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Dear Gramps, God either organized preexisting materials or created materials which he then organized. If he first created the materials why would he bother with then causing man to evolve. It would seem to be more efficient just to go ahead and create man "in his own image". If he did, indeed, organize preexisting materials and the whole process then became subject to evolution---wouldn't this suggest the presence of inherent powers residing within the matter itself that God could work with but not completely control? Doesn't the infinite and eternal nature of the Great Atoning Sacrifice negate such a theory? Can the tenacity with which some Latter Day Saints cling to theories of evolution be due to fear of surrendering their sense of intelligence --or ego-- to the incomprehensible? I, for one, understand this fear but feel that getting beyond it would be tremendously liberating. The fact that I am even asking you this question tells me that I am not beyond it, however, it just does not feel right to me to cling to something as changeable as scientific theory that is brought about by the miniscule understanding of the human mind. Please forgive me for corresponding on the Sabbath but my mind won't cease to dwell. Thanks, Kevann Kreeger |
Dear Kevann,
The word, create, is never used in the scriptural descriptions of the organization of the heavens and the earth. Matter and spirit, as well as intelligence, or the light of truth, was not created or made, neither indeed can be. (D&C 93:29) God organized preexisting eternal materials in His creation process. The artist who creates a painting, does not bring the canvass, brushes and paints into existence, but organizes them into a form and organization that may never before have been achieved..
Secondly, according to the scriptures, God DID create man in His own image. The theory of evolution is patently false–so much so, that it doesn’t merit any detailed rebuttal. However, I have a paper that deals with this subject that may be of interest to you, which I will add as an attachment to this e-mail. If your program does not accept attachments, please let me know and I’ll send it direct, although it is rather long..
Best regards,
--Gramps