From Theistic Evolution to Creation: Unveiling God's Design in 7 Transformative Steps

From Theistic Evolution to Creation

When it comes to the creation versus evolution debate, there are various perspectives that Christians hold. One such perspective is theistic evolution, which suggests that God used the process of evolution to bring about the diversity of life on Earth. However, there are those who have transitioned from theistic evolution to a belief in a literal six-day creation as described in the Bible. This article explores the journey of one such individual, Professor J. Rendle-Short.

The Influence of Prof. Rendle-Short's Father

Professor J. Rendle-Short, or "Prof" as he is affectionately known, was born into a Christian family with a strong evangelical tradition. His father, Arthur Rendle Short, was a professor of surgery and had degrees in physiology and geology. Arthur Rendle Short wrote extensively on Christian apologetics, with a particular interest in creation and evolution.

Growing up surrounded by his father's writings, Prof initially embraced theistic evolution due to the prevailing scientific consensus of the time. In the early 20th century, Darwin's ideas were widely accepted, making it challenging for Christians to reconcile six-day creation with the scientific evidence they were presented with.

The Agonizing Questions

For Prof's father, reconciling the Fall of man and the existence of sin and death with an evolutionary view was a significant challenge. How could the fossils indicate millions of years of existence before man if the Fall was responsible for introducing sin and death into the world? These questions troubled Prof's father deeply.

A Shift Towards Six-Day Creation

After his father's passing, Prof discovered his father's private notes that indicated a gradual shift towards belief in a recent six-day creation. This revelation provided encouragement to Prof and planted seeds of doubt regarding his own acceptance of theistic evolution.

Unexpected Encounters and Catalysts for Change

Prof's journey towards embracing a literal six-day creation was not a straightforward one. He met the late Prof. Dr. Arthur Wilder-Smith, a highly educated scientist who firmly believed in the literal truth of Genesis. This encounter astonished Prof and prompted him to reevaluate his own beliefs.

Further unexpected sources served as catalysts for Prof's transformation. While reading the book "Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance" during a plane journey, he came across a phrase that made him question how a God of perfect goodness could allow suffering and death for billions of years before declaring His creation "very good."

Finding Joy in Strengthening Creation Foundations

After many years of grappling with theistic evolution, Prof found great joy in being part of a ministry focused on strengthening the foundations of Christianity through the creation message. He played an instrumental role in establishing Creation Science Foundation (UK).

The Harm of Evolutionary Compromises

Prof is keenly aware of the damage caused by compromises between evolution and Christianity. He encountered a pastor who shared how hearing Prof espouse theistic evolution had nearly destroyed his faith. This experience only reinforced Prof's commitment to emphasizing the authority of the Bible and its historical account.

The Legacy of Prof. Rendle-Short

The Rendle-Short name is well-known in both medical and Christian publishing circles. Prof and his father have collectively contributed to published works for over 80 years. Recognizing the need for Christians to embrace the power of the creation message, Prof has authored several books on related topics, such as "Man: Ape or Image?" and "Reasonable Christianity."

Why This Matters

The journey from theistic evolution to a belief in a literal six-day creation highlights the importance of engaging with the biblical account of creation seriously. It serves as a reminder that compromising on this foundational aspect can have profound consequences for one's faith.

Think About It

Consider the challenges faced by Christians who try to reconcile evolution with the biblical account of creation. Reflect on the significance of embracing a literal six-day creation and its implications for the Christian faith.