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Originally Posted by Nevyn
Thinking Glenn missed this the first time!
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Brad,
Yes, I did miss this the first time – the thread just exploded with posts.
Thanks for the link to the Catholic site. It basically confirmed what others (devoted Catholics) had told me. The church is somewhat enlightened (by Science standards) and has no problem with evolution or the Earth/Universe being billions of years old. This was providing God effectively set the wheels in motion in a Universe that had a defined beginning. Which the current concept of the Big Bang fits in well. I really liked the following quote from this page.
“Catholics should weigh the evidence for the universe’s age by examining biblical and scientific evidence. "Though faith is above reason, there can never be any real discrepancy between faith and reason. Since the same God who reveals mysteries and infuses faith has bestowed the light of reason on the human mind, God cannot deny himself, nor can truth ever contradict truth" (Catechism of the Catholic Church 159).
The contribution made by the physical sciences to examining these questions is stressed by the Catechism, which states, "The question about the origins of the world and of man has been the object of many scientific studies which have splendidly enriched our knowledge of the age and dimensions of the cosmos, the development of life-forms and the appearance of man. These discoveries invite us to even greater admiration for the greatness of the Creator, prompting us to give him thanks for all his works and for the understanding and wisdom he gives to scholars and researchers" (CCC 283).”
Although I no longer consider myself religious, I admire the skill of a God that can create the Big Bang and at that point put in motion all the laws of nature that eventually lead to us.
With regard to ‘irreducible complexity’, I’m no expert, but I believe Science has an answer to this concept. Don’t miss understand the scientific method – evolution, is continuing being questioned by science. That’s how we progress, and often answers will create new questions. The day we have no questions left will be a problem, because it means we think we know everything!
Do the IDers question themselves? Or are they too busy putting the boots into science. Who’s to say the ‘creator’ has to be God. Why not an alien race from Sirius (I know a little 2001ish, but a valid question).
This brings me to a question for the group as a whole. Does anyone know if the ID currently being proposed for schools pushes for God as the creator, or are they willing to admit, like science does, when they don’t know (remember God created the aliens so why not use them as his tool). If it is God does this extended to the 6-day creation, 6000 year old Universe. If it does it flies in the face of the Catholic Church’s beliefs.
Brad, to answer your original question about whether only Evolution should be taught in schools. By answer is yes, I think ID (and any similar creation myths) should stay with the churches (whichever religion) – oh btw would the ID churches like to teach evolution at Sunday School? Let’s allow equal time.
Glenn