RubySoho
Winston
Finally, the Pope Makes Some Sense!
August 3rd 2007 13:41
Who would have thought that I would be pleased with something Pope Benedict said? After all, I have been critical of him in the past due to his seeming desire to turn the Catholic Church's clock back a few hundred years. But, thankfully, there is a sensible modernist streak in him after all. I was very happy to read that the Pope endorses evolution and labeled Biblical creationism as an 'absurdity'..
Quoth the pontiff, “This clash is an absurdity because on one hand there is much scientific proof in favor of evolution, which appears as a reality that we must see and which enriches our understanding of life and being as such.” You mean, it doesn't make sense to pick and choose which sciences are valid based on what agrees with the Bible? That idea just isn't going to fly in some circles, your Holiness. Cherry picking is a big part of religion. Verses to support a point of view are picked, while others that contradict those views are ignored. Rules on some behaviors are followed, whereas other rules included on the same page are passed over. Likewise, some science (i.e. that which gives us everyday things we like such as electricity and food, or medical advances) is judged to be sound, while other, equally tested and solid science is refuted as 'godless, irrational, garbage' because it doesn't support the literal words of a 3,000 year-old story. Apparently engineers and cancer researchers know what they're doing, but geologists and biologists are drooling, demonic morons.
My sincere thanks to the Pope for pointing out that the science is what it is, and that steadfastly refusing to acknowledge it is the height of stubborn stupidity. But, the Pope even went a step further and declared that, “We cannot simply do what we want with this Earth of ours, with what has been entrusted to us.” Hot damn, Benedict is turning into an environmentalist. In an age where various conservative (and very vocal) Christian sects have made it clear that they believe the Earth exists only to meet all their current needs (and that it will be tossed aside like a used Kleenex once the Last Days come), it is refreshing to hear a powerful religious leader say that, just maybe, we need to exercise some restraint and think about not messing things up too much. So, we have endorsement of evolution (which is almost universally accepted by scientists, and which forms the backbone of all modern biological study) and of increased environmental awareness. Score two points for the Pope, everyone.
Now, I wouldn't be honest if I didn't say that the Pope and I disagree somewhere on this issue. Predictably, the Pope states that acknowledging evolution does not exclude God from the process. I suppose that it doesn't, but in that case it does raise a lot of questions. Specifically, why, if evolution is a divinely guided process, do we see so many "mistakes"? Why do some snakes have vestigial limbs, and why do humans have vestigial tails? Why are our brains cross-wired, with the left side of our brain controlling the right side of our bodies and vice versa? What about all the "junk" DNA present in all living creatures that doesn't really seem to do anything? In general, why does evolution appear to be a trial-and-error process wherein life evolves as a sequence of accidentally beneficial mutations, dotted with lots of dead-ends and failures along the way? If evolution is a strictly natural process then that all makes complete sense. If a supremely powerful and wise God is directing it, it's more of a head scratcher. But, more on this later.
Despite the obvious questions raised, such as those I just mentioned, it is heartening to know that even a large, monolithic religion such as Catholicism can overcome literalism and embrace established science. It is not just the smaller, liberal denominations of religion that need to welcome knowledge. All religions need to open their eyes to the truth confronting them about the nature of the Earth and of the Universe. If religions are able to mentally integrate good science with their faith, as the Pope is attempting, then so be it. If the questions science raises require a harder look at faith, so be that as well. Either way, it is critical for all that we do not reject the fruits of our intellects on the basis of things written centuries before the discovery that the world is round. Willing exile into a self-imposed Dark Age is no way to go through life. If God were real, I'm sure he'd agree.
Quoth the pontiff, “This clash is an absurdity because on one hand there is much scientific proof in favor of evolution, which appears as a reality that we must see and which enriches our understanding of life and being as such.” You mean, it doesn't make sense to pick and choose which sciences are valid based on what agrees with the Bible? That idea just isn't going to fly in some circles, your Holiness. Cherry picking is a big part of religion. Verses to support a point of view are picked, while others that contradict those views are ignored. Rules on some behaviors are followed, whereas other rules included on the same page are passed over. Likewise, some science (i.e. that which gives us everyday things we like such as electricity and food, or medical advances) is judged to be sound, while other, equally tested and solid science is refuted as 'godless, irrational, garbage' because it doesn't support the literal words of a 3,000 year-old story. Apparently engineers and cancer researchers know what they're doing, but geologists and biologists are drooling, demonic morons.
My sincere thanks to the Pope for pointing out that the science is what it is, and that steadfastly refusing to acknowledge it is the height of stubborn stupidity. But, the Pope even went a step further and declared that, “We cannot simply do what we want with this Earth of ours, with what has been entrusted to us.” Hot damn, Benedict is turning into an environmentalist. In an age where various conservative (and very vocal) Christian sects have made it clear that they believe the Earth exists only to meet all their current needs (and that it will be tossed aside like a used Kleenex once the Last Days come), it is refreshing to hear a powerful religious leader say that, just maybe, we need to exercise some restraint and think about not messing things up too much. So, we have endorsement of evolution (which is almost universally accepted by scientists, and which forms the backbone of all modern biological study) and of increased environmental awareness. Score two points for the Pope, everyone.
