Dogmatic Theology Vol 1 - Shedd - XXXIV - Chapter 7 Creation concluded

Required reading

Dogmatic Theology Vol 1 by William G.T. Shedd (Available from Amazon or free here) - Conclude Chapter 7 Creation.

My summary

Today Shedd finishing answering objections to creation ex nihilo. 

The second theory that is particularly antagonistic to creation is pseudo-evolution.  After defining it, Shedd raises the following objections:

1. It is contradicted by the whole course of scientific observation and experiment;

2. The examples adduced by the advocate of pseudo-evolution do not prove that species develops from species, but   only that varieties develop from species—which no one denies;

3. If the doctrine of pseudo-evolution be true, it should be supported, like that of gravitation, by a multitude of undisputed facts and phenomena;

4. The well-known fact that hybrids between real species are infertile, proves that there is no transmutation of species.

5. This theory of evolution, conflicting as it does with the invariability of nature in the several kingdoms, conflicts also with the certainty of natural science.

6. Some evolutionists, for example, Darwin, Wallace, and Huxley, try to adopt a middle theory.

7. The abundant proof of design in nature overthrows the theory of evolution.

Then Shedd looks at the various estimates for the age of humanity and rejects evidence put forward for large time frames.

What grabbed me

I don't usually appreciate Kant, but I did like these quotes: 'The opinions of Kant are entitled to great respect; for he began his remarkable philosophical career with the metaphysics of mathematics. He investigated inorganic nature before he investigated mind, and his attitude is firm in reference to theism, and the doctrine of creation ex nihilo. In his Critique of the Judgment (§ 74-79), while maintaining that the inorganic world is explainable by mechanical forces and laws, he is explicit in saying that these forces and laws themselves have a teleological character. They imply a designing mind beyond them. He holds that theism and creation ex nihilo are the truth, and rejects the hylozoism of Spinoza and of atheism. Respecting the possibility of the evolution of the organic from the inorganic, he remarks that "it is absurd even to think of explaining organized creatures and their potentialities by purely mechanical principles, or to expect that a Newton will one day arise who will be able to explain the production of a blade of grass, according to a law ordained by no designing intelligence." "Give me," he said, "inorganic matter, and I will explain the formation of an inorganic world." But he denied that it can be said, " Give me inorganic matter, and I will explain the production of a caterpillar." This latter remark is quoted by Strauss: Old Faith, 196.'

Next week's reading

Read Chapter 8 Providence.

Now it's your turn
Please post your own notes and thoughts in the comments section below.