Eugenie Scott’s Letter of Alarm – “Evolution Under Attack”

A letter of alarm from Eugenie C. Scott, Executive Director for the National Center for Science Education:

Believe it or not, the teaching of evolution is under attack.

Here we are, eight-six years after the Scopes Trial, in which a Tennessee teacher was convicted for teaching evolution, contrary to state law…

Read More (links to the full letter below):

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46 thoughts on “Eugenie Scott’s Letter of Alarm – “Evolution Under Attack”

  1. AHEM –

    Eugenie probably attends “church” every Sun-day like many of her cohorts.

    So we see that Beelzebub’s religions have their defenders as well….

    At least Dr. Scott is honest in her position rather than putting on a cloak and infiltrating…

    =========================================

    The “dragon” is wroth with “the Woman”…

    Jesus is coming soon. If we as SDA people do not see that clearly at this point, then we are truly asleep.

    Time is short.

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  2. It would seem that truly educated persons would see in the efforts to support Darwin that there is much in the evolutionary theory that is based on assumptions, many of which cannot be proven.
    Unfortunately, there are professed Christians who have bought into the evolutionary theory lock,stock and barrel.

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  3. Eugenie Scott is going to be far more alarmed when Jesus comes! However, unless she invites the truths of His Word into her heart, she will have a lot of evolutionary company. The rocks and the mountains will have no answer in that day to the cry of despair from the godless who would make science their god. So sad. . .

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  4. Here we are, eight-six years after the Scopes Trial, in which a Tennessee teacher was convicted for teaching evolution, contrary to state law

    here we are just a little oveer 6 years after the Dover trial where the school board was fined 2 MILLION dollars for ADMITTING that “there exists in the LIBRARY” a book that describes intelligent design — contrary to state law.

    in Christ,

    Bob

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  5. Dr. Scott and the NCE are THE most powerful forces in keeping evolution as the ONLY faith represented in our schools. She realizes that her group is losing ground and is extremely afraid of actually having a competing philosophy that all can evaluate and choose from.

    There is one thing evolutionists cannot stand, and that is CHOICE and the ability to really evaluate all the evidence regarding creation vs. evolution.

    Simply more proof of evolution’s inability to stand up against competing philosophies!

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  6. You know, friends, we do not do ourselves, or our cause (the reliability of the Creation story as told in the book of Genesis), or Christianity in general, or our church, any good by angry-sounding speech denouncing those who believe differently from the way we do. In fact, this kind of unChristlike response from those who claim to be Christians does more to support their cause and harm ours, than the other way around.

    It is far easier (and more “palatable” to “self”) to hurl stones at others than at ourselves. We would do far better to make a serious, prayerful search of our own hearts, comparing all of our OWN thoughts, motives, and actions to the two-edged sword of God’s word (Hebrews 4:12) to make sure there is no “wicked way in ME” (Psalm 139:23, 24), to make sure that there is no “beam” (violations of God’s word that I am stubbornly clinging to) in my own eyes (Matthew 7:3-5) — and to speedily ask forgiveness and grace to overcome for whatever contradictions that Word reveals between it and my life. As Jesus told the accusers of the woman taken in adultery, “He that is without sin among you, let him first cast a stone at her.” John 8:7. Then (after thorough and honest personal heart searching, followed by sincere repentance and resolute turning from sin in our own lives) and ONLY then, will we be in a position to even hope to win the hearts of others.

    God has given us, as a church, a lot of counsel in the Bible, and through His last day prophet, Ellen White. Sadly, we as a church ignore that which steps on our OWN toes, claiming it “outdated,” or whatever.

    My personal experience with the Spirit of Prophecy is that it is a huge blessing. Through it, and through the Bible, I find that God only condemns those things that will hurt me (and / or those I love), and that He only commands those things that will bless me (and / or those I love). Does it ever “step on my toes”? Absolutely. Is that “comfortable”? Hardly. Yet, when I prayerfully ponder those “toe-stomping statements,” (the ones that step on my own toes, that is) it is obvious (to me) that my loving heavenly Father is really looking out for my best interest in making them, that He is only trying to save me harm and embarrassment, and that I truly will be happier if I heed His counsel, no matter how much it “goes against (my) grain.”

    For nearly three years (since February 22, 2009) I have been seriously memorizing Scripture. (See http://www.fast.st/1013; http://www.SwordScript.com.) The more Scripture I memorize, the more allusions to Scripture I find in the Spirit of Prophecy, allusions that I would have completely missed without that backup of Scripture knowledge. From my own personal study (which amounts to hundreds, more likely thousands, of hours over the last 35 or so years), I can say that I have never found any statement in the Spirit of Prophecy, no matter how “strong” it is, that is not solidly based on Biblical principles.

    God is going to hold US accountable for all the information He has given us therein. I matters not that we are ignorant of its precepts because we haven’t taken the time to study them out. All that matters is that the information is available to us. Choosing to ignore it will not lessen our guilt in the judgment.

