Texas Baptist Forum

Oversimplification

In “Pursuing theology & science” (Feb. 28), Don Schmeltekopf greatly over-simplifies the problem with evolution. He suggests the theory’s opponents base their opposition on a literal interpretation of the Bible. Some still do, perhaps, but serious opposition is based on science itself.

Numerous books authored by scientists, lawyers and other respected investigators spell out the real reasons the theory fails. Some of these reasons are:

• It doesn’t account for the fossil record that clearly shows the theory’s prediction of new species being evolved through many eons of transitional forms is not in accord with the actual fossil record.

• It is at a loss to explain how the many physiological complexities of life could have been formed in evolution’s step-wise procedure operating over many millions of years with no purposeful planning guiding its development.

• It offers no credible explanation for how life began in the first place, or for that matter, why the universe itself is even here, inasmuch as true evolutionists start with the assumption that no outside influence—read God—was involved.

In closing, Schmeltekopf says, “Conflict between biblical theology and scientific knowledge simply is not warranted.” This glosses over the basic tenet in the theory of evolution—life on Earth began and evolved without any input from a supernatural source. It specifically excludes any help from God. In other words, it denies God. Does the good doctor see no conflict here?

Ken Boren

Rowlett

 

Missions reciprocity

The article on reciprocity in missions (March 14) sets a very positive tone about missionaries working in close cooperation with communities and churches overseas.

But if we stop and think about it, this can only happen in situations where we build relationships and understand each other. Participants in brief mission trips, unable to converse directly with the broader community, will not be able to engage in this level of reciprocity.

We can still use people on short-term trips, but we desperately need the long-term missionaries who live in communities, learn languages, develop relationships and then build reciprocal programs.

Pete Unseth

Duncanville

 

‘Active elderly’

Being almost 80, I am one of the “active elderly” Tom Ehrich refers to (Feb. 14), saying we are cursed with remembering and wants to get us out of the control of the church.

Most churches would be in bad shape if it were not for the active elderly. God is in control, and the church is not brick and mortar. The church is all the members, sinners saved by grace, and we meet in the sanctuary of the church buildings.

He says there won’t be any church buildings, since everybody will be in small groups and no Sunday school or Sunday worship. I wonder what church he belongs to.

We don’t need to be concerned about marketing, etc. Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today and tomorrow. We should not forsake the assembling together. We are to be in the world but not of the world, and I fear some radical contemporary music is of the world.

We should all be more concerned about the message of salvation than the mechanics and delivery of that message. Our church’s mission is “to lead all people into a life-changing, ever-growing relationship with Jesus Christ.”

Well, as a church consultant, I hope Ehrich agrees with that mission.

Howard Anderson

Longview

 

What do you think? Send letters to Editor Marv Knox by mail: P.O. Box 660267, Dallas 75266-0267; or by e-mail: [email protected].