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There is a consensus among scientific biologists that the theory of organic evolution
is the most reasonable and the most responsible theory there is to explain both what
was and what is, as these are observed in fossilized remains and in existing
biological diversity.
Not only does biological evolution contradict the poetic Hebrew mythology of Genesis,
but so does cosmological evolution. When we look at all the astronomical phenomena,
and formulate theories to explain these phenomena, we arrive at theories that obviously
run counter to the poetic Hebrew mythology found in the book of Genesis. The cosmos
is not some few thousand years old. The cosmos we see today has evolved from a
primordial cosmos, and the cosmos will evolve into a very different cosmos in the very
distant future.
Evolution is a theory. But, so is intelligent design.
Granted, the theory of evolution has been used to justify, for example, social darwinism.
But, not every darwinist is a social darwinist. Peter Kropotkin was a darwinist; but he was
not a social darwinist. Karl Marx was a darwinist; but he was no social darwinist.
I have encountered fundamentalist christians who believe that those who accept and
assume the theory of evolution to be true and sound science also possess an inhuman
attitude towards other human beings. They never seem to be able to tell me what is so
defective in the moral values of evolutionists, or what is so pessimistic, so gloomy, about
the outlook of an evolutionist as concerns the future.
The proper methodology of science is atheistic. The proper methodology of theology
is theistic. But, an atheistic methodology does not dictate an atheistic metaphysic.
I consider myself an atheist; but I am not dogmatic about it. Like science, atheism
cannot be a dogmatic way of thinking. An atheist does not believe that there is a God;
but every reflective atheist knows that what they believe may be mistaken. If faith in
God is taken as evidence of an unseen God, then the faith of an atheist is taken as
evidence that an unseen God is indeterminate, unsettled, and unknowable.
A friend of mind related to me that an associate of his told him that he did not believe
in evolution because in all his life he has never seen a monkey turn into a human being.
There are many who do not accept the theory of evolution only because they have an
incorrect understanding of the theory. There are also many theists who accept the theory
of evolution because they have a correct knowledge of what the theory purports.
People who accept the theory of evolution are also people of character and of courage,
just like those who accept the theory of creationism. Just as there are creationists who
have intelligence and integrity, so also there are evolutionists who possess intelligence
and integrity.
"Success is up to all of us."
-- Anonymous |
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Posted by rallen2 on 2008-03-16 12:40:38 | Rating: | Views: 42
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hi rallen.
an idea occurred to me while reading this: conflict can be be created, resolution is an equally viable alternative.
some years ago while living in italy, i made friends with an islamic fellow from jordan, he was the bartender (!!) at my local. since he was new to italy i helped him out when i could (being a more experienced foreigner) with italian culture, and in return he was teaching me to read/write/speak a little arabic - and i still remember some. of course, in the aftermath of Sept. 11, 2001, our conversations turned more often to religion and particularly islam. what we were able to do during quiet moments at the bar was sit together, me with a pint and him with a soda, and compare and confront our world views.
that is where constructive dialogue arises and that is when life is really interesting - not in creating conflict.
that is my opinion anyway.
:o)
cheers!
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Posted by badlydrawnstickman
on 2008-03-16 14:26:15
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