When Facts Aren't Facts
II Timothy 3:14-15
But as for you, continue in the things which you have learned and been assured of, knowing from whom you have learned them, and that from childhood you have known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus.
Canadian and U.S. papers have been filled with the results of recent polls in both countries that tested members of the public by asking some scientific questions. The problem is, both polls were heavily stacked with questions that resulted in so called "wrong" answers if the respondent didn't believe in evolution. Since more than 10% of the questions dealt with evolution, we can assume that the real purpose of the "poll" was to make belief in evolution look the same as "scientific literacy."
Consider the questions asked. Of the 14 questions, one read; "Human beings as we know them today developed from earlier groups of animals." Obviously the so called "correct" answer is "true." Another question asks: "The earliest humans lived at the same time as dinosaurs." And the "correct" answer to this is "false."
The poll does show widespread ignorance of science in real areas of science. A scientist who didn't know that light travels faster than sound would be considered unfit to do science. Measurements of the speed of light and the speed of sound are easily done and offer consistent results.
But no one has ever measured - no less reproduced - the results that the poll claims are "correct" about evolution! Many scientists, including some who are very famous, would also have insisted on the so called "wrong" answers about evolution! The lesson for us is that, as Christians, we need to read and listen very carefully to what is called "news," because some of it really isn't based upon fact at all.
Prayer:
Dear Lord; I thank You that unlike man's writings Your Word is absolutely perfect and accurate in everything it tells me. Help me to remember that the purpose of Your Word is to make me wise unto salvation, which is in Jesus Christ. Amen.
Notes:
Read it and weep. The Globe and Mail (Toronto), Mar. 1, 1990. p. A7.
