"The Narrow Road": Blogs By Shane Kastler

Atheism, Evolution, & Suicide

By Shane Kastler

While people and animals have some similar traits, they are not the same. In several places, the Bible affirms that people are more important than animals. God gave Adam dominion over the animals in the Garden of Eden (Genesis 1:26). Jesus likewise told His disciples, “Are not five sparrows sold for two cents? Yet not one of them is forgotten before God. Indeed, the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Do not fear; you are more valuable than many sparrows.” (Luke 12:6-7)

People and animals are alike in the sense that they are both a part of God's creation, and are thus dependent upon Him. They are both born. They both die. But people, who possess an eternal soul, are more important. Which means that modern day attacks on humanity, are not only incorrect, they are potentially dangerous.

Not all atheists believe in evolution; and not all evolutionists are atheists; but most are. Atheism teaches that there is no God and evolution teaches that man came about as a result of “accidental” chemical processes that eventually led from primordial ooze to humanity. Such nonsensical explanations for humanity and the world around us are simplistic answers, disguised as intellectualism. Believers are often mocked for being gullible and/or stupid. But the evidence for God is clearly seen in the creation which gives compelling evidence of intelligent design. Believing in God is not foolish. Rejecting obvious proof for His existence is.

One, potentially fatal byproduct of embracing a Godless worldview is the despair that it can lead to. If people are nothing more than evolved animals, and there is no God nor after life to consider; then what is the point of life? Many people embrace this fatalistic mindset and spiral into a life riddled with depression. This can, and sometimes does, lead to an over reliance on drug or alcohol use to lift the spirit and ease the pain. Which in turn sometimes leads to a chemical dependency with chilling, and even fatal results. It is no coincidence that the modern day increase in atheistic worldviews has coincided with skyrocketing depression and suicide rates.  Some suicides can be traced to specific events that sent a person reeling into a black hole.  But some suicides are "systemic suicides."  That is to say, they are the result of an atheistic educational system that tells people from day one that they are unimportant and that life has no meaning.  Over the course of time, some will sadly start to believe this lie.  And the results can be catastrophic.  If life has no point, then who cares what you do? Embrace all the sinful pleasures you can while you have breath. But if you were created for a purpose, then pursue that purpose and find the peace and joy that only the Lord can provide.

You are here for a reason. People were created to glorify God; and the only way to rightly do that is to embrace His son Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior. Life makes sense, when it is correctly oriented around your Creator. You are not a cosmic accident, and there is eternal purpose in your existence. Don't let the educated idiots of modern society tell you otherwise. Life does have purpose. And you should have hope. Reject the dark answers that Godless philosophies provide to life's ultimate questions. You were made to know and enjoy God. Get about doing what you were created to do.

Faith, Science, & Salvation

By Shane Kastler

The world abounds with various theories about how we all got here. Did life spring up gradually through some form of evolutionary process? Was there a “big bang” that caused life as we know it to spontaneously spring into existence? Or has mankind, as we know it, simply eternally existed? All of these theories, or variations of them, have been put forth over the years by scientists. But for those with the faith to accept it, the Bible tells us how things came into being: “By faith we understand that the worlds were prepared by the word of God, so that what is seen was not made out of things which are visible.” - Hebrews 11:3

God created everything out of nothing. While man needs some sort of pre-existing material to create something; God does not. God has the power to speak things into existence. And in this regard the “big bang” theory might be somewhat true. When God said, “Let there be light!” (Genesis 1:3) There was immediately light! Perhaps that also created a “big bang.”

Some say that Christianity is based solely on faith, while science is based on facts. But the truth is that Christianity is also rooted in factual observations. And most scientists hold to their theories in a “faith” like way. Since no one today was actually present when the world was created, anything a person believes must be based on faith. To believe in evolution is to accept something “by faith.” But sadly it is not “saving” faith. It is faith in a lie; and because of this; it is a “faith” that cannot save.

The Bible tells us that there is ample evidence for believing in God and His creative power. The book of Romans states: “For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes, His eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly seen, being understood through what has been made, so that they are without excuse.” (Romans 1:20 NASB) One need only to look at the uniformity of nature to see the evidence for a sovereign God. The earth spins at a constant rate. The earth rotates the sun at a constant rate. Water boils and freezes at a set temperature. This shows order and design. This show evidence for God.

