Re: Challenge (fwd)...Theological assumption and scientific desires

From: Joel Cannon (jcannon@jcannon.washjeff.edu)
Date: Fri Oct 12 2001 - 12:38:07 EDT

  • Next message: Moorad Alexanian: "Re: Challenge (fwd)...Theological assumption and scientific desires"

    > > Moorad writes:
    >
    > You can use the word evolution in everything you say and do. The challenge
    > is to relate the evolutionary theorIES to the practical sciences and I am
    > sure that there is none! Moorad
    >

    I start these observations by saying that I am sorry the ID people
    have either left the list or are content to let Moorad do the heavy
    lifting for their position. He is at the moment boldly taking on all
    comers without much encouragement from his peers.

    Having said that I would like to assert that, in my opinion, two
    important underlying convictions are not on the table in Moorad's
    discussion (and in ID discussions), and just as discussions from all
    levels from individuals (e.g. in marriage) to countries are hindered
    when the all the real issues are not on the table this hinders our
    discussion.

    My impression is that the lens through which Moorad and ID view the world
    of evolutionary biology consists of two foundational convictions.

    1. The theological conviction that evolution is incompatible with
        Christianity (in particular with the idea that humans are created
        in the image of God).

    2. An accompanying conviction that evolutionary theory must be
        deprived of any association with the word "science" because
        science is equated with truth in our culture (and evolution is not
        true).

    These convictions do not imply that Moorad and the intelligent design
    people are necessarily wrong, but it does strongly suggest that
    physical evidence is secondary, and that the discussion needs to be
    broadened to include the real issues. Can we support or discount these
    convictions theologically?
     

    ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    Joel W. Cannon | (724)223-6146
    Physics Department |
    Washington and Jefferson College |
    Washington, PA 15301 |
                                         
                        



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