La Sierra University keeps trying to present the argument that they are only teaching “about” the theory of evolution, but not promoting it. They continue to point out, as they always have when challenged about their promotion of evolutionary theories, that all at LSU are “Creationists” – believing in God as the ultimate Creator (see below an excerpt from an article being handed out by LSU at the GC and elsewhere).
What LSU deceptively fails to point out is that most if not all of their science faculty do not believe in nor do they promote the SDA Fundamental Doctrine on a literal creation week in their classrooms. Beyond this, they actively deride, in their classrooms and in other public forums, the idea that life has only existed on this planet for a few thousand years and was produced during just six literal days of time.Â
This is the fact of the situation as anyone who has done even a little bit of investigation into this issue knows (especially given the large amounts of information published by Educate Truth on this topic). Why doesn’t LSU address the problem directly?
For example, why doesn’t LSU directly answer the simple question, “Do your science faculty specifically believe in and actively support the SDA Church’s position on a literal six-day creation week?” – Yes or No? It’s a very simple question. Why doesn’t LSU want to directly answer it?
How can an institution who cannot even admit that they have a serious problem hope to substantively address and correct their problem? And, how can those who do not believe in the fundamental SDA doctrine on a literal six day creation week actually support this belief in their classrooms? To even suggest that such a thing is possible reveals deep-seated blindness to the importance of this problem within LSU and other SDA schools – a problem that has been an issue at LSU for decades and has had a profound influence on thousands of our youth who are no longer supporters of many of the most cherished Pillars of the SDA Faith due to the very subversive influence of LSU.
– Sean Pitman
From the recent LSU Biology Dept. handout:
“Our biology curriculum offers a selection of classes with both breadth and depth. It should be pointed out that the theory of evolution is discussed, but not promoted, at La Sierra University.
We believe that God the Creator is the source of all life. Students examine our denomination’s voted fundamental belief regarding creation and understand the data used to support our faith in creation. We believe that by providing a complete curriculum grounded in biological principles, paralleled and supported by a strong general education curriculum, students will be able to graduate with an integrated knowledge of their discipline as well as a stronger faith and understanding of God as their Creator and Saviour.
The scientific data are presented just as they are at most other Seventh-day Adventist institutions, often with the same textbook. We believe that it is our responsibility to ensure that students receive a complete and comprehensive education as warranted by their given program of study.
Our biology faculty have heard, and taken seriously, the questions and concerns expressed by some in our church. We continue to take steps to ensure that our students understand the Adventist Church’s voted position on creation and to help them understand the arguments that are used to support the statement of fundamental belief in creation.â€