The evolutionist is inconsistent. They say that everything came into being in a chaotic display of “chance.” But then they wish to cling to certain scientific laws that show the very opposite of chaotic chance. Either things exist by design or they do not. It can't be both.

God created everything out of nothing. Our world is orderly, but sinful. And as a result of sin we all need a savior. God also provided for that by sending His Son Jesus Christ into the world. All those who turn from their sin in repentance and commit their life to Jesus by faith will be saved. Or you can put your hope in a sinking ship. You can believe the lies of this world. Lies about creation. Lies about people. And lies about salvation. Someday everyone will know the truth about God. But “someday” it will too late to do anything about it. Trust in Christ today. His word is truth in a world full of lies.

 

Love Is Better Than Duty: The Link Between Einstein & Piper

By Shane Kastler

What is it that best motivates us to accomplish our goals in life? This question has been asked of those in every field of study known to man. Educators want to know how to motivate their students. And preachers how to motivate their congregants. Salesman want to motivate potential buyers; and politicians potential voters. To be sure, some of these craftsman ply their trade with deception and some with truth. But in both cases, the greatest motivation to get someone to accomplish a desired goal is love. If you can get them to “love” what your offering then they will move heaven and earth to get it. Commercials try to convince you that you can't live without a certain product. You're life will be better with “such and such” toothpaste. Your stomach will not be content until you eat at “such and such” restaurant. Your clothes will only sparkle with “such and such” detergent. While these examples are piddly when compared to the great things of the universe; they nevertheless reveal an underlying truth. Love is the greatest of motivations.

When world renowned physicist Albert Einstein was a boy his mother bought him a violin and arranged for him to take lessons. Einstein despised the idea. While clearly brilliant, Einstein was never the type to enjoy the forced discipline required in many educational endeavors. He chafed under the authoritarian rule of his native Germany. He referred to his school teachers as “drill sergeants” and often struggled with classroom tasks that involved rote. He is most well known today as a great scientist; but it wasn't rules that captured him. He was independent and creative. He did his best work when he was free from the bonds of intellectual shackles. If he was forced to learn something, he bristled and rebelled. But if he loved something, then all the forces in his life couldn't keep him from pursuing the goal.

Einstein eventually became a master violinist, but it wasn't because of a tyrant's whip; but rather a composer's song. Einstein hated the discipline required to learn the violin, until he heard one of Mozart's sonatas. The simplistic beauty and logical flow of the melody captured Einstein in a way that no amount of brute force ever could. In analyzing this aspect of his character Einstein remarked, “I believe that love is a better teacher than a sense of duty.” Einstein was right.

What motivates a Christian to follow Christ? Is it duty? Or is it love? This is a question that theologian John Piper has devoted much of his life to. His philosophy of “Christian Hedonism” is based on his famous quote, “God is most glorified in us when we are most satisfied in Him.” Piper teaches that devotion to God and personal joy are not at odds with one another. To the contrary they go hand in hand. The Psalmist wrote, “In thy presence is fullness of joy; at thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore.” (Psalm 16:11) Hearts that have been “born again” follow Christ because they have a new found love for him. Jesus said, “If you love Me, you will keep My commandments” (John 14:15 NASB) He DIDN'T say, “If you keep my commandments, THEN I will love you.” While the two statements might sound similar, their difference is both astounding and absolute. The two statements are polar opposites in the realm of salvation and motivation. The statement Jesus actually said, speaks of love. The second statement speaks of legalism. Sadly, most people fail to see this truth and thus turn Christianity into a works based merit system of self righteous accomplishment. They strive to obey, then expect love to be the result. Instead of striving to love Christ and watching obedience come forth as the result. In proverbial terms, they get the cart before the horse and fail to see that it is love for Christ that leads to the result of obedience unto him. And even this love for Christ is rooted in God's work, not man's. For the Scriptures teach, “We love because He first loved us.” (1 John 4:19)

