Jim,
Did you know that there are under 150 subscribers to this list? Also,
there is no requirement to be an ASA member to join the list. This is
less than 10% of the membership of the ASA. Fewer than 20% of those
actively participate; others merely lurk or trash the posts on a
regular basis.
Most of us are busy about the task doing science and showing our
peers that you can be a Christian and a scientist at the same time.
While many of us are interested in origins questions and how to
understand the early chapters of Genesis in light of modern science
(and vice versa), for many of us these questions are somewhat
academic and not at the core of our interest in faith/science issues.
We see our call from God to subdue the earth and to preserve it--both
which require knowledge (even basic research) to accomplish. We're
confident that God created and governs His creation and that
scripture is His inspired and reliable Word, even though we may not
be able to disentangle all the specific details in how to relate
those two propositions.
I would suggest that this list IS NOT the heartbeat of the ASA. For
that you should look at the web site, the journal, local section
meetings, and the annual meeting.
I would also suggest that this list reflects the interests and
personalities of the HANDFUL (20% of less than 150 subscribers) of
people who have the time, energy, and interest to contribute. I would
suggest that this too is not very representative of the ASA as a
whole.
I would say that the diversity of views here, especially on origins
issues, views of scripture, and bioethics issues, does reflect the
ASA. Although, I'd suggest that as a whole the ASA is friendlier
toward YEC and Intelligent Design notions than is suggested by this
list. This in part answers Walter's question earlier. The ASA doesn't
take a strong anti-YEC stand, but many individual members do. What we
see on this list is the opinion of individual members rather than
that of the organization as a whole.
I hope this (opinion of mine about the list) doesn't disillusion anyone.
TG
>It is with increasing bewilderment that I observe the ASA. For, although
>I am a member, I increasingly disassociate myself from daily proceedings.
>
>It amuses me how nothing ever gets resolved. We "gather" and endlessly
>debate. I hate looking up Bible verses. But I've been driven to it this
>time!
>
>1Tim 1:6 reads "For some men, straying from these things, have turned
>aside to fruitless discussion."
>
>I wonder what the Lord thinks when he watches us.
>
>A) those aimless people
>B)
>
>But, please, if anyone disagrees, let me know!
>
>Jim
-- _________________ Terry M. Gray, Ph.D., Computer Support Scientist Chemistry Department, Colorado State University Fort Collins, Colorado 80523 grayt@lamar.colostate.edu http://www.chm.colostate.edu/~grayt/ phone: 970-491-7003 fax: 970-491-1801
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