    “Eve really believed the words of Satan, but her belief did not save her from the penalty of sin. She disbelieved the words of God, and this was what led to her fall. In the judgment men will not be condemned because they conscientiously believed a lie, but because they did not believe the truth, because they neglected the opportunity of learning what is truth. Notwithstanding the sophistry of Satan to the contrary, it is always disastrous to disobey God. We must set our hearts to know what is truth. All the lessons which God has caused to be placed on record in His word are for our warning and instruction. They are given to save us from deception. Their neglect will result in ruin to ourselves. Whatever contradicts God’s word, we may be sure proceeds from Satan.” — Patriarchs and Prophets, page 55, paragraph 2.

    “He that turneth away his ear from hearing the law” (chooses to ignore it because he might find something he doesn’t like), “even his prayer shall be abomination.” Proverbs 28:9.

    God does not tell us we should refrain from pointing out error and standing up for truth. He merely tells us that, in order to be successful in that endeavor, we must FIRST make sure there is no cherished sin in our own lives. (Matthew 7:3-5, John 8:7). After all, we are sinners just like those who support evolution. Our goal should be to win those who disagree with us by love.

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  7. (quote)
    “You know, friends, we do not do ourselves, or our cause (the reliability of the Creation story as told in the book of Genesis), or Christianity in general, or our church, any good by angry-sounding speech denouncing those who believe differently from the way we do…”

    Who is attacking whom? It seems that evolutionary teaching is making the greatest effort to stamp out what we know to be the truth. Sadly, in the world at large, they seem to be winning.

    “The greatest want in the world today is the want of men – men who will not be bought or sold. Men who in their inmost souls are true and honest. Men who do not fear to call sin by its right name. Men whose conscience is as true to duty as the needle is to the pole. Men who will stand for the right though the heavens fall.”

    But I guess she has her critics as well.

    If the SDA church were actually proclaiming the three angels messages, the really intense persecution would break out and the end would come quickly. What are we REALLY doing as a church to accomplish this primary mission?

    Rev 14:

    6 And I saw another angel fly in the midst of heaven, having the everlasting gospel to preach unto them that dwell on the earth, and to every nation, and kindred, and tongue, and people,

    7 Saying with a loud voice , Fear God, and give glory to him; for the hour of his judgment is come: and worship him that made heaven, and earth, and the sea, and the fountains of waters.

    8 And there followed another angel, saying, Babylon is fallen, is fallen, that great city, because she made all nations drink of the wine of the wrath of her fornication.

    9 And the third angel followed them, saying with a loud voice, If any man worship the beast and his image, and receive his mark in his forehead, or in his hand,

    10 The same shall drink of the wine of the wrath of God, which is poured out without mixture into the cup of his indignation; and he shall be tormented with fire and brimstone in the presence of the holy angels, and in the presence of the Lamb:

    11 And the smoke of their torment ascendeth up for ever and ever: and they have no rest day nor night, who worship the beast and his image, and whosoever receiveth the mark of his name.

    12 Here is the patience of the saints: here are they that keep the commandments of God, and the faith of Jesus.

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  8. “12 Here is the patience of the saints: here are they that keep the commandments of God, and the faith of Jesus.”

    By the way, Charles, you might like to compare this scripture as a contrast statement that actually comes at the end of verse 1-5.

    The three angel’s message is actually Rev. 14:6-11. Put verse 12 after vs. 5 and you will see this is obvious.

    Just a point of interest. This happens often in the book of Revelation.

    Bill Sorensen

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  9. Another example to affirm and confirm what I said about the book of Revelation is Rev. 20 and verse 5 which ends with there words….. “This is the first resurrection.”

    This prase does not belong to the beginning of vs 5. It belongs to verses 1-4. Then vs. 6 contines with the original thought.

    Sometimes it takes a little effort and consideration to fit the pieces together, especially in Revelation.

    But Paul does the same thing all the time. He will be explaining and discussing a point, and then, right in the middle of his thought, he will throw in a rider. Often a contrast thought.

    Bill Sorensen

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  10. I don’t think I understand the point you are making in response to my point, Bill.

    I have long understood that proclaiming the three angels messages was the primary mission of the SDA church – just as proclaiming a coming flood was the primary mission of Noah. Our church has chosen to represent themselves by the symbol of those three flying angels. Those three messages could be fairly summed as:

    1) Acknowledge and worship the true Creator (including His Creatorship) as sovereign of the universe. This message clearly refers to the Sabbath commandment, as well. (v.7)

    2) Clear exposure of the false systems of worship (including false ideas about our origins). (v.8)

    3) Fair warning to the world of the impending judgement by God related to following the false systems. (v. 9-11)

    Your point is well taken about v.12 not being an actual part of the core of the MESSAGE. That seems obvious. I have understood it to identify the people proclaiming the message – they have two important identifiers: (1) KEEP the commandments of God (including the 4th) AND (2) Have the testimony of Jesus.(salvation from our transgressions).

    The rebel against God has multiple ways of attacking the truth – including:

    * Teaching that we are each “a child of the universe” and that “as the trees and the stars, we have a RIGHT to be here…” – a position (supported by the ideas of evolution and “new age”) that there is no supreme God of the universe Who created everything, etc.
    (countered by the 1st angels message).

    * Teaching that Jesus nullified His law by dying on the cross – a position that actually supports the original contentions of Satan against the government of God.
    (countered by the identification of “the saints” v.12)

    * Teaching that we can each earn our own salvation by our works (as in “pennance”) – according to the Roman church. (countered by “the faith of Jesus” – v. 12)

    As I understand them, the three angels messages are God’s final messages to a world that will perish – similarly as it did at the flood. There is an ark of safety to be found in those messages. God will put an end to the rebellion when it has fully matured. When will it be? Can it be much longer?

    Making NO predictions, may I ask hypothetically: What if we KNEW for sure that it would be in 2012? What if we knew exactly the day? Would we be desperately warning everyone we care about? Or still having this conversation?

    This (SDA) movement is more than 150 years old now. None of the “pioneers” would have thought it would go on for this long. How much longer will the Groom tary? Will our children grow up and have full careers? Is there any way that we as a “people” can hasten the great event? Surely it is clear that we have delayed it?

    Honestly, at least for me, the discussions (or arguments) about “evolution” are pretty much irrelevant. Much of the world buys into this deception and the arguments are not changing anyone’s mind. My original interest here was in addressing the question: “Is evolution being taught in a Seventh-Day Adventist school.” IF the answer is “yes” – then – well, let’s just say that is a very sad answer. SDA true belief position on the matter is very clear. I am not here to argue with the world as to how we came to be here. I KNOW that in my heart, and surely there are a million websites where I could go to debate it. I really have no interest in the debate of evolution(any of its multiple forms) vs. literal creation.

    Anyway: If there is something that I do not seem to understand concerning the three angels messages, then I am listening. Actually, they seem pretty clear to me after more than five decades of listening to them. And I know that any idea that counters a literal 6-day creation week a very few thousand years ago, is contrary to the most fundamental beliefs of true SDA people. AND that was/is the point I make.

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  11. Charles, I think you missed my point. I never said that sin should not be dealt with. It should — but there is a certain order to the process, without which all efforts will fail miserably.

    The FIRST step in this process is to make sure there is nothing in my life that I am making excuses for. Casting out the beam . . . .

    The SECOND step (which must be preceded by the first) is to follow the principles of Matthew 18. From what I understand, this (second step) has been followed in this situation.

    Switching the order of these two steps is a recipe for disaster:

    Remember Moses’ encounter with the angel when he was on his way to encounter Pharoah (Exodus 4:24, 25)

    Remember the story of Israel’s defeat in the initial battle against the city of Ai, in Joshua 7 and 8?

    Any attempt to reverse the order of these two steps will have the same disasterous results.

    As I stated in the last paragraph of my post above,

    Bill Sorensen:

    I still maintain that these people who are on the “Evolution” side are God’s children, just as much as those who are on the “Creation” side. He loves them as mich as He does “us” (those who believe the Biblical account of creation). He died for them the same as He did for “us.”

    He gave up all heaven to come to this little grain of sand we call “earth” to die for every person ever born onto it. He came, even though “we” (all humans) treated Him like dirt. Even though “we” crucified Him.

    No matter how “wrong” a person is, kindness and respect will go much farther in winning him or her than inflamatory speech, even (especially?) if it is uttered in the name of “standing up for ‘truth.'”

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  12. Oops — I thought I was quoting my last paragraph. (I have not done much with this blog, even though I have followed it for a couple of years.)

    I’m not sure where the “Bill Sorensen” came from in the above post, and that paragraphs under itt should not be indented. They are original to the post I just made.

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  13. Holly Pham: There is one thing evolutionists cannot stand, and that is CHOICE and the ability to really evaluate all the evidence regarding creation vs. evolution

    how ‘odd’ then that she chose to appeal to the SCOPES trial to get support for her dark ages style appeal to censorship.

    At that trial the Darrow – the lawyer defending blind-faith-evolutionism – lamented ‘How sad’ it would be if only ONE theory on origins (creation) were to be allowed in public schools.

    It seems that Scott has a very myopic – filtered view of reality when it comes to the SCOPES trial.

    in Christ,

    Bob

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  14. Charles said…..

    “Honestly, at least for me, the discussions (or arguments) about “evolution” are pretty much irrelevant.”

    I agree with this observation, Charles. Those of us who are “older” see no need for the ongoing dialogue that continues apparently forever.

    And I think you agree that we would like to see some action on the part of those in authority to discipline those who teach false doctrine in our church and institutions.

    It seems less likely to happen as time goes on. In that case, what are the options? This is the real question we must deal with and find an answer to. What is our Christian duty if there is no action taken to maintain bible truth?

    I am not sure anyone knows exactly. For now, to wait and see, while continuing to protest seems like the viable thing to do, at least for some of us. But we also have to be prepared for the future as things develop more and more and ask God for guidance as things mature to its final stages.

