AM I A MONKEY?

            I recently read a recently published little book of that name written by Dr. Francisco Ayala, biology professor at the University of California, Irvine.  He points out that the theory of evolution is accepted universally by scientists but that it does not conflict with the bible.

            For a number of weeks I’ve been teaching the first eleven chapters of Genesis on Wednesday evenings.  I have presented all the problems inherent in accepting this portion of the Bible literally.  I proposed that these chapters be received as a parable.  Doing so does not negate the claim that the Bible is “truth without any mixture of error.”  The truths taught concerning God being the creator and the author of life are not challenged, only the literalness of the account, i.e. six twenty four hour days; a “firmament” (heaven) with water above it and water below it.; etc.

            Of course, for those who insist on a literal interpretation of every word in the bible, this makes me, in their eyes, one who “does not believe the bible.”  I become that dreaded enemy called a “liberal.”  This in spite of the fact that I believe the bible is “truth without any mixture of error” from cover to cover.

            When it comes to the evolution of species, so ably defended, or presented, by Dr Ayala, I am still not fully convinced.  It isn’t that I have a problem with the concept and its theological implications.  God could have used it in His creation process.  Our origin would still be God’s doing.  It is just that there have been too many frauds and shaky assumptions by zealous promoters of the theory.  That there has been evolution, of that I have no doubt.  What I am not yet convinced is that all the various species are the result of evolution rather than specific creation.

            Am I a monkey?  Certainly not!  Although the DNA of our closest ape cousins are quite similar, and apes have been taught sign language, the gap between us is still huge.   And I admit, some of my human brothers and sisters do exhibit animal behavior.  But they should know and do know the difference.

            By the way, I do like, bananas, which were featured on the book's jacket.

Grace and peace.