How Not to Handle the Creation-Evolution Debate

A few weeks ago I found myself in a conversation with an atheist about evolution and creation. What I noticed in our interaction was that he was initially hesitant to admit his belief in evolution (and disbelief in God), and not because he was uncertain of his beliefs. Past experience taught him that identifying himself as an atheist drew a hostile response from the Christians he encountered.

 

Ask Questions, Seek Answers

Last week on RTB’s official Facebook page we invited people to share some of the science-faith questions their kids ask. Soon, questions poured in. A 5-year-old asked whether her teddy bear would be in heaven. An 11-year-old wondered how to reconcile Neanderthals and Cro-Magnons with Adam and Eve. And another asked whether there were dinosaurs on Noah’s Ark. (To paraphrase RTB theologian Krista Bontrager’s responses: heaven will be even better than the best things we experience here on earth (see 1 Corinthians 2:9); Neanderthals were creatures distinct from humans. Cro-Magnon is an old term used to describe modern humans (see RTB 101 – Historical Adam); and no, dinosaurs went extinct millions of years before the Flood (see RTB 101 – Dinosaurs).

Suffice it to say we, at RTB, like questions. Most people do. In fact, as RTB president Hugh Ross points out,

 

Why Would God Allow Natural Disasters?

No one likes natural disasters. They can devastate entire areas and cause human suffering and death, leaving people to wonder why God would allow such calamities. If God created the earth for the benefit of humanity, why is it sometimes inhospitable to its inhabitants?

 

Reasons to Believe in the Season

When the Christmas budget (for some) is virtually zilch and perhaps hearts are heavy over missing a loved one, it’s easy to lose sight of the “reason for the season,” so to speak. Yet often it’s in the difficult times that believers gain deeper insight into the truth of God’s character and care for us.

 

Eat This: Zombies Are Real

They prey on their own kind. Some might call it cannibalism, but it’s the only way they can survive. Indeed, the zombie apocalypse is here.

Sort of.

 

Gas Giants: A Favorite among Teens!

***Sandra and Maureen are taking a week off from blogging fun. They’ll be back to their usual schedule next week. In the meantime, please enjoy this guest post by RTB’s Outreach Manager Ken Hultgren.***

Before working at Reasons To Believe, I spent over 10 years in youth ministry and I can honestly say I never taught a lesson or preached a sermon on “gas giants” (though it was a common topic of conversation among the junior high boys!).

 

How to Engage a Science Guy (or Gal)

A few weeks ago, Bill Nye the Science Guy jumped into the science-and-faith conversation with the claim that “creationism is not appropriate for children.” He claims that by denying evolution, “your worldview just becomes crazy, untenable.”

Creationists across the spectrum might promptly disagree with Nye, but it’s helpful to first clarify Nye’s interpretation of creationism.

 

What the Higgs Boson Discovery Means

Last week scientists announced that they had detected the Higgs boson—or the “God particle”—or at least a Higgs-like particle. While the nickname is more tongue-in-cheek, some assumed the breakthrough was equivalent to scientific detection of God’s existence. Some even “celebrated” the occasion by tweeting and posting unsavory remarks about atheists.

 

RTB Chapter Summit Review

 

Chapter Summit participants and a few RTB staff

Most people who take a trip to Los Angeles try to jam in as much sightseeing as possible, traffic allowing, of course. So when a few dozen RTB chapter leaders from all over North America made the trek to Southern California last week for a Chapter Summit, we split up the group and headed to various spots in and around LA.

 

Holiday Signs and Signs of Design

The holidays are here and the countdown to December 25 has begun. As of today, there are only 43 days until Christmas!

Such news might supply a rush of joyful anticipation to the kiddies. Adults, on the other hand, (particularly those with kids whose wish lists include smaller yet increasingly expensive gifts) might feel that same rush followed promptly by a shudder and a quick jotting of mental notes.