    And as a side note, Charles, I was not undermining the 3 angel’s message when I suggest vs. 12 belongs with verses 1-5. I only made the comment because we usually cite Rev. 14:6-12 as being the three angel’s message. When actually, vs. 6-11 are the three angel’s message.

    I suppose it was a mote point, but a point of interest to me when I preceived this fact.

    Have a nice week.

    Bill Sorensen

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  15. It tickles me no end to see educated men and women defending, supporting, chaos; spending thousands of dollars in educating themselves into a black hole in which there is no purpose, rhyme, nor reason for its and their existence! There absurdity is king. There purpose, goal, design and beauty are dethroned and the nebulous and fortuity are co-regents! What’s even more amazing is that this simpleton of ideology is used by the arch-deceiver to befuddle men and women of planet earth. I surmise that once one separates oneself from the Source of true and pure knowledge idiocy and chaos take the limelight! Praise God that we can be the children of the Light!

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  16. Bill –

    I think we are pretty much on the same page.

    Kathy –

    I agree with you as well. Nothing is more important today to us AS INDIVIDUALS than to have a personal relationship with our redeemer.

    Bob –

    I appreciate yours posts.

    Ron –

    Have no idea what you are talking about but being “tickled” (or at least happy) I guess, is a good thing.

    Ya’ll have a good week.

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  17. I agree, Charles, that the above quotation is indeed right on with our SDA beliefs.

    What I can’t understand is why, with professors such as Jo Ann appears to be in the Theology Dept at Andrews, there is a problem with the teaching of spiritual formation? Is she really as solid an SDA as she appears? Or do we have to be on the watch for spiritual formation teachings in the lessons? I am really worried about this.

    I confess I read ahead in this quarter’s lessons and she makes some very fine statements repudiating evolution. I truly hope this means she is a rock solid SDA. It would be refreshing indeed to have a set of lessons that really stuck with our SDA beliefs.

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  18. I agree, Charles, that the above quotation is indeed right on with our SDA beliefs.

    What I can’t understand is why, with professors such as Jo Ann appears to be in the Theology Dept at Andrews, there is a problem with the teaching of spiritual formation? Is she really as solid an SDA as she appears? Or do we have to be on the watch for spiritual formation teachings in the lessons? I am really worried about this.

    I confess I read ahead in this quarter’s lessons and she makes some very fine statements repudiating evolution. I truly hope this means she is a rock solid SDA. It would be refreshing indeed to have a set of lessons that really stuck with our SDA beliefs.

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  19. I hope I can share this here.

    I have begun reading The Story of Redemption by EG White. I’d like to put a couple of paragraphs that I came across – words that so perfectly present a message that is OPPOSITE of the notions of evolutionary thought – including notions of “Theistic Evolution”.

    P. 49
    Adam was carried down through successive generations and saw the increase of crime, of guilt and defilemnent, because man would yield to his naturally strong inclinations to transgress the holy law of God. He was shown the curse of God resting more and more heavily upon the human race, upon the cattle, and upon the earth, because of man’s continued transgression. He was shown that iniquity and violence would steadily increase; yet amid all the tide of human misery and woe, there would ever be a few would remain unsullied amid the prevailing moral degeneracy. Adam was made to comprehend what sin is–the transgression of the law. He was shown that moral, mental and physical degeneracy would result to the race, from transgression, until the world would be filled with human misery of every type.”

    “The days of man were shortened by his own course of sin in transgressing the righteous law of God. The race was finally so greatly depreciated that they appeared inferior and almost valueless. There were generally incompetent to appreciate the mystery of Calvary, the grand and elevated facts of the atonement, and the plan of salvation, becaue of the indulgence of the carnal mind. Yet, notwithstanding the weakness, and enfeebled mental, moral and physical powers of the human race, Christ, true to the purpose for which He left heaven, continues His interest in the feeble, depreciated, degenerate specimens of humanity, and invites them to hide their weakness and great deficiencies in Him. If they come unto Him, He will supply all their needs.”

    These two paragraphs present clear teaching that is not simply different from the ideas of evolution but, in fact, the exact opposite. White here presents in clear language what is so very foundational to Adventist belief. Contrary teaching is abundant in the world, but within our faith it represents a bold attack on the foundations of our faith – even if it is under the guise of “science”.

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  20. I hope I can share this here.

    I have begun reading The Story of Redemption by EG White. I’d like to put a couple of paragraphs that I came across – words that so perfectly present a message that is OPPOSITE of the notions of evolutionary thought – including notions of “Theistic Evolution”.

    P. 49
    Adam was carried down through successive generations and saw the increase of crime, of guilt and defilemnent, because man would yield to his naturally strong inclinations to transgress the holy law of God. He was shown the curse of God resting more and more heavily upon the human race, upon the cattle, and upon the earth, because of man’s continued transgression. He was shown that iniquity and violence would steadily increase; yet amid all the tide of human misery and woe, there would ever be a few would remain unsullied amid the prevailing moral degeneracy. Adam was made to comprehend what sin is–the transgression of the law. He was shown that moral, mental and physical degeneracy would result to the race, from transgression, until the world would be filled with human misery of every type.”