I fear that many professing Christians majestically miss the point regarding Christian obedience. Is there a link between obeying Christ and being saved? Yes, but it's not the link that many think it is. Salvation is not the result of being obedient to Christ. Salvation is the CAUSE of being obedient to Christ. Mere obedience, apart from a changed heart, cannot save. Saul of Tarsus assumed he was justified by his works in his meticulous keeping of the Mosaic Law. But Christ taught him otherwise and Saul (otherwise known as Paul) later wrote, “But whatever things were gain to me, those things I have counted as loss for the sake of Christ. More than that, I count all things to be loss in view of the surpassing value of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and count them but rubbish so that I may gain Christ.” (Philippians 3:7-9 NASB) Paul praised the Romans, not because they were obedient. But more specifically, because they were “obedient from the heart.” He wrote, “Thanks be to God that though you were slaves of sin, you became obedient from the heart to that form of teaching to which you were committed.” (Romans 6:17) Obedience, in and of itself, is of no saving value. But obedience from the heart, gives the evidence of God's redeeming work in the darkened heart of a sinful man. Who once was blind, but now he sees.

This brings me back full circle, to Einstein and Piper. How could these two men be so infinitely different and yet come to such a similar conclusion regarding motivation? Einstein was not a Christian. But he was also not a militant atheist like many of the scientists of today. Einstein was probably best described as an agnostic, who claimed a certain amount of ignorance when it came to God. Nevertheless he marveled at the universe around him. And the more he studied, the more he marveled. He once wrote a friend saying, “We should never cease to stand like curious children before the great mystery into which we were born.” Being raised as a secular Jew, Einstein ultimately rejected the Bible as having stories that “were not possible.” His scientific mind rejected the notion of supernatural miracles; and yet ironically he once said, “There are only two ways to live your life: as though nothing is a miracle, or as though everything is a miracle.” He rejected miracles, while marveling that in a sense, life itself was a miracle. Einstein proved many theorems in his life. But sadly the one he proved most of all is found in Romans 1. “For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men who suppress the truth in unrighteousness, because that which is known about God is evident within them; for God made it evident to them. For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes, His eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly seen, being understood through what has been made, so that they are without excuse.” (Romans 1:18-20 NASB) The handiwork of God was “clearly seen” by Einstein and yet ultimately “suppressed” by a heart that was unchanged by the truth before him. Yet this didn't stop him from frequently commenting on the “mind of God” that had worked so meticulously in the universe. Maybe the most profound thing Einstein ever said was this: “A little knowledge is a dangerous thing. So is a lot.” For in his own life his vast knowledge led him to a place of being awestruck at God's handiwork, while refusing to give God the true credit for the work itself. As Paul would say of the Jews, “A veil lies over their heart.” (2 Cor. 3:15) And so it was with Einstein also.

Yet in the midst of spiritual darkness, Einstein perceived a kernel of Divine truth. Love is the greatest motivation. Piper wrote this when he described the “debtor's ethic.” The erroneous belief that we should be motivated by wanting to “pay back” God for His goodness to us. Piper writes, “We all know what the debtor's ethic is, even if we've never called it this. Suppose you invite me over for dinner. It is certainly right for me to feel gratitude. But O, how easily we distort this spontaneous response of joy into an impulse to pay back. You gave me an invitation and now I owe you one. When our virtue toward other people, or toward God, is born out of this sense of "paying back" we are in the grip of the debtor's ethic. What's gone wrong? It's not wrong to feel gratitude when someone gives us a gift. The trouble starts with the impulse that now we owe a “gift” What this feeling does is turn gifts into legal currency. Subtly the gift is no longer a gift but a business transaction. And what was offered as free grace is nullified by distorted gratitude." (Future Grace, pg. 32)

Even the unregenerate Einstein could see that this was wrong. Duty is not the greatest motivator. Fear is not the greatest motivator. Love is the greatest motivator. Einstein knew this, as it pertained to playing the fiddle, but he missed this as it pertained to knowing God. And therein lies the lesson for you and me.

