Theologians have long questioned the dogma of Darwinian evolution, particularly when its adherents have trumpeted the theory as evidence God is no longer needed to understand the universe.
But in recent decades the classic, Darwinian narrative of man descended from primordial ooze through the process of random chance and mutation has drawn criticism from another, perhaps more surprising sector: from the world of science.
Now those scientists are being given a voice through a renewed, weekly television program on Trinity Broadcasting Network called "Creation in the 21st Century," which debuts in its new format Wednesday, Jan. 8, at 12 noon ET.
Now hosted by David Rives, creator of the weekly WND video commentaries "The Heavens Declare the Glory of God," this new incarnation of the classic TBN program will feature interviews with top scientists around the world discussing the controversial topic of creation science.
"I'm so grateful for the opportunity that WND has given me through my weekly video commentaries over the past 3 years," Rives told WND. "I believe that today, this message is more important than ever, and the new program on TBN will continue to expand our reach across the globe.
"We are already seeing a shift in the last few years towards belief in the biblical Creator, and I think it is encouraging that more and more people are realizing that the history found in the Bible is also scientifically accurate," he continued. "In a time when much of the programming on TV promotes the theory that you and I are nothing more than highly-developed apes, 'Creation in the 21st Century' gives viewers the chance to sit down each week and find something encouraging to watch. I think that the content of the show will be great for use as church Bible study topics, supplemental education for schools and homeschools and more. What an exciting time to be alive, as we see science confirming what many of us already knew to be true: God's Word."
With a focus on the Bible's book of Genesis, which states that "in the beginning, God created the heaven and the earth," "Creation in the 21st Century" will explore, from a Christian perspective, the historical and scientific validity of the creation account.
Rives will interview leading scientists in the fields of biology, astrophysics, geology, medicine and more. Viewers will be encouraged to examine objectively scientific evidence revealing a solid basis for belief in a Creator.
"The Biblical account of creation as found in the first chapter of the Bible, the foundation upon which the whole Biblical record is based, is being gradually eroded away by unproven theories of evolution – not by empirical science, but by highly interpretive theories, presented by those who reject the God of the Bible," explains David Rives Ministries. "The question arises: Does empirical science, observable and repeatedly demonstrable findings, prove the theories of Darwinian evolution to be true and the Biblical account to be false? The answer is emphatically no.
"The unproven theories of evolution that are being presented rely heavily on the interpretation of data – 'ideology' or 'worldview,'" Rives explains. "Those who believe the Bible to be true see sedimentary layers of geological formations to be an indication of a worldwide flood in Noah's day. Those who believe in the theories of evolution view the same geological layers as confirmation of millions of years of gradual deposition. The bottom line is that no one was there to witness the events responsible for producing what we see.
"Those who trust in the Biblical record believe, by faith, that 'Noah, being warned of God of things not seen as yet, moved with fear, prepared an ark to the saving of his house; by the which he condemned the world and became heir of the righteousness which is by faith' (Hebrews 11:7)," Rives continues. "Darwinian evolutionists believe, by faith, in the unproven theories of man, therefore their conclusions are also based on a belief rather that fact. Darwinian evolution is a faith-based religion in opposition to the words of Scripture, which for thousands of years has been received by Bible believers as the inspired word of the Creator Himself.
"I believe that when we take a look at all the facts, it takes more faith to believe in evolution by random chance than it does to believe in the literal Genesis account," Rives concludes.
Rives is best known for his work in the field of biblical astronomy, a passion he shares as a popular speaker, singer, photographer and lecturer.
Without intimidation, David is committed to spreading the message of God's creation, as detailed in Genesis 1.1 – "In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth."
"If you compromise on the very first verse of the Bible, then what next?" Rives asks. "Everything we read in the biblical account comes into question when you begin questioning the very foundation of Scripture."
Watch a "Behind the Scenes" special aired on July 30, 2013, announcing the new face of "Creation in the 21st Century" below: