Opinions in the Shorts: Vol. 24

On Pelosi and Torture
As Nancy Pelosi continues to two-step around what she didn’t know about military torture, I’ll simply say I don’t believe her. Again, I have three questions to Congress: Who knew? When did they know? Why did they remain quiet? ….And the Republicans are correct here.

At least the previous administration is admitting making the decision, so please step down Madam Speaker.

On Continual VP Cheney Comments
Dick Cheney repeatedly talks about how the Bush Administration kept us safe after 9-11. I have one question: 9-11 was on your watch. Besides blaming the Clinton Administration, where was the protection?

On Two Suggestions for Congressional Republicans

1. Find an issue that you desire and President Obama supports, and actively go after it. Hello – you need to show the public something positive.
2. On the other hand, you lack credibility because you didn’t practice what you preach when you were the majority. I have a better idea for improving your image more quickly than the Boehner-McConnell method of simply saying We lost our way and we’re returning to our roots approach. Every Republican elected since 2000 should NOT seek re-election; therefore the fresh faces don’t have to carry your baggage.

On Wanda Sykes
Did the comedian cross the line with her jokes about Rush Limbaugh? Yes. Is the incident worth all the coverage? No … just like Rush. Get a life people!

On Evolution Again
In Vol. 23 (last week) I mentioned the books I’ve been reading about evolution and religion. Then Kathleen Parker provided this timely column.

On Alfred Wallace
I don’t know how many people know about Alfred Wallace. With his studies in SE Asia, he is actually Charles Darwin’s co-discover of natural selection as the mechanism of evolution. Here’s a National Geographic story on the lesser known naturalist.

On Texas
Several weeks ago Governor Rick used the ‘secession’ card. I know Texans our both a proud people and proud of their history. Seems many Republican Texans like that going on their own is a good idea. Hmmm … should we beat Texans to the punch and give them back to Mexico before they leave?

On Tasty Barbeque
Hooray! May is National Barbeque Month. I’ve got to give a shout-out to my favorite barbeque sauce – a white sauce from Big Bob Gibson (Decatur, Alabama). It serves as a great marinade too!

On Burger Grease
Everyone knows that hamburgers can be greasy. After all, burger enthusiasts love juiciness. But burger grease art? Hmmm … watch this short clip.

On Evolution and Religion

Last week the world commemorated the 200th birthday of Charles Darwin. I had a post, and as well as countless of others. I read my share of them, and even commented on a few. There were also many posts critical of Darwin. As a sequel to my prior post, below are some interesting tidbits.

Tidbits

I stated that many Christian denominations support evolution. Oh no, this isn’t a recant, but the Pew Research Center supports my point.

I also wondered about how many people against evolution actually know what they are against. This Gallup poll supports that point as well.

The American Scientific Affiliation (AFA) is a group focusing on science and religion together. From their site:

The ASA is a fellowship of men and women in science and disciplines that relate to science who share a common fidelity to the Word of God and a commitment to integrity in the practice of science.

The story of Alfred Wallace is interesting. In a nutshell, Wallace did his in Indonesia and independent of Darwin. In those days scientists exchanged papers before possibly presenting to a scientific society. Wallace sent Darwin his paper, upon which Darwin saw confirmation of the findings he determined 15-20 years earlier. Consequently, Darwin and Wallace jointed presented, and Wallace actually was the first to use “Darwinian.” See this National Geographic article for more details.

Actor and writer Ben Stein is quite smart. With degrees in economics and law, his resume is impressive. He also produced Expelled: No Intelligence Allowed, a documentary about Intelligent Design. Here’s an interesting review by movie critic Roger Ebert.

I’ve read posts from the other side and continue to be amazed by their use of misconceptions, half-truths, total falsities, and even hate; all in the name of a loving God who granted us wisdom. Sorry, I will show my bias by not providing any links.

Epilogue

God has given humans many gifts, including curiosity, awe, problem solving, and the ability to learn. Spirituality is another gift that develops in various traditions and cultures.

Within those gifts is also science, the search for the explanation for what we observe in nature. Whereas we as humans are a product of many cultures, science is about our natural world, thus why science can’t answer questions about the spirit.

To me, this is what Darwin meant when he said, “A scientific man ought to have no wishes, no affections — a mere heart of stone.” That is, faith cannot get in the way when studying science; but it does not mean science cannot be incorporated into faith. Faith and science are partners within each one of us.

Whereas some claim one must chose between God and science, God initiating the evolutionary process isn’t a compromise. It is with the spirit and sense of awe and amazement I continue to believe in a much grander creation than the creationists ever credit God.

Thank you Lord for your spectacular creation; one so grand that there is still so much more to learn. Amen.