Counsel #9 — All Theories Are Based On Assumptions

Picture: Counsel #9 — All Theories Are Based On AssumptionsCSe 19.1

The illustration above suggests how evolutionary scientists think about the origin of amphibians. The first amphibian, whether by creation or evolution, appeared long ago and cannot be observed. In recent centuries, mainstream science has shifted away from the Bible story. Paleontologists studying fossils do not ask “was it evolution or creation?” because they’ve been taught or chosen to see creation as irrational. Raising this question challenges evolution, which many scientists see as abandoning reason. The above illustration shows that assumption precedes evidence in ancient history studies. Since no one saw the first amphibians, assumptions are necessary. This crucial aspect of science—the role of assumptions—is often overlooked or misunderstood. Belief in the evolution of amphibians is based on an assumption. How could it be disproven? Similarly, belief in creation can’t be disproven. Regardless, assumptions are foundational. The evidence doesn’t definitively prove either theory and it certainly doesn’t support evolution.^{[16]www.adventist.education/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/W10-E-Esperante-Arguments-evolution-Transitional-fossils-not-possible.pdf}CSe 19.2

“May the splendor of the Lord endure. May the Lord find pleasure in the living things he has made.” Psalms 104:31 NETCSe 19.3

“God is the foundation of everything. All true science is in harmony with His works; all true education leads to obedience to His government. Science opens new wonders to our view; she soars high and explores new depths, but she brings nothing from her research that conflicts with divine revelation.” Ellen White in The Signs of the Times, March 20, 1884, par. 8CSe 19.4

Reflect: If the scientific community is largely closed to the idea of creation, what implications does this have for open dialogue and critical thinking?CSe 19.5