A Preconceived Mindset | Let’s Talk About Creation

A Production of the Ultimate Homeschool Podcast Network.

A Preconceived Mindset | The interpretation of scientific information is not as clear-cut as many would like to assume. An individual’s disposition or preconceived mindset can make interpreting scientific information, data, and facts challenging | #HomeForLearning.com #blog ##homeschooling #TipsHomeschooling #APreconceivedMindsetA Preconceived Mindset

The interpretation of scientific information is not as clear-cut as many would like to assume. An individual’s disposition or preconceived mindset can make interpreting scientific information, data, and facts challenging. As a believer, when I encounter scientific information, I immediately see it with the eyes of a Christian. In the same way, an evolutionist, looking at the same scientific information, will immediately see and interpret that data through different eyes.

Although biases are never favorable, awareness of your predisposition, whether creation or evolution, can be a starting point to more objectively analyze information. This, of course, does not mean that you must forsake or squash your beliefs. Instead, objectivity allows others to see the creditability of your research and better understand your interpretation of the material.

It should be noted that both creation and evolution are belief systems. Here’s the logic—no one was there at the beginning of life (until it happened!), and we have not been able to duplicate the origins of life through experimentation scientifically—therefore, scientifically speaking, neither viewpoint is “provable” instead, each must be accepted by faith—we were either created by a loving God, or through the evolutionary process of death.

Pointing Out A Preconceived Mindset

In the third novel, Keys to the Past: Unlocked, we had several opportunities to present characters oblivious to their biases. When the characters enter into discussions, the perceived mindset of an individual is quickly brought to light. Yet, often, the characters did not see their own prejudices. (This is often the case with many individuals today.)

When Dr. Foster (the scientist in the novel) interpreted the data he recovered, he looked at the information, assuming that evolution was the mechanism by which life started. By doing this, he was no longer genuinely looking at the information or data but instead simply attempting to make the data fit into a model he had already constructed and believed to be true.

Often, a creationist is looked down upon by evolutionists because they assume scientific information is only analyzed by a creationist as long as it meshes with the model and time periods explained in Genesis. This, however, is not the case. Any good scientist will analyze all the information and then come to a nonbiased conclusion; at least, we hope for this.

Creationism As Science?

Because the secular scientific community has scrutinized creationism, I feel that in many cases, creationists are more aware of their personal disposition and need for objectivity. On the other hand, many secular evolutionists have raised themselves above creationists—deeming themselves unbiased.

This is because many secular (as well as some Christian) scientists believe that evolution is a proven fact. The National Science Standards (which you can find online) state that teaching evolution is mandatory for all students. They specifically address the issue of the “problem” with creation. They point out that creation is a “religion,” yet evolution is a scientific fact.

This illustrates that there appears to be a trap some scientists and educators fall into: they are unaware of their own preconceived viewpoint (or choose to ignore it). Overcoming a biased opinion or interpretation of data can only fully happen when you admit you have one.

Do Creationists Have Preconceived Mindsets

Creationists wholeheartedly admit to believing in the first eleven chapters of Genesis—which lays out the Creation story. They realize their potential for approaching scientific data with a perceived mindset—thus, they can move past it onto the information. Most evolutionists, however, claim to be unbiased; this blindness makes them all the more vulnerable to the problem of incorrectly interpreting scientific information. By arguing they are not biased, they are, in fact, closing themselves off from overcoming—their evolutionist disposition.

Biases are an undeniable fact, for we are all human. Having said this, they should be considered when conducting research or interpreting data. Creationists have an excellent opportunity to share their faith and the truths about creation science with the entire scientific community. It is important to analyze the content of a scientific paper and the author of the work. One way to do this is to read a biography of the author or the research institution. Personally, I feel confident with the information I find on websites such as The Institute for Creation Research or Creation Studies Institute.

Being aware of personal biases is important to each of us. Understanding this issue will go a long way in preparing you and your children for the onslaught of evolutionary claims found in the general media. The good news is there is a light at the end of the tunnel, and that is the truth found in the Word of God!

Christina Gerwitz Moss was homeschooled K-12 and graduated Magnum sum Laude from FGCU with a Communication degree and a minor in Anthropology. She currently homeschools her nine children, is married to the love of her life, and continues to seek God’s will daily.

 

 

HSHSP Ep 129: Can You be a Creationist, Christian and Scientist?

A Production of the Ultimate Homeschool Podcast Network.

This week on HSHSP Ep 129: Can You be a Creationist, Christian and Scientist?

HSHSP Ep 129: Can You be a Creationist, Christian and Scientist? #HomeschoolHighSchoolPodcast #Creationism #TeachingCreationism #CreationismAndScientists This photo shows a sunrise through clouds over the ocean, leading the viewer to think of creation.

HSHSP Ep 129: Can You be a Creationist, Christian and Scientist?

You’ll be encouraged by this fun interview with Dr. Barbara Varnell and Dr. Sarah Varnell. Barb is Sarah’s homeschool mom, Sarah’s a homeschool graduate. Both have doctorate degrees, are scientists and Christian creationists.

Is it an oxymoron to be both and scientist and a creationist?

Live many scientists today, not if you’re Barb and Sarah. Good science is not contradictory to good Biblical understanding.

Here are their stories.

Barb came to know Christ after earning her PhD and was working at a local chemical manufacturer. Barb found that she was not the only scientist who were also Christians and creationists.

Sarah was raised by her parents to be a thinker, investigator, observer and scientist. She is a veterinarian today and is unwavering in her faith. Sarah points out the way she can see God in everything… even DNA molecules.

Vicki, being a counselor by trade, has to keep up with neuroscience research. She shares how the complexity of God’s work in creation is obvious even in the process of neurotransmitter production. It couldn’t happen on it’s own: one little step that was missing causes a neurotransmitter to not be formed. The complexity of our universe is one evidence of God’s hand in creation.

Sarah points out the need for Holy Spirit guidance on when to argue creationism/evolutionism and when to ignore the debate, how to play the game without risking your faith. She knew she wasn’t training to be an evolutionist, she was training to be a veterinarian.

Homeschool highschoolers can get some tips for thinking creationistically while in a secular college culture (or even a Christian college culture that does not necessarily hold to the creationist viewpoint).

Homeschool parents can get some tips for teaching and guiding their young homeschoolers to examine, think, pray and be guided by Scripture and the Holy Spirit.

You’ll enjoy this episode. Also check out these other interviews with Barbara (on homeschooling gifted teens) and Sarah (on how to prepare for vet school in high school).

5 Ways to Teach Teens to be Thinkers, Not Parrots


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HSHSP Ep 129: Can You be a Creationist, Christian and Scientist?