London School of Theology on Creation and Evolution

The Spring 2009 edition of London School of Theology’s InSight Magazine carries several short pieces devoted to the creation-evolution discussion.

It kicks off with a guest feature by Denis Alexander outlining reasons for the current antipathy towards evolution (it comes loaded with ideological connotations, the growth in biblical literalism, the power of modernism, and anti-science trends amongst Christians), concluding that ‘we do not need to choose between creation or evolution, because the two words are referring to two levels of complementary discourse’ (3).

Simon Steer makes a plea for our theology to be ‘ecologically literate’, showing how this is rooted in a biblical theology of creation, of the nature of humanity as created in God’s image, the emphasis on creation care throughout Scripture, as well as in the Trinity, sin, christology, and eschatology.

Graham McFarlane notes the importance of worldview, and suggests that ‘popular perceptions of evolution on their own are incapable of producing a viable worldview in which all human beings have worth whatever their status or capacity’ (7).

Jules Gomes questions whether the claims made for the scientific evidence of evolution are overdrawn.

Julie Robb acknowledges that micro-evolution occurs even while questioning whether macro-evolution (between species) does, and suggests we start by acknowledging the difference between theology and science, and ‘recognise the limits of each’ (11).

John Azumah reflects on African creation myths, noting the twofold function of such stories – to provide explanations for the ‘why’ of society, and to impart a particular value – and showing how this applies to the biblical story of creation and salvation.

Steve Motyer muses on how God works in his world, frequently in hidden, unexpected and less-than-obvious ways, and sometimes leaving us with questions, but always, with Paul in Romans 11:33-36, leading us to amazement and praise.