When the “Heavens declare the glory of God and the skies His handiwork” (Psalm 19:1); you and I should respond with awestruck wonder at the majesty of the Almighty and humble ourselves in thankful admiration. When we experience the illumination of Divine grace that has “shone in our hearts to give the Light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Christ.” (2 Cor. 4:6) You and I should respond with the utmost gratitude that God has mercifully unveiled the truth of the gospel. When scientific knowledge teaches us about the intricacies of the universe, you and I should respond by marveling at the God who said, “Let their be light!” And then there was light. But in all of our awestruck amazement at the infinite glory of God, let us not accept the “debtor's ethic.” Let us not presume to “pay God back” when we are utterly and spiritually bankrupt in and of ourselves; and thus have nothing to offer the One who possesses all things. I guess, in an odd way, I'm encouraging you to let an agnostic rebuke you if you are legalistically inclined. Einstein was right about love being a better teacher than duty. And by God's grace, Piper wrote of this as applying to spiritual things as well. Einstein and Piper share the common trait of understanding correct motivation. Yet Einstein was blinded to the greater ramifications of this kernel of truth that he understood. While Piper has “eyes to see.”

Einstein's life is now over. Piper's will one day be. And what's more, yours and mine will soon be past as well. Let us not waste the few precious days we have on earth, by burying our intellects in the sand of science and doubt. Rather, let us use every tool at our disposal (including science) to point us to the supremacy of Christ and let us joyously pursue the life that comes by embracing a free gift that should not (and indeed cannot) be paid back. Let love for the Lord be your motivation for obedience. Let love, not duty, be your teacher.

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NOTE: To hear an audio sermon on this topic, click here.

Irrational Rationality: The Atheist's Rejection of the Christian God

By Shane Kastler

Recently I was criticized by an atheist who suggested my belief in God was irrational. He marveled that I could possibly believe in this “invisible, make-believe being” in the sky who orchestrated events on earth. Of course an easy rebuttal to this would be to ask the atheist if he believes in the existence of the wind. He might answer that we can observe the wind with our eyes as we watch the trees sway in the breeze; or on an even grander scale when we witness natural disasters such as tornadoes or hurricanes. Yet none of these things are actual wind. Rather, these things are the EFFECTS of the wind. The wind itself is invisible, yet how irrational would one have to be to deny it's existence?

The same is true of God. The evidence for God is compelling and persuasive; and the Bible says that God has made his presence known, even to the unbeliever. Furthermore he's made his presence so obvious that they are described in the Bible as being “without excuse.” “For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes, His eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly seen, being understood through what has been made, so that they are without excuse.” (Romans 1:20 NASB)

The creation itself screams of a Creator; and scripture tells us who this Creator is. As a Christian, it is hard to fathom how someone can look at the beauty of a tree, or the intricate design of the human body and not see the hand of God. Consider the earth, how it perfectly rotates at a constant speed for thousands of years. Never speeding up and never slowing down. How our planet sits suspended in space in the very same place in perfect relationship to the sun which gives us energy. If we drift closer to the sun we burn up. If we drift further away we freeze to death; and so we remain where we are. Is this the result of a cosmic accident? Is this the result of nothing more than chemical and biological processes being played out? To believe there is no cause and reason behind such intricate design is far more irrational than my belief in a God who I cannot see. Because, while I cannot see Him yet, “his eternal power and divine nature are clearly seen.” I can't see a hurricane, but I can witness it's utterly devastating effects; and the invisible God's impact on the universe that he created is far more powerful than any mere earthly storm.

Some atheists argue that to ask the question of who created the world is to make an unnecessary assumption. They argue that the universe does not require a cause and that Christians are simply forcing the question of creation, when the question itself doesn't need to be asked. Philosophers call this “begging the question.” Which is to say that we have God as our cause, even though he is not needed; so we invent a question whereby we can insert God as the answer. But when it comes to creation, the atheist does himself no favors by avoiding the question of causality. Suppress the question all you wish, there still resides in each of us this nagging and relentless consideration of how we got here. And why we are here. The atheist (indeed all forms of unbelievers) may tell you that they are too rational to entertain thoughts of a supreme being. But in moments of quiet when they have time to think and consider; if they are honest, they wonder. They wonder if they're right and many of them no doubt struggle with the “what ifs” of their present conclusions.