    “The days of man were shortened by his own course of sin in transgressing the righteous law of God. The race was finally so greatly depreciated that they appeared inferior and almost valueless. There were generally incompetent to appreciate the mystery of Calvary, the grand and elevated facts of the atonement, and the plan of salvation, becaue of the indulgence of the carnal mind. Yet, notwithstanding the weakness, and enfeebled mental, moral and physical powers of the human race, Christ, true to the purpose for which He left heaven, continues His interest in the feeble, depreciated, degenerate specimens of humanity, and invites them to hide their weakness and great deficiencies in Him. If they come unto Him, He will supply all their needs.”

    These two paragraphs present clear teaching that is not simply different from the ideas of evolution but, in fact, the exact opposite. White here presents in clear language what is so very foundational to Adventist belief. Contrary teaching is abundant in the world, but within our faith it represents a bold attack on the foundations of our faith – even if it is under the guise of “science”.

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  21. “Satan is ‘the accuser of the brethren,’ and it is his spirit that inspires men to watch for the errors and defects of the Lord’s people, and to hold them up to notice, while their good deeds are passed by without a mention. He is always active when God is at work for the salvation of souls. When the sons of God come to present themselves before the Lord, Satan comes also among them. In every revival he is ready to bring in those who are unsanctified in heart and unbalanced in mind. When these have accepted some points of truth, and gained a place with believers, he works through them to introduce theories that will deceive the unwary. No man is proved to be a true Christian because he is found in company with the children of God, even in the house of worship and around the table of the Lord. Satan is frequently there upon the most solemn occasions in the form of those whom he can use as his agents.
    “The prince of evil contests every inch of ground over which God’s people advance in their journey toward the heavenly city. In all the history of the church no reformation has been carried forward without encountering serious obstacles. Thus it was in Paul’s day. Wherever the apostle raised up a church, there were some who professed to receive the faith, but who brought in heresies, that, if received, would eventually crowd out the love of the truth. Luther also suffered great perplexity and distress from the course of fanatical persons who claimed that God had spoken directly through them, and who therefore set their own ideas and opinions above the testimony of the Scriptures. Many who were lacking in faith and experience, but who had considerable self-sufficiency, and who loved to hear and tell some new thing, were beguiled by the pretensions of the new teachers, and they joined the agents of Satan in their work of tearing down what God had moved Luther to build up. And the Wesleys, and others who blessed the world by their influence and their faith, encountered at every step the wiles of Satan in pushing overzealous, unbalanced, and unsanctified ones into fanaticism of every grade.”
    Great Controversy, pgs 395. 396

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  22. “Satan is ‘the accuser of the brethren,’ and it is his spirit that inspires men to watch for the errors and defects of the Lord’s people, and to hold them up to notice, while their good deeds are passed by without a mention. He is always active when God is at work for the salvation of souls. When the sons of God come to present themselves before the Lord, Satan comes also among them. In every revival he is ready to bring in those who are unsanctified in heart and unbalanced in mind. When these have accepted some points of truth, and gained a place with believers, he works through them to introduce theories that will deceive the unwary. No man is proved to be a true Christian because he is found in company with the children of God, even in the house of worship and around the table of the Lord. Satan is frequently there upon the most solemn occasions in the form of those whom he can use as his agents.
    “The prince of evil contests every inch of ground over which God’s people advance in their journey toward the heavenly city. In all the history of the church no reformation has been carried forward without encountering serious obstacles. Thus it was in Paul’s day. Wherever the apostle raised up a church, there were some who professed to receive the faith, but who brought in heresies, that, if received, would eventually crowd out the love of the truth. Luther also suffered great perplexity and distress from the course of fanatical persons who claimed that God had spoken directly through them, and who therefore set their own ideas and opinions above the testimony of the Scriptures. Many who were lacking in faith and experience, but who had considerable self-sufficiency, and who loved to hear and tell some new thing, were beguiled by the pretensions of the new teachers, and they joined the agents of Satan in their work of tearing down what God had moved Luther to build up. And the Wesleys, and others who blessed the world by their influence and their faith, encountered at every step the wiles of Satan in pushing overzealous, unbalanced, and unsanctified ones into fanaticism of every grade.”
    Great Controversy, pgs 395. 396

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  23. AHEM –

    Eugenie probably attends “church” every Sun-day like many of her cohorts.

    So we see that Beelzebub’s religions have their defenders as well….

    At least Dr. Scott is honest in her position rather than putting on a cloak and infiltrating…

    =========================================

    The “dragon” is wroth with “the Woman”…

    Jesus is coming soon. If we as SDA people do not see that clearly at this point, then we are truly asleep.

    Time is short.

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  24. Eugenie Scott is going to be far more alarmed when Jesus comes! However, unless she invites the truths of His Word into her heart, she will have a lot of evolutionary company. The rocks and the mountains will have no answer in that day to the cry of despair from the godless who would make science their god. So sad. . .

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  25. Another example to affirm and confirm what I said about the book of Revelation is Rev. 20 and verse 5 which ends with there words….. “This is the first resurrection.”

