On Evolution and Theology Resources

Although I haven’t written much about my thoughts regarding my intense study of evolution and theology, I recently discovered a 98-second video from the United Church of Christ that embodies my view.

Before the video, for those who more information about the topic, below are some helpful organizations. The list isn’t exhaustive, but it’s a starting point for those desiring more information.

American Scientific Affiliation

BioLogos Foundation

Center for Process Studies

Center for Theological Inquiry

Center for Theology and Natural Sciences

The Clergy Project

Counterbalance

The European Society for the Study of Science and Theology

The Faraday Institute for Science and Religion

The International Society for Science and Religion

John Templeton Foundation

Vatican Observatory

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.

On Darwin’s 200th Birthday

Today is Charles Darwin’s birthday. Interestingly, when I see lists promoting all-time great thinkers, Mr. Darwin is usually the only biologically-oriented person on the list; which is generally dominated by mathematicians, philosophers, and physicists.

Although polls point to 40-47% of Americans not believing evolution, I wonder how many of this group can even tell anyone what evolution actually is? – Let alone define science. In other words, how can one be against something they don’t know what it is? Sure there are people who know and can answer that question, but that group must be small!

Although many anti-evolutionists use “I’m a Christian” to justify their position, I point my finger at the many churches who do not step up to the plate to educate their flock that “Evolution is ok … it falls within our teaching and here’s why.”

I’m sure some do, but as a whole, the Roman Catholics, Presbyterians, United Methodists, ELCA Lutherans, the United Church of Christ churches, Anglicans/Episcopalians, and others are letting the fundamentalist Christian churches speak for everyone … and they don’t! So I wonder how many people in these congregations actually know their own church’s teaching?

Although some church goers face a “you must choose” decision between evolution and Genesis that is driven from the pulpit, most do not. While some are told “only atheists believe in evolution”, others are not told anything, thus stand to be absorbed by countless misconceptions, boundless misinformation, and threats of believable damnation.

I’m a Christian: Not only am I one believing in God and evolution, but I believe in a much grander creation by God – not one selling God short – but the one where God has created a self-maintain Earth – a much bigger and more spectacular creation than creationists can imagine.

Frank & Ernest: August 16, 1989: Copyright by Bob Thaves