Is it irrational to believe in God? Not nearly as irrational as it is to refuse to believe. For to do this, one must not only deny what is evident through creation; one must also deny what they know deep down in their heart of hearts. “For even though they knew God, they did not honor Him as God or give thanks, but they became futile in their speculations, and their foolish heart was darkened.” (Romans 1:21 NASB)

It is fascinating to consider that the Bible tells us “they knew God.” Of course they didn't know him in a saving way; but they knew him in terms of his existence. The Apostle Paul said, “he is not far from every one of us.” (Acts 17:27) If man is really nothing more than the result of chemical or biological reactions; then order makes no sense. Yet we see incredible order in the universe. If the atheistic position is true, then why would we expect to see the freezing point be 32 degrees yesterday, today, and tomorrow? Why would it not be 80 degrees tomorrow? Then 115 degrees the next day? How do we account for such constancy in a world of random chance? The constancy is the result of a God of order who has created a world that is a reflection in some way of him. And to deny this is irrational.

In fact, it is irrational for the atheist to even claim rationality at all in a world that claims no God. What right would an atheist have to use constant, invariable laws to explain anything? In order to use laws of logic, for example, the atheist must borrow from the Christian worldview where things like logic make sense. An atheistic, “accidental” mindset cannot account for laws of logic, laws of science, or laws of anything. Random chance is there mantra; and if random chance is absolute truth, then nothing makes sense. We have no reason for 2 plus 2 to equal 4 tomorrow; as it does today. As I recently stated in a sermon, the reason 2 plus 2 equals 4 is because God says it does. It's God's imposing his order on the world he created that causes all truth to exist, including those branches which many consider nonspiritual (like mathematics).

So you can say whatever you wish and claim whatever you wish; but do not forget that this world you live in is God's world. You can deny the truth of God's word and even deny the very existence of God himself; but your very use of reason, logic, and rationality is a testimony in and of itself to his existence because nothing makes sense apart from God. This is why it's been said many times over that for the atheist to argue against the existence of God he must borrow from the Christian worldview to do it. The reasoning faculties that the unbeliever uses against God is ironically a faculty that was given to them by God. The strength they use to argue against God is strength that he himself provides; just as the very breath they breathe and use to curse him; is air they would not have if he didn't give it. There is a grace that God shows, even to the most ardent of unbelievers, that is common to all. As Paul also quotes in Acts 17:28 “in him we live and move and have our being.” And that wasn't all Paul had to say to the Greek philosophers of his day on Mars Hill. He also warned them of impending judgment and spoke of a salvation that can only come through Jesus Christ. “Therefore having overlooked the times of ignorance, God is now declaring to men that all people everywhere should repent, because He has fixed a day in which He will judge the world in righteousness through a Man whom He has appointed, having furnished proof to all men by raising Him from the dead.” (Acts 17:30-31 NASB)

Perhaps the unbeliever would be wise to consider these things? Consider whether or not there might be something to this God that you've spent years rejecting. Consider whether or not the Biblical claims of Christianity are indeed true. Consider whether or not those nagging questions that you have don't indeed have persuasive and factual answers. Consider how your very use of reason testifies that God exists and that he has spoken. And consider whether or not you should indeed believe and submit to the Lordship of Christ. Consider the rationality of your intellectual and spiritual position. And consider whether or not there may be some irrationality in your so-called rationality.

God's Glory in the Gray Owl: How Science Borrows From Creation

By Shane Kastler

Justin Jaworski is a Mechanical Engineer and a Professor at Lehigh University, who works with the United States government to develop advancements in design of aircraft and wind turbines. In a recent issue of Popular Mechanics magazine he talks about some of the work he is doing to reduce the noise made by a plane's wing. He has come up with several innovative methods regarding shape and material to use that almost reduces the noise to nothing. Interestingly enough, he got the idea from a hoot owl.

Jaworski notes that while visiting a bird sanctuary, a gray owl swooped down and flew at his face. While it was somewhat unsettling; he noticed that he could see the owl coming but not a sound was being made. He marveled at how the wings worked and how they seemed to be designed in such a flawless way that the bird's flight looked effortless and made no noise. Jaworski is now trying to take some of these concepts and imitate them in the design of aircraft.

I have no idea what Justin Jaworski's religious beliefs are; but as a Christian, I see a tremendous lesson in this story. Man in all of his growing brilliance, cannot even come close to designing a wing as effective as God does in His infinite brilliance. The greatest thoughts and designs man can conceive pale in comparison to what God can do. And mankind's greatest wisdom would be seen in looking to God, imitating Him, and giving Him all glory for what He has done.

