A thought on Evolution

[El Viejo]

I see where you are coming from, and maybe I should have worded it differently, but evolution and the Bible could definitely coexist quite harmoniously, maybe not tie into one another. Just because the Bible states something doesn't mean it is one-hundred percent factual, no "ifs" about it. So the theory of evolution (with man descending from apes) shouldn't have too much an impact on the Biblical way of life (unless your a literalist, then evolution makes about as much sense as green ketchup). It all depends on one's perspective.

I've been a literalist and a non-literalist. I've tried to make the Bible co-exist peacefully with science, and it isn't easy. The Bible tries to be the one book you'll ever need for history, theology, ethics, medicine, law, and science. It has the odd nugget here and there, but we're well beyond just about all of it. Like an ancient medical text, it's an interesting curiosity, but dangerous to use as an authority.

Using medical texts as an example, many people adhere to the ancient one, justifying this on the grounds that all contemporary medical science is merely theory. And this is true, it is 'just' theory. Some try to find new ways of reading the old to make it agree with the new. With a little imagination, some suspension of disbelief, it can be done.

Here's what I see happening with evolution. We've evolved these big, curious brains, but not everyone wants or knows how to use them. Typically in evolution a variation either creates an advantage or a disadvantage which determines if the trait dead ends or eventually becomes the norm. Intelligence, in some respects, is ambiguous. Those who make and use better tools, have a clear advantage over those who don't. On the other hand, when it comes to basics like foraging or procreating, those who think the earth is round have no advantage over those who think it's flat.

Where might this lead?

[pbmn]

It seems as though we are arguing over two different ideas on evolutionism; I on the fact that it could be possible in regards to Scripture, and you in regards of... how it affects our lives pertaining to Scripture?

That's how I interpret it, please correct me if I am wrong.

[dzebra]

(unless your a literalist, then evolution makes about as much sense as green ketchup)

This stuff?
green ketchup

[El Viejo]

This stuff?
green ketchup

Just doesn't make sense, does it?

The purple was just as bad.

[El Viejo]

It seems as though we are arguing over two different ideas on evolutionism; I on the fact that it could be possible in regards to Scripture, and you in regards of... how it affects our lives pertaining to Scripture?

That's how I interpret it, please correct me if I am wrong.

Maybe. I'm saying science in general (evolution, for example) is reason to reject the Bible as an authoritative work. Science changes and refines over time. God is the same yesterday, today, and forever, and his word is as unchanging as He.

You seem to be saying the Bible is flexible enough to accommodate science (i.e. evolution) and that when science and the Bible conflict it's possible that both are right and our understanding of Scripture must be at fault.

[blazeofglory]

Sorry to say, but I think that's silly..

I believe that all humans were created by God only. I don't really get your point with other tribes. I thought all men were Adam's and Eve's descendants ? :confuse:. The nature of good and evil are there in all humans since they ate the forbidden fruit. There's no such thing as seperation between good-natured man and evil-natured man. What I know so far is that evolution thing doesn't have anything to do with the story written in Genesis. It's purely about science stuffs.

There are many stories about creation. It is hard to say the version of one religion about creation is true and about others untrue.

Therefore I do not subscribe to any religious theories with regard to the creation of the world.

I do not subscribe to any particular idea about creation. This thing we have yet to know. Even the theory of evolution too is not complete.