An Evolutionary Creationist Process for the Origin of Humanity -- By: Daniel T. Lioy

Journal: Conspectus
Volume: CONSPECTUS 11:1 (Mar 2011)
Article: An Evolutionary Creationist Process for the Origin of Humanity
Author: Daniel T. Lioy


An Evolutionary Creationist Process for the Origin of Humanity

Dan Lioy1

Abstract

This journal article considers an evolutionary creationist process for the origin of humanity. In doing so, the essay explores a number of broadly interrelated issues in an integrated and synthesized manner. The key supposition is that a fundamental congruity exists between what God has revealed in nature and in scripture. Accordingly, the endeavour involves taking seriously the scientific data, as well as engaging scripture in its historical, cultural, and sociological contexts. The resulting outcome is a theologically informed harmonization of evolutionary theory with creationist teachings found in the Judeo-Christian scriptures about the genesis of Homo sapiens.

1. Introduction

The intent of this journal article is to consider an evolutionary creationist process for the origin of humanity. In doing so, the essay explores a number of broadly interrelated issues in an integrated, synthesized manner. A major premise is that a fundamental congruity

exists between what God has revealed in nature and in scripture (cf. Ciobotea 2008:7; Driscoll and Breshears 2010:80, 103; Polkinghorne 2009:173). A corollary supposition is that ‘faith in God as Creator can be consistent with an evolutionary understanding of the history of the universe and particularly life on Earth’ (Baker and Miller 2006:169). The preceding postulates are the basis for considering an evolutionary creationist process for the origin of humanity that is in agreement with both the biblical and scientific data (cf. Day 2009:118-120; Rana and Ross 2005:43-51, 247-250). Concededly, this is being done from the perspective of a specialist in theological studies, whose treatment of the subject will tend to be exploratory and provisional in nature. That said, it is possible for even a non-scientist to make a useful and pertinent contribution to the present topic, especially since it is heatedly debated within both Christian and scientific circles (cf. Collins 2006b:4-5; Delio 2009:1-2; Falk 2004:23-26; Fisher 1997:41, 104; Lamoureux 2008:2-4; Pigliucci 2002:27-32).

Moreover, this essay affirms ‘evolutionary biology’ as a ‘cornerstone of modern science’ (Ayala 2008:xi) and a theoretical model that is ‘supported by abundant evidence from many different fields of scientific investigation’ (47). This paper also maintains that God sovereignly controls the ‘origin of species by evolutionary processes’ (Waltke and Yu 2007:173). It bears mentioning that this view is wholly compatible with Augustinian and Reformed confessional orthodoxy (cf. Duncan 2007:2302, 2313, 2361; Marti...

You must have a subscription and be logged in to read the entire article.
Click here to subscribe
visitor : : uid: ()