    This prase does not belong to the beginning of vs 5. It belongs to verses 1-4. Then vs. 6 contines with the original thought.

    Sometimes it takes a little effort and consideration to fit the pieces together, especially in Revelation.

    But Paul does the same thing all the time. He will be explaining and discussing a point, and then, right in the middle of his thought, he will throw in a rider. Often a contrast thought.

    Bill Sorensen

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  26. You know, friends, we do not do ourselves, or our cause (the reliability of the Creation story as told in the book of Genesis), or Christianity in general, or our church, any good by angry-sounding speech denouncing those who believe differently from the way we do. In fact, this kind of unChristlike response from those who claim to be Christians does more to support their cause and harm ours, than the other way around.

    It is far easier (and more “palatable” to “self”) to hurl stones at others than at ourselves. We would do far better to make a serious, prayerful search of our own hearts, comparing all of our OWN thoughts, motives, and actions to the two-edged sword of God’s word (Hebrews 4:12) to make sure there is no “wicked way in ME” (Psalm 139:23, 24), to make sure that there is no “beam” (violations of God’s word that I am stubbornly clinging to) in my own eyes (Matthew 7:3-5) — and to speedily ask forgiveness and grace to overcome for whatever contradictions that Word reveals between it and my life. As Jesus told the accusers of the woman taken in adultery, “He that is without sin among you, let him first cast a stone at her.” John 8:7. Then (after thorough and honest personal heart searching, followed by sincere repentance and resolute turning from sin in our own lives) and ONLY then, will we be in a position to even hope to win the hearts of others.

    God has given us, as a church, a lot of counsel in the Bible, and through His last day prophet, Ellen White. Sadly, we as a church ignore that which steps on our OWN toes, claiming it “outdated,” or whatever.

    My personal experience with the Spirit of Prophecy is that it is a huge blessing. Through it, and through the Bible, I find that God only condemns those things that will hurt me (and / or those I love), and that He only commands those things that will bless me (and / or those I love). Does it ever “step on my toes”? Absolutely. Is that “comfortable”? Hardly. Yet, when I prayerfully ponder those “toe-stomping statements,” (the ones that step on my own toes, that is) it is obvious (to me) that my loving heavenly Father is really looking out for my best interest in making them, that He is only trying to save me harm and embarrassment, and that I truly will be happier if I heed His counsel, no matter how much it “goes against (my) grain.”

    For nearly three years (since February 22, 2009) I have been seriously memorizing Scripture. (See http://www.fast.st/1013; http://www.SwordScript.com.) The more Scripture I memorize, the more allusions to Scripture I find in the Spirit of Prophecy, allusions that I would have completely missed without that backup of Scripture knowledge. From my own personal study (which amounts to hundreds, more likely thousands, of hours over the last 35 or so years), I can say that I have never found any statement in the Spirit of Prophecy, no matter how “strong” it is, that is not solidly based on Biblical principles.

    God is going to hold US accountable for all the information He has given us therein. I matters not that we are ignorant of its precepts because we haven’t taken the time to study them out. All that matters is that the information is available to us. Choosing to ignore it will not lessen our guilt in the judgment.

    “Eve really believed the words of Satan, but her belief did not save her from the penalty of sin. She disbelieved the words of God, and this was what led to her fall. In the judgment men will not be condemned because they conscientiously believed a lie, but because they did not believe the truth, because they neglected the opportunity of learning what is truth. Notwithstanding the sophistry of Satan to the contrary, it is always disastrous to disobey God. We must set our hearts to know what is truth. All the lessons which God has caused to be placed on record in His word are for our warning and instruction. They are given to save us from deception. Their neglect will result in ruin to ourselves. Whatever contradicts God’s word, we may be sure proceeds from Satan.” — Patriarchs and Prophets, page 55, paragraph 2.

    “He that turneth away his ear from hearing the law” (chooses to ignore it because he might find something he doesn’t like), “even his prayer shall be abomination.” Proverbs 28:9.

    God does not tell us we should refrain from pointing out error and standing up for truth. He merely tells us that, in order to be successful in that endeavor, we must FIRST make sure there is no cherished sin in our own lives. (Matthew 7:3-5, John 8:7). After all, we are sinners just like those who support evolution. Our goal should be to win those who disagree with us by love.

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  27. It would seem that truly educated persons would see in the efforts to support Darwin that there is much in the evolutionary theory that is based on assumptions, many of which cannot be proven.
    Unfortunately, there are professed Christians who have bought into the evolutionary theory lock,stock and barrel.

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  28. Here we are, eight-six years after the Scopes Trial, in which a Tennessee teacher was convicted for teaching evolution, contrary to state law

    here we are just a little oveer 6 years after the Dover trial where the school board was fined 2 MILLION dollars for ADMITTING that “there exists in the LIBRARY” a book that describes intelligent design — contrary to state law.

    in Christ,

    Bob

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  29. Holly&#032Pham: There is one thing evolutionists cannot stand, and that is CHOICE and the ability to really evaluate all the evidence regarding creation vs. evolution

    how ‘odd’ then that she chose to appeal to the SCOPES trial to get support for her dark ages style appeal to censorship.

