7 Ways to Defend Creationism in a Secular World

Creationists maintain that the universe, the Earth, and all that is in them—stars, planets, moon, sun, animals, plants, and humans—owe their existence to a Divine Creator, whom we know as God. God, with his words, gave life to everything and everyone, and he did so in six days. This belief is based on the Genesis 1-3 account of the beginning of time and life, and it’s long been held by most mainline denominations, both Protestant and Catholic.

While all Creationists agree that God is sole Creator, some differ on the age of the earth based on the interpretation of the word day (Hebrew, “yom”). This is one of those “mysteries” that we cannot explain with 100 percent certainty. God did not explicitly define the word day (Hebrew “yom”) in the Genesis account, leaving it open to some interpretation.

To that end, there has sprung up two camps regarding this issue: Young Earth and Old Earth Creationists. Young Earth Creationists interpret day as a literal 24 hours, which in their estimation makes the Earth between 6,000 and 10,000 years old. Old Earth Creationists, on the other hand, maintain that day refers to a much longer length of time—say, one thousand years—based on 2 Peter 3:8 (“One day is as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day”). They claim that Earth is closer to 13.7 billion years old. They also base this belief on scientific evidence, namely carbon dating, archeological evidence such as fossils, and space exploration.

Regardless of where one stands on this issue—Young or Old Earth—however, it is not relevant to the existence of God, his role as Creator, or to the salvation he offers through grace and faith in Jesus Christ (Ephesians 2:8-9). As the idiom goes, “It’s not a hill worth dying on.”

Regarding individual species—cows, lions, dolphins, alligators, pelicans, and so on—Creationists believe that each was created “according to its own kind.” A cow was created as a cow, a lion a lion, etc. They did not, as Evolutionists claim, evolve from one species into an entirely different species (i.e. fish evolved into lizards). This belief includes human beings; we did not evolve through a biological process from one life form into humans, as Evolutionists also claim. (More about this in #3. God’s Word.)

With regards to science, Creationists say that science supports Creation.

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Evolutionists cite science alone as the foundation of their beliefs in the existence of the universe and world. They refuse to attribute creation to God (or to any Higher Power, for that matter). Rather, they hold to the doctrine of Charles Darwin (known as Darwinism), who stated that “all species of organisms arise and develop through the natural selection of small, inherited variations that increase the individual’s ability to compete, survive, and reproduce.”

All species, including humans, evolved through a series of biological processes (natural selection and gradual adaptations across generations; survival of the fittest through certain heritable traits) until they reached their present state of existence. They cite anatomy, molecular biology, biogeography, fossils, and direct observations as the basis for their beliefs.

Evolutionists also believe that all species, including humans, are still evolving today. Humans are continually adapting to changing environments and infectious diseases. Those with stronger systems seem to survive and pass their genes on to the next generation. Scientists say they have even observed examples of evolving physical traits in certain species, including humans.

Conor Feehly at Discover Magazine writes, “Broadly speaking, evolution simply means the gradual change in the genetics of a population over time. From that standpoint, human beings are constantly evolving and will continue to do so long as we continue to successfully reproduce.” Feehly reports that better agricultural practices, modern medicines, and even the Cesarean section are among those cited as contributors to human evolution.

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There is yet another theory of universal existence: The Big Bang Theory, which is different from evolution. This theory posits that “the universe began as an infinitely small, hot, and dense point, which rapidly expanded and continued to stretch over 13.7 billion years. This initial period of rapid inflation set the stage for the vast and still-growing cosmos we observe today.” This theory is supported by 'advanced mathematical models and simulations' and is 'widely supported within the scientific community.”

Big Bang Theorists, like Evolutionists, do not acknowledge God’s hand in the creation of the universe or the Earth, either. Creation, they claim, was a naturalistic process, governed only by physical laws outside of a supernatural being.

There is also a group, BioLogos, that promotes theistic evolution, or Evolutionary Creationism, proposing that evolution and Scripture are actually complementary. “ECs accept evolution as the best scientific explanation we have for how life on Earth has changed over time….EC is neither science nor theology, but an explanatory system that seeks to incorporate the best scholarship from each.”

Adherents of both Creation and Evolution—the focus of this article—can (and do) cite scientific facts to support their sides. And both would be right. Which means that the argument for or against either view comes down to two opposing points, cites Answers in Genesis. “Creation vs. evolution is not a battle of science vs. the Bible or science vs. faith. It’s a battle between…God’s Word and man’s word. Which starting point you chose will determine how you interpret the evidence.”

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1. With Prayer & the Spirit

All earthly and spiritual endeavors—including defending our beliefs: creation, pro-life, salvation in Christ alone, etc.—must be supported by prayer and the empowerment of the Holy Spirit. Particularly when dealing with controversial topics and being confronted by those who hold opposing even hostile views, we need to seek the Spirit’s presence (so that he is with us in the discussion), his power (so that it is his words and not our own with which we speak), and his protection (against anger, defensiveness, a sense of self-righteousness, and from devolving into a heated debate that won’t profit anyone or glorify God). 

2. With God’s Existence

When talking about Creation, Creationists acknowledge that God exists. Period. And that he existed before Creation, and that, logically, the world’s existence—in all its complexities and mysteries—is proof that he is the Creator. Support for the latter belief comes from Romans 1:20, ^“For [God’s] invisible attributes, namely, his eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly perceived, ever since the creation of the world, in the things that have been made. So, they are without excuse.” 