The Bible says, “The Heavens declare the glory of God, the skies display His handiwork.” (Psalm 19:1) Even unbelievers have the capacity to look at nature and see clear evidence for God our Maker. The book of Romans says, “For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes, His eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly seen, being understood through what has been made, so that they are without excuse.” (Romans 1:20 NASB) God is there. And creation screams this at man. The question is: Do you see this? And based on this reality, are you living your life as you should?

In the Old Testament God said to Job: “Is it by your understanding that the hawk soars, Stretching his wings toward the south? Is it at your command that the eagle mounts up, And makes his nest on high? On the cliff he dwells and lodges, Upon the rocky crag, an inaccessible place. From there he spies out food; His eyes see it from afar." Job 39:26-29 God commands the birds and they obey him. Jesus commanded the wind and the waves and they obeyed Him (Luke 8:25). The evidence of God's presence can be clearly seen all around us. Even those who reject Him still marvel at his handiwork; yet refuse to admit that the handiwork indeed belongs to God.

An article from the Discovery Institute says this: “Jaworski points out three physical features of owls that allow them to hunt silently: (1) the leading edge of the wing "is made of stiff, evenly spaced, mostly aerodynamic fibers that reduce noise." (2) The upper surface of the wing is very fluffy, creating a buffer layer that reduces sound. It's organized fluff: "When examined under a microscope, said Jaworski, this structure looks like vertical strings with interlocking barbs at their tops." (3) The trailing feathers on the wing are flexible, reducing noise substantially.”

The article goes on to quote Jaworski as saying this: "The more closely you look at owl feathers, the more amazing they reveal themselves to be." I certainly cannot argue with his conclusion. And I marvel at God's creation.

The same God who created the world and all things in it has also provided the only means for salvation. For there is one name under Heaven by which we must be saved and that is Christ Jesus. (Acts 4:12) The Bible calls us to turn from our sin in repentance and submit to Christ by faith. We are to shun our glory and seek God's glory. We are to reject the world's ways and instead embrace God's way through His perfect Son Jesus Christ.

Creation tells you God is there. The Bible tells you even more about His nature, His attributes, and His way of salvation. And though you are a sinner by nature, the Bible says you are “without excuse” in your rejection of Him. Marvel at His creative power in things like the wing of the gray owl. Be mesmerized at His handiwork when you see a glorious sunset. And submit to His all powerful Son.  Only God has the ability to create the PERFECT wing for flight. And only God has the ability to save an imperfect sinner from their sin.

The Ham vs. Nye Debate: Faith, Foolishness, & The Sin Curse

By Shane Kastler

Last night a debate took place between Ken Ham and Bill Nye on the issue of Creation vs. Evolution. Nye the naturalist argued that the Biblical account of creation is unreasonable and should be rejected. From Nye's perspective, Biblical creationism is not only wrong but dangerous because he believes it holds back society at large. Recently he criticized “creationist” parents for teaching their children a Biblical worldview with this statement: “If you want to deny evolution and live in your world, in your world that’s completely inconsistent with everything we observe in the universe, that’s fine, but don’t make your kids do it because we need them. We need scientifically literate voters and taxpayers for the future.”

Ken Ham, on the other hand, argued for the Bible and from the Bible. But Ham is not “anti-science.” In fact he himself cited several observable facts from nature to argue for the validity of the Biblical account as the only thing that truly makes sense. Here are a few of my observations of the debate.

One point of disagreement was on the age of the earth. Ham holds to “Young Earth Creationism” which points to the Biblical account declaring the earth to be around 6000 years old. Nye's argument against this was that there are trees in California that we know are 6800 years old. Other trees are 9500 years old. My question for Nye would be: How do you know those trees are exactly that age? Were you there 9500 years ago when the tree sprouted? Of course the answer is that neither Nye nor Ham nor you nor I were there. So whatever you believe about the age of trees or fossils or anything else; unless you observed it with your eyes you are taking it by faith. It truly is remarkable, as Ham pointed out, how many different theories there are for dating something. And what a wide range of results you get based on the particular theory of testing. Ham cited an underground deposit of wood encased in rock that was tested by two different “experts.” One dated it at 45 million years old. The other dated it at 45 THOUSAND years old. I'm no scientist, but that sounds like pure guess work to me.

