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Are we and all other forms of life the product of blind Darwinian evolution, or  the result of Intelligent Design? Was life created in its present state 3000 years ago as is inferred from the Old Testament? 

When evidence by robust scientific method (the evolution theory) comes into conflict with biblical statements how must one react to this?
 
If, according to the Holy Bible, God has infinite love for his creation, how could He condemn or punish anyone for their sins? If all people would be forgiven because of God's infinite love, then surely hell does not exist, condemnation is just a way of scaring people into subservience, and the vast majority of liturgy is hollow!
 
Could it possibly be that the Ten Commandments biblically claimed to have been given to Moses on the mount are the same as the commandments in the Pharonic Book of the Dead (inscribed on the Pharoah sarcophagi), which would have greatly pre-dated Moses?

Copts should be confident of their church's explanation of life on our planet. We have the greatest evidences from Genesis to Revelation. The Holy Scripture reveals an awesome Creator. There is no specific date of creation. It is clearly understood that there is a purpose for life and a purpose for humanity's struggles. Even more amazing, is the interactive nature of the Creator with His creation. The Holy Bible neither refutes and ignores most of the scientific facts; because the mechanics of humanity's existence is not the purpose. Rather, it is clear, that humanity's relationship with God is the primary focus.

The Holy Bible mentions a time when the universe did not exist. Many events might have taken place in between the few verses mentioned below. There was no mention at this point of the creation of angels, nor of their fall. The first mention of Satan is found in chapter 3, alluding to his creation at an earlier time.

"In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. The earth was without form, and void; and darkness was on the face of the deep. And the Spirit of God was hovering over the face of the waters" (Genesis 1:1,2 – NKJV).

In Chapter 2, God reveals to us the mystery of marriage, one man and one woman, and the cycle of procreation:

"Therefore, a man shall leave, his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and they shall become one flesh" (Genesis 2:24 – NKJV).

Also in chapter 2, we discover the concepts of "good" and "evil" and "life" and "death." Man understands that he has a distinct will. He will make choices throughout his life and reap their consequences.

"And the Lord commanded the man, saying, 'Of every tree of the garden you may freely eat; but of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil you shall not eat, for in the day that you shall surely die'" (Genesis 2:16,17 – NKJV).
           
Chapter 3 introduces the concepts of truth and deception. We witness the severity of the penalty of estrangement from God through temptation and disobedience. The penalty resulted in strife and struggles. Satan, a vicious and spiritually-evil character, emerged with a plan of deception and destruction with which humanity was to constantly battle. Again, the focus remains the same; the relationship of the loving God and Creator with His Creation, who immediately designs a plan of mercy and redemption. It is important to note that the only penalty without redemption belonged to the fallen angel, Satan:

"Then the Lord God said, 'Behold, the man has become like one of Us, to know good and evil. And now, lest he put out his hand and take also of the tree of life, and eat, and live forever' – therefore the Lord God sent him out of the garden of Eden to till the ground from which he was taken. So He drove out the man; and He placed cherubim at the east of the garden of Eden, and a flaming sword which turned every way to guard the way to the tree of life" (Genesis 3:22-24 – NKJV).

In the Book of Revelation, we are finally reminded once more of the eternal restoration of humanity back to her loving Father and Creator:

"Blessed are those who do His commandments, that they may have the right to the tree of life, and may enter through the gates into the city. But outside are the dogs and sorcerers and sexually immoral and murderers and idolaters, and whatever loves and practices a lie" (Revelation 22:14,15 – NKJV).

The benevolent message of forgiveness is extended to all, but all are not willing to embrace it and live a repentant life. Repentance is a willingness to deactivate a sinful life. It is difficult to accept that a victim and his active abuser will share eternal life of joy together. Wouldn't that be a kind of hell for the victim and a reward for the abuser? We do not even do that here on earth. God is not only merciful but just as well; and the liturgy remains solid.

"Then He said to the disciples, 'It is important that no offenses should come, but woe to him through whom they do come! It would be better for him if a millstone were hung around his neck , and he were thrown into the sea, than that he should offend one of these little ones. Take heed to yourselves. If your brother sins against you, rebuke him; and if he repents, forgive him. And if he sins against you seven times in a day, and seven times in a day returns to you, saying, 'I repent,' you shall forgive him'" (Luke 17:1-4 – NKJV).

I am sure that you forgave many people in your life but they refused to reconcile with you. The same with God, He forgave all of us but many refuse to reconcile with Him. They have chosen not to be with Him; and subsequently, they will not be with Him in eternity. If God's mercy and grace is taken away from our world for a fraction of a second, the whole world will be destroyed. A place that does not have the grace and mercy of God is hell. Please remember that it is people's  choice not the un-forgiveness of God.

It is erroneous to believe that one does not need faith to trust in evolution. The difference is it is misguided faith. This proves the point that man is in search of God and a belief system. Blind Darwinian Evolution has significant flaws. Evolution alone cannot explain man's complex emotions, hope, ambitions, justice, compassion, and the genuine longing for a supreme being. Throughout history, from Ancient Egyptians to Native Americans, humanity has been in search of God. The undirected process of "Natural Selection" or "Survival of the Fittest" can only offer explanations of changes in the environment and how those changes may have impacted human life and appearance. One's reaction should remain unwaveringly focused on the Truth regardless of the so-called scientific theories; because that is all that they are. The evolution theory is lacking and apparently is still evolving.

"But there were also false prophets among the people, even as there will be false teachers among you, who will secretly bring in destructive heresies, even denying the Lord who bought them, and bring on themselves swift destruction" (2 Peter 2:1 – NKJV).

Please read http://www.30goodminutes.org/csec/sermon/boyd_3515.htm
http://www.suscopts.org/pdf/conference/2001college_abstract-evolution.pdf
http://www.suscopts.org/pdf/conference/2002lecture1.pdf.

Intelligent Design focuses at particular scientifically unexplainable characteristics of the universe and of living things as being determined by a source of intelligence. Steps away from evolution, this concept cowardly refrains from adopting creation. Intelligent Design tries to have it both ways. The Judeo-Christian understanding of life not only explains creation and science, but also God's interaction with His people. Christianity completes one's understanding of the universe and ultimately reveals God's amazing love for humanity and her purpose throughout life and destiny in eternity.

"For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved" (John 3:16-17 – NKJV).

It is known that the ancient Egyptians had a highly sophisticated civilization. The Pharonic Book of the Dead includes about 42 commandments that were used to govern society. Five of the commandments are similar to the Ten Commandments: do not take the Lord's name in vain; observance of a rest day (Sabbath); do not kill; do not commit adultery; do not lie. Ancient Egyptians honored many gods and goddesses who were rather strikingly powerful humans. Akhenaton was one of the gods that was a catalyst in pursuing monotheistic worship.

It is clear that there is only One God who inspired the Ten Commandments. These commandments, written by God, did not necessarily have to convey an entirely new message. The Ten Commandments were the main guiding principles of humanity in their relationship with the One True God. Following God's Commandments would set clear boundaries and produce for God a faithful and spiritual people who are morally judicious and civilly responsive.