Creation and evolution. The topic alone gets your attention.
A Columbia International University Chapel in September featured a panel discussion on the topic. The panel moderator was the Dean of the Seminary & School of Counseling Dr. David Croteau. He was joined by Professor of Old Testament Dr. Ben Noonan, and the Dean of Health Professions Dr. David DeWitt as they discussed evolution, and the theories of young and old earth creationism from a biblical worldview.
The first question concerned the genre and historicity of Genesis, which both Noonan and Dewitt confirmed to be reliable historical narrative as the base of their discussion.
According to DeWitt, “the major issue in evolution is the role of death,” noting evolution requires millions of years of death before the first sin was committed.
DeWitt added that when one realizes how fearfully and wonderfully people are made, it inspires awe and worship of God. With this in mind, he strongly encouraged the student body to have a consistent biblical hermeneutic when it comes to looking at creation.
The panel members acknowledged that Christians could have various views on the age of the earth and still have unity in the centrality of the gospel message.
“We can agree to disagree and still practice evangelical unity,” said Noonan, noting evangelical unity is a CIU core value.
Croteau added that we need to “major on the majors” or in other words, keep in mind what is necessary to believe as a Christian and still have unity despite what we can disagree about.
After the chapel, several students expressed interest in knowing more about the various views on creation.
Be sure to hear the panel discussion in its entirety on CIU’s chapel podcasts.
(Above left to right: Dr. Ben Noonan, Dr. David Croteau, Dr. David DeWitt)
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