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Playing Blind Isn't Smart
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One way to help promote a falsehood is to remain silent and say nothing about it. In his controversial bestseller The God Delusion, evolutionary biologist Richard Dawkins wittingly or otherwise insulted the intelligence of the great majority of mankind who believe in the existence of Elohim and creation. Liza Miller of Newsweek had an interview with Richard Dawkins (Newsweek, Oct. 5, 2009, p. 49), and subsequently alluded to him as Darwin’s Rottweiler. To me, Mr. Dawkins is a Darwinian fanatic extraordinaire. You see, this scientist—still a far cry from Newton’s or Einstein’s stature—whose pronouncements are nothing new, but a parody of Darwin’s theory or ideas, appears to be trying to outdo the father of evolution which he idolizes. Why? It’s because Charles Darwin himself did not make fun of people who believe in the existence of Elohim, or resorted to derogatory parallelisms as regards the Elohim of the Old Testament. In contrast, Mr. Dawkins characterizes the OT Elohim to a hypedup Ayatollah Khomenei, and at worst, to a monster, Newsweek, Oct. 5, 2009 p. 49. I suppose Richard Dawkins exults in having the liberty to talk of Elohim in whatever derogatory or blasphemous manner with no fear for his life. And this, I believe, is because of western liberalism and leniency. Were this man living in Iran or in any fundamentalist Islamic state, and talked of Elohim (Allah) in like manner, we can only guess as to what an outraged mob could have done to him for his blasphemy. Mr. Dawkins is indeed lucky that he lives in a democratic country where blasphemy is not punishable. As I look at Richard Dawkins’ picture, concededly he is a good-looking guy exuding a surreptitious smile. He certainly looks nice, charming, and scholarly. Indeed, good looks and an evil heart of unbelief is a unique blend of attributes, and can be an excellent tool for the Master Deceiver to convince people that Elohim does not exist. Well, the Bible speaks of a Master Deciever. How art thou fallen from heaven, O Lucifer, son of the morning. How art thou cut down to the ground, which didst weaken the nations. For thou hast said in thine heart, I will ascend into heaven, I will exalt my throne above the stars of El: I will sit also upon the mount of the congregation, in the sides of the north: I will ascend above the heights of the clouds: I will be like the Most High, Is. 14:12-14. Lucifer, with his stunning beauty and cunning words, appears to have easily deceived Eve. And Richard Dawkins, handsome and somewhat imposing, is practically doing the same thing trying to blot out the concept of Elohim from man’s mind. The wicked, through the pride of his countenance, will not seek after Elohim; Elohim is not in his thoughts, Psalms 10:4. |
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The Ugly Side of Science Let it be on record that this writer harbors not a milliliter of bad blood against science as a whole. But like the story of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde, science does have its good and bad sides. It has been said that money is not bad, per se. And what is bad is the love of money—being the root of all evil, 1 Tim. 6:10. In like manner, science is not bad, per se. What is bad is the wrong use of science by man himself. Science need not become the antithesis to religion. Rather, science and religion should be complementary. Together, true religion and conscientious science will greatly enhance man’s understanding, knowledge and wisdom, and will surely elevate man’s consciousness to loftier heights in relation to Elohim and other forms of life around him. It should be a partnership that will not only revive, but instead prop up the weakened old moral values and behavior. Like many other good things, science happens to have a bad side—not bad by itself—but made bad by man himself. Look at the unregulated utilization of fossil fuels and other resources made possible by science and technology that led to the massive pollution of the earth’s environment. At the rate it is happening, planet earth is fast becoming less and less an ideal place for human living. To put it bluntly, if I were an E.T. scouting for a new and better home, I would quickly rule out the earth and look somewhere among the billions of other solar systems. Now comes the worst side. As scientists continue to gather a wealth of information and knowledge made easier with the PC, Hubble Space Telescope, and the Large Hadron Collider (LHC), a new breed of scientists became so puffed-up, fiercely conceited and haughty. They now stridently promote the self sufficiency of man, i.e., without the need of Elohim. Very vocal and malicious of these new atheists is Richard Dawkins. Thousands of years ago, the psalmist had spoken of atheists like him. The fool hath said in his heart, “There is no Elohim,” Ps. 14:1. Hear this you foolish and senseless people, who have eyes but do not see, who have ears but do not hear. Should you not fear Me? declares Yahweh. Should you not tremble in My presence? I made the sand a boundary for the sea, an everlasting barrier it cannot cross. The waves may roll, but they cannot prevail; they may roar, but they cannot cross it. But these people have stubborn and rebellious hearts; they have turned aside and gone away, Je. 5:21-23. |
