EVOLUTION any material with which to begin work. Even the religions, beliefs and opinions accept the fact that if there was any material with which nature could work to start the process, then there can be no defense against the claims of EVOLUTION. So, GOD CREATED everything (note the capitals). Thus, the universe must of necessity have started with nothing. That is a very good argument and destroys the claims of EVOLUTION IF the universe did start from nothing. There is a problem though. Thom's Law is quoted here.
THOM'S LAW
IF THERE WERE EVER A TIME WHEN THERE WAS NOTHING,
THERE WOULD STILL BE NOTHING.
NOTHING CANNOT PRODUCE SOMETHING.
The
"GOD CREATED" concept (religions, beliefs and opinions) says,
"Before GOD, there was nothing." Some also say, "GOD coexisted
with nothing." This is detailed on the section below. You might wish to
stop here and do some thinking. Later you will wish to go to the next section
by clicking here for
the section on Creator God.
Thomas
E. Blaylock
copyright: 03/15/03
updated:05/17/03
