Soul Sustenance: Evolution by God

Disclosure: I received complimentary products to facilitate this post. All opinions are my own.

I recently read an intriguing book, Evolution by God. It runs counter to some things I believe, but it's a worthwhile book to read just because it's always good to read books from opposing viewpoints, or books where you agree on part but not in whole. I had a chance to interview the author, Michael Bash, to get more insight into the book.

1) One of the core premises of the book has to do with a mistranslation of God's name from the original Hebrew. Can you explain how that change has made it harder for people to come to God? 

The accepted, but erroneous, translation of “Eyheh Asher Ehyeh” is “I am that I am.” This definition implies that God is Almighty and already perfect. From this perspective, people are humbled before Him and reliant upon His protection and good graces. Conversely, the accurate translation of God’s name, “I will be that which I will be,” should bring people closer to God as they can see themselves evolving along with Him. The most likely reason for the perpetuation of the mistranslation by biblical scholars is that they find it difficult to accept an evolving God, since it would seem to diminish His power and, therefore, His influence. Ultimately, it was God who chose the exact words by which to call Himself. To corrupt His message is, effectively, to mislead those who believe in the literal truth of the Bible. 

2) Some of your claims about creation and homosexuality run counter to many conservative Christian beliefs. How do you respond to those challenges? 

God created each of His creatures in His image, including homosexuals. Whether their gender preference is the result of a flaw in the system or God’s intention, they, like the rest of us, are His children, and therefore deserving of equal respect. Contrary to popular belief, there are no laws in the Old Testament forbidding homosexuality, merely anal sex. The particular passage often cited for condemning them, and which has been misconstrued, does not refer to their sexual behavior, but to the sanctity of the male organ. 

3) Who is this book intended for - current Christians, those who struggle in their faith, or those who don't believe? 

The intention of this book is to make peace between science and religion, as it addresses the belief systems of Christian fundamentalists as well as scientists/atheists. For Christian fundamentalists, the book reveals God’s real name, providing clear evidence that He intended evolution to be an integral part of life on earth. For scientists/atheists, the book provides convincing evidence for God’s existence.

4) How did you go from real estate developer and presidential advisor to religious author? 

There was no transition from one aspect of my life to the other. Each is, and has been, a separate and vital part of who I am. My lifelong education in religion began with daily instruction from my Orthodox grandfather in the Torah and Oral Law, and continues to this day. My chosen profession, also ongoing, is only partly due to the influence of my father’s mentoring, but primarily the result of applying my skills to fields that hold the greatest challenge and appeal for me.