    At that trial the Darrow – the lawyer defending blind-faith-evolutionism – lamented ‘How sad’ it would be if only ONE theory on origins (creation) were to be allowed in public schools.

    It seems that Scott has a very myopic – filtered view of reality when it comes to the SCOPES trial.

    in Christ,

    Bob

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  30. (quote)
    “You know, friends, we do not do ourselves, or our cause (the reliability of the Creation story as told in the book of Genesis), or Christianity in general, or our church, any good by angry-sounding speech denouncing those who believe differently from the way we do…”

    Who is attacking whom? It seems that evolutionary teaching is making the greatest effort to stamp out what we know to be the truth. Sadly, in the world at large, they seem to be winning.

    “The greatest want in the world today is the want of men – men who will not be bought or sold. Men who in their inmost souls are true and honest. Men who do not fear to call sin by its right name. Men whose conscience is as true to duty as the needle is to the pole. Men who will stand for the right though the heavens fall.”

    But I guess she has her critics as well.

    If the SDA church were actually proclaiming the three angels messages, the really intense persecution would break out and the end would come quickly. What are we REALLY doing as a church to accomplish this primary mission?

    Rev 14:

    6 And I saw another angel fly in the midst of heaven, having the everlasting gospel to preach unto them that dwell on the earth, and to every nation, and kindred, and tongue, and people,

    7 Saying with a loud voice , Fear God, and give glory to him; for the hour of his judgment is come: and worship him that made heaven, and earth, and the sea, and the fountains of waters.

    8 And there followed another angel, saying, Babylon is fallen, is fallen, that great city, because she made all nations drink of the wine of the wrath of her fornication.

    9 And the third angel followed them, saying with a loud voice, If any man worship the beast and his image, and receive his mark in his forehead, or in his hand,

    10 The same shall drink of the wine of the wrath of God, which is poured out without mixture into the cup of his indignation; and he shall be tormented with fire and brimstone in the presence of the holy angels, and in the presence of the Lamb:

    11 And the smoke of their torment ascendeth up for ever and ever: and they have no rest day nor night, who worship the beast and his image, and whosoever receiveth the mark of his name.

    12 Here is the patience of the saints: here are they that keep the commandments of God, and the faith of Jesus.

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  31. Charles, I think you missed my point. I never said that sin should not be dealt with. It should — but there is a certain order to the process, without which all efforts will fail miserably.

    The FIRST step in this process is to make sure there is nothing in my life that I am making excuses for. Casting out the beam . . . .

    The SECOND step (which must be preceded by the first) is to follow the principles of Matthew 18. From what I understand, this (second step) has been followed in this situation.

    Switching the order of these two steps is a recipe for disaster:

    Remember Moses’ encounter with the angel when he was on his way to encounter Pharoah (Exodus 4:24, 25)

    Remember the story of Israel’s defeat in the initial battle against the city of Ai, in Joshua 7 and 8?

    Any attempt to reverse the order of these two steps will have the same disasterous results.

    As I stated in the last paragraph of my post above,

    Bill&#032Sorensen:

    I still maintain that these people who are on the “Evolution” side are God’s children, just as much as those who are on the “Creation” side. He loves them as mich as He does “us” (those who believe the Biblical account of creation). He died for them the same as He did for “us.”

    He gave up all heaven to come to this little grain of sand we call “earth” to die for every person ever born onto it. He came, even though “we” (all humans) treated Him like dirt. Even though “we” crucified Him.

    No matter how “wrong” a person is, kindness and respect will go much farther in winning him or her than inflamatory speech, even (especially?) if it is uttered in the name of “standing up for ‘truth.'”

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  32. Oops — I thought I was quoting my last paragraph. (I have not done much with this blog, even though I have followed it for a couple of years.)

    I’m not sure where the “Bill Sorensen” came from in the above post, and that paragraphs under itt should not be indented. They are original to the post I just made.

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  33. I don’t think I understand the point you are making in response to my point, Bill.

    I have long understood that proclaiming the three angels messages was the primary mission of the SDA church – just as proclaiming a coming flood was the primary mission of Noah. Our church has chosen to represent themselves by the symbol of those three flying angels. Those three messages could be fairly summed as:

    1) Acknowledge and worship the true Creator (including His Creatorship) as sovereign of the universe. This message clearly refers to the Sabbath commandment, as well. (v.7)

    2) Clear exposure of the false systems of worship (including false ideas about our origins). (v.8)

    3) Fair warning to the world of the impending judgement by God related to following the false systems. (v. 9-11)

    Your point is well taken about v.12 not being an actual part of the core of the MESSAGE. That seems obvious. I have understood it to identify the people proclaiming the message – they have two important identifiers: (1) KEEP the commandments of God (including the 4th) AND (2) Have the testimony of Jesus.(salvation from our transgressions).