Another source of disagreement in the debate centered around the “Big Bang Theory.” According to Nye, something happened to set this whole creation process into motion. An explosion of some sort. I think most Christians would agree with Nye to certain extent. There was a creative cause to the earth and the universe; and perhaps there was even a big bang sound when God thundered: “Let There Be Light!” (Genesis 1:3) Even here you can see Nye being on the right track in perceiving a cause; but refusing to consider God as that cause. Theologically this can be explained.

In the debate, Nye repeatedly said, “now I'm no Theologian, but.....” This is where I wish to step in and observe. Because I might be classified as a “theologian” rather than a “scientist.” Bill Nye's utter rejection of God as a possible cause is a direct result of the sin curse. When Adam sinned; God broke the world, and confusion, pain, and misery has been the result. By our very nature, we don't think correctly regarding God. We reject Him and His ways. We think we know best. And we scoff at anyone who would disagree with us. This is not sign of tremendous intelligence, but rather foolishness. The Bible says: “The fool has said in his heart, 'there is no God.'” (Psalm 14:1) To see all of this intricate creation around you and declare that it was accidental is not only wrong, it is ridiculous. Indeed it is foolish. The Apostle Paul wrote these words: “For even though they knew God, they did not honor Him as God or give thanks, but they became futile in their speculations, and their foolish heart was darkened. Professing to be wise, they became fools.” (Romans 1:21-22) Never has this statement been more applicable than today. In all of our so-called scientific wisdom, we have become a world full of fools. But once again, I can explain this theologically. Man is totally depraved by nature, dead in sin from a moral standpoint; and will not submit to God apart from a supernatural work of the Spirit. Bill Nye would find that statement unreasonable, because he presupposes that any argument that even admits to the possible existence of God to be “unscientific.”

The biggest observation I took from the debate was this: “without faith it is impossible to please God.” What separates Nye from Ham is simply this: Ham is, by God's grace, a believer. Nye is not. All of the intellectual and scientific arguments in the universe will not make a man believe. God must grant spiritual life. And if God does not grant spiritual life, the sinner remains spiritually dead. “A natural man does not accept the things of the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him; and he cannot understand them, because they are spiritually discerned.” (1 Cor. 2:14) All debate ALWAYS boils down to this truth.

Both Nye and Ham are scientists by trade; and both can use a dizzying array of terms that most people are unfamiliar with. They both observe the same earth and the same universe yet come to vastly different conclusions. I, on the other hand, am not a scientist. My “trade” would be the study of theology and as such I can watch a debate like this; and clearly see the word of God verifying what I observed on the stage. As simplistic as this may sound, here is a basic fact: A believer “believes” and an unbeliever does not. Nye thought Ham's arguments were foolish; and Ham thought the same of Nye's. As a Christian I agreed with Ham and on one hand was tempted to marvel at Nye's rejection of what is obviously true. But as a Christian, who was once spiritually dead myself, I know from experience what Nye is enslaved to. What is obvious to the believer is not obvious to the unbeliever, for sin has blinded their eyes. The ultimate problem is not a lack of information or flawed reasoning skills. The problem is sin; which damages the heart beyond repair; apart from the grace of God.

Ken Ham cannot convince Nye of God's existence, nor of the validity of the gospel of Christ. Only God can open Nye's eyes. The Bible would rebuke an atheistic worldview such as Nye's as being “foolish.” But the Bible also explains full well why such a foolish worldview exists. The lack of faith leads to foolishness, in all things. Moral issues, political issues, and even scientific issues. The writer of Hebrews confirms the Genesis account with this statement: “By faith we understand that the worlds were prepared by the word of God, so that what is seen was not made out of things which are visible.” (Hebrews 11:3) Without faith we are nothing but fools. And apart from grace, we shall never have faith. If you're a Christian, pray for God to grant spiritual sight to the blind eyes of Bill Nye and others like him. You might have never been an atheist, but you were once spiritually blind and dead. And only the grace of God changed that. “By faith we understand.....” And apart from faith we perish. Ultimately, it is faith (or the lack thereof), not creation and evolution; that separates the world into two irreconcilable groups.