In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth

Image from lds.org

Yesterday I took my Little Man on a short walk to the neighbors swing set (which they graciously offered to let us use whenever).   Little Man loves the swings and the slide, so he of course wants to go more frequently than I am able to take him.  But I had some time yesterday, and Jake needed some Little-Man-free time to work on the shed, so away we went.

As I was swinging, I was looking around their beautiful yard and thought that the Garden of Eden probably looked much like their yard.  It made me even more grateful to live in the beautiful valley we have the privilege of living in. Perhaps that feeling was intensified because I had recently been studying the Creation.

 I have no way of knowing how many times I have read or heard the account of the creation in my life.  I don't remember a time in my life that I didn't know or believe it to be true. Only recently have I realized how much of a gift that knowledge has always been.

Several months ago, I observed a "conversation" on facebook where several people whom I knew to be members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints (LDS) were discussing their thoughts on evolution.  Quite frankly, I was shocked to see how many of them seemed to accept evolution as "fact" and practically totally dismissed the account of the creation as found in the Bible and the Pearl of Great Price.  Some claimed the LDS Church had no standpoint on evolution. Some tried to reconcile evolution with the account of the creation by saying perhaps God used evolution to create Adam and Eve.  Some claim the evidence of science is so great that to not believe in evolution is foolishness.

 Because of the nature of the conversation and my inability to articulate in "rapid" discussions (arguments), I chose not to comment in the discussion.  Instead, I took the opportunity to study my beliefs as an LDS person more fully. Studying the accounts of the creation in the scriptures and the words of modern prophets on the subject proved to be a spiritual experience.  It strengthened my testimony that what I have always believed is indeed true:  God created the earth and placed the various forms of life on it.

In my study, I found documentation of the LDS Church's stand on the theory of evolution, particularly as it relates to human life.  A statement from the First Presidency in 1909 and reprinted in 2002 clearly states our belief that Adam was the first man upon the earth, and that he was not a descendant of lower orders of life.  (see The Origin of Man).  Other articles expanded on the scriptures and allowed opportunity for the Holy Ghost to testify to me that evolution was not the process used in the plant or animal kingdoms either.  God created all things and placed them on the earth where they "brought forth after their own kind"  (see Genesis 1)

I know many claim the evidence of science in support of evolution is overwhelming.  I don't know all the arguments, and I don't plan to attempt to dispute them here.  I value science--especially the convenience it brings to my life.  But I also choose to have Faith in my life.  I think that science can help us to understand many things.  And in many ways those things will help prepare us for eternity.  But when science contradicts the revealed word of God, I will always choose to believe the words of God.  Any other choice would indeed be "foolishness" (See 2 Nephi 9:28-29).

I know some people will judge me to be naive for my beliefs, but I don't care.  I choose to put my faith in God above science.  I have felt the Holy Ghost testify to me that we are children of God, that God created this world, and that the words of the prophets are true.  I don't claim to know everything, but I do have faith that in time I will understand all things.  Until then, I put my trust in God.