    The rebel against God has multiple ways of attacking the truth – including:

    * Teaching that we are each “a child of the universe” and that “as the trees and the stars, we have a RIGHT to be here…” – a position (supported by the ideas of evolution and “new age”) that there is no supreme God of the universe Who created everything, etc.
    (countered by the 1st angels message).

    * Teaching that Jesus nullified His law by dying on the cross – a position that actually supports the original contentions of Satan against the government of God.
    (countered by the identification of “the saints” v.12)

    * Teaching that we can each earn our own salvation by our works (as in “pennance”) – according to the Roman church. (countered by “the faith of Jesus” – v. 12)

    As I understand them, the three angels messages are God’s final messages to a world that will perish – similarly as it did at the flood. There is an ark of safety to be found in those messages. God will put an end to the rebellion when it has fully matured. When will it be? Can it be much longer?

    Making NO predictions, may I ask hypothetically: What if we KNEW for sure that it would be in 2012? What if we knew exactly the day? Would we be desperately warning everyone we care about? Or still having this conversation?

    This (SDA) movement is more than 150 years old now. None of the “pioneers” would have thought it would go on for this long. How much longer will the Groom tary? Will our children grow up and have full careers? Is there any way that we as a “people” can hasten the great event? Surely it is clear that we have delayed it?

    Honestly, at least for me, the discussions (or arguments) about “evolution” are pretty much irrelevant. Much of the world buys into this deception and the arguments are not changing anyone’s mind. My original interest here was in addressing the question: “Is evolution being taught in a Seventh-Day Adventist school.” IF the answer is “yes” – then – well, let’s just say that is a very sad answer. SDA true belief position on the matter is very clear. I am not here to argue with the world as to how we came to be here. I KNOW that in my heart, and surely there are a million websites where I could go to debate it. I really have no interest in the debate of evolution(any of its multiple forms) vs. literal creation.

    Anyway: If there is something that I do not seem to understand concerning the three angels messages, then I am listening. Actually, they seem pretty clear to me after more than five decades of listening to them. And I know that any idea that counters a literal 6-day creation week a very few thousand years ago, is contrary to the most fundamental beliefs of true SDA people. AND that was/is the point I make.

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  34. “12 Here is the patience of the saints: here are they that keep the commandments of God, and the faith of Jesus.”

    By the way, Charles, you might like to compare this scripture as a contrast statement that actually comes at the end of verse 1-5.

    The three angel’s message is actually Rev. 14:6-11. Put verse 12 after vs. 5 and you will see this is obvious.

    Just a point of interest. This happens often in the book of Revelation.

    Bill Sorensen

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  35. Bill –

    I think we are pretty much on the same page.

    Kathy –

    I agree with you as well. Nothing is more important today to us AS INDIVIDUALS than to have a personal relationship with our redeemer.

    Bob –

    I appreciate yours posts.

    Ron –

    Have no idea what you are talking about but being “tickled” (or at least happy) I guess, is a good thing.

    Ya’ll have a good week.

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  36. Dr. Scott and the NCE are THE most powerful forces in keeping evolution as the ONLY faith represented in our schools. She realizes that her group is losing ground and is extremely afraid of actually having a competing philosophy that all can evaluate and choose from.

    There is one thing evolutionists cannot stand, and that is CHOICE and the ability to really evaluate all the evidence regarding creation vs. evolution.

    Simply more proof of evolution’s inability to stand up against competing philosophies!

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  37. Charles said…..

    “Honestly, at least for me, the discussions (or arguments) about “evolution” are pretty much irrelevant.”

    I agree with this observation, Charles. Those of us who are “older” see no need for the ongoing dialogue that continues apparently forever.

    And I think you agree that we would like to see some action on the part of those in authority to discipline those who teach false doctrine in our church and institutions.

    It seems less likely to happen as time goes on. In that case, what are the options? This is the real question we must deal with and find an answer to. What is our Christian duty if there is no action taken to maintain bible truth?

    I am not sure anyone knows exactly. For now, to wait and see, while continuing to protest seems like the viable thing to do, at least for some of us. But we also have to be prepared for the future as things develop more and more and ask God for guidance as things mature to its final stages.

    And as a side note, Charles, I was not undermining the 3 angel’s message when I suggest vs. 12 belongs with verses 1-5. I only made the comment because we usually cite Rev. 14:6-12 as being the three angel’s message. When actually, vs. 6-11 are the three angel’s message.

    I suppose it was a mote point, but a point of interest to me when I preceived this fact.

    Have a nice week.

    Bill Sorensen

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  38. It tickles me no end to see educated men and women defending, supporting, chaos; spending thousands of dollars in educating themselves into a black hole in which there is no purpose, rhyme, nor reason for its and their existence! There absurdity is king. There purpose, goal, design and beauty are dethroned and the nebulous and fortuity are co-regents! What’s even more amazing is that this simpleton of ideology is used by the arch-deceiver to befuddle men and women of planet earth. I surmise that once one separates oneself from the Source of true and pure knowledge idiocy and chaos take the limelight! Praise God that we can be the children of the Light!

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