Creationists further cite Psalm 19:1 as evidence, “The heavens declare the glory of God, and the sky above   proclaims his handiwork.” The visible and invisible world—humans, gravity, trees, oceans, food, sky, wind, photosynthesis, animals, sun, oxygen, rain…all of nature and its sustaining elements—speaks to God’s existence and his creative, orderly work. 

People can encounter God’s power and character through nature as they walk through a forest or meadow, see lightning streak across the sky, swim in the ocean, and hear the singing of the birds. While nature is a witness of God, it may not necessarily lead people to the reality of their sin and thus to a saving faith in God. However, it can act as the initial inspiration for someone truly seeking to know who God is.

3. With God’s Word

Creationists stand firmly on the inerrancy of the Bible and the fact that God cannot lie (2 Timothy 3:16; Numbers 23:19a; Titus 1:2). To that end, they take the account of Genesis 1-3 literally, as God’s truth, which states, “In the beginning, God created…” (Genesis 1:1, emphasis added). They view these three chapters as not only historical but 100 percent factual.

The Bible states that God is the only Creator—working alone, supernaturally—and that as an all-powerful Being he simply “spoke” (mentioned 10 times) creation into existence. There was no evolving of species or atomic expansions involved whatsoever. Just words. God spoke—“Let there be…light (Day and Night), heaven, seas, Earth, vegetation, sun and moon, all living creatures”—and it all instantaneously came into being. And God declared that all of it was “good.”

[Note: God did not “speak” humankind into existence, although he very well could have. Rather, he personally formed Adam and Eve with his hands from the dust of the earth. This indicates that he was more intimately involved in the creation of human beings, as his image bearers.]

Creationists further cite Acts 14:15b-17 as “a living God, who made the heaven and the earth and the sea and all that is in them.  In past generations, he allowed all the nations to walk in their own ways. Yet he did not leave himself without witness, for he did good by giving you rains from heaven and fruitful seasons, satisfying your hearts with food and gladness” (emphasis added). 

When defending our beliefs regarding Creation, God’s Word—truth—is authoritative, highly capable of answering any questions and refuting any arguments since it “profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness” (2 Timothy 3:16). 

“Either God meant exactly what He said and said exactly what He meant regarding the creation account, or He didn’t,” writes apologist Jim Gardner. “God said that He created, when He created, and how He created.”

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1. With Truth

When speaking with someone who holds evolutionary beliefs, we are not called to confront those beliefs, per se, but to “defend” our own, and to do so with biblical truth, not our own opinion, speculation, or conjecture. It is God’s Word alone that will set ignorant and darkened minds “free” (John 8:32b). It exposes falsehoods, erroneous teachings, and beliefs, and through the power of the Holy Spirit, enlightens the mind to be able to accept and understand truth. 

2. With Humility and Understanding

Evolutionists hold to their beliefs just as strongly as Christians do to theirs. Attacking them, therefore, would be just like them attacking you, and no one likes to be attacked for their beliefs, right or wrong. And it profits nothing.

As believers, we need to acknowledge that everyone holds different views. In fact, we might have held views contrary to Scripture ourselves in our pre-conversion state. Humility enables us to engage in constructive and calm discussions, taking the time to hear the other person’s point of view—whether we agree with it or not. How they arrived at their beliefs will give you a better understanding of why they believe what they believe. 

Humility listens first, without judgment, which leads to understanding, and most likely a more receptive audience to listening to you regarding your beliefs about Creation.

3. With Honor, Gentleness, and Respect

If there is one verse that should guide a believer’s interactions with Evolutionists (or with anyone, for that matter), it is 1 Peter 3:15. “But in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect.”

Our first thought when engaging with someone on a controversial topic, such as evolution, is to make sure our words and tone “honor Christ.” Our words should reflect Jesus’s love and kindness. We should never speak harshly or argumentatively with those who hold opposing views. Our demeanor and tone toward the other person should be one of respect and gentleness. They are fellow human beings, after all, who bear God’s image, just like you. For that alone, they deserve to be treated with dignity.

4. With Grace

“Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you ought to answer each person” (Colossians 4:6).

Believers ought to keep in mind that we don’t always have it right all the time. As long as we have breath, we are continually growing and maturing in our own knowledge of God and his world. When we err in wrong thinking, God speaks to us graciously, gently correcting us with truth. 

We ought to do the same in potentially difficult discussions. Our role as ambassadors for Christ is to always show grace and love when speaking truth to the unsaved, no matter the topic.

Related Resource: Back to the Garden: What Genesis Teaches Us About Order, Obedience, and Being Human

In this premiere episode of Thinking Christian's Prepped Series, Dr. James Spencer takes us to the beginning—not just of the Bible, but of everything. But instead of debating science or timelines, he asks three essential questions: Who is God? Who are we? And what kind of life flows from that relationship? Drawing out the deep theological significance of Genesis 1:1–2:3, James explores God's sovereign, wise, and benevolent nature, the purpose of human life, and how creation’s rhythm calls us to live in sync with God’s Word. If you’re tired of shallow takes and craving something rich, this 20-minute dive into Scripture will challenge your assumptions and offer a fresh lens through which to understand your place in God's story. Listen in, and be sure to follow Thinking Christian on Apple or Spotify so you never miss an episode!

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