Meredith Hodge
2/19/09
4:00 PM
Does Darwin’s idea of “The Origin of Species” and the Bible’s concept of creationism conflict? The week of February 16, 2009 is the anniversary of Darwin’s birthday, “and this year the 150th of "The Origin of Species" and the fourth in a campaign to proclaim -- from the pulpit -- that religion and science are not sworn enemies.” There are over 980 congregations that are participating in this event throughout all fifty states and in a total of fourteen countries. These congregations are telling people who automatically assume that Christians are opposed to the idea of modern science and Darwinism that in reality, they are not only tolerant of it but also accept it. Since 2004, over 246 Oregonians out of 11,800 Christian, Jewish and Unitarian Universalist clergy members have come to a consensus and signed one of three versions of what is called “The Clergy Letter.” The letter in and of itself states that "the theory of evolution is a foundational scientific truth." It also claims that “rejecting it or portraying it as "one theory among others" amounts to embracing "scientific ignorance" and passing it along to the next generation.” How could someone who believes a supreme being created all life and the earth itself believe in the concept of evolution? Holding these two beliefs simultaneously seems to create a sense of dissonance in a person. This letter seems to be used as an attempt to appease people and as a tool to prevent disagreement or conflict.
http://www.oregonlive.com/living/index.ssf/2009/02/christians_gather_in_celebrati.html
2 comments:
It is a good sign when two of the least compromising agents of human society can compromise. Seeing the ability of science and religion to coexist, despite the fact that for so long they have opposed each other shows that common ground can be found. Ignorance is ignorance no matter if its from a scientific or religious viewpoint and it about time people realized that.
I think that it is a good thing that two seemingly opposing groups are able to reach a compromise. I think it will greatly help the image of religious people, so they are not seen as opposing scientific fact. I think that it is possible to hold both beliefs at the same time, if you take a less literal approach to creationism.
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