Deist Clockwork Evolution vs Creationism vs Atheistic Evolution
All too often, those who take up this topic for debate neglect to acknowledge the third option.
It seems strange to me that proponents of either of the two extremes, Creationists, and Atheistic Evolutionists actually agree with each other on the issue of this exclusion. They each often adamantly express objection to any attempt to combine the concepts of their two diametrically opposed viewpoints, even though a growing majority of people in both the West and East tend to accept it as the greatest of likelihoods. Personally, I see their vehement exclusion of the “Creation by Evolution Theory” as both short sited, and indicative of possessing an inherit fear of the obvious. For it is those who refuse to be intimidated by the extremists, who gladly embrace the realization that creation by means of evolution, undoubtedly comes closer to the truth than any other perspective.
Darwinian Irony
It is ironic and interesting to note that Charles Darwin, when he proposed his original evolution theories, did not see it, nor did he present it, as an atheistic alternative to God’s creation, but rather as an explanation of the method by which God created and subsequently diversified life through the process of natural selection. See my earlier article: Charles Darwin was not an Atheist! As proven in that article, with Darwin’s own words, he saw no reason for his theories to be a problem for religious people. He was himself a Deist, and never suggested evolution as a contradiction to Divine design. Adding further irony to this matter, the fact that Darwin was a Deist, is yet another thing the extremists at both poles of this debate don’t want you to know. Just as they agree on the exclusion of Deist Evolutionary Theory from the debate, they don’t like people having the knowledge of Darwin’s Deist viewpoint; that in fact the “father” of evolution theory was not an Atheist, but embraced a Deist Evolutionary philosophy.
Evolution Does Not Substitute Nor Contradict Creation
It is that genuinely Deist and original Darwinian perspective, which I embrace. Evolution is not a godless contradiction to Creation. It is not a theory to replace God, but rather it is an examination of how God did it. Evolution is the means of creation, and the further diversification of life, not a substitute for Divine involvement in the process.
Even Genesis Concurs
Even when we look at the creation stories in the book of Genesis in the Bible, {written in a culture and time period that lacked an understanding of the processes of evolution, as we comprehend it today}, we see a pattern of God starting with the creation of simpler “lower” life forms working up toward the increasingly complex, more highly evolved forms. While the biblical writer did not know the modern language of evolution, his inspiration still gave him an intuitive grasp of it, presenting the creation according to a general evolutionary sequence. Ultimately, it is easy to see that humankind did not create evolution, God did. We merely discovered it, a long time after the fact.
Deist Clockwork Cosmos
The Deist Clockwork Cosmos is one in which God set in motion a set of physical laws governing the evolution of all things, both living and non-living elements of the Cosmos. This theory is not to be mistaken for the more recent so called “Intelligent Design Theory”, which is little more than a thinly veiled variant of Creationism. The Deist Clockwork Cosmos Theory has actually been around much longer, and proceeds from neither a theological nor a dogmatic view. It does not attempt to impose any limitations or anthropomorphic attributes upon the designer. Rather, it merely states that since the Universe exhibits design, there must have been a designer. It can not presume to know the nature of that designer, and consequently does not try to do so.
Cosmic Design or Happen Chance?
In the Deist Cosmos, planets evolve, stars evolve, whole star systems evolve, galaxies evolve, and even galactic clusters evolve. And within this starry arena that we call the Universe, myriad forms of life have undoubtedly also evolved, spread throughout the trillions upon trillions of specs of light in the night’s sky and beyond. Could all of this have just come about by some happen chance? Could it have simply fallen into existence, without some form of intelligence actually putting it into motion? It may be true that at this time, we can not prove the existence of a creator/designer. Just the same, the Universe spreads before our eyes, crying out loud that it was designed. And the grand designer of it all, must by definition be God. In the end, there is actually no debate; both evolution and creation are real. The one simply explains how the other was done. In reality they are not contradictory at all. Consequently, the so-called “Monkey Trial” was a complete waste of time and money. It was all staged anyway, as a distraction from issues of real substance. Such is the typical nature of politics and media working together. It was true then, and remains so, today. But that is another story, and an altogether different debate.
Simple Elegant Truths
Some may say these arguments are simplistic. That may be true, but then the world is filled with simple elegant truths. That does not make them any less valid. If indeed Deist Evolution is such an elegant and simple truth, then most people should easily accept it as possible, even probable. I have found that as I’ve discussed this topic with many people, those who reject this notion are actually a highly vocal minority on both sides. The real numbers of the extremists are rather low. It does appear that most people see this debate as a non-issue, for evolution by design emerges as the most plausible explanation of the way things are put together on this Earth, and indeed throughout the Cosmos. God’s creation is a carefully designed clockwork, which once set in motion continues to function without need of further “Divine” intervention. We are a part of that clockwork, and like all of the other parts, we too are engaged in the on-going process of evolution, both physical and psycho/spiritual.
Stimulation of Debate
I hope this article will stimulate a debate on this topic. If it does, I will likely draw upon concepts and ideas from our ensuing discussion as a springboard for an Evolution/Creation disquisition. By participating in this discussion you will contribute to the thoughts, which will ultimately go into that paper.
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User Comments
Mary Alice
On October 2, 2007 at 1:35 pm
Some of this is what I’ve been saying all along. Who are we to tell God or second guess God? If God wanted to say “Let there be light” and there was light, etc. or if he set things in motion by design or DNA, etc. God can do it whatever way He wants to. Humankind, cells, and animals have evolved. From a monkey – I don’t know.
Howard W
On October 3, 2007 at 6:44 am
Evolution is science. Creationism is religion. I don’t see any need to make Creationism (or Deism) a scientific explanation. I’m not really bothered by the apparent contradiction, just like I’m not bothered that Steven Hawkin isn’t Jesus. Just two different animals.
Deism does have one major flaw. It portrays a very cruel Deity who designed one very flawed universe then casually walked away to let us suffer without meaning and purpose. I have nothing against Deism, but it does leave us with a godless universe, just like atheism. Or worse, God continues to create and create and create, totally callous to the pain and suffering It causes.
Either way, it’s not a very meaningful existence.
Rose Singer
On October 3, 2007 at 9:31 am
Excellent article.
I enjoyed reading this.
Bill
On October 3, 2007 at 4:21 pm
Howard,
Interesting argument, however, one could say the same about a theistic God. Isn’t such a God, who watches over us, yet still allows our suffering, just as cruel? Perhaps even more cruel, for such a God could intervene, yet does not, except for an occasional “chosen” few. If this is the nature of God, to play favorites with some, while allowing others to suffer, sometimes horribly, I’d say that God was even more cruel than a Deity who lovingly set in motion all of the laws and principles of the Universe. Being a part of this creation, it is our responsibility to be co-creators with God, and use the principles of creation to alleviate our suffering. We must take accountability for our suffering and continue to evolve, not just physically, but sociologically, and emotionally, and in our compassion for one another. In doing so, we are to reach out to one another, and sooth the suffering. This too is part of our evolution, as provided by the Cosmological Deistic God.
And Rose, glad you liked it.
Laura
On October 8, 2007 at 1:46 am
“…So by means of evolution, God has provided the Universe with the necessary tools for its ultimate perfection. That perfection simply hasn’t reached completion yet. It’s unreasonable to just expect everything to instantly be perfect, without first growing toward that perfection…”
The scriptures speak of this very kind of thing. In I Corinthians 3:2 “…I feed you with milk, not solid food, for you are not ready for solid food. Even now you are still not ready…” And again in Hebrews 5:13 & 14 “…You need milk, not solid food…(14)…But solid food is for the mature.”
Evolution takes many forms. Certainly all those mentioned in your article and the comments but even our own intelligence is evolving. I watch my 2 year old grandchild and see evolution taking place as I watch. She is learning, expanding her vocabulary, developing social skills that will carry her through her entire life. She is evolving through her dexterity and her balance, through her reasoning out of simple little problems or her honing of her thought processes when she sees something and figures out what it means or does. I am constantly evolving and pray that I will up to my last breath. I am learning still at 56 and hope that I can always do so. My body has evolved, my ability to reason out and choose my own path is an evolution from the rigid and smothering religion I CHOSE to leave. Evolution is simply part of life. How many times have we heard it said that you are born, you grow, and then you die? THAT’S EVOLUTION!
