Saturday, May 31, 2008

Evolution: The Great Debate

I continually grow frustated with purported mutual exclusivity in the debate between Evolution and Creationism. I have long held that an omniscient God certainly would allow for a dynamic, changing, and yes evolving system. On the other hand, why can't the system of evolution be overseen by a creator?

Today while reading an intriguing debate on the question "Does science make belief in God obsolete," I was struck with a most fascinating thought: What if God evolved? What if God is a being who has simply evolved spiritually and physically above all else? Certainly this theory follows all the tenets of natural selection. Furthermore, as there are not many theories as to the origin of the Christian God, it does not run contrary to traditional religious beliefs.

At any rate, I hold to my firm conviction that science is the business of disproving things through emprical study. As God cannot be proved or disproved, the better question as stated by Thomas McNamara (see full quote below) is "Do you believe scientific knowledge, which is based on empirical evidence, is compatible with traditional religious beliefs?" This question can only be answered on an individual basis. For me, the answer is yes based on my assertions above.

Thomas McNamara
05/30/2008
As several of the respondents have already pointed out, science cannot, by
definition, prove or disprove the existence of a purely spiritual being. A
better way to phrase the question would be: Do you believe scientific knowledge,
which is based on empirical evidence, is compatible with traditional religious
beliefs? This question goes to the heart of the matter because it is traditional
religious beliefs, not abstract knowledge, that motivate most people to behave
in ways that have a direct impact on other human beings (for better or for
worse).Traditional religions have motivated some individuals to extraordinary
altruism and others to extreme violence. Human behavior is vastly more
consequential in this world we all share than any belief system. Any thinking
person would agree with that statement. Thus, my proposed question can serve as
the basis for a meaningful dialogue across all religions and cultures.
Furthermore, this is a question that scientific knowledge can address
effectively.