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“Pseudoscientific.” It means a theory about the natural world that claims to be scientific but is not. It’s a descriptor word you’ll find in the introduction of many Wikipedia pages about creationism including young earth creationism, Answers in Genesis, and the Creation Museum (1, 2, 3, 4). This is what young people read when they Google “creationism” – Wikipedia articles informing them right away that scientists who have dedicated their lives to researching and proving creationism are phonies. Creationism evidence will rarely be mentioned and when it is, it’s only to present a counter claim (but not the response to that counter). This is despite the fact that Wikipedia claims to have a neutral point of view and represent topics fairly and without bias (5).

Christian adults may see the bias immediately and understand that anyone is able to edit an article on Wikipedia. After all, evolution a divisive subject and there are probably thousands ready to edit any content showing evidence of creationism. But kids and teenagers don’t always know that. They may take the words on their screens as fact. Even beyond Wikipedia, there are countless websites that are antagonistic or dismissive of Christianity and the bible. These are the websites they may have to scour through when they learn about macro, Darwinian evolution at school. This may be why adults who walk away from Christianity cite “science” and “learning about evolution in college” as their causes (6).

Many of us know someone personally who abandoned their faith because they couldn’t reconcile the Book of Genesis and Darwinian evolution. Rhett McLaughlin from the famous YouTube channel, Good Mythical Morning, himself cited evolution as one of the causes of his spiritual deconstruction (7). He claimed that even works by Christians who affirm forms of macro-evolution didn’t help. It’s especially heartbreaking when you remember that McLaughlin got his start by creating comedy sketches for the Christian organization, Cru. He had even quit his job as an engineer to focus on evangelism and was once part of a Christian band. If Darwinian evolution sends so many young Christians into a faith crisis, why are we allowing them to enter adulthood completely unequipped to counter the claims of Darwin and defend what the bible teaches about creation? 

Losing Your Faith

You might be thinking, “Christians don’t need to learn about creationism versus evolution. It’s not important. They just need to study the bible.” While I get where you’re coming from, I want to challenge you. Yes, there’s nothing more important for a Christian to study than the bible. But if Christians in college are forsaking their salvation over something as “not important” as Darwinian evolution, doesn’t that mean evolution and creationism are worth studying? Darwinian evolution might be more important to Christians in high school and college than you realize. 

Think about it. Genesis teaches that God created the universe in six days. Darwinian evolution teaches that the universe came to be through an unguided process of chance. “Unguided” is the key word. Darwinian evolution asserts that there is no scientific evidence that God exists and created the universe. This leaves unprepared Christians with seemingly two choices: 1) accept that there is no God or 2) believe that God created the universe through Darwinian evolution. The first option has obviously devastating consequences. While the second may seem like the lesser of two evils, it tends to throw Christians down a slippery slope. When Christians try to reconcile the bible and Darwinian evolution, they must conclude that the creation account in Genesis is metaphorical, not literal. “That’s not too bad,” you might be thinking. But then a metaphorical interpretation of the whole bible becomes fair game. The flood is no longer literal. Neither is the virgin birth. Or the miracles Jesus performed. “But at least they’re still a Christian right? Even if they are a bit progressive,” you say. Well, they claim to be, until they get to the resurrection. After all, if nothing in the bible is literal, then Jesus didn’t actually die for our sins and rise from the dead. And if the story of cross didn’t really happen, then they don’t need to be a Christian. That’s where their faith evaporates. That’s why those two choices may as well be the same. 

Creationism and the Gospel

The study of creationism can be a lifeline for Christians entering college. Instead of being bombarded with new information on evolution that they don’t know how to answer, they’re expectant and prepared. They can present the theory of evolution accurately, alongside creationism. They’ve already studied the claims Darwinians throw at them and the evidence to counter those claims. They know the problems macro-evolution can’t seem to solve, and they know how to refute the common accusations against creationism. They learn to think for themselves, not just merely influenced by their church or college. They know the truth: that students, professors, and scientists who seem much smarter than them can still be wrong. They remain Christians. 

But we haven’t talked about another equally important reason why university bound Christians should study creationism – not just for their own salvation, but for the salvation of others. The ultimate hope for Christians who enter debates with proponents of Darwinian evolution is not to prove them wrong and make them feel foolish. It’s to win them over with the hope of the gospel. Sadly, there is no hope in Darwinian evolution. The universe and humanity appeared by chance and survival of the fittest. But in creationism, God made the world and all the people in it with a purpose. In creationism, there’s an answer for why the world exists – so God could have a saving, eternal relationship with His created beings whom He loves so much, He sent His Son to die for their sins. Studying creationism in high school helps Christians keep their faith in college. But it can also open the door to gospel conversations with not-yet-believers and bring them to Christ.

After building a nationwide firm, Russ Miller gave it away in 2000 to go into creation ministry. He shares in churches and conferences, on Christian television and radio programs, and leads his Grand Canyon & Grand Staircase tours, always encouraging people to believe the Bible — Word for Word and cover to cover. He has authored 5 books and two kids coloring books, and developed his popular teachings and website www.CreationMinistries.Org. Russ has 174 college credits, primarily business-oriented, and is an effective communicator with teens, college students and adults, always sharing information in an easy-to-understand manner.