This is a topic that could really be debated for ages…hey! What am I saying?? It HAS been and continues to be! As long as we can debate and learn from one another with understanding and tolerance we’ll be ok!
shane
On November 11, 2007 at 11:51 am
interested readers/seekers are encouraged to check out the book creative evolution by henri bergson written in the late 1800’s. it should be required reading in college evolution classes.
Samuel Z Jones
On February 18, 2008 at 7:01 pm
I’m leaning towards the idea that humans were created by aliens mucking about with our DNA. I’m not saying its a fact; evolution and creationism are theories too, or we wouldn’t be having the debate. The alien idea does clear up some inconsistencies that evolution prefers not to address, such as the ‘missing link’ and the absence of evolution from one animal into another; meanwhile, creationism would dismiss DNA and all the science that backs up evolution. Aliens; there’s your third option.
Cindy
On March 1, 2008 at 8:06 am
The religious Fairy Tale has more meaning ?
I was a christian for 25 years, and deity of God on Deist thought makes more sense.
As I am NOW finding.
God in the bible does not talk about DNA, interesting!!
ranfuchs
On March 8, 2008 at 6:45 am
Although I can agree with your argument, the main problem for many religious people is that evolution as a processes are random and unpredictable. That is, the creator could not have planned (although his ability to know past and future he must have known) This, makes many religious people reject your view.
Bill M. Tracer
On March 8, 2008 at 9:54 am
Ranfuchs, I believe I can partially answer that concern with a quote from page 3 of one of my more recent articles, “Is it Irrational to Believe in God?” – found at: http://tinyurl.com/ytq6be :
“…we once believed that such things as the growth patterns of tree branches, and the networks of tree roots, the contours of mountain chains, and the directional meanderings of rivers and streams were random, because that was the simplest of explanations. But with the discovery of fractal geometry, we’ve learned that these natural patterns conform to the mathematical principles of this beautiful geometry. These chaotic patterns were never random at all, but instead so complex in their geometry that they appeared random to us before we understood the fractal mathematical principles governing them…”
Let me add to this quote by saying that just as these patterns appeared random to us, before Mandelbrot discovered fractal mathematics, there may be yet undiscovered principles of evolution incorporated into its design, which once realized, will expand our currently limited perspective and help us see the extent to which it is not random at all. It may well be that from our finite point of view, we may not be capable of truly comprehending the way God uses what we see as random as a complex part of Cosmic design. I remember once seeing a sculpture. I’m sorry to say, I’ve forgotten where. But anyway, when one looked at this sculpture from most perspectives, it just appeared to be a jumbled mess of random forms, representing nothing comprehensible. However, when one changed ones point of view and looked at it from a specific angle, suddenly an ordered pattern molded into view. This sculpture wasn’t just a random mess after all; it had design. We’ve only just begun to glean knowledge of the wonderful Universe in which we live, and as we gather more we start to catch a glimmer of Cosmic Design. The Universe is much more complex than that sculptor’s creation, so it may take us longer to find the necessary knowledge to expand our perspective enough to see the order in chaos, but if we keep searching we will find it. There is still so much more to learn. The quest continues.
Daniel Mesmer
On March 21, 2008 at 7:30 pm
I independently came to the same conclusions you reach, some time ago. Thank you for writing this article. It needed to be written, and it needs to be read. I have added a link to the article on the “Deist Links” web page at http://tvftm.com.
Bill M. Tracer
On April 4, 2008 at 7:21 am
Thank you Daniel,
Yes, many have independently come to the same conclusion. As I point out in the paragraph subtitled “Simple Elegant Truth”, and I quote, “It does appear that most people see this debate as a non-issue, for evolution by design emerges as the most plausible explanation of the way things are put together on this Earth, and indeed throughout the Cosmos.” Those who see this are the true majority, but we do need to be more vocal about that. Thanks again, for putting my link on the Deist Links list.
Take Care,
Bill
tonisan60
On August 9, 2008 at 12:20 pm
CLAPS, CLAPS, CLAPS, CLAPS AND MORE CLAPS, this is an amazing article, one of the best I’d ever read, my compliments to your excelent work, very well done.
Bill M. Tracer
On September 22, 2008 at 12:09 am
Thank you, Tonisan60, for that exuberant and enthusiastic response.
Eddy Pengelly
On December 16, 2008 at 4:22 pm
Creationism is based upon the premise that Genesis Chapter 1 is describing a divine act.