Now, I wouldn't be honest if I didn't say that the Pope and I disagree somewhere on this issue. Predictably, the Pope states that acknowledging evolution does not exclude God from the process. I suppose that it doesn't, but in that case it does raise a lot of questions. Specifically, why, if evolution is a divinely guided process, do we see so many "mistakes"? Why do some snakes have vestigial limbs, and why do humans have vestigial tails? Why are our brains cross-wired, with the left side of our brain controlling the right side of our bodies and vice versa? What about all the "junk" DNA present in all living creatures that doesn't really seem to do anything? In general, why does evolution appear to be a trial-and-error process wherein life evolves as a sequence of accidentally beneficial mutations, dotted with lots of dead-ends and failures along the way? If evolution is a strictly natural process then that all makes complete sense. If a supremely powerful and wise God is directing it, it's more of a head scratcher. But, more on this later.
Despite the obvious questions raised, such as those I just mentioned, it is heartening to know that even a large, monolithic religion such as Catholicism can overcome literalism and embrace established science. It is not just the smaller, liberal denominations of religion that need to welcome knowledge. All religions need to open their eyes to the truth confronting them about the nature of the Earth and of the Universe. If religions are able to mentally integrate good science with their faith, as the Pope is attempting, then so be it. If the questions science raises require a harder look at faith, so be that as well. Either way, it is critical for all that we do not reject the fruits of our intellects on the basis of things written centuries before the discovery that the world is round. Willing exile into a self-imposed Dark Age is no way to go through life. If God were real, I'm sure he'd agree.
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Comment by Onesnap
One: "Where was God during the bridge collapse?"
Two: "Perhaps this week's Rescue Me brought up a good point...that those people would have died a much worse death later on in life.
And I hate 'junk DNA' I would be much better off without all of the usless crap in there. I do believe that certain species have evolved for the better (birds with particular snouts adapted to eating a particular bug etc.)...but the only improvement I see with humans is the fact that the latest ones don't all have buds for wisdom teeth (an improvement, even if minor).
Comment by youranter
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Tales From The Green Lantern
Comment by katyzzz
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And you know they still have not come up with any ideas on how Man evolved from the other animals. He is unique.
I am sure there is a better way of expressing this scientifically, but I am unaware of it.
But, yes, I do know there is just a very small area of the genetic code the distinguishes Man from Beast, and here, Size is not important.
Your view, Winston, please!
katyzzz
Comment by Winston
Small Thoughts on Big Questions
As for junk DNA, that's just one example out of thousands that do not fit with the idea of divine creation. If people wish to change the definition of god to include qualities such as 'fallible' and 'requiring multiple tries to get things right and often never doing so' then we can talk. As long as people presume that there is a god, and that he and everything he touches is perfect, I have a big problem with that definition.
Thanks for the comment!
Comment by Winston
Small Thoughts on Big Questions
Comment by Winston
Small Thoughts on Big Questions
I would have to disagree with you about this:
And you know they still have not come up with any ideas on how Man evolved from the other animals. He is unique.
There is actually a sizable amount of data describing this very thing. Numerous transitional forms, from Australopithecus afarensis to Homo habilis to good ole' Homo sapiens, abound. Through archeology and forensic anthropology, scientists have been able to trace probable migratory routes that our ancestors followed and describe how we came to be disseminated around the globe. You can actually trace back a good chunk of the history of man's development, again, by following the DNA evidence. Our picture of how we've come to be is quite compelling, and it grows more so all the time.
I am quite pleased that the Pope is not attempting to squash all of this information that has been built up over the last 200 years. He's spinning it his own way, to be sure, but at least he's not telling people not to think about it. That's encouraging.
As for the sentence of mine that you found quite telling, what did it tell?
Thanks for the visit, katyzzz . Always good to have your input
Comment by youranter
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Tales From The Green Lantern
Comment by Sho Kosugi
Shoukai
You just blown Sho's mind.
Comment by Sho Kosugi
Shoukai
It would best you if you look at Shinto, where your head need not grasp such fantastical ideals. Accept what is in front of you, and love it for what it is. There need not be a creative component involved to love the actual creation. Sadly, this is the downfall of most humans. Why must we know who bought us the gift, rather than accept it blindly?
Comment by Winston
Small Thoughts on Big Questions
Doomo arigatoo gozaimas!
Comment by youranter
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Tales From The Green Lantern
Comment by Sho Kosugi
Shoukai
This church you speak of has no religious foundation on Sho. Sho is a Shintoist, and the teachings of Shinto indicate celebration rather than questioning or arguing.
The church may inspire further research, but further research sometimes contradict the church. Can this be why so many followers remain blinded by the so-called "light?" Sho is aware of many such blind faith seekers, who take the church at their word, and without question. Do not try to kid Sho on this. While one may be an exemption (and glorious praises if this be so!), Sho has lived the tomfoolery of such souls, those who believe in the Gift Giver well before acknowledging the Gift.
Those truly curious seek a lighted path under the ever-present Moon. They need not look to the Heavens for the Magical Old Man with bloated ego. They need only look upon themselves. Whether they be agnostic, atheist, buddhist, shintoist, or taoist, they know that the true answer lies within. This is something the church has never acknowledged, and is afraid to do so, with good reason.