Comment on La Sierra University Granted Window to Show its Faithfulness to Church’s Creation Belief by Charles.

Bob

I recall my incredulity some years ago when I reviewed the letter written by:

Michael Zimmerman
Professor of Biology
Butler University

Prior to reading that letter, I was totally lukewarm on the topic of creation vs evolution. Yes, I was raised in the SDA church and took the creation story for granted.

It was not the letter itself that extracted my passion. It was the fact that thousands of “Christian” pastors and leaders had signed the horrible document.

In those days, I downloaded each and every section of the “pastors” – which also listed their denominational affiliations. It was with a cringe that I ran searches on “SDA” or “Adventist” – hoping not to see that a SDA pastor would have signed it. I did not find one in that day. Would I find one today if I ran the search again? I hope not but I no longer think that I could be so sure.

Much of the world has embraced the idea that we evolved from lower forms of life – which ultimately supposedly came from nothing? Why? I don’t know – the idea is not even logical to me. Logically, my own existence is the greatest evidence of the scriptural account of “God” Who created everything “miraculously”.

Sadly, those who deny their Creator by embracing this spurious notion, will be “lost” unless they find their way. A right relationship with God will bring to them to an understanding. It involves a spirit of submission and humbling before their Creator.

“…worship Him Who MADE Heaven and Earth…”

Here is the introduction to the “clergy letter” – written by an athiest biology professor who regards scripture as “beloved stories” that have some timeless value….

Has that old Dragon (Satan) gained some ground or what?

For too long, the misperception that science and religion are inevitably in conflict has created unnecessary division and confusion, especially concerning the teaching of evolution. I wanted to let the public know that numerous clergy from most denominations have tremendous respect for evolutionary theory and have embraced it as a core component of human knowledge, fully harmonious with religious faith.

In the fall of 2004, I worked with clergy throughout Wisconsin to prepare a statement in support of teaching evolution. We were called to action by a series of anti-evolution policies passed by the school board in Grantsburg, WI. The response was overwhelming. In a few weeks, nearly 200 clergy signed the statement, which we sent to the Grantsburg school board on December 16, 2004. Additionally, groups of educators and scientists sent letters to the Grantsburg School Board and to the Superintendent of Schools protesting these policies. In response to all of this attention, as well as the efforts of others, the Grantsburg School Board retracted their policies.

The outpouring of support from clergy around the country encouraged me to make this a nationwide project. If you want to read more about it or join us in sharing this important perspective, click here. Encourage your clergy to consider signing the statement and please feel free to link to these webpages.

The Clergy Letter Project has also sponsored annual Evolution Weekend events. These events provide an opportunity for congregations around the world to come together, in the way each feels most comfortable, to discuss the compatibility of religion and science. By doing so, we are educating thousands and elevating the world-wide discussion of this important topic. If your congregation would like to participate in an Evolution Weekend event, please contact me.

Most recently, The Clergy Letter Project has created a data base of scientists interested in working with clergy members to answer questions about all aspects of evolution. To view this growing list, click here (If you are a scientist and would like to be added to our data base, please send me a note.)

Sincerely,

Michael Zimmerman
Professor of Biology
Butler University

Send your comments to me at mz@butler.edu

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