It is not.
In the book A NEW PERSPECTIVE (PPHC, 2004), the Australian researcher, Ronald Pegg, shows from where the Genesis 1 story originated. (Chapter 2 – The Creation Myth Exposed)
Is he right ?
Did a Time Traveller (aka angelic messenger, but in this case perceived as GOD) show the Egyptian priest Moses images of future technology and an account of future events (as reported and explained by Pegg) ?
Resource link: http://www.pphcstudygroup.org.au/ebooksales
dautsey
On December 28, 2008 at 4:00 pm
LOL well so many just do not at all know God or much about him or his family, plans or purpose. People like to creat God in their own image rather than actually learning who and what God is and the family is about. Why, how and the plans for 99.9 percent of humanity to have eternal life as part of the God family. Looks like hubby and I need to put some articles on here. God is not at all what people think. Enlightening topic. Jen
Art
On March 21, 2009 at 1:26 pm
Well, all this is fun. I walk in a preserve known as Payne’s Prarie in Florida. One day, beginning in te morning, my wife and I along with 5 other people went hiking. About 2 hours in, I suddenly had a thought based on the poops of the creatures that live on this preserve. Here is a partial list: alligators, buffalo, horses, bear, vultures, crow and quite a few more. So there I begin to think about early man with a somewhat rational mind. Early man with the rational mind by the way. Mine is irrational, but getting better, I think. So early man really had no clothes as he was no better than the animals and he had to learn how to adapt or die. This is the same for us today. I then thought, if an alligator was hungry and I had to sleep, I became his meal. The same with the bear, we all know about bears shredding humans and enjoying their flesh, even after the people became friends with the family of bears. As you can see, it is about survival of the fittest. The problem with this survival thing is that it causes war. I would think it is enough to calmly sit down and converse about our differences with one another. My wife and I are not the typical subservient family structure. We both research and learn new things every day and therefore we both ALWAYS have something to say to others as well as one another. Sometimes, it is not very pleasant. Look at all the wars in our history. Wars happen where there is no regard for human life, similar to gang and drug wars in society. Our society creates criminal behavior when people put others down. In America, we have 5 classes of incomes and how they behave. #1. The super rich with money from their families. This 2 or less percent make money by giving people what they think they need and want. They know how to make people jealous and envious of one another. I used to say that it was sinful to be jealous and envious of another group, but that is our world as I know it. #2. The rich. They are worth a few billion dollars and behave in a similar way to the super rich, except they know the value of hard work and doing whatever it takes to conquer and survive. #3. The upper class. They are worth up to a few hundred million. They know that they can lose their fortune any time because they are gamblers in life. They will party and enjoy the good life because they know they could do it all over again. #4. The middle class and part of the lower income class. These are the people that live on the edge. Always wondering what they can do to make more. These are ambitious and generally great honest folks. They are envious of the super rich. They want it but do not have the vision and drive to create a new paradigm of their financial empire. They often have to rely on the poor folks to work for them and/or buy their products. #5. These are people that just seem to have it hard almost all the time. Their mindset is to live like the rich on other peoples’ money or just live on the streets just getting by on a day to day basis. I was here even though I did not live on the streets. I always found money to live and party. I always wanted certain cars. I found ways to get them even though they were used. I travelled all around our country and learned an awful lot about life. I very enthusiastically used my thumb and feet. No regrets by the way.
So being in this position left me feeling kind of empty, so I looked in to pentecostalism. I thought they were the zippiest of all the religions. They seemingly were full of energy. Well, truth be known, they as a religion had serious issues. My life went to hell when I started to think that I needed god to make things happen in my life and I blamed the devil or satan for all the discord in my life. You see, for me, it was all about the “blame game.” This is what our country does politically every single day in Washington, DC. All the different professional politicians and pundits and PACs all blame others for the conditions of the world. Stop blaming god, the devil and your fellow man. Love one another and be supportive when you can. Forget about dominating other peoples’ lives. Live a full life that is happy. I have many bibles, Qurans, The Gita and many others gurus ideas on life. Still, it is all about love and respect for all of life on this planet. We need one another as a species. Stop killing all life and show love to yourself!
john@macadie.com
On June 12, 2009 at 8:31 am
thank you #17 art
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