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Darwin’s Magic Spell Ruins of ancient monuments, temples and altars in many parts of the world, are mute but solid evidences that from olden times man inherently believed in the existence of the supernatural or deity. Even the illiterate North American Indians speak of the Great Spirit. Farther south, the Aztec, Inca, and MayaN peoples have their stone altars where they performed offerings to their deity. In Europe, the early inhabitants of England have their Stonehenge, and so on. Aside from these, many more records reveal that throughout the ages, man has always believed in Elohim— until Charles Darwin shook the whole world with his work, The Origin of Species. Evolution, the substance of Darwin’s work, is a blanket denial of the Biblical account of creation. In one bold stroke, Darwin sought to demolish the two fundamental exigencies in the life of believers, namely: the Bible and the very existence of Elohim. From England, Darwinism quickly spread throughout the whole civilized world, creating doubts in people’s minds as to whether there is really a creator or not. More forceful and effective than Harry Houdini’s hocus-pocus (magic), Charles Darwin had cast a spell that engulfed the entire world. And, although indirectly, it put to question the legitimacy of the religious hierarchy. Most amazingly, it was not the common people who easily succumbed to Darwin’s spell—not the blue collar office worker or the semi-literate laborer, farmer or fisherman—but the academic community that legitimized and institutionalized evolution. The gist of the matter is that—however bitter or unpalatable evolution is—if you were a student, you just had to swallow it to finish college. Otherwise, you ended up relegated to the ranks of the school drop-outs. Just imagine, the academic communities, tasked to provide adequate and proper education to the youth of the land, are the very ones planting the seeds of agnosticism and atheism in everyone’s mind. Darwin’s work spawned atheism and blossomed in the sudden appearance of Vladimir Lenin and eventual rise of the militant colossus, i.e., Russia or the Soviet Union. Thereupon, Lenin proceeded to close the Russian Orthodox Church and declared, “Religion is the opiate of the people.” For he hath said, “It profited a man nothing that he should delight himself with Elohim,” Job 34:9 TWOY. But none saith, Where is Elohim my maker, who giveth songs in the night; Who teacheth us more than the beasts of the earth, and maketh us wiser that the fowls of heaven? There they cry, but none giveth answer, because of the pride of evil men, Job 35:10-12. From Russia the seemingly idealistic communist ideology became popular and swept other eastern European nations and half of Germany. It also went eastward to China, Mongolia, North Korea, and then the French colonies of Indochina, i.e., Vietnam, Laos, and Cambodia. For a time, it even threatened the United States when the communist movement established a foothold with Fidel Castro of Cuba. |
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Science vs. Creation Most scientists believe that all life forms on earth had begun as a one-celled organism that supposedly evolved into thousands and thousands of species of flora and fauna—culminating into the appearance of “homo erectus” and eventually of “homo sapiens” some 250,000-150,000 years ago. As for the universe, physicists say that all the galaxies—the billions of stars having their own solar systems— began as an UNIMAGINABLY SMALL compressed volume (emphasis supplied). Then there comes the so-called big bang and the entire universe was born. To the eminent scientists, that’s how the universe and life on earth came to exist. And accordingly, there is no creator deity. Period. But if you don’t believe what they say, Richard Dawkins thinks you are not smart. Does that mean being an atheist is to be smart? Here’s what the Scriptures say, Where is the wise man? Where is the scholar? Where is the philosopher of this age? Has not Elohim made foolish the wisdom of the world? For since in the wisdom of Elohim the world through its wisdom did not know Him, 1 Co. 1: 20-21. The eminent scientists and philosophers epitomize the wisdom of this world, and they are among those seated on top of the academic ladder. Is their wisdom worth emulating? Paul gave this admonition, Let no man deceive himself. If any man among you seemeth to be wise in this world, let him become a fool, that he may be wise. For the wisdom of this world is foolishness with Elohim. For it is written, He taketh the wise in their craftiness. And again, Yahweh knoweth the thoughts of the wise, that they are vain, 1 Cor. 3:18-20. |
