Being a scientist with a Ph.D. in biochemistry, for quite a long time I struggled with the issue of creation vs. evolution.
Many things such as viruses, bacteria, and various harmful infectious agents that we know so well nowadays are not mentioned in Genesis 1. Since “In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth” and everything in-between, viruses and bacteria should have been included. But then the question remains: How could harmful viruses and bacteria be good as Genesis 1:31 stated: “God saw all that he had made, and it was very good?”
Did God really create the whole universe in 6 days? What does a day mean to God who is beyond the limitation of time and space? I brought my questions to Him, and He answered me in a profound way.
In my semi-autobiography, Love at Garden Tomb, the main characters had a discussion about this subject. Below is an excerpt from that book.
Josh asked, “What do you think about the recent debate in the Science magazine regarding evolution and creation?”
Lily brushed aside a stray wisp of hair. “I think the debate between creation and evolution is completely unnecessary.”
Josh’s jaw dropped. “Wow, that’s a very strong statement.”
A fly flew by and landed on her knee. She waved it away. “Because they’ve both overlooked an important factor. God transcends time and space.”
“What do you mean?” Josh moved closer.
She stole a glimpse of his face. “Creation and evolution both involve the element of time, but God is beyond time. In fact, God created time and can’t be confined by it.”
Josh adjusted his eyeglasses. “The Bible teaches that God created the world in six days.”
Lily looked out the window at the lingering rays on the sky. “God had to reveal Himself using a method we could understand. Thus, the Bible was compiled in human languages. But our languages, just like us, have the constraint of time and space. The only verse in the Bible not written in human languages is the writing on the wall in the book of Daniel. Those people couldn’t comprehend, and Daniel translated for them.”
“What do you believe then? Evolution or creation?”
Lily drew her eyes back to his face. “I believe in creation. It may not be exactly six days. The Bible uses human terms to convey the message that God created the universe. It doesn’t matter whether it’s six days or six million years. To God, there is no difference anyway.”
In Genesis 1 and 2, using just a few paragraphs Moses spoke of the fact that God created the entire universe. If I were to re-write Genesis 1 and 2, could I do a better job than Moses? I don’t think so because no matter how I try, our language always carries the limitation of time. I think the debate between creation and evolution is futile, because the argument is still focusing on the “time element,” but fails to acknowledge the fundamental truth that our God is not confined by time.
