When Facts Aren’t Facts

Several years ago, Canadian and U.S. papers were filled with the results of 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 percent 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 – much 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.

2 Timothy 3:14-15
“But continue thou in the things which thou hast learned and hast been assured of, knowing of whom thou hast learned [them]; And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus.”

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.

Ref: “Read it and weep.” The Globe and Mail (Toronto), Mar. 1, 1990. p. A7. Photo: Evolution’s progression of man. (Pixabay)