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Who is Smart? Richard Dawkins thinks that the biblical account of creation is fiction. What is fiction? In brief, here’s what it is: a) any literary work portraying imaginary characters and events; and b) in law, something accepted as fact for convenience, although not necessarily true, Webster’s New World Dictionary of the American Language, Concise Edition. Now let’s go back to the scientific point of view about the origin of life. Biologists say that all life forms on earth began as a one-celled thing which happened to evolve into thousands and thousands of species and culminated in the appearance of man. This encapsulates what the scientists believe as to how all life forms on earth came to be. And Richard Dawkins, I repeat, thinks that unless you believe in evolution, you are not smart. |
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What Does It Take to be Smart? Here in the Philippines, many times I have seen on TV a native breed of dog whose name is Saver. After using the toilet, Saver does not forget to flush it. When commanded, “Saver, put out the light,” he runs and presses the switch. His owner and trainer asked, “Two plus one?” the dog barks three times. Then another question, “Three plus one?” Saver barked three times in rapid succession, paused, and then barked one more time. These are just samples. Saver does many other things really amazing for a dog to do. Now Saver and his owner often received invitations to attend parties and other occasions. Reason? People say Saver is smart—really smart. Question: Does Saver really know something about cleanliness or sanitation? Can the dog really count? The answer is a big NO. Why then is Saver able to do such tricks? Simple. Not only dogs, but other animals that have a measure of intelligence are able to do amazing tricks. How? Trainers motivate the animals to do something by giving a reward—usually tidbits of food—every time the animal performs as commanded until it acts like a programmed robot. From Darwin’s time biologists motivated people all over the world to become atheists the way animal trainers do with the inferior creatures. What’s the treat? Scientific knowledge and of being “smart.” That’s what Richard Dawkins is doing now with his book, The God Delusion. But Mr. Dawkins is not smart in not considering that humankind is a vastly superior species and much different from the animal kind. He isn’t smart in not knowing that man was created to belong to the Elohim kind. You see, the human brain is equipped with the mechanism or power of induction and deduction (logic), or a rational mind able to distinguish right from wrong and fact from fiction. That is why the great majority of people do not accept evolution which is really stranger than fiction. For the time will come when men will not put up with sound doctrine. Instead, to suit their own desires, they will gather around them a great number of teachers to say what their itching ears want to hear. They will turn their ears away from the truth and turn aside to myths, 2 Tim 4:3-4. |
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Have Faith, or Nothing Science should not be one-sided as to whether there is Elohim or not. Science’s inability to prove the existence of a supernatural Being even with their most sensitive instruments is not a valid reason for denial. Firstly, Elohim exists in the spirit, and thus is invisible. Secondly, physics deals mainly on the study of matter and these two realities are in different realms or dimensions of existence. Science, therefore, should not rule out the existence of Elohim by reason of invisibility. The adage ‘to see is to believe’ doesn’t apply here. The fact is two invisible forces affect us daily: a) Gravity is invisible, but we know it exists, and without it we can’t live in this world; and b) The wind is invisible, but we love its gentle breeze, or dread its force when a typhoon uproots trees, wrecks homes, or causes giant waves that toss and sink ships in the sea. But there exists an incomparable Power able to subdue or control two forces that modern science and technology is powerless to control. Let’s see and consider two incidents: And behold, there arose a great tempest in the sea, insomuch that a ship was covered with waves: but He was asleep. And His disciples came to him, and awoke Him, saying, “Master, save us, we perish.” And He sayeth unto them, “Why are ye fearful, O ye of little faith?” Then He rebuked the winds and the sea; and there was great calm. But the men marveled saying, “What manner of man is this, that even the winds and the sea obey Him?” (Mat. 8:24-27) And in the fourth watch of the night Yahshua went unto them, walking on the sea. And when the disciples saw Him walking on the sea, they were troubled, saying, “It is a spirit”; and they cried out for fear. But straightway Yahshua spake unto them, saying, “Be of good cheer; it is I, be not afraid.” And Peter answered Him and said, “Master, if it be thou, bid me come unto thee on the water.” And He said “Come.” And when Peter was come down out of the ship, he walked on the water, to go to Yahshua. But when he