Seeing a Way Through the Forest

Introduction

Joe Havel's life journey is like a wartime movie, where a local boy escapes oppression and makes a better life for himself in another country. Dr. Havel had a non-Christian upbringing in Czechoslovakia during the time when schools were controlled either by Nazis or communists, both of whom had no regard for Christianity. He witnessed firsthand how morals were seen as relative, with lying being considered an essential survival skill. Hatred and vengeance were glorified, and even stealing from German farms was justified as compensation for German oppression.

The Fruits of Evolutionary Thinking

The ideology of the Nazis, which Joe experienced during his youth, resembled the evolutionary concept of survival of the fittest. Under the Nazis, Joe was classified as "half-human" because he spoke Czech, denying him access to a university education. Graduates from his high school were drafted into bomb disposal squads, viewed as intelligent but expendable. This ideology led to the dehumanization and persecution of individuals based on their ethnicity or beliefs.

Hitler based his Nazi ideology on the Darwinian notion of survival of the fittest. He believed that struggle was the driving force behind life and that those who did not fight had no right to exist. This led to the mass murder of disabled individuals deemed unfit for the nation's best interests.

One Evil Replaces Another

After the defeat of the Nazis, Joe encountered another political system influenced by evolutionism when the Czech communists took over the government. Non-cooperative individuals were labeled "class enemies" and imprisoned in labor camps. Joe had seen this abuse of power before and recognized that when people believe they are merely smart monkeys produced by chance, they become easily controlled by dictators.

Escape and a New Beginning

Before finishing high school, Joe managed to escape to the American occupation zone in Germany. He traveled without luggage to avoid detection and crossed over the mountains at night. In the refugee camps, Joe experienced theft and starvation. During this desperate time, he cried out to God, making a promise to believe in Him if he could escape. Although an agnostic at the time, Joe's encounter with Christians who lived morally upright lives intrigued him. Eventually, through studying the Bible, Joe found faith in Christ.

In Australia, Joe completed his high school education while working in the forestry industry. He witnessed the consistent moral living of Christians he met and was impressed by their kindness. Joe's newfound Christian faith was challenged when he encountered evolution being taught as a fact at university. However, a lecture by a senior Christian scientist convinced him that creation by design was more logical than evolution by chance.

Evolution: Impeding Scientific Progress

Throughout his career in forestry and ecology, Joe's research and studies strengthened his conviction that evolution hinders scientific progress. His work focused on the ecology and mapping of forest types in southwestern Australia. He used computers to analyze large amounts of ecological data and compared maps of vegetation, soil, and topography to understand their interrelations.

Joe's research on the Araucariaceae family of trees contradicted evolutionary claims that they were "primitive" and unable to compete with flowering plants. He observed that these trees coexisted well with hundreds of broadleaf tree species and concluded that their decline in range was primarily due to climate change and human activities such as logging and agriculture.

Career Change and Active Retirement

Toward the end of his career, Joe transitioned into research administration, retiring as the Director of Research and Planning in the Department of Conservation and Land Management (CALM). After retirement, he continued to work as a consultant on environmental and forestry issues. He advised government organizations on water catchment issues and private companies on tree planting.

Joe's passion for creation led him to actively oppose evolution education in schools, concerned about the impact it has on young Christians. He believes that state education is heading towards a lack of freedom, balance, and absolute moral values. Even in his hobby of cultivating fruits, Joe sees evidence of design rather than chance in the genetic information transferred between trees.

Why This Matters

Dr. Havel's story highlights the harmful consequences of ideologies rooted in evolutionism. It shows how such beliefs can lead to dehumanization, persecution, and the erosion of moral values. Understanding the implications of these ideologies is crucial for defending and preserving Christian faith and values.

Think About It

Consider the impact of indoctrination in education and how it can shape societal values and beliefs. Reflect on the importance of critical thinking and discernment when it comes to accepting or rejecting scientific theories. How can Christians engage in thoughtful discussions about creationism and evolution while upholding biblical truths?