Some imitations are better, some are okay, some are problematic, and some are destructive.

I'm okay with imitations if they:

• Fulfill a need and are affordable; therefore more accessible

• Are not harmful

• Are equally functional

• Serve a purpose as a learning tool, a play toy, or a nurturing gift for a child

• Are not meant to be passed for the real thing.

When are imitations better?  You can decide, dispute, or simply vote on what is better ...though I'd have to attribute most differences to personal taste.  Do you like genuine maple pancake syrup, or the supermarket varieties?  Ask your cat whether the imitation catnip is best, or the real thing.  On second thought, forget that one ...I wouldn't want anyone to think they are beginning to understand their cat.  Imitations are certainly better if you are allergic to the real thing.  Or how about getting your two year old a "Teddy Bear", instead of introducing your little one to the "Teddy" that approached your car at Yellowstone Park ...that your child was so enthralled by.  Enthralled may be only a step away from mauled.

When are imitations okay?  With jewelry, it can take the worry out of the evening, and you can enjoy yourself ...instead of wearing the 'real' expensive one.

When are imitations problematic?  When you try to reduce your weight and waistline by reducing sugar or fat content, it can be a poor trade-off if the imitation or substitute could questionably cause cancer.

That could also be considered disastrous.  But, what is without a doubt ...disastrous?

Yes, what imitation is destructive ...and could prove to be disastrous?

There are many challenges we have to face in life ...and some of them involve horrific experiences, but the worse that I can imagine is if we were to accept the imitation of a false religion.

I see institutions of (supposed) higher learning presenting a conglomeration of fabricated theories; usually all grouped together under one simply false belief ...called evolution.

We act like a herd of bovines, chewing on what we are fed ...while cutting the pieces smaller and smaller, to make them easier to digest.  And as long as we are content to be this way, we will let them take us to the last straw, pretending that it is clover ...while they insist on milking us for all we're worth.  

Yes, perhaps I used a cliche too many, but I know that evolution cannot stand the test of time ...even though it is trying to give itself more time.

I don't even believe 'evolution' is meant to be forever preserved as the dominant view of life.  Let me put it this way: When it seems I am involved in something good, I don't take credit for it ...I thank God.  Who do we credit when something bad happens?

I know I'm telling my age somewhat, but I remember when my family watched the Flip Wilson Show.  My parents thought he was funny.  He had this one character he would play ...called Geraldine.  I don't remember much about it, but I do remember the line, "The devil made me buy this dress."

I know Eve said, "The serpent beguiled me, and I did eat."  And since beguile means to artfully deceive, I guess the argument could be made that the devil made her do it.

Well, God gives us free choice, which doesn't force us ...and that free will also allows us to choose against what Satan would have us do.  So, as intriguing as it may appear ...we have to make our choices based on more than just intrigue.

So, what would Satan have us do? I don't know ...aside from the fact that he'd want us to do the same thing that he did. And that is, to go against God.

That's how I view evolution ...not as a point to take our interest away from the spirit world, but to offer God out of our lives.  

Now, why don't I think it is meant to rid us of any spirit world? Well, just look at our TV and movies. There is no lack of spiritual content ...in fact, the more popular subjects seem to be filled with all sorts of bizarre characters and plot lines.

I believe that men and women have always believed in a spirit world, and will never lose interest in it. The waning interest is only in following strict lines of morality, and its basis that is rooted in one's faith in God.

Yet, the 'enemy' would want that interest in God to fade, not to be replaced by evolution, but to be replaced by an imitation ...a false religion of no particular type, just as long as it's false.  And once the stage is set, all the theatrics will be set to begin.

Sadly, that is what so many people are thirsting for ...the exciting theatrics, not the simple truth.

The truth protects, while the lie does not allow us to rest.  What appears to be good, may not be ...and could prove to be destructive.  Not turning to Jesus, turns us to so many other things ...and we could be sifted like wheat, or  tossed to and fro by the waves and carried about by every wind of doctrine.

If we take anything in life seriously, it should be this ...for we are in this for life, eternally.