Intelligent About Intelligent Design?

I read the news that President Bush believes public schools should talk about intelligent design [the theory that there must be a master plan, or master planner, behind creation] along with evolution. I thought this was awesome news, but I was discouraged by the poll at www.breakawaymag.com.

Last year my class spent about a month studying evolution, and the teacher barely mentioned intelligent design. I tried to stand for what I believe, and I hope I got some people thinking about other ideas about the origins of life. I recently finished reading the student edition of The Case for a Creator by Lee Strobel. It helped me to be more up-front about explaining the solid evidence to support the theory — and truth — of intelligent design.

—Pat Flynn, Winthrop, Maine

Game Face Face Off

I’m happy to see that a full two-page game review has been added to Breakaway, but I’m disappointed at the immediate condemnation of any and all violence in First to Fight [February issue]. As a gamer, I know that I absorb the context in which I fight just as well as the fighting itself. Would you condemn Call of Duty for killing Nazis — when you know that you are putting a stop to the forces of evil? Would you smack down Jedi Academy for stopping a Sith (translates: Satanic) cult? Did you warn people against First to Fight for confronting tyrants and terrorists?

Remember, God himself is not a pacifist. Read Joshua or Jeremiah 50 and see just how harsh God’s view of war is, how graphic the imagery can be. War violence does not have the same context (and therefore effect) as the random killing and gang violence in games like Grand Theft Auto. Please remember that such condemnation of all violence creates a pacifist image of God that simply isn’t accurate. Why do you think Christ will return with an army? Its purpose, after all, is to kill the people that sided with the Antichrist. Please remember this as you review shooters and such in the future. The context is just as important as the content.

—Patrick Cunningham, Grand Rapids, Mich.

EDITOR’S NOTE: We hear you, Patrick, but keep in mind that the Bible doesn’t treat violence as a game for entertaining teens. You’re not REALLY stopping the forces of evil when you whack a Sith lord on your PS2.

Listen to Speak

My friend recently told me how proud he was that he had failed a biology test on evolution. Later I wondered, Why would someone refuse to learn about evolution? Is it because he’s afraid that everything he believes might be changed by man’s attempts to explain the existence of the universe without God? Whatever happened to searching for truth? Let’s try flipping things around: How is someone who believes evolution supposed to become a Christian if he refuses to learn about Christianity?

Chances are you don’t live in a bubble and probably are surrounded by people who believe in evolution. Somehow, it is generally accepted as fact in schools even though many people don’t believe it and many scientists are taking a stand for “intelligent design” — but that’s another issue. The point is that many of your classmates, co-workers, friends or family members may have placed their trust in evolution. So maybe it isn’t a good idea to be completely ignorant about the subject.

“But evolution isn’t true,” you say. “Why should I be forced to answer questions on a test as if it were?” Good point. However, I correctly answered questions about Edgar Allan Poe’s “The Tell-Tale Heart” even though I didn’t believe that the narrator had murdered a man, stuffed him under the floorboards and chatted with the cops. Poe is common educational knowledge, and so is evolution.

You probably won’t convince someone to believe in Jesus just by telling him evolution is wrong. Ignorance is not admired in this world. Don’t be ignorant about something that millions of people cling to as their only explanation for life. People will listen to you if you listen to them. And if your faith can be swayed so easily by man’s teaching, then maybe you need to take a closer look at what you believe and why.

—Mike Lett, Prince Albert, Saskatchewan

Kudos to the Breakaway Crew

I loved the January issue and even read it from cover to cover. (Breakaway is the first magazine that has ever held my interest enough to read all the articles — without skipping a single word.) I want you to know that this publication has made a huge impact on my life. Keep up the good work. You are in my prayers, and I’m looking forward each issue.

— Ryan Mayes, Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio