February 2009 will see multiple celebrations held around the world in honor of "Darwin Day," established "in appreciation of verifiable knowledge that has been acquired solely through human curiosity and ingenuity."1 No doubt the festivities this year will be doubly significant, marking both the 200th birthday of Charles Darwin on February 12th and the 150th anniversary of his work On the Origin of Species, published in 1859.
According to several websites dedicated to its promotion, various events will be held--ranging from lectures, debates, and panel discussions, to concerts, exhibitions, and dinner parties (and even a "Darwinian" barbecue!)--to pay homage to the man many believe opened the door to a completely naturalistic (read "atheistic") way of thinking concerning the question of origins. Bible-believing Christians know better, however: evolutionary forms of thinking were present thousands of years before Darwin made them popular.
Yet, as I scan the various celebrations--over 120 events in 18 countries at last count--it is interesting to note that nearly 70 percent of them will be held here in the United States. England (Darwin’s home country) and Canada tie for a distant second place with only 7 events each. If the proliferation of Darwin Day celebrations is any indicator, what a sad testimony it is to see how far America has moved from its Judeo-Christian foundation in the knowledge and proclamation of our Almighty Creator and Divine Provider.
As I read the reviews of dignitaries who will preside over these events, I am struck by the arrogance in which they proclaim the so-called "proof" of evolution revealed by Charles Darwin. No mention is made of the vast scientific inconsistencies in evolutionary methodology, the complete lack of transitional forms in the fossil record, or the unexplainable complexities within genetic material that supposedly arose by pure happenstance! Only knowledge "acquired solely through human curiosity and ingenuity" is lauded and celebrated. Yet the Bible calls such people "fools" (Psalm 53:1).
This situation comes as no surprise to ICR, nor should it to Christians everywhere who study and apply Scripture to their lives. The apostle Peter warned us nearly two millennia ago that "there shall come in the last days scoffers" who openly question "the promise of his coming" because "all things continue as they were from the beginning" (2 Peter 3:3-4). They "willingly are ignorant" (2 Peter 3:5) of the evidence that is so easily seen through God's wondrous creation "that they are without excuse" (Romans 1:20). Simple ignorance is one thing, but willful ignorance? That is quite a different issue altogether!
So what shall we do? ICR has stood in the gap of willful ignorance for nearly 40 years, combating the compromise of evolutionary thinking with scientific research, education, and literal biblical commentary. But we cannot continue alone, and we seek your help to stand with us. Practically speaking, gifts of cash and stock are the lifeblood of our ministry, for they provide the immediate fuel necessary to purchase supplies and fund our outreach programs. Designating ICR as a beneficiary in your will, 401(k) plan, IRA, or life insurance policy would also be most appreciated. This is quick and easy to do, and oftentimes provide much larger benefits than you may think possible. Longer range gifts--such as income-producing gift annuities or charitable trusts, or donations of property and equipment--can also provide a tremendous advantage, and ICR would be happy to assist you with these. And since all gifts to ICR are tax deductible, a welcome tax savings provides a double bounty for your help. I am always available to answer your questions, so please contact me to discuss how you can join with us--your earthly investment will reap eternal benefits.
Reference
- Bicentennial Darwin Day Events, located on the Darwin Day Celebration website at www.darwinday.org.
* Mr. Morris is Director of Donor Relations.
Cite this article: Morris IV, H. M. 2009. Willful Ignorance. Acts & Facts. 38 (2): 39.
