I'm taking evolution this semester and I must admit that I like it so far. I was never taught anything about the theory in high school and upon learning some it's principles it's ridiculous to think I didn't. Obviously, the focal point of evolution is Charles Darwin. He was the originator of some of the most fundamental principles behind the theory of evolution of species. It's evident he reigns as a god in the scientific realm, standing toe to toe with the likes of Einstein and Newton. It's difficult for me to explain the grand theory he developed in a blog post, but I'm sure most of you reading this are probably familiar with his theory. His name is associated with "good' and "bad" alike and it's interesting to see the debate surrounding his theory that has existed since he first mentioned it. Before Darwin science never really had a head-on attack for basic christian beliefs concerning the fundamental plan of salvation. Or so it seems. Studying a portion of Darwin's life and mission has taught me a few things. First, he never really was interested in destroying God's plan. Second, he was merely only interested in explaining the world around him in detail for generations to come. It's unfair for anyone to perceive him as some "monster" influenced by the ol' devil himself. I counter that argument by pointing out the fruits his work has produced. The Origin of species has had a revolutionary effect on modern science, catapulting it into a new realm. If you don't believe me, do your homework. The fundamental logic underneath Darwinism has created a new set of rules never before understood. It's liberating power has swept through the close-minded dogmatic Neanderthalic theologies and philosophies once dominating the world. I applaud him for his courage to stand against such odds. His life is a part of the tapestry symbolizing the rapid strides mankind made during that 19th century. It's awe-inspiring to realize how much happened in such a short time.
How is understanding Darwin and the theory of evolution liberating? Let me explain. Liberty is nothing more than a collection of environmental opportunities in which to practice your innate freedom to choose. Freedom is essentially your choice on how you decide to perceive reality. Your freedom to choose begins with your attitude about your circumstances. Liberty stems from that perception and gives one the the ability to see and then choose between multiple options from the environment. Everyone of all times and all places has had equal freedom. Everyone has had the freedom to see the world in a certain way, to practice hope, faith and charity, despite limited liberty. Today we live in a world of tremendous liberty - options to choose from. The theory that Darwin produced is part of that liberty. His theory exists as a product of using freedom to perceive reality in a new way. As we study both the origin of species and other sources of knowledge pertaining to our beginning we are given multiple opportunities to practice our God-given intellectual capacities. It is the very purpose of this life. To be given facts, to discern those facts from falsehoods, to gain light and truth and then to either live according to that light and truth or reject it. How then, can we truly believe and have Faith in God's plan of salvation without being aware of other propositions of the origin of humankind? But, here's the kicker, science NEVER tries to give purpose or direction to life. It only seeks to explain it. Therefore, studying evolution will not lead you to become an atheist, but perhaps, a deeper christian. A quote from Kenneth Miller, a biologist who happens to be deeply religious:
"A nonbeliever, of course, puts his or her trust in science and finds no value in faith. And I certainly agree that science allows believer and nonbeliever alike to investigate the natural world through a common lens of observation, experiment and theory. The ability of science to transcend cultural, political, and even religious differences is part of its genius, part of its value as a way of knowing. What science cannot do is assign either meaning or purpose to the world it explores. This leads some to conclude that the world as seen by scientists is devoid of meaning and absent of purpose. It is not. What it does mean, I would suggest, is that our human tendency to assign meaning and value must transcend science and, ultimately, must come from outside in."
Man's self-awareness and assumption of purpose is evidence of a connection to a supreme being. He is real. He lives. He loves us. He formed this great planet, once devoid of life and matter. He has provided a way for us to return to him, use it. Live according to the light you have, or it will condemn you. God and Darwin with both confirm this. The most physically fit will survive this harsh planet and only the most spiritually fortuitous earn the Glory of God - perfect intelligence coupled with harmonious eternal family relationships. You absolutely MUST follow what you know to be true or you cannot progress, you cannot succeed. You will only flounder while the population of man passes you by. Take hold of your destiny, live life to its fullest, and pursue the desires of your heart passionately. Don't waste life away waiting for someone to take your hand. You must act. You must react. You must grow. You must learn. You must develop. You must...evolve.
