Thomas Jefferson Speaks Out
It may surprise you to learn that evolution goes back to a time long before Charles Darwin. Even two thousand years ago, those who wanted to escape the inevitable conclusion that we are responsible to our Creator were trying to explain all things by appealing to natural laws.
So, though he lived before Charles Darwin, Thomas Jefferson knew of evolutionary ideas because men like Immanuel Kant, James Hutton, and Thomas Malthus were promoting them. Of course, with three doctorates, well-versed in the sciences, and at home in six languages, Jefferson was as well-educated as anyone. And he pointedly rejected evolutionary ideas.
Jefferson wrote against evolution and in defense of belief in the Creator. "I hold (without appeal to revelation) that when we take a view of the universe in its parts, general or particular, it is impossible for the human mind not to perceive and feel a conviction of design, consummated skill, and indefinite power, in every atom of its composition... It is impossible... for the human mind not to believe that there is, in all this design, cause, and effect, up to an ultimate cause, a Fabricator of all things... Surely this unanimous sentiment renders this more probable than that of the few other hypotheses..."
We add that the creation testifies of the Creator of all, but only in the Bible do we learn of His deep love for us in Jesus Christ. Let the creation lead you to His revealed Word and love for you in Christ.
Psalm 139:15
"My substance was not hid from thee, when I was made in secret, and curiously wrought in the lowest parts of the earth."
Prayer: Dear Father, when I am moved by a beautiful sunset or the sweet song of a bird to glorify You, let me be reminded to return to Your Word that I may learn even more about the forgiveness of my sins in Jesus Christ. Amen.
Image: Inside the Jefferson Memorial in DC, Erik Cox, CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons.
Ian T. Taylor: Was Charles Darwin the first evolutionist? The answer next on today's Creation Moment.
Guest (Male): Now, here is our Creation Moment host, Ian Taylor.
Ian T. Taylor: The theory of evolution did not begin with Charles Darwin. The Greek philosophers who chose not to believe that there is a creator God tried to explain the origin of everything by time and chance. That great statesman Thomas Jefferson lived in the generation before Charles Darwin and had been influenced by the writings of some of the German and English philosophical writers. Jefferson was at home in six languages, had three earned doctorates, and was well-versed in the sciences, yet he pointedly rejected the idea of evolution.
Jefferson was not a believing Christian, but he wrote in defense of the creator. Here are some of his words: "I hold without appeal to revelation that when we take a view of the universe in its parts, general or particular, it is impossible for the human mind not to perceive and feel a conviction of design, consummate skill, and an indefinite power in every atom of its composition. It is impossible for the human mind not to believe that there is in all this design, cause, and effect up to an ultimate cause, a fabricator of all things."
We might add that the creation testifies abundantly to the creator, or fabricator as Jefferson calls him. Moreover, this creator has a deep love for his creation, and especially for you and I through his son Jesus Christ.
Mark W. Cadwallader: To receive a free copy of our newly released resource catalog stuffed with creation products, articles, tracts, puzzles, and more, call us toll-free at 1-800-42-BIBLE. That's 1-800-422-4253. Be sure to join us next time for another Creation Moment, proclaiming evidence of God's truth.
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Discover the fantastic features of felines across God's good creation. Why do cats have whiskers? How fast can cheetahs run? And what's the difference between all those spots, anyway? From nose to claw-tipped toes, every kitty characteristic points to the wonderful artistry of our Creator and Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ.
About Creation Moments
Founded in 1963, Creation Moments remains committed to building up the Church and enlightening the world to the wonders of God's creation. For more than sixty years, this ministry has proclaimed the truth of biblical creation and provided irrefutable evidence that the Bible can be trusted from the very first verse to the last. In addition to its international creation-evangelism and radio outreach, Creation Moments offers hundreds of free resources on the Bible and science at its website: CreationMoments.com.
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About Ian T. Taylor & Mark W. Cadwallader
Ian T. Taylor
For most people, Ian Taylor will always be the voice of Creation Moments. He was born in the UK and lived in Canada until his passing. We were honored and blessed to have such a wonderful and dedicated creationist as part our ministry for so many years. Even now, his radio broadcast programs endure to reach others with the message about the awesome and intricate creation of an awesome and loving God.
Mark W. Cadwallader
Mark is Board Chairman of Creation Moments and has served on the Board since 1996. He holds a Master of Science in Chemical Engineering from the University of Houston and has worked as an applied materials scientist and engineer in plastics, specialty chemicals, oil additives, and pollution control for over 30 years. Mark credits the ministry for opening his faith as a young man to the unerring credibility of the Bible in all areas including science, and thus helping to transform his life. Mark has published over 100 articles and conference papers in his scientific field of expertise as well as in Creation Science and apologetics. He writes the Creation Moments monthly newsletter as well as most of the blog articles posted on the ministry’s website. He has also authored books, including “Creation Spelled Out for Us All” and “The Beauty of Truth”.
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