saw the wind boisterous, he was afraid, and beginning to sink, he cried, “Master, save me.” And immediately Yahshua stretched forth His hand, and caught him, and said to him, “O thou of little faith, wherefore didst thou doubt?” and when they were come into the ship, the wind ceased, Mat. 14:25-32. These Scriptures give us a clear insight into the incontrovertible fact that Elohim exists, and is in control. In these two incidents, Yahshua, the Son of Yahweh, and the second member of the Elohim family, needs only to speak to subdue and control gravity and the winds—two forces of nature that are beyond the control of man. But above all, in these episodes Yahshua raised the indispensability of FAITH, saying, “Why are ye fearful, O ye of little faith?” And He said to Peter, “O thou of little faith, wherefore didst thou doubt.” Notice. When Yahshua bid him to come, Peter, full of faith, came down out of the ship and walked on water, defying gravity. But when he saw the raging waves, fear and doubt gripped him and he began to sink. But let him ask in faith, doubting nothing: for he that doubts is like the surge of the sea driven and tossed by the wind, Ja. 1:6. But without faith it is impossible to please Him: for he that cometh to Elohim must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of them that diligently seek Him, Hebrews 11:6 TWOY. |
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Unseen Parallels Unveiled A deeper analysis of the seemingly incompatible viewpoints between science and religion will show that it is superficial, and need not be the cause of the existing social, mental, and emotional division between the religious and scientific community. Let’s put aside prejudice and consider the facts. a) Scientists say that in the beginning time and space did not exist. Bible-based religion holds the same viewpoint that before the creation only the spirit realm existed and that there’s only eternity, i.e., no time or space. Both sides are correct. b) Scientists tell us the universe began as an UNIMAGINABLY SMALL compressed volume. Can we, with our finite minds, have a fair reckoning of how small that could really be? I think we can. Try to reckon down the line until you arrive at 99.99%, which is just .01% to Zero. At this point you will be compelled to stop, because down beyond is zero. Now, approximate this and the equivalent is 0, or NOTHINGNESS. The same is true in the Genesis account of creation. Before creation, there’s only nothingness. Again, no conflict here. c) Physicists say there was a cosmic explosion (big bang) that blew up the unimaginably small thing, and when the debris cooled, the universe was born. What does the Bible say as to how the universe came to exist? Through faith we understand that the worlds (i.e. universe) were framed by the Word of Yahweh, so that things which are seen were not made of things which do appear, Hebrews 11:3. Notice the striking parallel which suggests that what the scientists call the Big Bang may refer to Yahweh’s WORDS when the Almighty Creator thundered, “Let there be…” and the universe appeared out of nothing. By the WORD of Yahweh were the heavens made; and all the host of them by the breath of His mouth, Psalms 33:6 TSS. Considering all these, science and religion, after all, can be compatible. What, then, perpetuates the misunderstanding? Preconceived ideas, bias and conceit on the part of the scientist. |
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Conclusion Scientists need to accept that even with the Large Hadron Collider, science can’t explain all the mysteries of nature and life. For example, what really, is gravity? We know it is neither matter nor gas, but it is powerful force that operates from the center of a star, planet, or moon. Consider this. Without gravity the continents would simply break apart and drift away from each other into space. But we learn from Scriptures that there is a greater Force or power that has control over gravity, i.e., Elohim in the person of Yahshua the Messiah when He walked on the water and let Peter do it also, Mat. 14:25-32. Richard Dawkins admits that he is ignorant of many other things. So, in brushing aside the existence of Elohim, he is just playing blind. Not all scientists though, embrace atheism. Aside from Isaac Newton and Albert Einstein (two greatest minds in science), nowadays there is geneticist Francis Collins and others who believe in Elohim. As for Steven Weinberg, he hinted of the possibility that he may yet change his mind. I pray he does, and the sooner the better. Do you not know? Have you not heard? Yahweh is the everlasting Elohim; the Creator of the ends of the earth. He will not grow tired or weary, and His understanding no one can fathom, Isaiah 40:28. It’s better to have FAITH in Yahweh through His Son Yahshua, the true Messiah. Otherwise, without Elohim in your life, you will die like a rat and be lost forever. Believe it or not—Playing Blind Isn’t Smart. |
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-Elder A. S. Untalan, Sr. |
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