Is God Just the Product of Evolution?

Well, a team of researchers from the University of British Columbia in Canada says that their research shows that “complex modern societies may have grown and prospered thanks to a pervading fear of moralistic, all-knowing and, above all, punitive gods.” Apparently they found that, regardless of religion, “believers widely respond to fear of reprisals from a supernatural being. And this fear can help drive model behaviour.” Supposedly the idea that a deity was watching your behavior from above helped early humans to cooperate and “play fair” with one another, including with those from other groups. Eventually this shared belief is thought to have allowed smaller groups to merge with larger groups, building more complex societies.

Now, of course, God did not evolve. He was here before earth was created, and He will be here long after earth is gone (Psalm 90:2). He is the Creator of everything, not the product of fanciful imaginations. Over the course of history, mankind has forgotten their Creator and has invented all kinds of gods to explain the creation and what they see around them, but the one true God has revealed Himself to us in His Word and has even told us that people would forget Him and create gods of their own imaginings.

Because, although they knew God, they did not glorify Him as God, nor were thankful, but became futile in their thoughts, and their foolish hearts were darkened. Professing to be wise, they became fools, and changed the glory of the incorruptible God into an image made like corruptible man—and birds and four-footed animals and creeping things. (Romans 1:21–23)

Really, evolution is just another one of these gods that mankind has made. In an attempt to explain life and the universe without a Creator that they are accountable to, sinful humans have invented the idea of evolution. In their minds, this allows life and the universe to exist without the need for God. But because they have to somehow explain why people all over the world believe in God or a god, they appeal to evolution.

But the Bible tells us why all people know there is a God, “because what may be known of God is manifest in them, for God has shown it to them. For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even His eternal power and Godhead, so that they are without excuse” (Romans 1:19–20). It shouldn’t surprise us that people all over the world, from the earliest times have recognized that there is a God but have, in their sinfulness, made that god in their own image. “For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who suppress the truth in unrighteousness, because what may be known of God is manifest in them, for God has shown it to them” (Romans 1:18-19).

The next time that someone tells you that God is just the product of evolution, direct them to God’s Word. Show them how Romans 1 makes it clear that everyone knows there’s a God but that people have suppressed and twisted that belief. The knowledge of God found all around the world, in every culture, from earliest times, is a confirmation of the Word of God, not of evolutionary ideas. Then point them toward the only God who saves—the Lord Jesus Christ. All who put their faith and trust in Jesus Christ will be forgiven and will spend eternity with Jesus Christ in Heaven. That’s the good news of the gospel that all people everywhere need to hear!

Thanks for stopping by and thanks for praying,
Ken

This item was written with the assistance of AiG’s research team.